5 Things I Hate About My CBR500R | Watch Before You Buy!

[@WwZa7]

If these are the worst issues, than I'm convinced on buying one.

[@Rempai420]

"I only ride backroads like this with lots of twisties" I think the M1 motorway in England is more bendy than that road.

[@AndrewHartsock]

Never said I had the best roads ☠️

[@kleinbottled79]

After replacing the tires and adjusting the suspension sag on mine - I didn't have much to complain about with my new-to-me in 2019 used 2016 CBR500R. Suspension is budget and somewhat soft. Dives a bit on the forks under braking. (On the plus side it's tuned perfectly for comfortable freeway cruising.) The brakes are merely decent. Really like the package overall. Comfortable, economical, easy to ride, sporty enough around town, and damn good looking. Put 15,000 miles on mine. Have no plans to sell it. Excellent daily mule. Not a bad little tourer either with good tank range.

[@HONDAKING4551]

I feel like mine dive bombs like a mofo and very unsteady on uneven roads I weigh only 60kg so I'm guessing its def worth getting my suspension setup for my weight?

[@Otterplus]

I’ve had my 2016 500R for a month and I got a rear flat after a week of ownership. I replaced both Dunlops with Michelin Road 5s and they’ve been awesome. 1,500 miles in and I haven’t had any traction issues. The previous owner put a Puig windscreen on which fixes the shallow air pocket at highway speed but it’s still small. If I tuck in as far as possible the wind is right there on top of the helmet. The only thing I could gripe about is the lack of pull at highway speed but that’s not a surprise. It’s basically a 471cc commuter. For most reasonable people it’s fine for what it is, just fine.

[@AndrewHartsock]

I’ve heard the Road 5s are great. I’ll have to look into it 🙌🏼

[@kleinbottled79]

Got 14,000+ miles out of my Road 5's on this exact bike. The rears were only just down to the wear bars, the front still had a few mm to go. These guys last longer than most touring tires while sticking like sport rubber, truly amazing. Few days ago got a set of Road 6's and they feel just as good as the 5's did when new and they are supposed to last even longer. Expensive, but worth it IMHO.

[@Bob-tq2jv]

Had a good run on this bike. Absolutely a gem, glad to see Honda have shaved a bit of weight off in newer models - which was my only real complaint about it

[@shinobi_ryder]

If I may add to your list... the 2 rubber toggle buttons on the dash. The rubber doesn't have good feedback if you're wearing gloves. And of course, this goes without saying, make sure your nails don't push on the rubber if you press on it. The rubber will tear eventually. Other than that, I'm really having an amazing time learning on this bike!

[@AndrewHartsock]

You make a valid point just didn’t think of adding that to the video at the time. I agree they’re kind of annoying. My clutch cable rests right in front of the buttons so if the handlebars are square, it’s almost impossible to press them anyway lol

[@twally4966]

Great point couldn’t agree more

[@voltairedecent255]

My daughter has this bike. I ride a couch on wheels, but have ridden her bike a few times. My main dislike about this bike is the mirrors. There was absolutely no way that I could set them up so I could see behind me. Other than that, it's a fun bike to ride.

[@GKDueck]

Mine has carbon fiber aftermarket’s that are literally useless just look over your shoulder.

[@johnnybeams-ev6pc]

I am with you on the stock tires. Rode a CBR1000RR for years…and downgraded so I could enjoy my short commute. Michelin power pilot 2CT were the best tires I put on at the second month of ownership!

[@jamesballard6564]

I believe the 500 now comes standard with Michelin sport 5 tires now. Quite the improvement.

[@Random_Tangent]

I had one, might even buy another one in the future. Good solid all-rounder with no surprises. The throttle "slack" is at the grip right? that should be cable based and just some lock nuts to hold it... I only adjusted it once in the years of ownership. The dunlop stock tires are rubbish, getting Michelin road pilots or angel gt 2 tires fixes handling a lot in all conditions. Hard wearing grips don't look too great, but they last. Mine didn't have a gear indicator so I often redlined - the sprocket upgrade to lengthen the gears sounds like a great option, 16 at front is a good start (and isn't an expensive upgrade). I upgraded the exhaust but that loses back pressure which effects acceleration around town for a little bit of high end performance - not really worth it in my opinion. The bike is never going to be a rocket. The newest ones have inverted forks and twin front discs and some might come stock with Michelin pilot 5 tires so it's a nice package.

[@Gottaloveguitars427]

If I hear one more person say these bikes are underpowered I am going to puke.it’s a Honda engine, you have to ring it out to high RPM’s. There is all kinds of power of you know how to shift properly. Your not going to have power in 6th gear which is basically overdrive for fuel economy. Gear down to pass, use 3rd or 4th in the city. Don’t be afraid to rev this engine high into the RPM’s!

[@philipsmith518]

How very, very true.👍

[@順番配給]

Get it tuned and unlock more 2000rpm (the engine can handle it ez 2013 model still kicking till today) The bike is not underpowered most bike has its own sweet spot and id like to say that most honda need rpm to shine.

[@FrozenHaxor]

@@順番配給 2k RPM more without mechanical changes? Uhh

[@Noname-se3sq]

@@順番配給how do you tune ?

[@adrianj3045]

i think the same. the exhaust ist not the best, but it does his work. it's my fist bike, too. Bought it this year and like this bike

[@westonlieberum1]

Chain slack can affect the throttle. I notice that it’s very twitchy when low rpm when the chain is out of adjustment

[@AndrewHartsock]

Thanks for the tip. It’s not twitchy though in my case, it doesn’t effect the performance. There is only lots of free play in the twist of the throttle before it connects to the engine. After that it’s perfectly fine

[@filipzaezny4366]

I too noticed that. After overightening my chain on 2013 model, I head jerkiness of the drive output at low RPM.

[@peterhall5393]

I hear you about aftermarket parts! I have a 2019 CB500F and there are several changes from the previous model years so very few parts made for it yet. I’ve had to order from Germany and France. My bike came with Michelin Road 5’s and they are great.

[@AndrewHartsock]

I've heard lots of good things about those tires. I've just passed 6,000 miles so new tires are on the horizon for me

[@genxkevin]

I love this bike, but had to pass. It needs to be in the 70-80 HP range. It would sell like crazy. I think its one of the best looking bikes.

[@AndrewHartsock]

Man if this bike was 70 hp idk if I would ever get rid of it! Lol What bike did you get instead?

[@genxkevin]

@@AndrewHartsock Hi, I just put a deposit on the Black edition, CB1000R. it comes in june. only live once right? I may have to figure out how to do a channel and show her off. I am older and not too techy lol... once I sat and tested the 650r, I knew I would love the bigger one. so nimble, quick and comfy position

[@rossmiller2975]

@@genxkevin that's a nice looking bike! Definitely am looking at those or the xsr900.

[@jamessouthworth1699]

That would be redundant. That's what the 600 is for. This one is to fill a niche those bikes don't, a bike with a balance of power AND economy. This bike is more suited for daily riding and commuting with great MPG.

[@dorukdogauysal8299]

​​@@jamessouthworth1699actually, the EU and Asian standarized A2 Class Motorbike licence regulations is the reason this bike is under 48 HP (there is a power to weight ratio calculation) if it has more than 48 HP you need to have an A Class Motorbike licence. So that means if you make this bike more powerfull you can't sell it. It's the most powerfull bike you can Drive with A2 licence.

[@klamup]

Number 1, check both ends of the line, maybe it's slipped. Cables stretch on new bikes as well.

[@tomcoates7328]

in 2024 you still recombining this bike though?

[@charlesadrianguillena9809]

I have a 2018, it has a itty bitty free play when I got it, ever since it got adjusted, it really didn't come back.

[@DatOldeBiker]

Thanks for your observations - not really "hates" are they? I think you summed this as an intermediate bike, so maybe it's time to move up for you, but many people may find this one is enough for their needs? :>)

[@AndrewHartsock]

Allot of people love this bike. The people who don’t are the ones who didn’t do their research about what this bike is capable of. And I’ve been riding a Kawasaki Z900 for about a year now

[@DatOldeBiker]

@@AndrewHartsock I hope you are enjoying the Z900 a good upgrade, as I understand it's a great bike. I am currently on a Street Triple r and don't see myself changing anytime soon.

[@TVguy9999]

It’s not the bike…it’s him😢😂

[@babyboysmooth1353]

Ngl the rev range seems pretty good for me since my 125 has more or less the same range (redlines at 9,000 and rev limiter at 11,500rpm) so it'd be an easier transition

[@Young937phoenix]

It don't cost much to throw a end cap on exhaust to straight pipe it and look and sound good u don't actually have to get a full exhaust

[@zooomthesquirrel3707]

Thanks for sharing the knowledge. Getting this bike on Wednesday

[@akkoxross5945]

I have only had to adjust the throttle play once it has held up good

[@chadgruelle7036]

Desert straightaway.... with literally no twists or turns lol. I agree with the throttle cable, its a pain. Tires were junk, I got some Angles that grip way better now.

[@Yassine-kw2eo]

Do you think it's a good choice to get a cbr500r if it's selling for 7.5k around here? Or should i look for something else?

[@jamesballard6564]

It's a good, stable, reliable starter bike. Insurance is low and fuel economy is high.

[@C_Florida863]

So on my 2015 CBR500 ; mine had some loose play, and I did adjustments on the throttle handle & the throttle body and haven't had issues since

[@SlonikBabelek]

Good video! What phone mount do you use?

[@techjunkie3916]

I can relate to your list some. I feel the throttle could be a bit loose, but I think that's by design. Less f'd up days. Hence why it's hard as hell to wheelie on it. But as for the 30lb exhaust lmfao. I switched out mine with a CSRacing Exhaust system. My main gripe with the 500r is ppl can't really hear you. With that exhaust system swap, now I can be heard. And no accidental lane merge due to them not hearing me.

[@nl6049]

guys, what do you think about buying a used one that's like 2013 or 2015? I know I'm a bit late to the party but I like it and it's affordable. Any maintenace issues? Most of the bikes I see that are that old are having around 30k km on the clock. Thanks!

[@azamiruddin]

That's how you rode a supersport. I just love the views, the roads and the way you ride man it's just awesome 😍😍😍🔥💯🤘

[@rossmiller2975]

My only complaints about this bike is the lack of power at highway speeds (50-65) and the mirrors. I'm constantly adjusting the mirrors and on the interstate the vibrate so much they are practically useless. Other than those two things I love my bike. Oh and the lack of a gear indicator. I have a 2016 model and the dash is a little different. I'm curious tho, do you actually start in first gear? For me 1st is useless. I'll get to 20mph before it stops pulling. The only thing 1st is good for is wheelies imo.

[@AndrewHartsock]

Yep I’ve always started in first gear. You’re the first that I’ve heard mention they don’t use it tho. Interesting

[@Gottaloveguitars427]

I disagree about the highway speeds, the 6th gear is basically overdrive. You have to gear down to pass at highway speeds and ring it out to full throttle, there is plenty of power trust me, I’ve owned a 600rr and the only difference is the top end speed which doesn’t matter unless you want to die and get all kinds of tickets

[@theautobarber9403]

@@Gottaloveguitars427 thank you for saying it has plenty of power seems ppl don’t know how to ride slower bikes FAST N hard

[@Fil-ThaiWanderer]

Not really a major Problem,1st of all tires,before buying that bike ou must think frist if you gonna use it on the road or offroad,about the Grip go to shop change it original price, thats why before buying anything you need to research first so that you will not regret later😊

[@1969cmp]

The CBR650R or CB650R engine is fantastic.

[@taylorburton8696]

Love you big bro!!!

[@KF1]

Hey about the difficulty finding parts, which parts did you have trouble finding?

[@metaldreams3595]

I dont feellike typing a lot so Im not going to explain. He was expecting sportsbike and got something that looks like a sportsbike but was made for those of us that like the looks of them but dont want all the other aspects of them. It doesnt have the aggressive gearbox, the riding position is much more comfortable and its literally 50 lbs heavier than the Ninja 400 cos those same guys dont like being blown into the other lane by strong winds. Its made for us older dudes. Its chilled out. And all these young dudes buy them and go WTF? lolz

[@bluemage5469]

Personably found as a great starter bike for me “I’m 6’2 and don’t fit most smaller bikes like a 4 comfortably.” It’s a bike I got to just go cruise around. Show off cause it looks amazing and go grab lunch every once in a while. No racing nothing just driving through the country taking it in. Great bike for newer taller riders that don’t want the fear of a super high strung bike. It’s a sport bike that isn’t a sport bike and I love it

[@metaldreams3595]

@@bluemage5469 Exactly and these big top Japanese companies dont do anything by accident. It was made intentionally tobe as you described. So you have the red one? THats the one I woulkd get...if I dont get the new Svatpilen 401.

[@justzzack]

Saying you don’t like the tires does nothing 😭

[@rockurox]

Most of my driving/commuting is 45-55mph, only once a month do I go above 65. You think this would be better suited for that?

[@AndrewHartsock]

What other bikes are you looking at? But honestly I think you would love the CBR500R if thats how you ride mostly.

[@rockurox]

@@AndrewHartsock everything from KLX300SM's to R6 lol

[@hornet25o]

I'd take any of them problem over my bike 1997 honda hornet 250 my whole throttle body moves shits hanging off it no fancy abs or anything like that still love it though

[@mofoco3273]

I want my 9 minutes back

[@idyllwildrealestate]

When you say the red line or how it revs high rather quickly in 1st and 2nd gear ... I am considering the crotch rocket style hoping the sportier bike is more quick with longer gears than my Harley xg500. I love my Harley's weight and balance. It feels so good on the mountain. Yet in town it is so short andbquick 1st-3rd. I lane split and have to bam bam bam soooo mych effort to go. Guys roll by me not even shifting and mych quicker. Seems like the 650 is a better option? The seat height is intimidating to me switch from cruiser. Or possibly a larger cruiser motor? Which the weight of a bigger cruiser doesnt sound to nice. Light weight, quick and well balanced is the aim. What do you think. Great videos by the way.

[@AndrewHartsock]

I can't say exactly just because the way you ride vs me is probably different. As with everyone. I would recommend trying something new if you're interested and switching back if it doesn't work out. That way you get more experience with other bikes and you'll grow as a rider. Just enjoy the journey of riding!

[@pneulancer]

Honda CBR 600RR might be right for you. Relatively light weight and low seat height along with the power to lane split or get away from trouble when you need to. I've no experience with Harleys and you mentioned that the weight of a bigger bike doesn't sound too nice to you; so if you're willing to see what the Japanese bikes have to offer I'm sure you'll find one that'll fit your criteria. Happy trails!

[@farazkasiri9445]

I think you are ready now to get a 650r Well I’m thinking of a 650r for the first bike

[@jamesballard6564]

That what I'm thinking of as a first bike. Something I can stay long term with. But the gearing is very steep from what I hear. Apparently 60 mph is achievable in first gear. Changing sprockets would be mandatory for me.

[@ederleon690]

Andrew what kind of cell phone mount you have in your bike?

[@AndrewHartsock]

Quad Lock. I have a video about in on my channel if you want some more details!

[@ederleon690]

@@AndrewHartsock thank you can you pleasesend me the link, I have another question, I bought my CBR500R 2019 (you can be a good salesman 😄😄)last Saturday and my brake fluid is less then half right now, I don't think that's normal right?

[@AndrewHartsock]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6nFonmBhM15la8

[@yeetus2162]

Hello, i am currently thinking about buying one. Since the rest of the Internet is unabled to answer my question, id like to ask you about it: how much Ethanol content can the bike run? Is e20 possible? where is the sweet spot?

[@AndrewHartsock]

Unfortunately I have no idea what that is. Where I live in the US, the highest octane is normally 91 which works just fine

[@luchloonshronkfueld1852]

Absolutely zero ethanol is terrible for bikes

[@TRFBoss]

Let me buy it lol great video

[@jovanyrodriguez1390]

Dude where are you Palmdale CA?

[@pip2756]

Seems to me it’s done it’s job. Maybe it’s time to see what Honda have planned for you next IE the CBR650R or a VFR800

[@AndrewHartsock]

I’ve upgraded to a 2021 Z900 about a year ago 🙌🏼

[@pip2756]

@@AndrewHartsock very good choice

[@AcceleratingUniverse]

"Yeah I'm maxing out my 500cc bike I'm ready to upgrade, oh btw I'm still using the stock tires" delusional lmfao

[@AndrewHartsock]

Hmmm okay because the tires on a bike are the sole determining factor to a riders skill…lol 🤡

[@Rocco-tb9ih]

you reckon rubber changes the bike enough to make the difference between ready for an upgrade and not? he's not the delusional one mate ahaha

[@POOFAYMANN]

Totally unrelated but im trying to figure out where this is being filmed. Im assuming Cali, you talk like you can use a bike all year round for transport so i assume its southern states.. i thought maybe Florida but Florida doest have deserts as far as i know so its gotta be Cali, Arizona, or New Mexico... Judging from the architecture im gonna say Arizona or New Mexico.. maybe, maybe southern Texas.. maybe. Idk. I bet i could figure it out alot quicker if i looked at the street signs.

[@RevBomb600]

The free play in the throttle must exist only in the 2018+ models. My 2017 doesnt have that issue nor have i needed to adjust the throttle

[@AndrewHartsock]

Good to know!

[@sparklauerei1]

Also no issues on my 2017. Love it a lot

[@flush_entity]

have you taken the cbr500r to the track by any chance?

[@AndrewHartsock]

Nope, never did get the chance

[@greysonwyly8780]

There is supposed to be a set amount of free play in the throttle

[@AndrewHartsock]

Yes I know but over time there is more and more so I have to keep adjusting it

[@poormansportfolio]

What’s a good bike for reliable, comfy, fast, & good mileage? Would u suggest an r1?

[@AndrewHartsock]

Almost all bike manufactures are extremely reliable these days. Based on your other conditions I would not suggest an R1... Maybe look at some naked and dual-sport bikes.

[@Interceptre]

With so many dislikes, why did you buy it? If I test rode a bike and found so many things I disliked about it I wouldn't buy it.

[@digby3618]

"Second thing I hate.........", "it's not a complaint." Then what are we doing here???

[@ClipsTV0101]

How tall are you?

[@g4do]

Your hate makes me want it more

[@AndrewHartsock]

Then get one! 🤙🏼

[@emre.0732]

remove rpm limiter

[@nathanantetomoso232]

I got a cbr300r

[@salskars6637]

Congrats! One of the best looking bikes ever made.

[@jamesballard6564]

I hear they struggle on the highway but otherwise great bikes. Would you recommend the 500 as a starter bike? Or play it safe with the 300 first?

[@Zues-]

@@jamesballard6564I want to get a motorcycle, I plan on starting with a 500, I honestly think that it’s all up to the maturity of the driver

[@DwaynePretorius]

Likely to late to comment 😜 but why wrap grips if you can just buy more comfortable grips

[@AndrewHartsock]

Yes very late haha sold this bike over a year ago 🤣

[@dedov2010]

Это идеальный мотоцикл для большого города с его трафиком.!!!

[@rugershooter5268]

You call that twisties........ Number 1 thing I dislike about my GSXS 750, 9000rpm is high Tq, 3rd gear at 9000 rpm is 85 mph, which means jail I ride actual twisties, I do 6-7000 rpm in 2nd and 3rd, fun zone rpms is out of the question I've been looking at a cbr500r or Z400, something I can ride in it's fun zone without going to jail.

[@rossmiller2975]

This is definitely a great street bike. Lots of fun in the city and in the twisties. There are times in traffic I wish it had more power to get away from bad drivers but other than that it's a really fun bike.

[@seal.team.six.sealcoating716]

just buy a upgraded throttle tube

[@MV-AGUSTA-F4RR]

GOOD VEDEO

[@AndrewHartsock]

🙏🙏🙏

[@nathanantetomoso232]

its like a twin ngl lol

[@Rocco-tb9ih]

that's because it is

[@sykrss9534]

Just grab an mt07 for $500 more lol

[@AndrewHartsock]

If I could go back I would've looked at getting a MT-07, z650 or something similar. But the 500R has still been a great bike.

[@jamesballard6564]

But the 500 is much cheaper to insure and to fuel. That makes it a great starter bike.