Honda 2021 CB500F ABS Urban Motorcycle Review Specs

The Honda 2021 CB500F ABS Urban Motorcycle, which debuted in 2013 alongside the adventure-styled CB500X and fully-feared CBR500R, has shown that one of Honda’s tried-and-true formulae for producing popular bikes has not lost any of its significance.

That method? A twin-cylinder engine encased in a simple, lightweight, dynamic frame that is equally enjoyable for novice and expert riders. And although its 35kW peak power output qualifies it for A2 license holders, the CB500F gives much more than “entry-level” performance.

While its modest size and inviting demeanor make it a simple motorcycle to operate, ride, and learn on, those same characteristics also make it a true delight for those who want to discover what it can do on the weekend, whether they are moving up from a 125 or down from a giant machine. Regardless of the circumstance, sensible operating expenses contribute significantly to the attraction.

In 2019, the Honda CB500F was redesigned with uncompromising lines that raised its technical and mechanical characteristics, as well as several enhancements that further increased the riding experience. One of Honda’s most popular bikes will get redesigned graphics, two new stunning colors, and Euro-5 homogenization in 2020.

The CB500F’s 35kW engine is A2 license-compatible. It has the 2019 modifications to the intake, exhaust, and valve timing, which delivered 4 percent greater power and torque between 3-7,000rpm compared to the previous model and were complemented by a new assist/slipper clutch.

LCD instruments indicate Shift Up and Gear Position and all LED illumination. While the engine and chassis of the EURO5-homologous 2021 model remain unaltered, two new vibrant hues enhance the vehicle’s visual appeal.

Honda 2021 CB500F ABS Urban Motorcycle – Features and Specs

Styling & Chassis

The basic faired shape of the 2019 CB500F has developed from front to rear, radiating a newfound ferocity. The machine’s attitude is low-set and action-ready, as shown by the design of its headlights; the side shrouds interlock including the fuel tank and ultimately highlights the engine, while the side covers and seat unit maintain the concept of powerful angularity.

Tapered handlebars provide a natural grip and leverage. The Gear Position and Shift Up indication on LCD instruments is set to 8,750rpm by default but may be modified in 250rpm increments between 5-8,750rpm.

The 35mm steel diamond-tube mainframe diameter is unchanged for 2020. It is light and durable, with a tailored degree of elasticity that gives the rider enough sensation when road conditions vary. In addition to the location and form of the engine mounts, the rigidity balance of the frame also lowers vibration.

With a wheelbase of 1410mm and rake and trail settings of 25.5°/102mm, the steering is both agile and confident. Mass centralization, with the engine located close to the pivot point of the swing arm, provides turning agility while optimal front-to-rear weight distribution assures stability. Kerb’s weight is 189kg.

Seat height is shallow at 785mm, making the CB500F extremely manageable, and its neutral riding stance suits riders of all measurements with ease. The dimensions are 2080mm x 790mm x 1060mm, and the ground clearance is 145mm. The gasoline tank carries 17.1L including reserve, which, in conjunction with the engine’s superb fuel efficiency of 28.6km/liter, provides a range of 480km (over 260 miles).

The 41mm reload-adjustable telescopic front fork with a 120mm stroke provides a compliant but controlled ride, as well as an excellent feel for front tire grip. A single-tube rear shock absorbed with a large-diameter piston (seen on higher-capacity sports bikes) provides superior suspension responsiveness and temperature control. It has a solid box-section swing arm with pressed steel chain adjustment end-pieces and a 9-stage spring preload adjustment. The final drive is a 520-sealed chain.

Lightweight 17-inch aluminum wheels with Y-shaped spokes have hollow cross-sections. The front wheel width is 3.5 inches with a 120/70-ZR17 tire, while the rear wheel width is 4.5 inches with a 160/60-ZR17 tire. A front 320mm wavy disc and two-piston caliper are paired with a rear 240mm disc and one-piston caliper. ABS is standard equipment.

Engine

The CB500F’s A2-license-friendly, 8-valve liquid-cooled parallel twin-cylinder architecture delivers a well-proportioned balance between physical size and eager, pleasant power output, with an energetic, high-revving personality and a zingy top end.

The 2019 engine enhancements boosted acceleration with an increase in low-to-mid range power and torque in the 3-7,000rpm range, with a 4 percent gain resulting from revised valve timing – featuring ‘close’ timing accelerated by 5-degree – and lift raised to 7.8mm.

Feeding the PGM-FI fuel injection is a comparatively straight line of airflow via the air box and throttle bodies – the 2019 modification re-positioned the battery farther away from the air box intake duct’s back to allow for additional airflow. The two exit pipes of the exhaust muffler provide a dynamic edge to each pulse. 35 kW of peak power is available at 8,500 rpm, while 43 Nm of torque is available at 7,000 rpm.

The bore and stroke are 67mm x 66.8mm, and the compression ratio is 10.7:1. The brand new crankshaft pins are phased at 180-degree, and the main couple-balancer is located behind the cylinders, near the center of gravity of the motorcycle. The primary and balance gears are scissors gears, reducing noise. The counterweight of the crankshaft is mainly designed for couple-balance, and its small weight enables the engine to spin freely and with less inertia.

As a stressed member, the engine contributes to the frame’s stiffness through four frame hangers on the cylinder head. Internally, the cylinder head utilizes roller rocker arms; shim-type valve adjustment enables them to be light, resulting in decreased valve spring load and friction.

Vanadium is applied to the surface of the pins of a silent (SV Chain) cam chain to reduce friction and enhance wear resistance. The diameter of the new intake valve is 26.0mm and that of the exhaust valve is 21.5mm.

To decrease piston “noise” at high rpm, the piston form is modeled on the 2019 CBR1000RR Fire blade—reduced friction results from striations on the piston skirt. Like the CBR1000RR, an AB1 salt bath method is used after masonite nitriding to generate a protective oxidization membrane.

The ‘triangle’ proportion of the crankshaft, main shaft, and countershaft is remarkably similar to that of powerful Honda’s four-cylinder RR engines, and much of the 2019 CBR1000RR’s internal construction and engineering is used.

The crankcase is constructed with centrifugally cast thin-walled sleeves; its interior design lowers the ‘pump’ losses that may arise with a 180° phased firing sequence. The oil pump’s aeration performance has been enhanced, and friction has been minimized; a deep sump lowers oil movement during heavy cornering and braking. The oil volume is 3.2 liters.

The CB500F’s six-speed transmission is highly similar to its RR relative, using the same gear change arm and link system. A 2019 innovation, the assist/slipper clutch facilitates lighter shifts and softens any rough downshifts.

The CB500F, like its 500cc stablemates, is homologous for EURO5, which, beginning January 1, 2020, will implement substantially more stringent engine emissions rules than EURO4. These criteria include significant reductions in allowable carbon monoxide emissions, a decrease of almost 40 percent in total hydrocarbon emissions, stricter misfire detection, and introduction of a particle restriction.

Honda 2021 CB500F ABS Urban Motorcycle – Technical Specifications

Engine

Fuel System

Electrical System

Drivetrain

Frame

Chassis

Suspension

Wheels

Brakes

Instruments & Electrics