2013 Honda CBR500R and CB500F

[eakins]

500x w/ accys
http://cmgonline.com/news/wp-content...WA-720x539.jpg

[Grainbelt]

Originally Posted by eakins

500x w/ accys

that's better.

[kraven]

Originally Posted by Grainbelt

that's better.

Indeed, it is. I like that model too.

[Grainbelt]

Originally Posted by kraven

Indeed, it is. I like that model too.

I just meant that I fixed the image tags.

I'd stick with the basic one. That's what appeals about this bike - basic. Maybe put those semi-hard bags that just use a rod from the passenger pegs, and a tank bag. Light, easy, simple.



And I loathe beaks.

[mrbreeze]

I don't care much for the looks of those accessories. I think the aftermarket will do better.

[surly357]

Seems I've been reading 47hp everywhere, but this article states 54hp for the US market.

http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/bike...-honda-cb500x/

Doesn't sound like a big difference, but the Guzzi V7 guys seem to think it's a very noticable improvement on their new models- nearly identical hp change and bike weights.

[Gryphon12]

That's a 15% increase, assuming that both specs were taken at the same place (crank or wheel). However, a 15-20% loss from crank to wheel would also be reasonable. I'd like confirmation one way or the other.

[LoJack]

Good to see a nicer looking exhaust on these bikes compared to the 250's

[Gryphon12]

I was just reviewing photos of the 2011/2012 Honda CBR600F (still called Hornet?) for the EU market. This CBR500R has similar body work and similar frame, but everything about the 500 seems to be make to a lower price point. No USD/Cartridge fork, smaller brakes, simpler fairing, smaller wind screen, smaller tank, thinner seat, smaller / plainer tail section, exhaust muffler held by passenger pegs rather than from below...the list goes on.

Of course, the CBR500R is an entry-level twin and the CBR600F is a touring version of a CBR-RR I-4. I understand the economics and mind-set in the US. I just wish that, along with the CB500F and CB500X, there was a higher-spec option for the "R" version. I suspect the same will be true of those wanting a longer suspension and real protection to broaden the appeal for the "X". So, as a final wish, I hope that this is just the start of Honda beginning to listen once again to the customer and not just their own marketing machine.

[bluesman]

Hornet 600 is not CBR600F. CBR600F is CBR. CB600F is Hornet. It is deriving from totally different roots than this CB500 and there is history behind whole Hornet deal, Hornet started and evolved since 1998 CBR600F PC25 based motor. It is no slouch hooligan bike, no parallels with CB500. It was made available in US at some stage of it's evolution and flopped for absolutely no reason than demands of US market. Noone else to blame.
CBF600 is detuned and simplified bike somehow based on previous CB600 Hornet and that's touring bike based on that motor. CB600F Hornet is not.
CBR600F was soft alternative to CBR600RR at some stage, not made since while.
In any case I'd not make any parallels between 600 and 500 series.

[Gryphon12]

Thank you for the insight. I've been riding Honda motorcycles since 1973, and their nomenclature used to make sense. You could tell what the bike was just by looking at the title: CB, CL, SL, VFR, etc. Sadly, the marketing people got into the mix and that is no longer true.

Your comment about an earlier CB600F Hornet flopping here in the US in the early 2000's is completely accurate. I'm one of the few riders who would have bought one, if the tech bubble crash hadn't hurt me so badly. Sadly, most Americans won't pay for a high quality mid-sized motorcycle when a liter-bike is just a few pennies more.

Does anyone know what year(s) Honda imported the Hornet here? Might be a good platform to build upon. Will Europen parts fit?

[surly357]

2004 and 2006. it was called the '599' in the US.

i just read a contemporary review- it was built in italy (!), i did not remember that.

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fwiw, the new cb bikes are up on cycle-ergo.com...

[Bugz]

Originally Posted by bluesman

Hornet 600 is not CBR600F. CBR600F is CBR. CB600F is Hornet. It is deriving from totally different roots than this CB500 and there is history behind whole Hornet deal, Hornet started and evolved since 1998 CBR600F PC25 based motor. It is no slouch hooligan bike, no parallels with CB500. It was made available in US at some stage of it's evolution and flopped for absolutely no reason than demands of US market. Noone else to blame.
CBF600 is detuned and simplified bike somehow based on previous CB600 Hornet and that's touring bike based on that motor. CB600F Hornet is not.
CBR600F was soft alternative to CBR600RR at some stage, not made since while.
In any case I'd not make any parallels between 600 and 500 series.

The current CBR600F actually does have its roots from the current >2007 Honda Hornet (Same frame and suspension components). The old CBR600F was a touring derrative from the old CBR600RR and a bit more sporty.

The current CBR600F is a great sport-touring platfrom imo. It's pretty bad on gas when compared to the new 500's (well that's my guess).

[Cortez]

Originally Posted by surly357

2004 and 2006. it was called the '599' in the US.

i just read a contemporary review- it was built in italy (!), i did not remember that.

Yep, that, the CBF600 too, SH scooters etc.

The CBR600F is actually a Hornet with fairings.

[Gryphon12]

Originally Posted by Cortez

The CBR600F is actually a Hornet with fairings.

Too bad this bike won't sell in the US (at the price Honda would need to make a profit based on Italian manufacture.) I live in the Pacific Northwest, and with the fairing, this would be a very attractive bike for me.