The New 2013 Honda CB500F, New Choice Half Litre Bike

Honda proved surprisingly productive late with new models. Big Red Added to find 19 models and counting the motor in the last two years. Although nearly new motorcycles points, many are purpose built to engage drivers as affordable, easy to assemble entries motorcycle. MotoUSA sample the epitome of this new change in the direction of the market, with a short first round of the new 2013 Honda CB500F.

Image of New 2013 Honda CB500F

This is the standard naked in the new CB500F CB500 area, joining full fared sporty CBR500R (check with F) and the next bike adventure CB500X. The 500F sport the lowest of the three at $ 5,499 MSRP for the base model and $ 5999 with ABS. Like his brothers and sisters CB500, sources of new F parallel twin-cylinder 471cc Honda. The tubular steel frame, Showa suspension and dual disc caps are also shared with the other 500th

The technical details of the new engine and chassis are placed in our CBR500R first driving test. The power of the engine is to be distinguished from 500F 500R with a soft power delivery, indulgent than pep in upscale. The new double-peaks at 47 horsepower and has a torque range, linear power band.

The 500F is different from his brother R sport styling and ergonomics. We will delve into the nuances of the human eye in a minute, but the Ergos that change the attitude of the motorcycle wearing a more relaxed level. Swaps F clip-ons for R Riser handlebar and easy, which raises the bar height 1.9 inches (49mm).

Engine of 2013 Honda CB500F, with 471cc twin cylinder inline

It's a subtle change, but the scope shortcut bar makes more upright seating position (although we did not perform CB500X it was in the garage Honda HQ and Ergos feel upright). Some riders prefer the front slope R Sport model, but I encourage Are more flexible pipe provided by standards such as the CB500F - which felt very comfortable during our short trip.

Bounce the R and F for the first time a photo stop, is the immediate feeling that it feels easier to run faster on his toes and. The steering geometry on both bikes are identical - 25.5 degrees rake, 4.05-inch and 55.5-inch wheelbase hunting - as well as the 160/60 Dunlop Sportmax tires front and rear 120 / 70th Worth the five pounds of body paid by the 420-pound F (£ 424 ABS trim) can contribute gradually to feel easy, but it is the extra leverage of the larger, the handlebars, the guaranteed loan.

As a nude model 500F renounced the protection against the wind. We have not tested on the highway - Honda HQ rushing on the I-10 aboard the 500R - but the F makes the rider more wind with its half-shell and a small cover. A long-distance touring or commuting daily highway prefer the 500R.

Image of back New Honda CB150F

As for the question of style, this tester has always had a penchant for bare look - and the 500F is no exception. I swim against the current one, and it is expected that the R, the F outsell good. In the U.S. market American pilots, for some reason, avoid naked bikes. Fully disguised sportbikes even boost sales in the non-road cruiser segment - and open standards that are so popular in Europe for a long time in the U.S. to fight. We do not even see many bestsellers, such as Kawasaki Z750, Z800 now, what was the best selling motorcycle in France in recent years. Honda has this phenomenon first-hand, with its 599 standard, which experienced disappeared from the U.S. area after sporadic appearances.

Honda representatives seemed cautiously optimistic that the 500F would suffer the fate of the 599th The company is certainly Hawks F as one of its selling easier with MSRP of $ 5,499. As mentioned in the first round 500R, the CB500 bikes models of the world, is the same for different global markets and are produced in the facilities of Honda Thailand. Both contribute to the affordable price tag. But the price is still low considering how the Japanese manufacturers have suffered in recent years misfortune Exchange impressive. Another weakness of strong yen and the euro benefited European manufacturers at the expense of the Japanese. That 500F ABS Fairing can have for less than 6K is an important, if unsung, feat.

The New 2013 Honda CB500F does not feel cheap, with a solid fit and finish. Devices and the equipment, with the 500R, worthy of a shared bicycle across the street. 500F and not emote a little more momentum with its blue screen console, as opposed to more monochrome painting on view R. frame and the overall quality does not feel like a budget bike. It is unfortunate, however, that the ABS version will be available in black and boring - like the Pearl White is a lot more effort in person.

During our initial evaluation of the promenade of the CBR500R, we might call it the most interesting to watch this season of moto. And in terms of the units of volume, it seems to have a greater impact, but the importance of 500F Honda should not be excluded. F is a slightly younger audience (20-30 years) marketed as the 500R (20-40 years), and Honda expects 500F customers less experienced and more price sensitive.

American participation began aging gives it a decade - it is now officially years. While the gray-haired audience still dominates the market and drives sales (think F6B Honda Gold Wing), consumers of Generation Y and Generation X demographics of the most coveted brands. Honda touts the youth market with the 500 models so much fun, affordable frame. And based on our assessment of the fastest lap, we would say that the 500F attractive entry-level model offers the Honda program.