HONDA CB500F (2019 - 2021) Review
Highlights
- A2-ready middleweight naked
- Makes a fantastic first big bike
- Low running costs, great build quality
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £180 |
| Power: | 47 bhp |
| Seat height: | Medium (31.1 in / 789 mm) |
| Weight: | Medium (417 lbs / 189 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesWith its extra grunt, weight loss, big-bike build quality and refinement the A2-ready 2019 Honda CB500F is anything but a cheap and cheerful workhorse, or stepping stone to better things.
- Latest news: 2022 Honda CB500F bike review
- Related: 2022 Honda CB500F unveiled
Whether for the daily commute, weekend fun or your first taste of life without L-plates, it’s a simple, but vibrant, involving machine in its own right - practical, easy to ride, fast and thrilling.
It’s not lacking in power on everyday roads, or poise in the corners and is thoughtfully lavished with the kind of touchy-feely quality and detailing that makes you realise that Honda really does care.
Honda says that 46% of CB500F buyers are new riders. Learn to ride a motorbike with MCN.
Watch: Honda CB500F video review
In this video Neevesy gets to grips with the 2019 tranche of CB500 Hondas direct from the international launch.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineArms, legs, wrists, neck and bum (knees and toes) all get a easy time on the long haul and with a seat height of just 785mm and squishy suspension, it’ll be easy for most to get their feet anchored down at a standstill.
A new slip and assist clutch is the smallest ever fitted to a Honda and is 45% lighter at the lever. Gears now feature nine smaller ‘dogs’ instead of six for a slicker changes, but it sometimes finds a false neutral if you hammer the revs between first and second.
Showa forks have new progressive springs (soft at the top and bottom, hard in the middle) and there’s a new single tube rear shock. Ride quality and overall balance is spot on and the CB500F manages to keep its composure when pushed hard. Michelin Pilot Road 5 tyres are grippy, wet or dry.
A single disc front brake set-up is friendly and won’t have you rolling over the bars when you yank on the lever, but stopping power is there when you really need it, especially if you stamp on the back brake too. A new ABS pump has less intrusive settings and automatically flashes the hazards as it starts to lock.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityThe Honda CB500F specs say power remains at the allotted A2 licence-friendly 47bhp, but beneath that ceiling is a bubbling cauldron of grunt…relatively speaking, of course. A 4% gain in power and torque comes from new inlet cam timing, a bigger airbox and straighter inlet tracts.
The extra midrange boost is amplified by new mapping that’s slightly less ‘top-endy’ than the 2019 CBR500R’s and a 2kg weight loss, gained from lighter gears and subframe, a smaller battery, ABS pump and thinner plastics.
A wider, friendlier spread of power gives the parallel twin cylinder motor the feel of a bigger bike, but its delivery and soft throttle pick-up would make a Blade’s green with envy. Newer riders will feel immediately at home, but it’ll impress with those who just want a light, fun, sub-six grand naked, too.
For 2021 the CB500F's engine is upgraded to Euro5.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueOur Honda CB500F owners’ reviews are varied, with one reader complaining about corrosion and poor build quality, and another waxing lyrical about this being the "best CB500 ever".
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentWith its aggressive creases and sharp edges the CB500F’s new bodywork, drenched in deep paint, has more than a sophisticated air of Italian design about it. The general finish, including the engine and Autosol-shiny exhaust headers, are more like you’d get on a 10 grand super naked, let along a machine costing nearly half that.
- Related: Best A2 motorbikes
Twin test: Honda CB500F vs Kawasaki Z400 Performance
In June 2019 we took the CB500F around the fabled MCN250 test route alongside the Kawasaki Z400 Performance to see which one shined the brightest.
Here's our verdict: There is a bit of a stigma attached to so-called ‘learner’ bikes such as these two A2 machines, which is totally unjustified. These are not learner bikes, they are smaller capacity machines that deliver a rewarding riding experience. Both the Z400 and CB500F’s parallel twins have more than enough grunt to allow riders to safely negotiate fast-moving commuting traffic while also providing ease of use thanks to their light weight and effortless clutch actions.
Not only this, you also get economy figures of over 55mpg irrespective of how you ride them and all for no more than £85 a month. Overall, the Honda is the more complete package. Its motor isn’t as fast as the Zed’s and its handling is a touch slower, but it feels far more refined and assured whatever the pace and for me that’s what I want in an A2-legal bike. The Z400 is a real hoot, and some will love its edgeof-seat feel, but long-term the Honda is the better option. If you are after a machine to just ride and enjoy, whatever the occasion, the CB500F won’t disappoint.
Other rivals include the Yamaha MT-03 and the KTM 390 Duke.
Equipment
How’s this for detail? The back edge of the front mudguard is lipped to deflect air over the Euro 4-compulsory reflectors. Honda fits a normal mudguard to non-reflector bikes.
An aggressively angled new Honda CB500F exhaust can features revised internals and twin exit pipes.
It gives the parallel twin cylinder engine a dark, rumbling soundtrack on the throttle and a gentle race bike-like pop and bang on the overrun. All 2019 CB500 models get the same new digital dash, but on the CB500F it also acts as your only defence from the wind (it doesn’t do a bad job). A gear position indicator has been added for the first time, along with fuel consumption info.
The 2021 model year CB500F gets new colours - Candy Caribbean Blue Sea and Candy Moon Glow Yellow.
Specs |
|
| Engine size | 471cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | liquid-cooled parallel twin |
| Frame type | Tubular steel diamond |
| Fuel capacity | 17.7 litres |
| Seat height | 789mm |
| Bike weight | 189kg |
| Front suspension | 41mm Showa forks, adjustable for preload |
| Rear suspension | Showa shock, adjustable for preloa |
| Front brake | 320mm petal disc with twin-piston calipers. ABS |
| Rear brake | 240mm rear petal disc with single-piston caliper. ABS |
| Front tyre size | 120/70 x 17 |
| Rear tyre size | 160/60 x 17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
| Average fuel consumption | - |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £84 |
| Annual service cost | £180 |
| New price | - |
| Used price | £3,800 - £4,200 |
| Insurance group |
- How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | - |
Top speed & performance |
|
| Max power | 47 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 32 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 112 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | - |
| Tank range | - |
Model history & versions
Model history
- 2013: Original parallel twin-cylinder CB500F launched to take advantage of new 47bhp A2 licence regulations.
- 2016: Styling, suspension and airflow tweaks, wider bars, larger fuel tank, hinged fuel cap, adjustable front brake level, redesigned seat, LED lights and preload adjustable suspension.
- 2019: Sharper styling, 4% more grunt, new slip and assist clutch, revised fork internals and new rear shock, refined ABS settings, new LCD dash and exhaust can.
- 2021: Euro5 updates for whole CB500 family.
Owners' reviews for the HONDA CB500F (2019 - 2021)
12 owners have reviewed their HONDA CB500F (2019 - 2021) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your HONDA CB500F (2019 - 2021)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £180 |
Year: 2020
I bought this to replace mu much-loved and well-worn 2005 Bandit 600 which I'd owned for over 10 years and done 52,000 miles on,it had done 65,000 in total. I've been riding bikes since I was 18 ,in 1974,as my only transport. These days I mostly only commute so I wanted something economical and cheap to run. My Bandit was very unpleasant, verging on borderline dangerous to ride on E10 fuel in winter so with the good stuff hard to find locally something fuel-injected was required. First impression was how light the bike is after my Bandit, felt like raiding a traily,in fact the riding experience,and even the sound despite being a twin, reminds me very much of my old XT600 trail bike. Second impression was how useless the mirrors were,I'm around 15 stone and quite a big lad but far from massive and basically they were useless to the point of being dangerous,I very soon fitted Oxford mirror extenders which look a bit odd but do the job. The bike sounds quite neat,despite the weedy power output it rumbles along with a nice but inoffensive growl. Finish isn't great whatever Honda's reputation might be,the thing seems to scratch if anyone looks at it too hard,I've had over 30 bikes and compared to all of them it feels very flimsy and the switched in particular look and feel very cheap. Another niggle is that both the ignition and petrol cap locks are sticky,something of a problem on newer Hondas it seems,I have ridden throughout the awful ongoing deluge at the time of writing this but something my old Bandit only suffered from after a decade of British winters.It can be sorted (graphite powder,NOT WD40 guys) but better if Honda made the thing properly in the first place. It's great to ride around the city and the local moorland roads, pretty much an inside lane only job on dual carriageways unless you're a fan of stress,tap-dancing on the gear lever and hoping you can complete your overtake before the clown in the Audi behind doing 90 steamrollers you. Not a big deal for me as I knew its capabilities and what I wanted before buying it,less than 5% of my riding is on fast roads. If everyone stuck to the speed limits it would be fine,in reality don't expect too much on dual carriageways,I wouldn't go anywhere near a motorway on this bike. I like it but unlike most of the bikes I've had it doesn't inspire me to travel far and pretty much takes me to work and around the city for errands. I've had several Hondas before,if this was built to the same standard as they used to be it would be great,as it is the few irritants,the sticky locks,finding yet another small scratch on the tank have me missing my old Bandit and cursing the Government for E10. Like most bikes of that era it was solid and still looked good at over 20 years old.
Brilliant around town,I love the wide bars,and very easy to manoeuvre and carve through traffic. Needs revving but you soon get used to that,suspension is good for a budget bike. Nice growl and a bit of popping on engine braking if that's your thing. Brakes are fine for commuting,I'm not really sure why a bike like this needs twin discs like the newer models have.
Not overly powerful but very pleasant and nicely geared for commuting or country lane dawdling. If you thrash it it gets a bit lively and squirrely ,apparently the newer ones have more weight distribution over the front wheel which I'd guess feels more secure. It's not really made for that,you can "make rapid progress" and it feels happy and safe,any more than that and basically if that's your thing a KTM feels massively happier,and so will you. Bike can initially be lumpy and jerky before it's warmed up properly in colder weather but it warms up pretty quickly.
I've only had it for about 5 months so can't really comment on reliability but it has got me through a few weeks of monsoon weather with no complaint and starting on the button instantly. Quality? Despite the reputation like many newer Hondas its built down to a price and while it's a looker the plastics are very flimsy and the thin paint scratches very easily. When I bought the bike the dealer had fitted a lot of new parts,including a rear disc,new fork seal and new chain and sprockets. While I was happy with that I did wonder how a bike with 10,000 miles up had needed any of it,my old Bandit was much heavier and much more powerful and had 3 chain and sprockets sets and one rear disc replacement in 50,000 miles. From what I've seen in the trade the original chains Honda fit are barely fit for purpose,I've only ever seen 3 bikes in workshops recently with broken chains,2 of them were CB500s
I've not had the bike serviced since purchase so can't comment. According to the instruments I've been getting 70 mpg but I've got my own thoughts on that particular piece of equipment,I could be wrong but it seems to be a gimmick linked to which gear you're in rather the the reality,that said I'm getting 200 miles before reserve which I'm very happy with.
Switchgear looks and feels cheap,but then so does that on Thai-built Triumphs that cost several times more,on reflection they possibly come from the same supplier. Chinese 125 quality. LED lights look flash but I've had better "ordinary" headlights on my last few bikes. My bike came with Metzelers fitted which were lovely until the weather turned and they're not great when cold. After a couple of miles they seem to be better and I trust them 100% in the yakking rain and on flooded roads that are everyday at the time of writing this. I think Pilot roads are standard fitment,I'll go for those next time. Only extra mine has is a centre stand, makes life a whole lot easier if you do even basic maintenance yourself.
Buying experience: Bought from Torbay Motorcycles in Newton Abbott,good guys and the bike was prepped perfectly. I wasn't happy that there was only one key given the cost of spares that I only discovered when asking where it was on picking the bike up. I paid £3995,a bit below others I was looking at. I'd buy from them again.
Version: Naked
Year: 2019
I was riding bikes and past my test back in the late 1950s and after a long break I decided I wanted to get back riding. I knew a local dealer, Chris Ball in Norwich who I asked which bike he would recommend for me to get back on two wheels with. I had a couple of bikes back in the 50/60s but nothing like the machines on the market today. I wanted something reliable not too heavy with a reasonable performance that handled well. After a short discussion he recommended the Honda cb500f and indicated that the ABS was probably going to be a great help. Shortly after chatting with Chris I happened on a really nice used bike, a 2019 CBf 500 in red, it was as new with 2k on the clock and still in warranty. At first I was very cautious the bike seemed quite lively and a very different animal to my old 250 AJS and 650 BSA. The fuel injected engine responded very much more to shutting down the throttle but I soon adjusted and found the CBf500 an easy bike to ride. I started riding out each week with some other old boys and soon realised that they occasionally left their indicators on so I wired in a couple of bright warning lights along with an audible beep so as to avoid leaving the indicators on . The bike came with a small fly screen but I later fitted a larger one as I envisaged riding this bike in the winter. I did show this bike to an old pal of mine and he bought an identical model. I do sometimes think a little more power would be nice and have considered getting the Honda 750 Hornet. However I am pushing 82 years of age and wonder if it might just be a waste of money. I have put 12000 miles in three years and have almost no complaints apart from the little green warning lights for the indicators. I have changed the exhaust as that did sound a bit tame and weighed quite a bit. The bike is good value and does well on fuel economy. so I am well pleased.
As I am over 80 I dont ride for much more than one and a half hours max without a break and no pillion. I usually lead the old boys on our weekly rides looking for country lanes with some dual carriageway riding here in Norfolk to clear away the cobwebs but for my requirements the bike is good all round. Twin disc on the front would be a benefit especially with a passenger, I think later year models did upgrade to this.
A little more power when overtaking would be nice,
Build quality seems good but there is a lot of plastic. I do keep it fairly clean and no evidence of rust. No breakdowns so far. It is quite difficult to see the coolant level .
Service by a service well respected engineer MPG is incredible over 80 MPG and I dont poodle about but only one up.
For a 500cc bike it is quite flexible through the gears. The standard tyre does very well and are the same as fitted to much bigger and more expensive bikes.
Buying experience: A dealer recommended this model for me. Bought privately for £3500 asking price £3650 but immaculate one year old.
Year: 2020
Great bike nice ride very good value
Buying experience: Bought from Hunts of Manchester
Version: HONDA CB500F 2019
Year: 2019
Annual servicing cost: £350
This is my first bike and it runs. I went to the far end of Europe and back and had no issues (I do service it frequently). Definitely not a learner bike, it has a good low-end grunt and great road manners (Michelin road 5). Would not take a pillion on this bike as the bike feels a bit small. It revs high on motorways and 60-65 would be its cruising mph. Perfect for UK roads but this was lacking power in Germany to overtake others. The sound is muffled by the original exhaust although it has a nice ring to at 5-8k revs I recommend a modded exhaust as it sounds beautiful. It can wheelie but only in first gear (you might need to change sprockets). I've ridden 13,000 miles in the first year and it runs like a peach.Ideally, this bike fits people that are 5'2 - 5'9 any bigger and the bike will start to feel more and more like a grom. I fully endorse this bike as your first big bike but you will upgrade within 3 years. But I will keep mine as it is a lot of fun. Looks great too!
The big downside to it is that the breaks are very poor this version only has 1 disk at the front so you have to plan in advance. The front is good for this but the rear needs stronger brakes.
Juicy
The parts are quality
I did the servicing myself so far no issues.In 2023 I did a 3500-mile trip and it cost me £280 for fuel so it sips very well.
It has an LCD dash & a gear indicator, that's it :D
Buying experience: I paid 4k at the dealer but it was worth 3500 really as it had 10k miles.
Year: 2019
Annual servicing cost: £150
Reliable with low running costs, easy to ride. LCD dash hard to read in bright sunlight.
Would not want to take a pillion on it. Riders seat ok up to about an hour and a half of riding. Michelin Road 5 tyres fitted as standard are exceptionally good.
The engine is a real peach. You do not really need to rev it hard.Fuel economy is really good.
Well built no corrosion.
Honda main dealer servicing.
The LCD screen is hard to read in bright sunlight. The brightness is adjustable but it does not go bright enough. I bought the Honda rear seat bag which comes in really handy for a day out as i do not like riding wearing a rucksack.
Buying experience: Bought from a dealer 2 years ago, bike was 18 months old with 150 miles on the clock. £4,449.
Version: 2022
Year: 2021
Annual servicing cost: £250
Confidence inspiring handling in all weather. Looks cool (in my opinion), and great sound even with stock exhaust pipes.
Good, but could be a little stronger.
Gearing could be better, 1st gear is too low.
Suspension and handling.
Year: 2019
good biker, enough power to enjoy the max speed, low cost for maintenance
one star to be reduced because the front-mudguard is very short and it makes the engine dirty quickly
Buying experience: bought it from a dealer, in my country, I paid 172,000,000VN in my country, it is ~ $7,500
Year: 2021
Annual servicing cost: £145
The engine and gears are very good, construction and finish to a high standard. I would recommend to a friend but there are the 3 other models that share the same engine but more specialised eg adventure and sport that may appeal more
Rider pegs rubber top not the best. Would like to see a more responsive rear brake
Good gear ratios and reponsive to acceleration
Running costs are low
Minimal. It's a naked bike
Year: 2019
I am eighty two years old and have been riding since I was sixteen YO This is one of the best bikes I have ever owned and I have had plenty from my first machine my fathers 125cc. Royal Enfield two stroke than ran backwards if kicked the wrong way to a GSX1400 the best bike I ever rode.
very still suspension for country roads that I ride in Australia.
goes like the clappers. for new riders the throttle response is too quick making riding in dense traffic a bit twitchy. First gear is too low and second too high when moving slowly.
I've had quite a few Honda's and their quality is better than any other machine.
Runs on the smell of an oily rag.
This bike is extremely good for all riders. I have won road races and become club road race champion, years ago and find it easy to ride the exhaust pipe of very quick riders not with standing my age
Buying experience: Bought from a Honda dealer in Port Macquarie the easiest ever, quick good quote for my trade and at least $1500 off the recommended price.
Year: 2021
Annual servicing cost: £100
I "traded down" as I am growing older (and weaker) and thought that a lighter bike would be ideal. If I was honest, I guess I would have to admit that the sound of the twin is dreadful and wish I had bought the 650 four. However, the 500 is a cracking bike that puts a smile on my face every time I ride it. Still early days but so far the bike has met all my expectations. I love it around town, very easy to negotiate traffic (big smiles) and when I am out with my mates (all on bigger bikes) have never felt lacking. Handing is spot on
Handling is more than adequate and the Michelin road 5 are excellent I did worry about only having a single disk but have found them to be more than good enough for the lightweight.
I have given it 5 out of 5 based on what it is, rather than what I wish it was. My only criticism would be gearing - great around town, not so on the back roads but still a lot of fun
So far all is well; but then it is a Honda so would not expect any reliability issues
Assuming I can believe the computer, the bike is averaging around 80 MPG and doing well over 200 miles to the tank full
Honda, please, please get rid of the invisible dash. Before this, I had the CBR650R and i can count on my fingers how many times I could actually see how fast I was going. ABSOLUTELY NOT FIT FOR PURPOSE
Buying experience: I bought my bike from Honda dealer Miles Kingsport based in Hull. Happy with the deal and their covid safe guards
Year: 2019
I have had this bike for 1year and it’s a really nice to ride and love it but have had issues with corrosion after explaining to the dealership I purchased it from that I need something to use all year round. It wasn’t explained that Honda don’t cover corrosion issues even tho the bike is garaged when not used and is cleaned with proper bike cleaners and been serviced twice in the first year and cleaned regularly to honda’s recommendations on their website.
Corrosion issues with headlight mount and bottom yoke
Bike has amazing mpg and isn’t to expensive to buy new
Not to much with it but it’s functional
Buying experience: Dealership was great when it can to buying the buy but have had bad after sales with them and Honda haven’t been much help
Year: 2019
Annual servicing cost: £100
Would defiantly recommend, passed my test on the ‘16 and purchased the ‘19 the difference in weight is night and day! And the way it sounds when it hits the power band is phenomenal even with a stock exhaust.
Brilliant through twisties and great acceleration, gets you to 70 without even trying and I’d say easily capable of 100+ even with my 18st frame. Only gripe is brakes can fade a little on faster rides but reel the lever in with the stock adjustable dial and your all good.
So smooth compared to my friends ninja 400
Honda. Need I say more?
Once a year or every 8000 miles.
Only downfall if it can be called one is wind blast Over 50, get a screen!
Buying experience: Purchased from a Honda dealer, premium service
Honda CB500F cornering right
Honda CB500F on the road
Honda CB500F left side
Honda CB500F above
Kawasaki Z400 Performance vs Honda CB500F
The 2019-on CB500F
Styling tweaks bring the CB500F up to date
The CB500F is powered by a parallel twin motor
The CB500F is available in multiple colour schemes
A neat LCD dash displays all the key riding information
Conventional forks suspend the CB500F
