Honda CB500F: The Great Blend of Performance, Style, Price

Introduction

Honda has built a reputation for producing motorcycles that balance performance, reliability, and everyday practicality. Among its extensive lineup, the Honda CB500F stands out as a middleweight naked streetfighter that appeals to both beginners and seasoned riders alike.

First launched in 2013, the CB500F quickly became popular worldwide for being an approachable yet capable motorcycle. It belongs to Honda’s “500” series, which also includes the CBR500R (sportbike) and CB500X (adventure bike). The CB500F is the most versatile and city-friendly member of this trio, making it a go-to choice for urban commuting, weekend fun, and even long-distance trips.

Design and Styling

The Honda CB500F embraces the naked streetfighter design philosophy, with aggressive styling and sharp lines that highlight its sporty personality.

Minimalistic Streetfighter Look: With no bulky fairings, the CB500F shows off its muscular fuel tank and exposed frame, emphasizing its raw and athletic character.
LED Lighting: The bike comes with full-LED lighting, including a sharp headlamp, sleek indicators, and a modern tail section.
Aggressive Stance: A compact headlight cowl, angular tank shrouds, and a slim rear end give it an aggressive yet balanced road presence.
Ergonomic Design: Designed for daily usability, the upright riding stance makes it comfortable for long commutes.

The Honda CB500F is a motorcycle that not only performs but also turns heads with its stylish looks.

Engine and Performance

At the core of the Honda CB500F is a 471cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine, known for its refinement and durability.

Power Output: The engine produces around 47 horsepower at 8,600 rpm and 43 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm.
Smooth Power Delivery: Honda has tuned the motor for linear acceleration, making it easy for new riders while still exciting for experienced ones.
6-Speed Gearbox: Paired with a smooth-shifting gearbox, it delivers effortless rides in city traffic and on highways.
Assist & Slipper Clutch: Helps reduce lever effort and prevents wheel hop during aggressive downshifts.

While the CB500F is not a high-revving powerhouse like its sportbike siblings, it delivers usable real-world performance, making it a perfect everyday motorcycle.

Ride and Handling

The Honda CB500F is designed to offer a balance between agility and stability.

Chassis: Built around a diamond-tube steel frame, the bike provides strength without adding unnecessary weight.
Suspension: Equipped with 41mm Showa Separate Function Forks (SFF-BP) at the front and a preload-adjustable rear monoshock, it ensures a stable yet comfortable ride.
Brakes: The bike comes with a dual-disc setup at the front (296mm twin discs) and a 240mm rear disc, supported by dual-channel ABS for safety.
Tyres: It runs on 17-inch alloy wheels with sporty rubber for confident cornering.
Handling: With a kerb weight of around 189 kg, the CB500F feels light and nimble, especially in urban traffic.

This setup makes the CB500F equally comfortable for commuting, highway touring, and occasional spirited cornering.

Features and Technology

Although the CB500F focuses on being a rider-friendly streetfighter, Honda equips it with several modern features:

Full LED Lighting for improved visibility and efficiency.
LCD Instrument Console displaying speed, rpm, fuel level, gear position, and more.
Assist & Slipper Clutch for smoother shifts.
Dual-Channel ABS as standard.
Honda’s Legendary Reliability, ensuring low maintenance and long-lasting performance.

While it does not offer advanced electronics like riding modes or traction control (seen on more expensive rivals), its simplicity makes it reliable and approachable.

Comfort and Ergonomics

The Honda CB500F is designed with everyday usability in mind.

Upright Riding Position: The slightly rear-set footpegs and wide handlebars offer a sporty yet comfortable posture.
Seat Height: At 785 mm, the seat height is accessible for shorter riders as well.
Pillion Comfort: The seat provides reasonable comfort for short-to-medium rides with a pillion.
Fuel Tank: With a 17.1-litre tank, it offers impressive range, especially with its fuel-efficient engine.

This makes the CB500F one of the most practical middleweight motorcycles available today.

Fuel Efficiency and Mileage

One of the biggest strengths of the Honda CB500F is its fuel efficiency.

The bike delivers around 27–30 km/l, depending on riding conditions.
With its 17.1-litre tank, riders can expect a range of over 450 km on a full tank, making it suitable for touring.

For a 500cc motorcycle, this fuel efficiency is remarkable and adds to its everyday practicality.

Safety Features

Honda equips the CB500F with essential safety features to enhance rider confidence:

Dual-Channel ABS for stable braking.
Power Delivery designed to be predictable, reducing chances of sudden surprises.
Strong Brakes with Nissin Calipers, offering progressive stopping power.

These features make the CB500F beginner-friendly while still satisfying experienced riders.

Market Positioning and Rivals

The Honda CB500F sits in the middleweight naked motorcycle category. It faces competition from:

Kawasaki Z650
Yamaha MT-07
KTM Duke 790 (in some markets)
CFMoto 650NK

Where the Honda CB500F excels is in reliability, refinement, fuel efficiency, and beginner-friendly nature. While rivals may offer more power, the CB500F wins in practicality and affordability.

Price and Availability

The Honda CB500F is sold in multiple markets worldwide.

In Europe: Prices start from around €6,500–€7,000.
In the UK: Around £6,200.
In the US: The starting price is about $6,799.
In India (expected if launched): Around ₹4.5 lakh to ₹5.5 lakh (ex-showroom).

Honda has not officially launched the CB500F in India yet, but considering the growing demand for middleweight motorcycles, it could be a strong contender if introduced.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Refined and reliable 471cc engine
Beginner-friendly and practical
Excellent fuel efficiency
Comfortable ergonomics
Affordable compared to rivals

Cons

Less powerful than some competitors
Lacks advanced electronics (riding modes, traction control)
Not as aggressive in performance as rivals like the Yamaha MT-07

Who Should Buy the Honda CB500F?

The Honda CB500F is perfect for riders who:

Want a beginner-friendly yet capable middleweight bike
Need a motorcycle for both daily commutes and weekend rides
Value reliability, fuel efficiency, and low running costs
Prefer a balanced motorcycle rather than extreme performance

It is a bike that can easily transition with you—from being your first big bike to a reliable everyday partner for years to come.

Conclusion

The Honda CB500F is more than just a motorcycle—it is a statement of simplicity, reliability, and fun riding. With its stylish design, smooth parallel-twin engine, comfortable ergonomics, and excellent fuel economy, it strikes the perfect balance between performance and practicality.

Whether you are a new rider looking for your first big bike or an experienced motorcyclist seeking a dependable everyday machine, the Honda CB500F delivers on all fronts.

It may not have the most advanced electronics or the highest power figures, but it offers something far more important—confidence, usability, and the joy of motorcycling in its purest form.