2013 CBR500R

[Rogue]

I like the way it looks--big brother to the CBR250R.  I don't think I would get one....not sure what I would do with it given I already have the VFR800 that fits my riding style much better.  However, this would be a fun bike just for shits and giggles.  I used to have a VF500F and loved that bike back in the day.  



http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/624/14856/Motorcycle-Article/2013-Honda-CBR500R-First-Look.aspx

[Sport-Touring]

[HipGnosis]

There's also the 500F and 500X with the same engine.  With ABS available.  And all at appealing prices!

Honda managed to get the CBR500R, parallel twin budget bike to be the weapon of choice in the European Junior Cup — displacing the KTM 690 Duke.

http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/racing/honda-cbr500r-race-bike/

This means there will be race parts!! And, as it's been said, that's a good thing.

[tbzep]

  However, this would be a fun bike just for shits and giggles.  I used to have a VF500F and loved that bike back in the day.  

I have a feeling you would be disappointed after having the VF-500F. (I had a beautiful 1986 model.)  The Interceptor had a 498cc engine putting out around 70 horsepower and 30 f/lbs torque.   The new CBR has a 470cc engine with 47 hp and the same 30 f/lbs of torque.  However, you should get a significant improvement on the suspension and modern grippy radial tires.   I remember sliding all over the place with the OEM Bridgestones, Dunlop K591 Sport Elites , and even the Metzeler Comp-K's of the day.  I know the CBR has the convenience of EFI instead of carbs and choke, but thanks to the EPA, the super lean running bikes need Power Commanders to really shine.  If I had a choice, I'd take a Mini-ceptor over the CBR, but I'm biased as it was my first bike.  

[falconati]

I hope they sell a bunch (so that I can buy a used one in 10 years   )

[Royal Tiger]

Ahhh, remember the gold old days when Ninja and CBR meant elite performance model and wasn't thrown on budget bikes covered in plastic?   At least Kawasaki used ZX and EX to seperate the I-4 contender from the parallel twin pretender.  Honda throws CBR-R on anything.

[Rogue]

I have a feeling you would be disappointed after having the VF-500F. (I had a beautiful 1986 model.)  The Interceptor had a 498cc engine putting out around 70 horsepower and 30 f/lbs torque.  

My VF500F was sweet!  V4 smoothness and sound!  I'm surprised it put out that much horsepower.  I remember chasing a Corvette on it and the bike topped out around 125 indicated.  The Corvette left me for dead as it walked away from that speed.  That was then.  The way I like to ride, the part of the country I'm in, I need at least 90+ rwhp to be happy.  I do like the idea of commuting on a CBR500R though.

[Rogue]

Honda throws CBR-R on anything.

Kind of like Kawasaki and the "Ninja" name?  

[Nodaclu]

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.

[phoenix]

425 pound curb weight???

what the fook?

[Bruce Bogtrotter]

425 pound curb weight???

what the fook?

What are the other better spec'ed bikes for $6K?

[bluepoof]

425 pound curb weight???

what the fook?

Agreed there.  

I did like the CBR500R, though; way more than I'd expected to.  I would probably have bought one immediately if it weren't taller and heavier than my Ninjette.

[Rincewind]

Neat bike.  Cute pic, BP.  

Apart from the weight, I have to wonder about the pricing.  It is $5999.  That is only $1k less than the NC700X.  They are going to have to use a shoehorn to price the CB500X in there.  The price is also a hefty $1200 over the new Ninja 300 (which, incidentally weighs 46lbs less).

[james_g]

A sure sign of the apocalypse is when people get fired up over a budget 500.  

james  

[Bruce Bogtrotter]

The price is also a hefty $1200 over the new Ninja 300 (which, incidentally weighs 46lbs less).

In percentage terms, with the Honda you get 41% more displacement, 11% more weight, 20% higher price.

The CBR500R and CB500X are different motorcycles, so an identical price seems like a non-problem.

Europe got the CBR600F, which I think is a more attractive bike than the CBR500R, but I'd still get the CBR600RR anyway, because I'd be willing to pay between $10K-$15K for a supersport. That doesn't mean it's a purchase that makes sense to most people, who wouldn't want to pay that kind of money for a middleweight Japanese sportbike, and would rather get something cheaper, more exotic (MV F3, Daytona), or a liter bike.

[Rogue]

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!   )  

[Rogue]

A sure sign of the apocalypse is when people get fired up over a budget 500.  

james  

It's new is all.

Seriously though, I'll bet it's a hoot to ride.  Cycle World can't say enough about how much they love the CBR250R with a mere 30-something horsepower and a topspeed of 87 mph.  

In other news, BMW has finally updated the F800ST to a....F800GT.  I'll bet sales will go up for 6 mos on that model.  Updated (not new just updated) bodywork, instruments, exhaust, wheels, and a whopping 5 more bhp.  I think they even replaced the urine cups with something black.  

[highside]

What are the other better spec'ed bikes for $6K?

You would need a time machine (or buy used), but an SV650 weighs about the same and probably owns this bike in every measurable category of performance at the same price point, including the shits-and-giggles factor.

[Bruce Bogtrotter]

Nowadays, $6k is chump change.

I think the whole point of this bike is that, at least in the U.S., people have become a lot more careful about "buying" their toys with a credit card.

Until the next credit bubble.

[FJR1300]

Anybody want to buy my 2012 CBR250? I don't need a 250 and a 500.

[Bruce Bogtrotter]

You would need a time machine (or buy used), but an SV650 weighs about the same and probably owns this bike in every measurable category of performance at the same price point, including the shits-and-giggles factor.

Why don't they make them anymore?

The current SFV650 is $8K.

[Rogue]

The Gladius was the last of the SV650 here in the US.  

Don't know why they couldn't sell enough of them.

[bluepoof]

 The price is also a hefty $1200 over the new Ninja 300 (which, incidentally weighs 46lbs less).

However, the Ninja 300 is at least $1200 uglier.  

[Nodaclu]

The Gladius was the last of the SV650 here in the US.  

Don't know why they couldn't sell enough of them.

It's back for 2013...
http://www.suzukicycles.com/Product%20Lines/Cycles/Products/SFV650/2013/SFV650.aspx

I think it was equal parts...

(1) Introducing it right at the start of the economic crash here (Fall 2008):



(2) That God-awful white and powder blue color combination:



And (3) the weird ad campaign:



One of those was out of Suzuki's control, but the other two were some sort of weird marketing push to try and sell the bike to, um....."Metro" types. I'll never understand why they totally abandoned the demographic that made the previous two generations a such a runaway success.  

[DogBoy]

All these years and so many think bikes are just spec sheet numbers.

There are many bikes that don't look great on a spec sheet but work great on the road. Peak hp is almost meaningless without seeing hp and torque curves. The Brit magazines often show torque curves at various throttle openings so you can get a better impression of what the bike is like to ride. The first generation V-Strom 650 only produced about 64hp but had 90% of peak torque over a 5,000rpm range making for a nice street engine. The Ninja 650 and Versus have similar powerbands to the V-Strom 650. This new Honda may or may not have similar characteristics. Best to make judgements when we know more. Then it will be OK to rip it apart and call names.  

[Nodaclu]

There are many bikes that don't look great on a spec sheet but work great on the road.

 

[rollnhot]

Had a 1975 Honda CB500T 42 HP at 425 lbs, some things never change.

[highside]

Why don't they make them anymore?

The current SFV650 is $8K.

You asked a question and got an answer.  

To give you a more thorough answer: 90% of used bikes on the market offer better performance AND value than this bike. Laying out 5 grand on a bike like this just because it smells like a new bike isn't going to make it a wise choice when you can buy a used SV (or any of a couple dozen other bikes made in the last 20 years) with under 5,000 miles for less money and a whole lot of performance advantages.

They stopped making the SV because after 10 years everyone who wanted one already had one. We will see how long that takes with this model.

[Royal Tiger]

Kind of like Kawasaki and the "Ninja" name?  

Which if you quoted the whole post you would have seen that very thought expressed.  

[bluepoof]

 90% of used bikes on the market offer better performance AND value than this bike.

But most of those bikes don't have a 30.9" seat height and weigh 420 lbs.  This bike is an excellent option for riders who are short, relatively new, or plan on mostly in-town or commuting.

I'm 10,000% in favor of more bikes in the <600cc range.  

[gritsngravy]

But most of those bikes don't have a 30.9" seat height and weigh 420 lbs.  This bike is an excellent option for riders who are short, relatively new, or plan on mostly in-town or commuting.

I'm 10,000% in favor of more bikes in the <600cc range.  

Variety is a good thing.   It's good to see new affordable rational choices on the market.   These 500's will likely be more affordable to insure, maintain and operate on a day to day basis than the typical 600cc SS.   More new and returning riders that buy new bikes will give manufacturers a reason to develop more advanced machinery.   I see it as a good thing.  

[sodapop6620]

Agreed there.  

I did like the CBR500R, though; way more than I'd expected to.  I would probably have bought one immediately if it weren't taller and heavier than my Ninjette.

No Blue hair ????  At least BlueBerry is wearing Blue jeans

[bluepoof]

No Blue hair ????  

It hasn't been blue for about five years!  

[Mr.Black]

It hasn't been blue for about five years!  

Being an adult does not mean you have to grow up all the way.

[birdrunner]

It hasn't been blue for about five years!  

Sigh.


I miss the good ol days.

[Royal Tiger]

Variety is a good thing.   It's good to see new affordable rational choices on the market.   These 500's will likely be more affordable to insure, maintain and operate on a day to day basis than the typical 600cc SS.   More new and returning riders that buy new bikes will give manufacturers a reason to develop more advanced machinery.   I see it as a good thing.  

Exactly.  Getting new riders off 600 SS bikes benefits us all.

[Bruce Bogtrotter]

You asked a question and got an answer.  

The answer to 2 + 2 isn't 5. When the question is "what bike compares to newly released x", the answer isn't "a used, discontinued y".

Part of the criticism seems to be Honda's alleged marketing ineptness, so it's relevant to point out that Suzuki no longer makes the $6K CBR500R-killer, and instead the closest thing in the showroom is $8K.

[Rogue]

But most of those bikes don't have a 30.9" seat height and weigh 420 lbs.  This bike is an excellent option for riders who are short, relatively new, or plan on mostly in-town or commuting.

I was just going to mention this.

Also, it's so much easier to get a loan for a new bike (& trade in an older bike).  For younger buyers or all those with a more limited buget, this is a big plus.

The Ninja 250 and CBR250R are big sellers.  This is where the market is at right now.  Thus, Honda and Kawasaki are taking full advantage of it.  

[highside]

I was just going to mention this.

Also, it's so much easier to get a loan for a new bike (& trade in an older bike).  For younger buyers or all those with a more limited buget, this is a big plus.

The Ninja 250 and CBR250R are big sellers.  This is where the market is at right now.  Thus, Honda and Kawasaki are taking full advantage of it.  

I think that younger buyers and people with a limited budget are the last people who should be financing brand new toys. I realize that they do exactly that, but it shouldn't be encouraged.  

There is just something wrong with a system where it is easier to buy a $6000 bike than a $3000 bike.

[Rogue]

You have a point and I do agree somewhat.  But then again, it's better to have younger/new buyers on a 500cc than a used 600 Supersport putting out 100 rwhp.

[gritsngravy]

I think that younger buyers and people with a limited budget are the last people who should be financing brand new toys. I realize that they do exactly that, but it shouldn't be encouraged.  

There is just something wrong with a system where it is easier to buy a $6000 bike than a $3000 bike.

That capitalism is a real mo-fo.  

[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.

[Cobalt]

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.

[Cobalt]

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

[Cobalt]

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.

[Cobalt]

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.

[Cobalt]

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.  

[Cobalt]

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.

[Cobalt]

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.  

[Cobalt]

I'm pretty much at a point in my life where $10k is a LOT of freaking money to spend on *ANYTHING*. When I was younger, tossing $15k at an FJR or $20k at a Harley was ok. Now...? Hell no. Just no. I can't and won't. So the idea of putting $10k out for a scooter - I don't care WHERE it's made - is a huge and resounding NFW. I truly don't get who would think that's ok.  

[gritsngravy]

I'm pretty much at a point in my life where $10k is a LOT of freaking money to spend on *ANYTHING*. When I was younger, tossing $15k at an FJR or $20k at a Harley was ok. Now...? Hell no. Just no. I can't and won't. So the idea of putting $10k out for a scooter - I don't care WHERE it's made - is a huge and resounding NFW. I truly don't get who would think that's ok.  

It's all relative to income or if you're an old man   it's about how much you saved for retirement.   Our nephew is young, works for Apple, started out with a 6 figure salary, owns a flat in the UK, rents a place with a room-mate in the Bay Area and has no issues spending $10K on anything.     For anyone in that fortunate circumstance I always advise saving up at least 100K in cash, in addition to retirement savings,  before going crazy buying stuff.   I like to call it a FU account......just in case it all falls apart you got some kinda nest egg.     Money is the honey, always has, always will be.  

[Rogue]

If you make a six figure salary, my rough guess is you will have (if you are smart and frugal) about $2k a month left over you can save.  That's AFTER your rent/mortage is paid, taxes, living expenses (utilities), 401k contributions, etc.  This is assuming you don't have a $500-$700/mo payment for that shiny new car (maybe only $300/mo or zero), you don't have alimony, not a one income family, several kids, etc.  Let's pretend just 2 kids and no car payment, happily married.

$2k a month left over @$100k/year salary.

So that's 24k/a year saved, in 4 years you will have your $100k.  Sounds easy.

 

Now all I need to do is find out where that extra $2k is going to.  

[bluepoof]

If you make a six figure salary, my rough guess is you will have (if you are smart and frugal) about $2k a month left over you can save.

Unless you live in the Bay Area.  

[Nodaclu]

Unless you live in the Bay Area.  

You always have the option of commuting from the wonderful cultural mecca that is Sacramento or even better....Stockton, which would save you at least 60% on your housing.

With that being said, I think the price premium to live in the Bay Area is actually worth it in comparison.  

[falconati]

If you make a six figure salary, my rough guess is you will have (if you are smart and frugal) about $2k a month left over you can save.  That's AFTER your rent/mortage is paid, taxes, living expenses (utilities), 401k contributions, etc.  This is assuming you don't have a $500-$700/mo payment for that shiny new car (maybe only $300/mo or zero), you don't have alimony, not a one income family, several kids, etc.  Let's pretend just 2 kids and no car payment, happily married.

$2k a month left over @$100k/year salary.

So that's 24k/a year saved, in 4 years you will have your $100k.  Sounds easy.

 

Now all I need to do is find out where that extra $2k is going to.  

Swiss watches, italian motorcycles...

[bluepoof]

You always have the option of commuting from the wonderful cultural mecca that is Sacramento or even better....Stockton, which would save you at least 60% on your housing.

Maybe, but I would just turn around and spend all of that money on therapy from sitting on I-580 for four+ hours every day.  

[Nodaclu]

Maybe, but I would just turn around and spend all of that money on therapy from sitting on I-580 for four+ hours living in the central valley every day.  

FTFY    

[Cobalt]

Unless you live in the Bay Area.  

Or are going through the worst divorce in history.

[Rogue]

Unless you live in the Bay Area.  

This is true in many places in Southern California as well.

I read this article in Money magazine about how most people adjust their lifestyle based on their income.  So as you keep growing your income, your spending habits adjust.  You buy a nice new car, upgrade to a bigger place, sign up for more stuff that cost higher monthly costs, etc.  Pretty soon your extra income is being consumed by expenses.  The ideal is to not pay more than 30% of your HOUSEHOLD income on mortgage/rent.  But many people exceed that by a wide margine.

[expatbrit]

Swiss watches, italian motorcycles...

Hookers and blow!

[coho]

Hookers and blow!

Two of each, please.

[Nodaclu]

The ideal is to not pay more than 30% of your HOUSEHOLD income on mortgage/rent.

Gross or net income? If gross, than we're in better shape than I thought, only spending about 16.5% on rent.

Even if it should be net, it's still only 21.3%.

I guess it just feels like we're spending a lot more than that. I've been stating my case for months that when my daughter finishes high school, we need to move to a smaller place that costs less.  

Need to be able to afford that CBR500R don'tcha know.  

[Cablebandit]

[Grainbelt]

I sat on all the Honda 500s at the IMS show in Minneapolis ten days ago.

The rider triangle on the F and R is perfect for my 5'10" frame. The X models, this and the 700, do nothing for me. I don't want to pay the beak surcharge and the high bars and rearset pegs feel strange ( I feel the same about the versys).

The fit and finish appears up to par. I wish they had the accessories there, I'd have loved to see what the bags are like.  My GF started riding and has her own bike. I've never been one to do a  lot of two-up riding. My touring kit lately has been sidecases and a huge drybag on the rear seat for camping gear. The thought of doing this on a $6k, EFI, ABS, luggage equipped, low-running-cost 500 with the related cheap insurance is very compelling.

A red CBR500R looks a bit like a 5th gen VFR if you squint at it.  

[2RR2NV]

I sat on all the Honda 500s at the IMS show in Minneapolis ten days ago.

The rider triangle on the F and R is perfect for my 5'10" frame. The X models, this and the 700, do nothing for me. I don't want to pay the beak surcharge and the high bars and rearset pegs feel strange ( I feel the same about the versys).

The fit and finish appears up to par. I wish they had the accessories there, I'd have loved to see what the bags are like.  My GF started riding and has her own bike. I've never been one to do a  lot of two-up riding. My touring kit lately has been sidecases and a huge drybag on the rear seat for camping gear. The thought of doing this on a $6k, EFI, ABS, luggage equipped, low-running-cost 500 with the related cheap insurance is very compelling.

A red CBR500R looks a bit like a 5th gen VFR if you squint at it.  

that's some major squinting. lol

[Grainbelt]

that's some major squinting. lol

Not as much as you might think. I mean, they're both red!