Honda’s CB500F, a nude streetfighter in the middleweight class, gets many updates for a longer life cycle. New suspension parts and a redesigned swing arm system join the new, powerful LED headlights. Even for better control, a few weight-saving steps reduce the burden and move the equilibrium point further.
2022 Honda CB500F Sports Motorcycle – Features and Specs
Design
Factory designers stuck with the tried-and-true naked-streetfighter formula that has made the CB500F a success since it was first released in 2013. The inverted front axles and molded front fenders are carryovers from Honda’s higher-end CB650R model. The fender’s minimal-wind age arrangement and foil-shaped uprights effectively block air from entering the engine compartment.
Even though laminar flow along the sides is impossible for such an unfaired cycle, the uprights do deflect the wind away from the leading components behind the bike, which increases penetration and decreases drag. If you rest your jaw on the tank, the diminutive front shield won’t even cover your chin. It’s more like a bulky headlamp box with a relic deflector on top.
To better illuminate the road ahead and guarantee sufficient vision in both directions, LED bulbs were installed in both the headlamp and the front blinkers. To find a compromise between curling into an active stance and pressing off for a more comfortable, erect riding position, short handlebar risers bring the upper limb of the rider’s triangle closer to the pilot.
The equipment is displayed on a single, easy-to-read color LCD panel. It includes helpful features like an upshift cue and gear indicator that will appeal to the bike’s target audience of new riders and people with only an A2 license. The open rider’s bench promotes a snug fit between rider and machine, followed by a slightly elevated pillion platform equipped with detachable metal foot pegs.
So far, the CB500F is the only model in the lineup that hasn’t been given the café racer makeover that’s been applied to the rest of the bikes in the lineup.
Chassis
The motor itself serves as a strained block, complementing the 35 mm steel pipe that provides the majority of the structure’s rigidity. By doing so, significant frame mass can be reduced. The rear swing arm’s standard width was decreased from 2.3 mm to a uniform 2 mm. It now features a hollow cross-section and adjusted lateral flexibility that aids in the ride’s overall feel and tuning stability.
The front-end frame is a direct transplant from the CB650R, just like the mudguard. Rake is set at an inclination of 25.5 degrees from the vertical with the help of the new Showa triple tree and SFF-BP stems that split preload and dampening duties between two inverted 41 mm stems. The combination of the model’s lightweight, five-spoke, 17-inch wheels and its minimal four inches of trail places it near the sporty end of the handling range.
An almost three-point change brought the front and back into closer proportion, with the new 50:50 split reading 49.7 percent to 50.3 percent. The fatter the touch area is between the ground and the front tire, the better it can maintain its position.
A large-bore Pro-Link rear shock handles the back suspension with a nine-position compression regulator. An average road-only vehicle will have a front suspension stroke of 4.3 inches and a posterior stroke of 4.7 inches.
The brakes are supplied by Nissin and feature dual 296 mm discs with twin-piston calipers up front and a single 240 mm disc with a single-piston caliper as an anchor in the rear. This bike is aimed at novice users, so it comes standard with all-around, twin-channel ABS to help you keep the grime out of your face.
Drivetrain
The CB500F’s twin-cylinder throbbing heart produces seamless power thanks to its 180-degree outfiring sequence and counter-balancers, which dampen the swaying couple typical to such a design. Further, scissor gears and Vanadium cam-chain pins contribute to the noiseless operation.
The moving mass is kept to a minimum in the top end by using dual overhead cams to time the 8-valve head, four per cylinder, with lightweight shim-and-no-bucket valve-lash correction and roller-rocker finger-follower activation.
A nearly square layout of 67 mm diameter and 66.8 mm stroke yields a capacity of 471 ccs and a compression ratio of 10.7:1, requiring mid-grade fuel; the revised piston form is meant further to reduce mechanical sounds from the interior of the cases. The grooved edges of the pistons help to transport oil into the lower chambers during each movement, which improves lubrication, cooling, and friction.
The 35 mm throttle bodies and fine-tuned PGM-FI settings are responsible for the intake control of this naturally aspirated engine, which is supplied by a virtually straight-through air box.
The engine was last updated for MY19 and produced 46.9 horsepower at 8,600 rpm with 31.7 pound-feet of torque that reaches its peak at 6,500 rpm. This propulsion is channeled through a slip-and-assist clutch into a slick-shifting six-speed gearbox and then to the back wheels via a sturdy O-ring chain final drive at a final ratio that allows for a maximum speed of 111.8 mph (180 km/h).
2022 Honda CB500F Sports Motorcycle – Price
Since it is intended to be used as a teacher and must comply with standard A2, the manufacturer has marked it down to a reasonable $6,699 Price. The body of the ’22 CB500F is painted Dull Gray Metallic, and the rest of the car is blacked out, so you better like monochrome color schemes.
Honda CB500F vs BMW G 310 R
BMW throws out the first pitch with their stripped-down sports car, the G 310 R. The 313 cc thumper is paired with a slipper clutch and Beemer’s own ABS under standard bodywork for the segment. Still, the Bayerische Motoren Werke has given its lineup some visual variety with three different paint schemes, one black on black like the Honda, but the other is far less mundane.
The 88 mph top speed is more than adequate for the entry-level consumer, and the price tag of $4,995 is as cheap as one might expect.
Honda CB500F vs Suzuki SV650
In-country enemy Suzuki’s SV650 from their “Z” series of nude motorcycles takes first place. The engine is a 90-degree V-twin with a displacement of 645 ccs, and it produces 68.2 horsepower and 42.9 pound-feet of torque, which is about what one would anticipate given the size disparity. The SV650 can be had for $7,299 without ABS and $7,749 with the anti-locks, and it adheres to a consistent design aesthetic with comparable construction across the board.
The Suzuki has a top pace of 124 miles per hour, which may be too rapid for less-experienced users, so bear that in mind if you’re looking for a training bike for a loved one.
2022 Honda CB500F Sports Motorcycle – Technical Specifications
Engine
Type | Liquid-cooled four-stroke, parallel twin |
Displacement | 471cc |
No Valves per Cylinder | 4 |
Bore & Stroke | 67mm x 66.8mm |
Compression Ratio | 10.7: 1 |
Max. Power Output | 35kW @ 8600rpm |
Max. Torque | 43Nm @ 6500rpm |
Noise Level (dB) | L-urban 74dB L-wot 76.4dB |
Oil Capacity | 3.2L |
Fuel System
Carburation | PGM FI electronic fuel injection |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.1L (inc reserve) |
CO2 Emissions (WMTC) | 80 g/km |
Fuel Consumption (WMTC) | 3.5L/100km (28.6km/liter) |
Electrical System
Battery Capacity | 12V 7.4AH |
ACG Output | 23.4A/2000rpm |
Drivetrain
Clutch Type | Wet multi-plate, Assisted slipper clutch |
Transmission Type | Six speed |
Final Drive | Chain |
Frame
Type | Steel diamond |
Chassis
Dimensions (L´W´H) | 2080mm x 760mm x 1145mm |
Wheelbase | 1410mm |
Caster Angle | 25.5 degrees |
Trail | 102mm |
Seat Height | 785mm |
Ground Clearance | 130mm |
Kerb Weight | 192kg |
Suspension
Type Front | Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD forks, pre-load adjustable |
Type Rear | Prolink mono with the 5-stage pre-load adjuster, Steel hollow cross swingarm |
Wheels
Type Front | 5Y-Spoke Cast Aluminium |
Type Rear | 5Y-Spoke Cast Aluminium |
Rim Size Front | 17 x MT3.5 |
Rim Size Rear | 17 x MT4.5 |
Tires Front | 120/70ZR17M/C (58W) |
Tires Rear | 160/60ZR17M/C (69W) |
Brakes
ABS System Type | 2-channel |
Type Front | Dual 296mm x 4mm disc with Nissin radial-mount two-piston calipers |
Type Rear | Single 240mm x 5mm disc with single-piston caliper |
Instruments & Electrics
Instruments | LCD Meter with Speedometer, Bar Graph Tachometer, Dual Trip Meters, Fuel Level and Consumption Gauge, Clock, Water Temp, Gear position, Shift Up Indicator |
Headlight | LED |
Taillight | LED |
Security System | HISS (Honda Intelligent Security System) |