Honda CBF500 (2004-current)

I wish Honda was still producing the 500 CBF as it really is a great bike. As a commuter I needed something that was light, reliable and economical - the 500 CBF ticks all the boxes. I ride in all weathers and it is assured and sturdy. It feels like a quality bike even though it comes with a budget price tag. When i take it onto the motorway this 'commmuter' proves to be fun and zesty. With a flick of the wrist I am at 85mph andf the bike feels as if there is pleanty of power still to come. OK it's not a racing bike, but then again I have no intention of going to a track. I just want a bike that will start every morning and get me to work and back. This it does easily and is fun too. Highly recommended! An excellent bike that looks good and workd very well. The resale value is also excellent - I have discovered lots of people want one.

Here is an update, my previous review was in August. I have now done 3,000 miles on my CBF and I do like it. I regularly get mpg in the high 50's with the average about 57mpg. It has never missed a beat which is what you would expect of a new bike. As stated in my previous review as a distance commuter each and every day I need a bike that has a fairing, clock and a fuel gauge. The engine has freed up more since my last review and spins happily. The handling is safe and predictable and I think she looks good. The seat is now a lot more comfy and either my bum or the seat has softened. I like this bike more than I did in my last review, but becuase of my long didstance commute and the things that Honda have left off I wil be changing it next year (2009) for a CBF1000. which has a fairing, clock, centre stand, fuel gauge and as you would expect from a bike twice the capacity more oomph. The CBF500 is a very very good bike for the novice or shorter distance commuter. Or someone who just isn't as critical as me.

I have owned this Bike from new for three months and so far have done 1,900 mile commuting to work every single day. It will be used winter and summer for my 40 mile daily commute. It does exactly what it says on the tin and gets me to work every day and can put a smile on my face. I have been consistently getting 58 - 60 MPG and it beats all the cars in the Traffic Light Grand Prix. The seat is getting more comfy now I have been on it for three months but at first it seem very hard. The riding position is great, but on longer trips I do have slight wrist ache. The bike in my eyes does look good. The brakes are okay and do the job, my friend who has been riding all his life says that the brakes are very good. The fit and finish are good and are better than the Suzuki and Kawasaki's that I liked at before I bought. Some negatives, this bike is designed for commuting and the novice rider (like me) but it does not have any of the following a fairing, a rear hugger, a fuel gauge or a clock. I consider all the these items very important if you like me use the bike every day for your ride to work. So really all the negatives are about what Honda left off the bike as opposed to the actual bike itself, which I suppose shows what a good bike it is. Would I buy one again myself, probably not if my commute was only twenty miles then definitely yes or if I wanted the bike to be my first big bike and break myself in with then definitely yes. But for my 40 mile commute the things that I have listed above that Honda left off will be a pain to me come December and January. For a Summer only or a shorter distance year round commuter or a first big bike to learn your trade on then this bike is great.

Having owned 25 bikes in 28 years,this bike is about the best so far, for the combination of commuting and fun riding that I do. however I looking to change,fuel consumption being a big reason,63mpg is the absolute best i can achieve riding like my granny is on the back. Riding at 70mph on my 68 mile round trip to work and back I am only getting 50mpg. Get a grip bike makers,70mpg at 70mph cant be to much to ask can it,riding to work is great even in winter,but sadly car makers are leaving us behind in the economical transport sector which motorcycling once ruled.

It is a great all round bike and stands up well to the weather considering it's never been left for more than a week to sit idle. Only thing is the hugger doesn't come as standard. Excellant Bike!

My CBF500 was bought second hand for £3k with 1200 miles on the clock. My first ABS bike great on wet winter roads. 60mpg plus, very good handling on the OE Michilen Pilot Road tyres. Needs hugger and fender ext for muck