My very first motorcycle was a 500R. I weigh just 125 pounds. It’s an extremely welcoming first bike. Although the displacement and style point more toward the 600s, the power is only half that of a 600. The torque curve is nearly diagonally straight. It’s really fluid. It’s the ideal first bike. When you gain the confidence to increase the RPM range to 4 to 6 k, it will reward you for riding it in the 2 to 3k RPM area.
Regardless, you ought to enroll in a safety course. They go by the name MSF in the USA. Equivalent courses are available in Canadian community colleges. Enrolling in a course is essential. If you’re clever and/or lucky, you might be able to get by without one, but it would be much preferable for you to take the course first. The complexity of motorcycling surprises me (and at the same time simple once you understand it).
According to what I’ve heard, tall folks have trouble using the 250s. You should probably start with the 500 only based on that. The 500 is quite amiable in terms of performance, so it won’t attempt to kill you as the 600s might. In essence, it is the ideal size for North America. It won’t have any trouble keeping up on the freeway. It has everything you require and nothing extra.
And yeah, because it’s generally wider, it does look a little nicer than the 250s. It resembles a 600 in terms of appearance, but the engine and riding position are much more relaxed. The greatest beginning bike now on the market is most likely this one.
In This Article...
Is the Honda CBR500R suitable for newcomers?
When it is advised that someone who wants to take up motorcycle riding look into a great bike like the CBR 250, Ninja 250, or Ninja 300, many people typically smirk. This is frequently the situation when the next motorcycle rider weighs more over 200 pounds. “How will the bicycle transport me? It’s so tiny! They moan a lot.
If you wanted something more challenging but still beginner-friendly, “Check out the Honda CBR 500R if you want a motorcycle that offers better value than the other 250cc models. The only sports bike manufacturer now selling a brand-new 500cc bike is Honda. The CBR 500R is one of the motorcycles on our list of the best entry-level models for novices in 2017 because of this.
I myself started riding a GS500, but Suzuki no longer sells it, and Kawasaki discontinued producing the Ninja 500R in 2009. Those two motorcycles are still available on the used market, and if you’re buying a motorcycle for the first time, I actually advise looking at anything used. However, Honda is your only choice if you are determined to buy something off the showroom floor in 500ccs.
Is the Honda cbr500 a reliable first motorcycle?
- Most rookie riders won’t outgrow 47 hp too quickly, nor will they find it to be too much power.
- A stepped two-piece seat has space for a passenger and is ideal for traveling on narrow streets or twisting routes.
- The brakes are above average, and ABS is an available feature.
- The 471cc parallel-twin engine produces power strongly and linearly.
- Long rides are much more comfortable because to the sportbike’s more upright riding position.
- It looks fantastic just like its enormously successful Supersport siblings.
How quickly does a Honda CBR500 go?
The Honda CBR500R may be the best option for you if you’re looking for a solid introduction to a sportsbike but aren’t sure where to begin. Even seasoned riders will find this model entertaining because it has a true large bike feel and plenty of power.
It is a fashionable bike that provides users with a fun ride and a relaxed sitting position. It is also entertaining to drive because the suspension has been improved and feels sturdy, allowing you to effortlessly navigate potholes. On this bike, you may easily travel down the highway.
A top speed of around 112 mph is provided by the 47 horsepower engine, which is more than enough to propel you forward rapidly. At this setting, there won’t be any vibration, which makes the ride even more comfortable. In fact, regardless of your riding level, revs are not a problem. You’ll also see that the air flow has been enhanced, increasing the model’s overall efficiency.
Despite being made in Thailand, the Honda motorcycle maintains its legendary build quality. This bike may cost a little more than comparable models like the KTM RC390. However, given the dependability of the brand and the satisfaction you receive from taking it out, it might be worthwhile. Although ABS is standard, the CB range’s equipment is rather simple.
The CBR500R is dependable.
Although it’s never easy to assess a new bike’s build quality and dependability early on, since the 2022 CBR500R is mostly an upgrade to the 2019 model, MCN owners’ reviews can give us a very good idea.
Here, the vintage bicycle receives a perfect score of five stars from users who have used it for years. During our three-day, 500-mile test, this newest model felt well-made and gave no indication that it would experience a different outcome.
CBR500R or Ninja 400, which is faster?
At 98 mph, the CBR500R manages a 13.5, lagging the Ninja 400 by almost 20 meters. The Ninja 400 will increase its lead if we keep going until it reaches its top speed of 116.8 mph.
What is the lifespan of a CBR 500?
With proper maintenance and high-quality oil, a CBR500R can endure for more than 20 years. The typical annual mileage for a motorcycle is 3,000 miles, yet there are Honda CBR500Rs with over 70,000 miles on the odometer. Although the 500R has only been operating for eight years, its riders have shown endurance by clocking significant mileage quickly.
One of the more recent additions to the Honda sportbike family, the 500R was unveiled in 2013. Being a brand-new bike, it has the benefit of cutting-edge technology, cutting-edge research, and modern engineering.
Although the Honda CBR500R is a sportbike, as we’ve already discussed, some sportbike riders often reach high RPMs, utilizing their machine to do tricks in public or burn up the track for extended periods of time.
Other riders generally don’t push their 500R past its capacity and utilize it as a straightforward, maneuverable commuter. A Honda CBR500R motorbike can last for many years when used carefully.
Is the Yamaha V Star a good first motorcycle?
The Yamaha V-Star 650 distinguishes itself from Japanese rivals Kawasaki and Suzuki by offering a well-rounded product.
Yamaha has always worked to provide straightforward, functional motorcycles. The majority of its goods are designed with the rider in mind, with an emphasis on comfort and usefulness. Thus, when it comes to entry-level motorcycles, Japanese motorcycle manufacturers are the most sought-after.
Entry-level bikes are typically advertised as being naked, having a shorter wheelbase, and having a seat height that accommodates a wider variety of riders. This makes it much easier for beginners to understand the most typical motorcycle layout. However, it would be pleasant to obtain a cruiser with a novice character at a time when cruisers are an emotional touch in the US.
If you are madly in love with cruisers, the Yamaha V-Star 650 is your go-to starter motorcycle. Although it has the appearance of a full-fledged cruiser motorbike, it is actually a highly maneuverable motorcycle to ride. It is based on the over ten-year-old engine from the Yamaha Virago 535. This also assures you of Yamaha’s impenetrable dependability. The Yamaha V-Star 650 distinguishes itself from Japanese rivals Kawasaki and Suzuki by offering a well-rounded product.
We outline all the components and attributes that make the Yamaha V-Star 650 a good, reasonably priced starter bike.
What factory makes Honda CBR500Rs?
These versions, the CB400F (2013–2016), CB400X, and CBR400R, are offered for sale in Japan with 399 cc engines of lower displacement.
[1] New European licensing rules that established a mid-range class of motorbikes with low power also came into effect at the same time as their launch.
[2] The new 500 twins are completely new, unlike the older CB500 parallel-twins that were withdrawn in 2003. They are produced in Thailand, a country where Honda had previously solely produced motorcycles with lesser displacements. [3]
The same 471 cc (28.7 cu in) 180 crank straight-twin engine, which is below the A2 European driving license limit in capacity and power, is used in all variants.
[4] The majority of the cycle elements are the same, as well as the six-speed gearbox. The CB500X is taller and has more ground clearance due to its larger fuel tank and extended front suspension travel.
The CBR500R was the sole model used in the 2013 and 2014 European Junior Cups at the time of its release. Since 2014, Honda has collaborated with local organizers to create national CBR500R Cup competitions in Brazil and France. The races, which take place on a variety of courses, are available to amateur riders aged 13 and older. [5] [6] [7]
How quick is the CBR600RR?
You can first power wheelie in. When you start driving it at low revs, it will increase rather willingly when you reach a range of 7000–8000 rpm.
The CBR600RR accelerates from 0 to 100 mph in 6.85 seconds and from 0 to 200 km/h in 10.73. The quarter-mile time is 10.92 seconds at 131 mph, or little under 11 seconds. Although the CBR600RR is swift, the YZF-R6 is faster.
The majority of my times were in the low to mid-11 range; 10s are only feasible if you are light or have flawless launches and subsequent gear changes. For best results, run first gear up to 14000 rpm +, then change all other gears at 13000 rpm or just a little bit over. Higher terminal speeds can be achieved by stretching each gear, but your ET will suffer significantly.
For comparison, the Dragy’s time from 0 to 130 mph is a respectable 7.3 seconds, which is around 0.4 seconds slower than an R6 and about 2.5 seconds slower than a modern 1000 cc Superbike.
The CBR600RR engine is smooth on the road and provides more than enough power to get around, but there isn’t much overtaking power if you’re running in third or fourth gear around town, so it’s preferable to run a lower gear and a little higher rpm if you want to have more acceleration available to you.
Top gear will get you from 70 to 100 mph in 5.10 seconds, which is respectable and more than enough to get you through slow-moving traffic, while an R6 will do it in 5.90 seconds, so there’s really no need to shift down a gear.
The power tapers off on our sample at a somewhat more abrupt angle than other instances I have seen, at a flat 160 mph, or roughly 14200 rpm in top gear. For this reason alone, the CBR might move more quickly, but it also has a short frontal area and a low screen that provide little protection if you are taller than a jockey.
Most 600s today travel between 155 and 165 miles per hour. When the catalytic converter is removed and the limits are lifted using an ECU flash, it is not uncommon for CBR600RRs of this vintage to produce near to 120 horsepower at the wheels. On a good day, you may anticipate traveling close to or even faster than 170 mph.
Overall, the CBR600RR delivers typical 600 cc Supersport performance in a straight line and is highly thrilling. If you are willing to put in the effort, you can keep up with most vehicles on the road for a while and even surprise the occasional 750/900 from the past.