2019 Honda CB500F: $7599
Revised geometry and looks for new naked motorbikeHonda’s CB500F has landed in dealerships priced at $7599 plus on-road costs.
The middleweight naked bike is a consistent seller for Honda and the target for the updated model was improved acceleration through a boost in power and torque across the low and midrange.
Adding value to the equation is a new slipper clutch to smooth out harsh downshifts and a full set of LED lights.
The battery has been moved farther away from the rear of the airbox intake duct to generate improved airflow.
The CB500F has an eight-valve, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin-cylinder engine.
Honda says the six-speed gearbox on the CB500F is close to that of the CBR1000RR, down to adopting the same gear change arm structure and link mechanism.
The instrument cluster now has a gear position and “shift up” indicator and the styling updates include a new headlamp design and side shrouds that integrate with the fuel tank to highlight the exposed engine.
The engine now sits closer to the swingarm pivot point to improve mass centralisation and Honda says the 785mm seat height makes the bike easy to manage, while its neutral riding position is said to accommodate riders of varying heights.
The front forks are preload-adjustable 41mm units, backed by a single-tube rear shock replacing the double-tube design of the CB 500F’s predecessor.
This unit has a nine-stage spring preload adjustment and operates in conjunction with a box-section steel swingarm, which now features pressed-steel chain-adjustment end-pieces.
The CB500F rides on 17-inch cast-aluminium wheels and ABS brakes are standard.
Colours include matte gunpowder and black metallic.
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