2013 CBR500R

[highside]

That capitalism is a real mo-fo.  

That's not capitalism. Capitalism means you make money to buy things. The very fact that it is easier to buy things without actual money than it is with actual money tells you that this has nothing to do with capitalism. This is a new thing, a system where regular people don't even play in the same sandbox as rich people.

[Rogue]

It's NOT easier to buy things without money, it's just that you can do it sooner without waiting to save up.  If you borrow to buy that bike then you have to pay monthly...same as when you're trying to save up to pay cash except you get the bike sooner.  Either way is NOT easy as you will pay up no matter what.  

Having said all that, I do know what you mean about buying used/new as banks prefer to loan people money on new or newer bikes.  Manufacturers also offer incentives on occassion for new bikes.  

These are all good.  The fact that a new/younger buyer can get a bikes like the CBR250/500R, Ninja 300, etc., are all good news.  I think for many years we've all been spoiled by and shined on with big liter bikes, hyper tourers, and everyone just has to have 1200cc+ with adjustable windshields, and accessories galore costing $15k+.  We've forgotten how much fun & versatile smaller, lighter bikes can be.  Today's uber bikes cost as much as a sporty compact car like the Ford Focus!

[gritsngravy]

That's not capitalism. Capitalism means you make money to buy things. The very fact that it is easier to buy things without actual money than it is with actual money tells you that this has nothing to do with capitalism. This is a new thing, a system where regular people don't even play in the same sandbox as rich people.

Let's see here, hmmmm  a finance company extends credit so that most ANYONE can buy a $25,000 widget.  Said finance company charges interest for fronting the cash........ sounds like capitalism to me.     Rich people have always had advantages over the "regular people", nothing new.  

[FJR1300]

Rich people have always had advantages over the "regular people", nothing new.  

 

[gritsngravy]

 

Sucks to live in America, don't it.

[Carbonero]

I for one love it. Seems to be more the spiritual successor to the Ninja 500R than the Ninja 650R is.  

There's definitely a market for this bike. Of the three 500's, it should sell the best by far.

And....it's WHITE!!  

On a somewhat related note, the one bike I don't understand in this group is the 500X. It's way too close (in looks and price) to the 700X. I can't believe they're going to try and sell both of them side by side in Honda showrooms.

It will take a very savvy salesman and a well educated customer for both bikes to be sold when both are readily available. They're two very different machines, mechanically. Since we rarely see well-educated customers and I can't remember the last truly savvy salesman I've seen working in a showroom (most have retired or cost too much for crunch-economy dealers to employ), yeah... good luck moving both.

[Carbonero]

Kind of like Kawasaki and the "Ninja" name?  

Bingo.

A solid name legacy can carry a product or company a long way.

The Taurus? The Mustang (think the "Mustang II" years)? Two prime examples, older and newer, of a great name carrying a very different product along in the market place.

[Giaka]

425 pound curb weight???

what the fook?

"Curb weight" How big is the gas tank? FWIW Ninja 250 Curb Weight is 380lbs.

[black hills]

one thing you are not thinking about is the target buyer.. youngster who want to "look fast" but have little or no money. Offer them the 500 and half the price of the 1000 that "looks" the same and you have a deal

[Carbonero]

So, to recap... the bike is too slow, too heavy and should never be bought on credit by anyone young or old, it's a Honda so it's the best worst uninspired slow looking RR replica wanna be bike that no one will ever buy, use for club racing and general commuter use, and everyone should go out and buy a 250. On credit.

Have I summed up this silliness ok?

STN could argue the color of the sky on a clear summer day.  

[DosEquis00]

Have I summed up this silliness ok?

Not even close as I am sure there is plenty more on the way.

[Carbonero]

Not even close as I am sure there is plenty more on the way.

Let's hope... it's a slow day, today.  

[Iago]

I'd get the CB500F version without the fairings and save some. Although I'd prefer it came in any other color than black and white but oh well. Oh and you save 5 lbs on curb weight over the CBR500R if that's important to you (myself, I'll just skip the next plate of pasta LOL).

I had two GS500's and this CB500 reminds me of them (edit: yep, 45 hp and 30 ft lbs, a little better powerwise). But I bet the Honda fit and finish is there. For $5500...not bad I think. All motorcycles are getting expensive.

Funny that the tupperware version is called the CBR500R (enough R'S?)  CBR is silly and might raise the insurance rate unnecessarily. But I bet that CBR graphic adds some punch. Reminds me of the Far Side gazelles with "turbo" on their flanks.

[DogBoy]

So, to recap... the bike is too slow, too heavy and should never be bought on credit by anyone young or old, it's a Honda so it's the best worst uninspired slow looking RR replica wanna be bike that no one will ever buy, use for club racing and general commuter use, and everyone should go out and buy a 250. On credit.

Have I summed up this silliness ok?

STN could argue the color of the sky on a clear summer day.  

You forgot that that bike can't be ridden more than 120 miles in one day (let alone 200). That was early in the thread before the experts determined a modern 500cc twin will only make eleven hp.

[Carbonero]

The CBR500R has a steel frame.  Not sure if Ninja 300 does too?  Otherwise, I'm thinking that extra weight comes from keeping the frame strong and able to handle more torque?  Maybe heavier wheels too?  Who knows.  Let's "weight"   until the road tests before we judge the weight.  In any case if it is 425 lbs. wet.....that's freakin' light in relative terms.  

As for pricing, that is typical Honda logic.  I'll bet the profit margin on the NC700X is razor thin and the CBR500R marginally better.  Nowadays, $6k is chump change.  How much is the Ninja 300?  $5k?  When 600 Supersports are pushing $11,500, $6k is nothing.  Of course the CBR600RR will positively fly away from the 500.  Is that worth another $6k over the price of the 500?  (It is to me!   )  

We're educated consumers on this forum. We should start acting like it and stop comparing the NC700x to the CB500x. Different bikes. Different mills. Different intentions.

It's kind of like saying "Yeah, why would you buy a VFR800 when the CBR1000 is available?"

Different bikes. Different intentions.  

[Carbonero]

You forgot that that bike can't be ridden more than 120 miles in one day (let alone 200). That was early in the thread before the experts determined a modern 500cc twin will only make eleven hp.

Yes, I remember the day you warned people they would "surely die" without major luxuries. Still one of my very, very favorite posts from STN.  

You will surely die. No one could survive riding any distance without a fairing.

[bluepoof]

DogBoy has a point.  I saw a photo of my grandmother once sitting on an unfaired bike, and she died.

[Carbonero]

DogBoy has a point.  I saw a photo of my grandmother once sitting on an unfaired bike, and she died.

Coke Zero? I'd like to forcefully introduce you to this LCD computer screen. You crazy kids are going to be great friends.

Now I need a paper towel.

[coho]

DogBoy has a point.  I saw a photo of my grandmother once sitting on an unfaired bike, and she died.

Coke Zero? I'd like to forcefully introduce you to this LCD computer screen. You crazy kids are going to be great friends.

Now I need a paper towel.

[Rogue]

It's kind of like saying "Yeah, why would you buy a VFR800 when the CBR1000 is available?"

Different bikes. Different intentions.  

The NC700x and its 500 counterpart have a lot in common so comparison with each other is fair game.

Seriously though, I wouldn't mind having a CB500F for a commuter bike as long as there is no freeway.  Everybody knows anything less than 100 rwhp is not going to work at highway speeds.  

As for pricing, BMW plans to sell us 650cc twin powered scooters for $10k.  Albeit these scooters will be loaded up and very practical.  But $10k?   Probably weighs 550 lbs wet also.    That NC700X is looking pretty good!  So $5500 for the CB500F is a bargain!  It will probably run circles around those beemer scooters too.