2013 Honda CBR500R and CB500F

[RaY YreKa]

Originally Posted by kraven

I give it about 30 days til someone with a lot of cash to burn has to be the first one to Dakar one of these.

I didn't expect to like it, but I do.

Cheap to buy, insure, and run. Looks less like a dildo than the 700X, and has a standard fuel-filler placement, so you can easily fit/attach hard luggage and still gas up.

[Cortez]

Any power ratings yet other then the "47hp" mentioned before?
Would be nice if the CBR and F would have a couple more.

They're lighter then the 700X/S series so they'll go faster even
with 47hp.. but it sure would be fun if the CBR had at least 55.

[kraven]

Originally Posted by RaY YreKa

I didn't expect to like it, but I do.

Cheap to buy, insure, and run. Looks less like a dildo than the 700X, and has a standard fuel-filler placement, so you can easily fit/attach hard luggage and still gas up.

Yeah, same here. I like it too. Seems to make a lot of sense as an light adventure bike and commuter. It's a real punch in the nuts for strom, versys, etc. segment.

I think Honda is getting their product dialed in for our market in a big way.

[RaY YreKa]

Originally Posted by kraven

Yeah, same here. I like it too. Seems to make a lot of sense as an light adventure bike and commuter. It's a real punch in the nuts for strom, versys, etc. segment.

I think Honda is getting their product dialed in for our market in a big way.

Just noticed the X has a 20-litre tank (4.5 USA gallons, 0.7 reserve). That could produce DL650-like range.

I think the key will be how well the torque is managed, if they get that right it could make a big difference. I owned a 1998 Honda CB500, a perfectly good 500cc streatbike but it was peaky and only had 34ftlb torque. Honda are claiming a 'wide powerband' with same bore and stroke as their 600RR bike.

Also noticed adjustable screen and halogen headlight as standard.

Intriguing.

Luggage, centre-stand, touring screen as options.

[Grainbelt]

I would likely enjoy bouncing this off the rev limiter all afternoon.

[gore-tx]

That CBR500 is pretty sweet looking! I actually like the red one a lot.
http://powersports.honda.com/2013/cbr500r.aspx
$5,999 ain't bad...

[ph0rk]

I didn't think I would be excited about Honda motorcycles this morning. I am.

[TonyKZ1]

Yea, I'm glad to see Honda bringing out those three 500cc bikes, and even better actually delivering them to the U.S.A. As it seems in the past some of the desired bikes were only available overseas. Now there's 3 more bikes to had to my next bike list, along with the NC700x that's already on the list.
Tony

[mrbreeze]

I'm liking the X. I wonder what kind of gas mileage it will get, and how it compares to the 700. It looks like it doesn't have the storage area the 700 has. That is not necessarily a problem to me, as I would almost certainly put a trunk on it.

Should be a fun ride!

[Cortez]

Originally Posted by mrbreeze

I'm liking the X. I wonder what kind of gas mileage it will get, and how it compares to the 700. It looks like it doesn't have the storage area the 700 has. That is not necessarily a problem to me, as I would almost certainly put a trunk on it.

Should be a fun ride!

Considering the power vs weight, he 500X should be faster accelerating
then the 700!

And that's a good thing.

[mrbreeze]

Originally Posted by Cortez

Considering the power vs weight, he 500X should be faster accelerating
then the 700!

And that's a good thing.

that's what I'm thinking as well, and if it can do at least 60mpg, then you have a range of over 200 miles. Pretty darn good, if you ask me. Put some bags on it and ride it anywhere!

[Cortez]

Originally Posted by mrbreeze

that's what I'm thinking as well, and if it can do at least 60mpg, then you have a range of over 200 miles. Pretty darn good, if you ask me. Put some bags on it and ride it anywhere!

I'm gonna say it'll probably have the exact same MPG figures of the 700.

Less weight to carry around, but more revs doing it, even if it's a smaller
engine it might end up being exactly the same on average.

But a steady 50-60mph in top gear might result in even better mileage.
The top gear is probably not an overdrive like on the 700 though.

[gore-tx]

Hell for Leather reports 54mpg.

[mrbreeze]

54? I think it could do better than that. That's about what I got out of my FZ6.

[Cortez]

When you go lower with power and torque.. you gotta hit the throttle
harder to "get moving", that's why I wouldn't expect better figures then
on the 700X.

All that extra revving might even result in a worse average for a
"spirited" rider.