Description

Around town, the CB500F is smooth, predictable and easy to handle. Its 30.7-inch seat height and narrow-ish bars don’t require a long reach for lock-to-lock parking lot maneuvers. Hunt down some twisty roads, and the CB500F shows its true colors, encouraging the rider to wind it up above 5,500 rpm and have some fun. The suspension is adjustable for preload both front and rear, and while it’s soft by sportbike standards, it’s well suited to the CB’s weight and power. The single 320mm disc up front and 240mm disc in the back are enough to slow the 420-pound (wet) bike down. With the 4.4-gallon gas tank full, it should be possible to string together a nice long, twisty ride (our test bike averaged 62.4 mpg on regular fuel, good for 274 miles per tank). The CB has a image-conscious designs with a riding experience to match. You’ll likely end up with a smile on your face and enough cash leftover in your pocket to snag that new helmet you’ve been eyeing.