News 26 Jun 2015

Review: 2015 Honda CBR500R

CycleOnline.com.au test rides the 2015 Honda CBR500R.

If you are in the market for an entry-level sportsbike, it’s hard to look past the CBR500R. A sales success story in 2014 and currently runner up to the best-selling Ninja 300, it’s no wonder why this machine is so popular – it’s an ideal machine to learn on with easy handling, predictable power and excellent economy.

What’s more is that the machine’s capabilities are so much more than what a learner needs. This is a bike riders will keep when they have their full licence and it’s also a machine that experienced riders will enjoy to ride with plenty of performance and excitement.

With a new colour scheme for 2015, the affable parallel twin is stylish. Its design harks back to previous generation CBR600s especially around the twin headlights. But as sporty as it looks, the CB500R’s handling, ergonomics and engine are ideal for learners.

Image: Alex Gobert.

Image: Alex Gobert.

The engine looks like a CBR-RR side on, but it’s missing a couple of cylinders. The double overhead cam parallel twin has a 180-degree firing order and to quell the vibes there’s a counter balancer.

The engine uses roller rocker arms and shimed valves in the chain-driven top-end. It has the same bore as the CBR600RR while the triangulation between crank, gearbox and countershaft is almost identical. Fueling is by Honda’s own PGM-FI fuel injection system and the 471cc twin puts out 35kW of power and 43Nm of torque.

The engine pulls strong from idle and gives a smooth delivery of power right through the rev range. The 180-degree crank coupled with a counter-balancer quells vibrations and the power characteristics make for an easy ride. No peaks or troughs, just a constant build up of forces as you screw the right twist grip around.

At freeway speed, the tacho sits around 5000rpm and the ride is velvety smooth. The engine and pipe are super quiet too. There is some good response to about 130km/h, but after that it takes a while for the speed to increase with any urgency.

Image: Alex Gobert.

Image: Alex Gobert.

The parallel-twin engine has good economy on the road. Fuel consumption ranged from 3L/100km around town to 6L/100km when ridden like the CBR600RR it looks like. With a 15.7 litre tank capacity that’s an easy 380km range if you want.

So comfortable is the 500R, I wouldn’t look at the dual purpose CBR500X and CB500F nakedbike for greater comfort. You can see from the photos that the riding position is more relaxed and upright than the bike’s sporty looks.

There’s also a bunch of genuine accessories available for the CBR. You can tailor it to being a more dedicated tourer with panniers, taller windscreen, top box and heated grips. Or you can give it a sportier look with some stick on faux-carbon and pillion seat cowl.

The 500R’s chassis is an engine and chassis platform that is common to the CB500X and CB500F. The X has different geometry with longer travel suspension, but the F is the same.

Image: Alex Gobert.

Image: Alex Gobert.

The chassis specification is basic: the frame is a welded one-piece unit made of 35mm tubing. Up front is a 41mm telescopic front fork and a nine-step preload adjustable rear shock. The brakes, by Nissin, are a two-spot caliper on 320mm disc up front and 240mm disc with single-piston caliper at the rear.

The geometry is a relaxed 25-degree rake and 102mm trail, while weighing in at 194kg wet it is on the hefty side of the scale for a learner bike. But it holds its weight low and you don’t feel that bulk when pushing it around or out on the road. The 785mm seat height sounds high, but the narrowness of the bike make it a short as possible reach to the ground.

The handling is agile and sharp. The suspension, though basic in spec, is a great balance for round town riding and fast open roads. Two up it isn’t challenged by average sized passengers and pillions will appreciate the big grab rails. The brakes, though without ABS on this test bike, have great power and excellent feel. ABS is now standard fitment that is a great bonus for all riders.

When it comes to what you get for your money there are a few shortfalls. There’s no span-adjustable levers and the fuel cap isn’t hinged and there’s no under seat storage, but they are just little annoyances you can get over when you look at the price and live with the bike for more than a short test ride.

Image: Alex Gobert.

Image: Alex Gobert.

For $8K, you get a lot of motorcycle that will do you from day one and beyond. You do get a comprehensive dash display that gives you all manner of fuel consumption readings. The quality of finish is excellent for a bike at this price end of the market. The paint is deep and rich while the quality of fit and finish is as good as Honda’s three times the price.

Another area where the 500 has it over smaller learner bikes is that this is a machine that will last you beyond your restricted licence. You won’t use the pillion seat on your Ls and Ps but it will be there when you get your full licence and the CBR rides well two up.

There’s no questioning the bang for your buck you get with the CB500R. It does everything an entry-level rider will need and will please many riders once the plastic plates are off the rear mudguard.

Specifications

Engine type: Liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valve per-cylinder single
Capacity: 471cc
Bore x stroke: 67 x 66.8mm
Compression ratio: 10.7:1
Claimed power: 35kW @ 8500rpm
Claimed torque: 43Nm @ 7000rpm
Wet weight: 194kg
Seat height: 785mm
Wheelbase: 1410mm
Fuel tank capacity: 15.7L
Colours: Millennium Red, Graphite Black and Seal Silver
Price: $7999 + ORC
Detailed specs: www.hondamotorcycles.com.au

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