Owned, run & sold May 2002 by Tim Pestridge
Honda CB500
 I
became the owner of one 1994 Honda CB500 at the start of the year,
as an interim measure to guarantee I could take my IAM test on my own
bike having sold a Honda VFR750. The funny thing is, I have grown quite
fond of the humble Honda, and although it is a considerable downsize
from previous bikes such as ZZR1100's, GSX1100's and other ultra-speed
behemoths, it has proven to be much more than just a stepping stone
to my next bike. So much so that I haven't found anything to beat it
as an all rounder quite yet! (Only a matter of time though.)
Below are my first impressions of the bike after a few days of ownership.
First Impressions
I could hardly believe the bike had ever been out
of the garage, such was the bikes overall cleanliness. The owner had
bought it to teach his wife to ride a bike, and had consequently put
very few miles on it all having purchased it from Poole Motorcycles.
It actually originates from a Honda local dealer in nearby Exmouth.
One thing worth noting is that you are likely to find a much sturdier
bike with regards build quality if you can trace a pre-1995 CB500,
as they were the only models built in Japan. The later ones were built
with less quality control and suffer the horrors of winter roads very
badly.
So what's it like to ride? Astoundingly light and agile
in truth, weighing in at a lithe 177kg. On the motorway, the CB500's
twin pot motor spins up to 70-80mph quite quickly at 6000-6500rpm,
and is capable of cruising easily with much larger bikes. Whether you
have the muscle to cope with seeing the revs rise anything above that
is another matter, as things get a little strained in the neck department
at over 80mph, and if the pace hots-up, you're friends on faired machines
will leave you trailing on faster roads. Top speed, quoted by Honda
as 125mph, is reckoned to be around 110-115mph in the real world.
 I
came off at the next junction and found myself a dry A road, wound
the pace down a little, adjusted my shoulders and let the CB carry
me at it's own pace. The motor pulls comfortably up to a wind-blast
free 55mph, and I was soon enjoying it's light weight handling characteristics.
The front tyre is keen to chew up the bends, and the bike's got a really
pleasant chuckable feel. Things don't ever seem to get out of shape,
partly because unlike on faster machines you're never fooled into going
faster than you think.
The suspension is something I'm currently experimenting with, at the
rear at least, as the forks are unadjustable. Compared to a more solid
bike, the CB doesn't seem to soak up the bumpy Devon back roads quite
as well as I would hope. Words like 'plush' and 'armchair-like' are
not CB language, think more 'feedback' and 'snappy'.
Economy has worked out at between 49 - 70mpg depending on road speeds
and conditions, but 69-70mpg is my weekly average, and perfectly possible
on a run on normal A-roads respecting the UK national speed limits.
I was delighted that my bike could prove so frugal, and is proof that
it is possible to own a motorbike which possesses both a reasonable
turn of speed and the welcome ability to sip fuel rather than gulp
it. Tank range is a little over 230 miles between fill ups with normal
use.
The CB has a low and wide seat which features a novel rear-hinging
action to reveal a large cubby hole capable of carrying a disc-lock,
bungee net and a pair of waterproof trousers with ease. Pillions find
the whole experience agreeable, thanks to well-placed footrests and
a sensible seat. Carrying a friend will affect performance more markedly
than on a larger machine, the CB's just not big enough to mask the
extra weight, but I can forgive it that.
 With
the bike showing a paltry 5400 miles in September 2001, a pair of new
tires were fitted to the Honda mainly because the original ones were
now over six years old. I chose Bridgestone BT35's of the dual compound
variety. These have so far provided an increase in grip levels both
in the dry and wet over the OE fitment, and cost a mere £132
for both - fitted and balanced. Recommended. Also fitted are a pair
of M & P heated grips, a snip at only £20 from their website
(www.mandp.com) and a F14 touring screen to relieve my aching neck
muscles. £40 from the above. Both these modifications are a doddle
to fit, and improve the CB's practicality.
Insuring the Honda for me has been a delight too. My premium dropped
from £275 per annum to a welcome £110, including the ability
to ride other bikes, and own up to four myself.
I miss having a bike which has real 'visual appeal' both to onlookers
and myself. No-one buys a CB500 because they were wowed by it's looks
in the showroom! But there's more to keep you attracted if you look
under the skin. For some it will only be a step-up, but for me it's
been a downsize with a difference. I still like it, but suspect I may
end up being seduced by the looks of a Ducati Monster or the shaft
drive of a BMW R1100R.
Would a Honda CB500 suit you Sir?
I wrote this as a bit
of fun, to try and persuade myself to keep the Honda as it was
proving so pratical. See if you fit the profile by examining
the statements below. If you agree with the 'yes's' then you
might want to consider one..if not, then go for a Hyabusa. This
is, of course, all in my humble opinion. Bear in mind you are
taking the advice of someone who has never found the perfect
bike!
Yes, it would...
1. If you like lightweight bikes
2. If you want a low maintenance bike
3. If your bike must be able to withstand a UK winter
4. If you want to scratch with bigger bikes on A/B roads
5. If you like a bike that's easy to pop to the shops on
6. If you enjoy pootling around the lanes
7. If good fuel consumption is important to you
8. If you want a bike where running costs aren't exorbitant
9. If you want a change from heavy motorbikes
10. If you like a tank range of 200+ miles, not 100
No, it wouldn't...
1. If you like being able to hold 90-100mph into a headwind
2. If you regularly commute a long way on motorways
3. If you like a bike to have real 'presence' on the road
4. If you want a bike to chase GSXRs down to Spain on
5. If your bike must be the envy of all your mates
Other CB500 webpages:
Passing the IAM test on the Honda
On the 16th March 2001 I was delighted to pass my IAM Advanced
Motorcycle test on the little CB500, riding from Newton Abbot in Devon
onto the A38 to Totnes, and then back out again towards Newton Abbot.
The examination took about 30 minutes in the pouring rain, which meant my progress
was on the safer side of quick. (Apparently anyone taking this test should
pray for rain, as it means you should ease off the pace a little because of
the conditions.)
Mr John Truelove, an IAM examiner as well as a Honda MAC trainer,
was most helpful and considerate, and made sure I was relaxed and fully
aware of what the test involved before we undertook the ride. It started
at 11.30am with me proving good machine control by riding several figure
of eight's at walking pace, after which we headed out into the Devon
traffic. John had told me to ride as if he wasn't there, so I would
be able to make progress as a solo rider without worrying whether John
would be able to follow me on an overtake.
I found the whole examination very helpful, I learnt
even more as John gave me a rundown after the test of various hints
and tips on the art of riding technique, including using the road for
best forward observation and positioning yourself correctly at traffic
lights. He was happy to comment that my ride had been "exactly
what they look for, a good clean ride.." which cheered me up no
end and took my mind off my freezing cold hands! I had initially felt
quite nervous, and you can't underestimate how riding under observation
can increase your stress level, and likelihood of making a silly error.
 I
must also praise the excellent training I received from IAM
Advanced Observer Laurence Beckford (see above with his Bandit
1200), who spent many of his valuable weekends voluntarily
training me for my test over much of last year. I am certainly
convinced now that the IAM's method of riding is by far the
safest way of staying alive on two wheels.
Further
information:
IAM website
Devon
Advanced Motorcyclists website
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