We recently talked of the Honda CBR500R that was unveiled a few hours back. However, in case fully faired bikes are not your cup of tea, Honda has also lifted the curtains off the new 2013 Honda CB500F motorcycle that is being said to be inspired by the bigger Honda CB1000R.
The new CB500F is one among the new Honda 500cc trio that also consists of the CBR500R and CB500X. Basically, the CB500F is the CBR500R gone naked and hence, is the least expensive of the three new 500cc bikes.
The CB500F is powered by the same liquid-cooled, dohc, 500cc parallel-twin that also powers the CBR500R and the CB500X. The bike sports a set of 41mm forks at front a nine stage adjustable mono at the rear. Like the CBR500R, the CB500F gets optional ABS and petal disc brakes. The CB500F has a lower saddle height of 30.9-in to suit a wider range of riders.
The Honda CB500F will hit the US market with a price of approx INR 250000 for Non ABS version. At this price point, the bike makes quite a value for money proposition and can surely give some sleepless nights to many of the rival bike manufacturers.
And . . Did I mention that this is one bike that I want real bad. What about you?
Honda CB500F Specifications
| ENGINE | |
| Engine Type | 500cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin |
| Bore And Stroke | 67.0mm x 66.8mm |
| Induction | PGM-FI with 34mm throttle bodies |
| Ignition | Computer-controlled digital transistorized with electronic advance |
| Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 |
| Valve Train | DOHC; four valves per cylinder |
| DRIVETRAIN | |
| Transmission | Six-speed |
| Final Drive | O-ring-sealed chain |
| CHASSIS / SUSPENSION / BRAKES | |
| Front Suspension | 41mm fork; 4.8 inches travel |
| Rear Suspension | Pro-Link single shock with nine-position spring preload adjustability; 4.1 inches travel |
| Front Brake | Twin-piston caliper with single 320mm wave disc |
| Rear Brake | Single-caliper 240mm wave disc |
| Front Tire | 120/70-17 |
| Rear Tire | 160/60-17 |
I think the waiting period even at this point of time speaks for the fact that the bike is not anywhere near being called a flop. While the more expensive segment is small, the market is still very viable, BUT only if the product is perceived as VFM on it's own, as opposed to snob value or VFM as compared to overpriced imports (as in the case of the N650).
IMO the 250cc ninja is NOT VFM, but 500cc twin turning out 50 bhp is definitely so, even if it costs 50K more.
Are these bikes India bound? I wonder if Honda thinks the CBR250R is a success, much depends on this factor. Honda priced the 250 aggressively relative to the international price and yet it I dont think it has set the sales charts on fire here. The market for bikes over 1 lakh is small and the market for the over 2.5 lakh segment would be even smaller. Honda have to be thinking hard if it even makes sense to manufacture locally considering the small volume. CKD route would mean pricing that is at par with international prices or above, affordability would drop even further. It is a difficult situation and hoping the CB500X is sold here at a VFM price akin to the CBR250R.
If this bike has the same quality of the CBR 250R, then it wont be a big seller. Hopefully we can regain the confidence in Honda products after the disastrous quality of Thailand made CBR250R…
Yamaha and Suzuki officials..are you listening?? Please wake up!
In all probability Yamaha India will be inspired to work on the R15 V3…….
Will buy one, unless Yamaha gets me a better one in the price range.