Honda CBR500R Review (2019)
What Is It?
The Honda CBR500R is an A2 licence friendly sports bike and is powered by a liquid cooled 471 cc parallel twin engine, producing 46.9 bhp at 8,600 rpm and maximum torque at 6,500 rpm.
Specs
- Seat Height: Low (785 mm / 30.9 inches)
- Weight: Average (192 kg / 423 lbs)
- Economy: Good (75 mpg / 3.8 l/100km / 26.5 km/l)
- Range: Very high (280 miles / 451 km)
- Power to Weight: Low (0.245 bhp/kg / 0.183 kW/kg)
- Top Speed: High (110 mph / 177 km/h)
Pros
- Beginner friendly low seat
- Big bike looks
- Light clutch
- Economy
- Handling
- Engine
Cons
- Limited suspension adjustment
- No ride modes
- No TFT dash
What Is It Like?
Why did you choose it?
Having put over 31,000 miles / 50,000 km on my previous bike, a 2014 tricolour CBR500R, and with two generations of upgrades on the 2019 model, I decided it was time to trade. I felt guilty giving up my reliable 2014, but if anything, I love the 2019 even more.
What is good about it?
I have been riding for decades, and live in an area riddled with twisty roads. I spend 99% of my time on a lean, except when I am touring and have to be on something straight to get to another twisty area. And yes, I tour on the CBR.
I ride aggressively… my usual companions are guys on litre bikes. Although they can pull away on the straights, my CBR is not left far behind… and in the twists, my bike is way more nimble.
Furthermore, insurance is way less, the cost of the bike is way less… but I guarantee I have at least as much fun.
Any mods or upgrades?
- Akrapovic slip on (not a knock off)
- Painted cowl
- Oxford heated grips
- Tail tidy
To sum up
If you want a bike that is a sweet honest ride in the twisties, this is it. And my bike is NEVER in the shop for repairs, as opposed to the Italian princess Ducati-and-Aprilia-owning buddies, who have their shops on speed dial.
Honda has a well-deserved reputation for reliability. I honestly cannot find one fault with this bike.
- Heather B, 2020
Price Guide
Add Your Review
Do you own this bike? We would love to hear anything good, bad, unexpected or that you have changed plus anything that a prospective new owner might find interesting or useful.