Honda CB500F Review & Why It Just Got BETTER!

In this Honda CB500F we'll go over 5 reasons to buy, and 5 reasons not to buy the Honda CB500F. We'll cover what it feels like to ride the motorcycle, seat height, top speed, highway riding, brakes, suspension, price, upgrades, why the 2022 model is the best CB500F ever, comparisons with the CB500X and CBR500R, changing gears, and more.
Honda’s CB500F is the quintessential, unintimidating, capable, vanilla motorcycle. It isn’t particularly fast, it doesn’t really excel on highways. But like a good wife, the worst thing about the CB500F is that it won’t give you any reason to leave it for something more exciting.
#hondacb500f #hondacb500 #cb500f

[@YouMotorcycle]

If you're looking for how to change the oil and filter on this motorcycle, along with a free factory service manual, check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2O6gmekotWJfdE

[@listfactors]

I love my 2023 CB500F. 18k miles in the past 7 months. I typically ride it at 90mph on a weekly 360 mile interstate ride. I'm 5'11, 225lbs. 23 years riding experience.

[@YouMotorcycle]

That's a lot of miles in 7 months, way to go!

[@hooszhy]

Lol

[@rajmoran]

I'm in my fifties, been riding for almost 40 years. I have a ton of experience in club road racing, with several championships. I own an '88 FZR400, a '17 Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer, and an '07 KLR, and I've owned dozens of other bikes over the years. I can say without reservation that the CB500F is the best all-around motorcycle I've ever ridden.

[@YouMotorcycle]

Those are some nice toys you've had! You should try the BMW G650GS. All of the versatility of the KLR, but with the light weight, good balance, and refinement of the CB500F. I think you'll like it. I made a video on why it might be the best all-rounder ever, here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmrXZHyCqKyGgrc

[@rajmoran]

@@YouMotorcycle I rode one years ago (a friend's) and it was fun. I didn't "gel" with it quite like I do with the CB, though. It'd be better on the fire roads, obviously, but I had the CB on those as well, and it's not terrible.

[@davidphillips7255]

I agree with you on the 500F. In 55 years of riding the 500F was the finest bike I ever owned in terms of handling, reliability and economy. I only got rid of it because my knees would no longer tolerate crawling around on the ground lubing and adjusting the chain. Hence the shaft drive V7 Guzzi.

[@Google_Does_Evil_Now]

​@@davidphillips7255automatic chain oilers are a thing now. You or mechanic can fit it. It puts a drop of oil on the chain as you're riding. They've been making them for decades so they've got them going really well. I have one fitted. I just check the reservoir and top it up every few thousand miles. The chain always looks just right. They cost about £85/€85. And it's very light on oil.

[@Johnnyds2012]

Just got my 2022 CB500F as my first bike and I couldn’t be happier. Clutch is super forgiving and the shifting is effortless. Yes there is a lot of shifting however I don’t mind that at all. Great fuel mileage and super nimble to operate. I’m a bigger guy myself, 6’2 right around 300 - no issues with fitting on it. Can’t wait to ride on it more.

[@YouMotorcycle]

Awesome, enjoy it. It's a great first bike. I still think that when (if) you get the experience under your belt and want to move up, you'll find yourself more comfortable on something a little bigger with better suspension. In the mean time though, you've got a great machine. 100x better than the shitbox I started on 15 years ago lol

[@briarfox637]

@@YouMotorcycle I was thinking about getting this, been riding a 300. Or a Trident. Maybe a Street Twin

[@colelittle5889]

This makes me feel better about the 2021 I might get tonight. I’m 6’ 240lbs

[@Johnnyds2012]

@@colelittle5889 You’ll be just fine, and it’s a great bike. Been a year since I’ve had it, no complaints at all!

[@colelittle5889]

@@Johnnyds2012 any wants to upgrade? Everyone keeps telling me I should go bigger. I did end up getting the bike!

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

Everything is so expensive now, new and used bikes, cars everything. Hard for beginners to get into this without making that $ commitment.

[@YouMotorcycle]

Yes, but also no. Everyone knows inflation existed even before COVID, the problem is that nobody wants to pay for it. MSRP on this motorcycle in 2014 was $5,500. If we forget about the craziness of the last two years and just assume an average annual 2.5% inflation, that brings us to $6,701 in 2022... but MSRP in 2022 is only $6,700... When you think about it, you could say that the bike is $1 cheaper than it was 2014, relatively speaking, when accounting for inflation at 2.5%. It's a lot of money, but I think Honda's done a really good job of maintaining the price as fair as it was back then.

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

@@YouMotorcycle then I guess the sad thing is my wage, and everyone I work with is making the same now and going back 10 years. Every damn year productivity is up then they cut the damn rates to keep us making the same thing. Time for a new job.

[@YouMotorcycle]

Oouff, that's not good at all man, sorry to hear it. Time to dust off the resume. My dad always said "Know what you're worth and then go out and get it."

[@Zakkarroni55]

Currently working, scraping metal, cans and copper to get my 500 Cbr🤕 but it's okay I got this💚

[@misingo7909]

​@@Zakkarroni55I know it's been 6 months but good luck

[@G-Man01]

I'm 42 years old, 5'10 and 86kgs. I've had 7 bikes, all of which have been supersport bikes, my last two were litre superbikes. The CB500 Hornet will be my 8th bike. It's perfect for urban commutes, parcel pickups, and odd jobs. Ive bought it new, given it an Arrow exhaust, visor, crash protection, cotton spools, wheel rims stickers, rear foootpeg deletes, tail tidy, tank bag, stompgrips, hand guards, heated handgrips, quadlock, USB charger and ventura rack. So I've spent quite a bit on what is essentially a 'cheap bike'. This thing is versatile, easy and cheap to both run and insure as a second bike, whereas i keep the litre bike for weekends. It's not the buggest or most powerful thing, but it is totally practical and can be specced as you please. Don't plan on getting rid of it anytime soon - it's too sweet. I want to dissuade people from thinking it's 'just a beginners bike'. Because it makes more than adequate competition in the smaller bike segment which is becoming more popular with rising costs. I compared it to the svartpilen, several royal enfields, the z500, gs310, triumph speed 400, and so on. This thing made the most sense.

[@YouMotorcycle]

@@G-Man01 like a good wife

[@G-Man01]

@YouMotorcycle lol...

[@richardwalker8398]

I've been riding motorcycles for over 40 years. And this motorcycle is the most fun. I live in the UK and it's a great bike for filtering through traffic and for filtering on motorways too. (Commuting from London to Brighton can sometimes have 40 miles of bumper-to-bumper traffic and on this bike it's easy peasy to ride in between the cars...) It's also great on country lanes... I just smile every time I ride it...

[@YouMotorcycle]

Right on! Very simple, straightforward, practical machine.

[@carltongayle5461]

Hi Richard. I'll be doing the same journey Brighton to London. Seriously thinking of buying this bike. Would you mind if I picked your brains re the cb500. Happy to call or for you to call me. Thanks

[@tomgilson9180]

Bought a 2021 CB500F in April and this past weekend I rode from Minneapolis to St. Louis, about 560 miles each way. It wasn't an easy ride. My knees were killing me (long legs) and my ass started going numb after 6 hours, but I had no issues with speed, power, or anything other than some discomfort and bugs as I don't have a screen. As I returned to MN, the last 100 miles, I did no less than 80 the entire final stretch. Point being, this bike has usable power, it's a great commuter, and had absolutely zero issues at high RPM's for 8-9 hours each way. It's a great bike, although I do admit, I wish it was a little taller and the seat was softer, but that I can rectify.

[@YouMotorcycle]

Nice, that's a great ride. While it's definitely capable, bigger bikes would feel a lot more calmer at those speeds, less like you were pushing the bike and more like it was chugging along comfortably, and more importantly, you would be more comfortable. Either way it's a great machine and I'm glad it's working out for you.

[@Camburger]

I love my '17 CB500F. I'm 6'1", 175 lbs. It rips on corners, and it's too slow to race sports cars on the freeway so I don't become soup

[@YouMotorcycle]

😂 enjoy it man

[@KrakensGarageandAdventures]

I think the CB500F is the quintessential beginner bike or possibly a great city bike for someone that lives in a high populated area. Excellent review! Eric

[@YouMotorcycle]

Yup. It's very much a "does the job" bike. It will continue to check many riders boxes, but I think as they become more experienced riders or have a little more to spend, they will grow taste for a bit more. All in all it's a fine bike though.

[@Renegamr]

This was my first bike and it treated me very well as a new rider. I don't live near too many highways so it was always nice on the back roads. Top speed I got on it was 87 MPH and that was full crank in 6th gear on flat highway lol.

[@YouMotorcycle]

Great to hear! They're solid machines, and as long as people know what they can expect (or not expect), it will make a lot of sense for a lot of riders. What are you riding now?

[@marktiller1383]

What really counts today, is MPG and this bike excels. I started motorcycling in 1977, I've ridden loads of suicide speeds in a blink of an eye motorbikes and to be honest if you want to reach old age old and enjoy motorcycling 500cc is perfect.

[@YouMotorcycle]

Glad you're enjoying riding and happy with your 500. I bought a half dozen motorcycles this year. I considered MPG on 0 of my bikes purchased lol

[@martinrea8548]

Nice review and I like your staccato delivery style. I'm not so sure about the short gearing. Ok, first is very short, but second has a wide range which is ideal for controlled riding around the city streets, while third will give you about 30kmph at 3000 rpm right up to 80kmph at around 6000 rpm. It gets a bit buzzy at that stage so that's where fourth comes in. Fifth and sixth then are for the big roads, the highways. I can't take off in second on mine without it stuttering. I have to be doing about 18kmph for a smooth change into second. It's my first 'big' bike and I can relate to a lot of what you say about it, both pros and cons, but I think it's only fair to mention it's also a very good looking bike and has flair. True, it may be vanilla, but vanilla ice is the most popular ice for a reason and then you have that Honda reliability going on. Happy biking and I hope you have a great summer on your bike. I can't wait to putting some nice chunky mileage on mine this year.

[@YouMotorcycle]

Thanks! Ride safe!

[@fortheloveofcake93]

I ride one in NYC with 50/50 city and highway. There's a reason the CB stands for ''city bike''. This was a perfect beginner bike with ABS. The short gear ratio and light-weight is perfect for narrow lane filtering and insane NYC traffic. with the Puig windscreen it makes highway cruising way more tolerable. The logical upgrade would be a XSR700 or FZ-09 but after 20,000 miles, I'm still keeping mine for sentimental value

[@YouMotorcycle]

Hmm... I don't think my 1970s CB650 stood for city bike haha.

[@davidphillips7255]

I had a new 15 V-Strom 1000 and I took a 500F for a good long test ride . The 500F was so easy to ride for this senior rider; so fun and effortless in the twisties I realized I had made a mistake. EBC HH pads, really sticky sport touring tires , reducing the preload on the front and reducing the PSI to 34 Front and 38 Rear turned it into a backroad weapon. So much fun and not just for beginners. Unlike many smaller bikes which are peaky, the CB500 has a wide spread of power. I remember thinking to myself on the test ride: "This is a small bike that rides like a big one". Absolutely awesome handling motorcycle.

[@YouMotorcycle]

Well said.

[@dvlarry]

Love the wit and insight.

[@YouMotorcycle]

Thank you. One guy got very upset with me about it. I'll point your comment out to him lol

[@dvlarry]

@@YouMotorcycle gotta speak the truth. Reviews that are only positive to everything have little value.

[@logicawe]

I'm a new rider, and I love my CB500F ❤. Perfect first bike. ABS and Slipper clitch has saved me from dropping. Pro tip, get a small windshield and bike looks a lot better.

[@YouMotorcycle]

They're excellent bikes for new riders, I recommend them to friends.

[@demomoss]

Well said review. I feel the same way. I own a 2022 CB500F, and I want to get something with more power, but when I go to trade it in, I just can't do it. There is something to love about this bike, how easy it is to handle, and how you have so much fun just wringing it's neck and nonstop shifting at 8,000 RPM's! It's the bike you shouldn't buy because you won't want to let it go, and you should buy because it's too much fun not to. Cheers!

[@YouMotorcycle]

You nailed it. Glad you liked the video :)

[@ThaRealChiefObiEgusi]

have you changed the gearing ?

[@JPinthe719]

I had a VFR 1000 when I was younger and have always had dirt bikes. Mainly owned Hondas most of my life. Bought a 2019 CB500F 2 years ago in great shape, with 800 miles on it for $5,000. It has been a great bike to get back into riding and explore the mountains where I live. Yes, it is a little under powered - I weigh 220 pounds. Thankfully my girlfriend is a lot lighter and yes, the second seat is as hard as a rock. I have swapped out the exhaust/muffler, deleted the CAT, raised the license plate and added a windscreen. Nice review 💯.

[@Acquacheta_]

I have this bike in the exact colour scheme. It's perfect for Europe since it has the maximum amount of hp for the A2 license (which is 35 kW). I've learned to ride on this and even though I should have used smaller bikes to learn I found it so easy. If I ever upgrade I will definitely stay in the Honda naked family

[@YouMotorcycle]

That's awesome. Enjoy!

[@mr1bienvenu1]

I got this bike new in 2013 for my wife but I use it as a commuter bike also. I put a 16 tooth front sprocket on the front and now it's way better on the interstate and actually great in town too.

[@YouMotorcycle]

Glad such a simple mod can make such a big impact on the bike, that's great!

[@evilherojoseph]

Ughh I just wish the front light didn't look like this now. I HATE the ant head design, why couldn't they continue the old round headlight :(

[@YouMotorcycle]

I really like the circle headlight better as well. CB300R and CB650R look great

[@ndorib]

Same for me

[@ChopperFett]

I’d probably opt for a 650 to give a lil room for growth. This video had me rolling man, very well done.

[@YouMotorcycle]

I'd love a cb650r - fantastic machine picking up where the 599 Horner left off

[@Tyrant96]

Funny Lad...In the beginning I had to monitor my laughter at work ahahah

[@YouMotorcycle]

Glad you enjoyed it! The part about this bike being like a good wife is truth! :)

[@ericwilliams626]

When you say toy you mean it is not a gutteral feel. Honda makes bikes that make people feel safe, not noticed. Bikes are designed for personalities, not the road. A lot of people want to ride a bike and just not be noticed and not to feel too much. They just want to go forward, gently.

[@YouMotorcycle]

No that's not really it. Have you ever sat on it Honda VTX valkyrie, or a Honda rune, or even just a Honda vtx1800 and thought "this is too much bike"? Then maybe you sit on a shadow 750-1100, or a CBR600, or even a cb650-1000r and think "that's better, not too big, not too small, just right" Well, when I say a bike does or doesn't feel like a toy, I'm talking about a bike that feels too small for an average rider of average experience. It has nothing to do with brand, every bike I mentioned is a Honda.

[@ericwilliams626]

@@YouMotorcycle The context was in this displacement area of the Honda line, not the whole Honda line. You are being argumentative on your own channel. Not good.

[@YouMotorcycle]

@@ericwilliams626 I'm clarifying as my words were being misunderstood. Sounds like now you've understood. My mission is accomplished. Sounds all good to me.

[@ericwilliams626]

@@YouMotorcycle You missed my point was you said toy, and I say the 500 line is a calm line that quiet people buy. They don't want a Harley, the want a nice quiet Honda 500cc. That was my point which you never acknowledged bc well...Nevermind.

[@YouMotorcycle]

You missed the part where I owned one of these at the same time as my 100+ HP loud and fast Harley Davidson V-Rod 😂. I think you've gotten a little bitter that someone thinks your bike isn't perfect and it's hurt your feelings. Relax man. It's just KZbin. Different people will buy this bike for different reasons, and they will feel differently about it. To a first timer it'll feel huge. To someone riding for 15 years, it's a toy.

[@NobodyWhatsoever]

I'm getting a used one this weekend. It'll be my first, and I'm looking forward to having something which is tame enough for a novice but still perfectly capable.

[@YouMotorcycle]

Congrats in advance. Great choice

[@nickclarkuk]

I bought this thinking I’d upgrade it quickly . That was 5 years ago. It’s just so annoyingly good for my work commute, cheap and reliable. I just haven’t found a reason to spend extra ££$. Wish I’d bought something a little crazier now .

[@YouMotorcycle]

Totally understand your point of view. It's like finding a good woman while you're still young. Now you're just stuck lol

[@_Motogato]

Hey Adrian! Hope all is good your way! I've been gone a few months and you have been killing it and putting out some great videos brother! I love the videos, Keep them coming! Cheers and safe riding!

[@YouMotorcycle]

Welcome back, is everything blossoming over there yet? I'm sneezing left right and center over here!

[@_Motogato]

@@YouMotorcycle Yeah! It's crazy, it just happened a week ago. Everything was bald and barren. Then all of the sudden the forest came alive. It's gorgeous and pollen is everywhere. My wife gets really bad allergies too, I always feel so bad, she looks miserable when she goes outside. Hopefully you can still enjoy the ride! Cheers and safe riding Adrian!

[@YouMotorcycle]

Thanks brother you too!

[@StrangelyIronic]

I managed to get a CB400 Super Four around 12 or so years ago when I was going into college as my first bike past a dirt bike. Sadly, I sold that bike when I finished school to get the gear I needed to start my own business. I haven't really ridden on a highway for 8 or 9 years now and wanted to get back into it. I would love to have another Super Four, but saying they're rare is an understatement. Highway speeds are still 60-65 where I live in the sticks with 70 on the interstate that I don't go on all that often. I've been debating between the cb500 just to get around to interesting sites for photography or just going up to the 650 to get back the inline 4 that I loved. There's a 96 CBR600F3 near me for dirt cheap that's mechanically fine with minor scratching on the fairings that need repainted anyway. I may just buy it, ride for a bit as is after a complete service, then if I like it those bikes are easy enough for me to tear down, refresh/rebuild everything, and put what needs painted in my booth. More bike than I need, but I've just about given up on getting another Super Four.

[@YouMotorcycle]

The 500 will be boring after your Super Four. Good value for your dollar, but a used CB650R (also difficult to find) would be more fun!

[@StrangelyIronic]

@@YouMotorcycle There's a couple older CBR650R's around here used but no naked/standard variants. Not the end of the world, even the standards look like they're trying to be sport bikes these days even if it's just the headlights :|. Annoying we don't still get the Super Fours, the newer ones still look good (boring to most people, but I like them), but I guess they don't fit into a US market. If it comes down to that I'll probably end up with one of the older ~600's for sale. I don't mind carbs and can rebuild those bikes from the frame up in my workshop. I live in the sticks with the closest small city being around 20 miles away so the extra power/mass would probably help make for a more comfortable/stable ride and I'll save more than a few dollars.

[@YouMotorcycle]

If you don't mind older and can find a CB919 Hornet, *drools in japanese*

[@cmartez]

I love my 500! It's easy to ride and zero stress. It's more than adequate for commuting and even on the back roads. I also have a zx12r Ninja, so it's great to have the little 500 for it's fun factor.

[@YouMotorcycle]

More fun, more chill. It's good to have options ☺️

[@snicklesnockle7263]

I appreciate a video talking about its downsides for once. I'm looking for my first motorcycle.

[@YouMotorcycle]

Glad it was helpful! This is a great first motorcycle, but yup, it's not perfect, just like every other motorcycle. Hope you get the right motorcycle for you, whatever it turns out to be!

[@davidphillips7255]

The first 'big' bike I ever rode at 16 was a Honda 450 Black Bomber. My only other bike experience was my Honda 90 Cub. I did stall it a couple of times before I got the hang of the manual clutch, but I found it easy to ride. Fifty years later I was doing long day rides in the mountains of British Columbia on my 500F, a bike almost exactly the same physical size and weight. It fit my six-four perfectly. You may want a bigger faster bike; but you don't NEED a bigger faster bike to have a really good time.

[@NearlyInfinity]

Im in the uk and on the cb125f because A1 restrictions, looking to get 500f now and idc how low the acceleration feels to ppl used to more, its gonna be better to what im used to with 10bhp lmao

[@YouMotorcycle]

You'll enjoy it. They're good bikes 👍🏻 you can always get bigger later

[@robertbrandywine]

Wow, what a nice home and lawn at 4:18!

[@YouMotorcycle]

Beauty 👌

[@HightLink]

Got a CB500X and for me it's the better out of the 3, the reason is simple. I'm about 6.2 and I often take my girl for the ride. I've learned how to ride on a CB650R and the wrist on my right hand started to hurt after about 10 minutes + riding with a passanger was a pain, the bike feels very small for me. Can't imagine how the 500F would be.

[@YouMotorcycle]

Nice. I really like the X.

[@johnofypres]

Excellent review. Greetings from England.

[@YouMotorcycle]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks so much John! Cheers :)

[@kolmantis]

it's a good video but the constant annoying like and subsribe buttons just made me turn it off. Terrible

[@YouMotorcycle]

😂 and yet they work!

[@kimhorton6109]

Now take that nifty engine and bring back an economical tourer like the Silverwing. I’ve been riding since I was 16, back in 1962. I haven had a naked bike since 1969. No chains since the same time. The Shadow line proves it can be done. Single seat, well thought out luggage and shaft drive would still be light enough for a 76-year-old wh hates sitting at home.

[@YouMotorcycle]

They did that with the CB500X. My friend did 100,000 km on one as I think was mentioned in the video

[@-V8-]

Ive got a 2018 cb 500f in the same color 😊, and i love it

[@YouMotorcycle]

Great bike great color

[@anoukpoelmans2768]

I have a 2018 showroom model since 3 years. Same color scheme as the one in the video. It is my second one after a 125cc Mash. I use it mainly if I need to be in the city centre of Antwerp (free parking) and now for classes in Mechelen (same reason). But if you ride it on the highway for longer than 30 minutes, your butt will have issues. For highway use, I mounted a windscreen and handprotectors, wich makes its more comfortable with higher speeds and especially in colder wheathers at 120 Kph.

[@YouMotorcycle]

Nice! I have handprotectors and a windscreen on the BMW and it makes a great difference. Also have an upgraded seat. Makes such a big difference!

[@chrislove8050]

Thank you for the video I’ve been looking at one for my first bike but I’m also 6’4 250 so I’m I think ima pass and look into a 650

[@YouMotorcycle]

Thanks bud, I think that's a good call, unless you're okay with buying a used cb500 at a price point you could ride it for a year, sell it, and not take a loss.

[@TheCanadianBubba]

Lots of good thinking in this Adrian, people gotta know what their intent is. Best days to you 👍

[@YouMotorcycle]

Absolutely. A fine motorcycle if you don't need the "latest and greatest" and just wanna enjoy yourself zipping around.

[@rickrobinson8417]

Nice review. I can't decide between the cb500f or rebel 500.

[@YouMotorcycle]

Thanks Rick! Have you decided on one?

[@rickrobinson8417]

@@YouMotorcycle Rebel!

[@YouMotorcycle]

​@@rickrobinson8417congrats! A rebel 250 was my first bike, and the new ones are 100x better than those old pieces of junk I used to ride lol. Enjoy!

[@rickrobinson8417]

@@YouMotorcycle Lol that's what I've heard. I got a used 300 but loving it so far.

[@YouMotorcycle]

@@rickrobinson8417 still way better than what I had. Great first bike 👍

[@Walid_Kharseh]

Nice video, How long are you, would it fit a 5.9 feet person? Thanks

[@YouMotorcycle]

I am an inch or two taller, I think it would fit you very well

[@richardwalker8398]

I am 5 feet 8 and it's perfect...

[@Kleadsy]

I’m upgrading from my old 125cc bike to a 500cc - 650cc motorcycle.

[@YouMotorcycle]

I think you'll love the CB500F. If you don't NEED a lot of mototcycle, it's a great machine. If you do need or really want a powerful motorcycle, it might not satisfy you though.

[@Kleadsy]

@@YouMotorcycle Likely I will get the CB500F I loved it so much when my friend let me sit on it :D

[@oddst]

Hi, what motorcycle would you recommend instead?

[@YouMotorcycle]

@@oddst what kind of riding do you want to be doing?

[@oddst]

@ Uh not really sure… Is there something better and faster that’s still good for a beginner?

[@YouMotorcycle]

@oddst if you don't know how you want to be riding, what makes you think you would need your first bike to go faster? 🤔 Buy a good low mileage used motorcycle, that you can learn on, that you can crash on maybe once, you can figure out what you like to do or don't like to do, and then sell in a year without taking a financial hit and get what you really want then when you have more experience and understanding

[@oddst]

@@YouMotorcycle ...what about a KTM 790 Duke?

[@YouMotorcycle]

@@oddst why though? What's your goal for your first bike?

[@DingtheRock]

love your review boss

[@YouMotorcycle]

Thank you sir!

[@HarleysDinersRides]

Thanks Adrian, great review. Curious to know where you rode in this video? Cheers Dave

[@YouMotorcycle]

Visiting my father, family, and friends in my local cemetery

[@ThaRealChiefObiEgusi]

man, the first gear is so short

[@YouMotorcycle]

Small displacement problems :(

[@ericwilliams626]

It really is the reason why the Grom is a waste of time.

[@YouMotorcycle]

The Grom is like my Sportster.... You don't get it because it's the best motorcycle. You get it because it's fun 😂

[@ericwilliams626]

@ Aren't all bikes fun?

[@YouMotorcycle]

Yeah but it's not a binary system. There are varying levels of fun 😊

[@banzobeans]

9:45 Do I understand correctly: You're recommending more teeth on the front sprocket or less teeth on the rear sprocket for an easier time in towns & traffic? Sacrificing some of the wheel power/torque? My 2014 comes with 15-41 if memory serves. What would you recommend for this bike for a better experience in traffic? I do ride the hilly country around my home a lot and enjoy the occasional power burst but am willing to do a bit more shifting for these phases if I can make slow riding through city traffic and or small villages less awkward and annoying. I ride highways rarely and only to get from a to b quicker, don't need high speeds and quick overtaking power at high speeds. Street tires. No active off-roading.

[@YouMotorcycle]

Up one tooth on the front sprocket: - Increases acceleration. - Reduces top speed. - Increases engine RPM at a given speed. Down one tooth on the front sprocket: - Decreases acceleration. - Increases top speed. - Decreases engine RPM at a given speed. Up one tooth on the rear sprocket: - Decreases acceleration. - Increases top speed. - Decreases engine RPM at a given speed. Down one tooth on the rear sprocket: - Increases acceleration. - Reduces top speed. - Increases engine RPM at a given speed. Based on this you can either draw or your own conclusions based on the kind of riding you do and what your needs are, or look up on some CB500F forums, facebook groups, subreddits, or simply google search "CB500F sprocket change" etc, and see what other owners have done. Hope this helps set you down the right trail.

[@banzobeans]

@@YouMotorcycle you sure you didn't switch these around? I thought less teeth in the rear would decrease engine RPM at a given speed e.g.

[@YouMotorcycle]

@@banzobeans Best to google it man. I haven't switched sprockets around in almost 15 years and get wayyyyy too many questions a day to look everything up lol

[@astrofiggy2321]

Should I start with this or a cb650r I'm a bigger guy about 6'1 250 lbs I would like something that would last a fee years

[@YouMotorcycle]

I would head over to a honda dealer, sit on both, and ask them about what changes you can make to help you. Handlebar risers might be helpful and are a cheap ergonomic improvement. You should really put your feet on the pegs and see how they feel.

[@alanhayward6719]

I own one, it is by far the best motorcycle Honda have ever built.

[@YouMotorcycle]

Nothing better huh? Lol

[@kozas0]

Wait, how the front wheel appears as stalled at 3:05? What happened there? If the wheel's rotation matched the camera sampling speed, shouldn't the back whell appear as stalled too? If the front wheel had blocked for what appears to be almost 2s, you would have fall down. Really weird.

[@YouMotorcycle]

It's a motorcycle, not a car, so the front and rear tires are different sizes, so the number of rotations per minute of the front won't be the same as the back. I think that's probably what happened :)

[@kozas0]

@@YouMotorcycle Hmm that makes sense, thanks

[@ei..]

Looking for my first bike. I'm 6'3", so afraid this bike might be a bit too small, but where I live, this is by far the most saturated bike on the used marked, so it's quite a lot cheaper than others in the same class. Any ideas?

[@YouMotorcycle]

Your first bike doesn't have to be your last bike, I mean damn, I must be a hundred bikes in at this point. Currently have five or six. If it's price is very appealing to you, and you can buy one, ride it for a year or two, and sell it when you're ready for something bigger without losing much (or any) money on it, why not? Everyone's first bike is a little smaller than they might like. No worries!

[@ei..]

@@YouMotorcycle thanks a lot! I'm a broke student, so I'm always scared of feeling like I haven't made the most optimal purchase, but I think I'll get one once I get my permit! The Honda reliability will probably be a good thing for my financials lol

[@YouMotorcycle]

I get it 100%. Started riding as a broke student myself! You could even keep your eyes open for a taller fuel injected 250-300 dual sport if you don't need to be highway driving. If money is a big concern, then when you're shopping always keep in mind what a bike might sell for by the time you're done with it, to see how much you will or won't lose on one bike versus another to really understand their true costs. Best of luck brother!

[@ei..]

@@YouMotorcycle Talked with a friend a bit, and she's willing to sell a 125cc Yamaha yzf from 2015 ish for like 500 bucks. Do you think it would be smart to buy that first just to get used to riding? Then get something a bit more permanent later? Worth noting that here in Norway the highway speedlimit is usually never above ~55mph, and most roads are 40-50mph

[@YouMotorcycle]

@@ei.. If you can ride it for a season and break even on it, and the bike is in good safe, why not? :)

[@chrisdadigger1018]

Keep bike in preferred power zone 4-6 k. . It’s a bit breathless in top end

[@YouMotorcycle]

Dyno graph here: www.cycleworld.com/resizer/MMV8MFoVuCGWjjGWvmSSzhjKfjw=/616x0/filters:focal(1023x580:1033x590)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/octane/CE3QDLMI7NFJFGMPBZ4SXYT5YE.jpg

[@mspaintxpedition1648]

Can’t wait to buy this used in 5 years

[@YouMotorcycle]

How come? They've been making them for 11 years already. Plenty of used ones out there now!

[@mspaintxpedition1648]

@ I mean the current model. I was half joking because of wanting a modern bike but not having any money to buy any bike right now.

[@Tcorse22]

Best review

[@YouMotorcycle]

Thanks Tony, much appreciated!

[@emirtaha5710]

its been a couple years but im like really new to riding bike and i didnt ride one or own before. I got cb500f as a gift and ill probably get my license and ride around practice areas for like maybe 2-3 months? In comments people usually start scooter or 125, is it okay for me to start at 500cc? and plus note im not going in traffic unless i really figure out how to drive in practice areas or low-traffic areas.

[@YouMotorcycle]

It depends. How old are you? How tall are you? Can you touch the ground? What driving/traffic experience do you have? Are you going to go to a riding school? etc.

[@emirtaha5710]

@@YouMotorcycle little to no experience at this moment but im taking classes and im 6'6 even if i crouch on it ill probably can touch the ground, since this comment classes and the joy that riding gives is going great so far

[@emirtaha5710]

and plus to this comment ill be riding around to meet my friends and mostly for fun and to my job

[@YouMotorcycle]

@@emirtaha5710 that's great! 😃

[@pave_waywiz8869]

I normally don't know if people just want to critique or for comments or what,even my 2015 Honda CBR250R still performs on highways how much more 500cc.Sometimes I get shocked.

[@YouMotorcycle]

What? I think you missed a couple words

[@namelesssnitchy]

i have suzuki gs500e 94* now for about 10 years and im looking for an upgrade and i dont really care about speed. i rather want a comfortable fuel efficient motor which can ride highways a bit normal too. i think this cb500f or the cb500x is perfect for that. my preference is going for the X though i think. i always want to be able to take someone at the back too and the x seems to have ab better seat for both riders. what are your thoughts ?

[@YouMotorcycle]

My friend Wobblycat (he's on instagram) put over 100,000 km on his cb500x, he's a better person to ask than me. I never really looked too close at his back seat, sorry! :(

[@finisimo139]

What would be a suggested bike. I feel this review has a lot of backhanded compliments.

[@YouMotorcycle]

What are you looking for? For some people this bike still check all the boxes and will be fantastic. For others it won't be enough. It comes down to trying to give people an honest review so they can understand what they are, and aren't, getting, and then letting them decide if it fits what they're looking for

[@finisimo139]

@YouMotorcycle I am looking to purchase my 1st bike. It was this one. I heard a lot of good things about it. And it has just enough speed to be in the highway and be stable. I researched that the Ergonomics are good and the fuel economy, the maintenance cost and reliability of the bike are good too. Reviews also say that this still can be a beginner entry bike

[@jamesleystra1066]

I lime mine its not bad but you can do any wheelies really not enough power or speed for me but easy to zip around town on

[@YouMotorcycle]

Yeah, they're good machines for sure, but I can see an owner wanting to do more than just commuting with it wanting a little more power

[@tomjom4865]

Is the 2014 model any diferent that that one?

[@YouMotorcycle]

If you check out reviews of various years, they'll tell you whether or not any changes were made from one year to the next.

[@garymcqueen6350]

Just ordered a 22 modle waiting from delivery

[@YouMotorcycle]

Nice. Congrats. Those are really nice.

[@phil9100]

Me too… arriving 10/3/22

[@StefsYouTube]

Looking to get one in 6 months time. Are they the better choice than MT-03 or KTM DUKE 390??

[@YouMotorcycle]

Have not had a lot of time on 390, never been an mt03 at all so I really can't say sorry. I'm sure all three are good quality bikes from good brands so it really comes down to you. What is your experience, budget, and where and how do you plan on riding this bike realistically? I would worry more about those three things than I would about about which make or model between the bikes you're talking about

[@TonyJDH]

What do you mean by brinjal?

[@YouMotorcycle]

Brinjal?

[@joaquinelectric1]

So the Honda cb300 is almost same bike I should keep my 300 then

[@YouMotorcycle]

I wouldn't call it almost the same bike, but I would point out that if you're going to upgrade, you might want to upgrade more substantially. It really depends on what your wants are from your bike

[@joaquinelectric1]

@@YouMotorcycle so what bike you recommend I’m ready to upgrade?

[@YouMotorcycle]

@@joaquinelectric1 what do you want and need from a motorcycle?

[@joaquinelectric1]

@@YouMotorcycle same style but a little more heavy to ride on the highway ., because with the 300 they are very light and scary with wind and of course disability

[@YouMotorcycle]

CB500F might be good then. maybe take one for a test ride @@joaquinelectric1

[@dilbertisms]

I dont know if he needed to keep harking about cheap "feeling" components this many times. Otherwise a good review.

[@YouMotorcycle]

😂 he did the best he could

[@bangWarkop]

Very nice

[@YouMotorcycle]

Thank you very much!

[@honda116969]

I would get the X model... You get the windscreen lol + if you need to ride a trail or 2 🤷

[@YouMotorcycle]

I like the X a lot. My buddy put 100,000 km on it, rode it from Alaska to Panama and pretty much everywhere in between!

[@nikolamiljkovic7416]

Rider size

[@YouMotorcycle]

178 cm

[@OnMeNerves]

I can get one with 17k miles four 4500 cad 2017 good deal 🤔

[@YouMotorcycle]

I think it's fair, depending on what your local market is like (some places are more expensive than others). I wouldn't take a day off work to go rush to get it though.

[@davidwaddington9414]

how tall is the rider, looks like you are trying to make the bike look small.

[@YouMotorcycle]

179 cm (about 5'10.5"). Not intentionally trying to do anything. Just sit on one yourself and see how you fit on it

[@hectorshouse7348]

Biggest drawback is no fairing…but that’s fine if you WANT a naked bike😀👍

[@YouMotorcycle]

Biggest drawback is it's just enough at everything but nothing more lol. As a rider of 17 years, I want so much more than this bike, but I also get how it would be perfect for so many people just getting started motorcycle riding, so I'm really conflicted about the 500F haha. I think it'll be a perfect motorcycle for many, for a while, until it isn't. One of my customers just upgraded to an FZ6R and despite it only being a 100cc jump, he feels much happier on the bigger better faster FZ6R.

[@benleblanc3618]

bang on

[@YouMotorcycle]

Merci!

[@cyrilwingnek-qw1ik]

That's what she said

[@YouMotorcycle]

I've been waiting for this comment.

[@cyrilwingnek-qw1ik]

I say this all the time, when ever possible

[@YouMotorcycle]

😂 glad we found each other

[@cyrilwingnek-qw1ik]

👍😀

[@blackloscarful]

I real rider will tell you buy what you feel comfortable with

[@YouMotorcycle]

@@blackloscarful what does the guy in the video tell you?

[@sunshowerpainting1]

Trust me.....There is NOTHING WORSE than a"vanilla" wife. Borrring.

[@YouMotorcycle]

Ah, I see you too are a man of culture! haha

[@sunshowerpainting1]

@@YouMotorcycle and several wives......

[@YouMotorcycle]

😂

[@stephengrainger7586]

Not good for tall riders

[@YouMotorcycle]

@@stephengrainger7586 agreed 👍🏻

[@tomjom4865]

Im looking at a cb500r

[@YouMotorcycle]

Good bikes

[@alehqaqi]

The pictures ain't funny😑

[@YouMotorcycle]

@@alehqaqi what pictures? Haven't watched this video in years

[@pave_waywiz8869]

I normally don't know if people just want to critique or for comments or what,even my 2015 Honda CBR250R still performs on highways how much more 500cc.Sometimes I get shocked.

[@YouMotorcycle]

What?

[@pave_waywiz8869]

I normally don't know if people just want to critique or for comments or what,even my 2015 Honda CBR250R still performs on highways how much more 500cc.Sometimes I get shocked.

[@YouMotorcycle]

What?