HONDA CBR500R (2019 - 2021) Review

For what it is…a budget conscience bike, you can’t fault the handling. I find the suspension quite able but it does “float” a bit on undulating road surfaces at speed. Nothing worrying, and it’s doesn’t slow me down, but it’s just a recognition that the suspension is not up with the best. I have the front pre-load at Max which stops the bike pitching down hard on the brakes and you really can move at pace. In fact, the way to really exploit the CBR500R is to carry as much speed through the turns as you can as that nullifies the lack of grunt on the engine.

Zippy wee thing. Never going to excite like a big cc bike in the surge stakes but accept it for what it is and it never disappoints. It handles better than I anticipated and can flip flop through the turns with precision. I run Michelin road 6s front and rear and they really suit the bike and are absolutely dependable in all weather conditions. Engine is bullet proof ( Haslem race school used them, so that should tell you something about the handling and reliability), just need oil and filter changed at 8k, plugs and air filter at 15k and valve clearance check.

Only issue I had was a starting issue for a few days but that was down to water getting into switch gear. Not surprising as I ride year round in some awful weather. That’s it though, so very impressed. It’s been a truly reliable bike that I totally trust to get me to work and back each day.

Cheapest bike to run I’ve ever had. Tyres last ages. Just need to add fuel which is minimal, and then oil and filter at 8k and air filter and spark plugs and valve clearance check at 16k. There’s a bit more to it than those items but nothing to concern you as it’s just checks.

At this price, the dash is fantastic. Reliable fuel gauge and full LED display. I added a scotoiler to make chain lubrication automatic. Heated grips are a great addition and I highly recommend the Oxford ones as they get really hot which is great on super cold days. I have a black widow end can and it pops on the overrun and has a nice fruity tone on the throttle. Sounds proper big bike. Tail tidy as I hate the the things that come as standard. Overall, I have made the ideal commuter. Cheap to run but an awful lot of fun and I can honestly say that there is very little if anything that would be quicker on my daily commute.

With comfy suspension, twisty country road are easily dealt with and the seat is very comfortable for me. Long journeys are no problem. I can ride this all day and not have any aches. Excellent range from the fuel tank. I don’t carry pillions so can’t comment on that. It’s possible to do but maybe just shorter runs.

Definitely the best feature of the Honda 500 line up. Peppy performance is enough to easily accelerate away from the lights and keep up with faster moving traffic with enough poke to safely overtake when needed. Cruising at motorway speeds is a piece of cake and the way the torque is delivered is impressive. You’d swear you were riding something more powerful. Fun on the country lanes working the gearbox. I’ve had plenty of powerful bikes and can confirm the 500R and X are still fun to ride. You can use every single one of its 47 horses.

It’s a Honda and a well built one too. Keep it clean and well serviced and it will last for many years. Good service intervals. For me it is once a year anyway based on my annual mileage. Nothing has gone wrong yet and I don’t expect it to.

Expect a first service to cost around 100-150 and annual services around 200-240. A bigger 16k mile service will likely cost more. The fuel economy on these Honda 500 twins is insane. Ive had over 98mpg on a steady run and even more spirited riding sees over 87mpg for me. Of course that my differ with other riders but even so these are very frugal bikes to run.

It has everything you need to feel safe but no more than that. That’s ideal for me. My MT09 has the other faff for faster speeds. Exhaust is ok at lower speeds but it is quiet anyway. Pop an end can on it for better sound and pops! Dunlop Sportmax tyres are ok for me. Fine in the dry and wet. You can always upgrade the tyres when they wear out. Overall look of the bike is lovely. It maybe only a 500 but it’s looks add to its appeal. Even my non riding neighbour thinks it is gorgeous.

Surprisingly good. Brakes are fine, ride is very smooth even at speed and handling is very easy and positive. Will keep up with far faster bikes.

I have owned many really fast bikes and have bought this to keep me on the road now I have hit 65! The engine is bland and the performance is adequate. It will get you were you want, cruise at motorway speed and do over 80 to a gallon. It will not excite you but do not let that put you off. I am thoroughly enjoying riding it due to its high comfort level. My days of Hayabusas etc are over.

Excellent build quality.

Always do my own servicing. First service cost £45 for oil and £15 for a genuine filter with a removal tool. Next service due in 16000 miles! I will service it thoroughly every 2 years ( I have several bikes and this will only do around 1500 miles per year)

Has all you need. I would appreciate a main stand for chain adjustment and maintenance.

Ride and handling is fine for the performance. Brakes are enough without being exciting. All round it is very sound and integrated in its performance - no individual parts are much better or much worse than the overall quality. Rider seat is comfortable for 2 hours or so. Seat is low enough that I can paddle it to put it in the garage so the weight ( at 194kg a bit heavier than I would like) is actually not an issue.

The engine is smooth with good response and sufficient linear power. It pulls from little over 2000 revs and is easy in town. But it's fast enough when you use the revs. And the exhaust has a lovely burble on the overrun.

Typical Honda build quality

Not really sure of service cost yet. First service was free as part of the buying deal and I have only done 1500 miles. But intervals are long so should be reasonable.

The fairing looks good and with the screen, works well to make the ride comfortable. Bars are just right for me, angled but not too low. OE Dunlop tyres seem fine so far and don't white-line. Mirrors don't blur but need much fiddling to avoid just seeing your shoulders. it needs a radiator guard and hugger but that is common enough. Tank will take a Givi tanklock fixing and there are straps under the passenger seat for luggage.

Brakes very well. Smooth ride .Very comfortable on long runs

Very nippy bike. No issues keeping up with traffic on motorway

Bullet proof engine. Quality faultless honda

Very cheap to service . Amazing mpg too.

Some have commented about brakes and upgrading, that’s not my view they are fine. Ride to the bike and not beyond

You need to quickly move between the first three gears to get a move on from stand still. But equally will move through urban traffic and toll in 3rd Gear

Only done 700 miles on the bike in my ownership so can’t say too much about reliability but everything about the bike is quality at an affordable price

Required a new spare key, all done and programmed for less than £75, as a car owner amazing value

Equipment is limited built to a price point, gear indicator would have been nice similar to later models which leads you to fitting an aftermarket indicator. Needs a tail tidy if planning to keep the bike for any length of time

New suspension much better than previous models soft suspension.

Lighter clutch and new gearbox are excellent.Lovely burble from exhaust on the overrun.

Had 2016 model before this one with no problems after 3 years use.

Just usual oil and filter changes etc.

Had a double bubble on previous model but not really needed on this one.