Honda CB500S

[ProdigyPete]

As a novice to Biking I wanted a Bike that was The Ultimate All-Rouder and a really easy Bike to get to Grips with to build up my biking confidence.

So on a Biker 2 Biker Chat with Essex FM's Martin Day who has been thru Harleys, Cruisers, Tourers, Scooters, Sport Bikes & Commuters, he said he is even finding new confidence and ability in his Honda CB500S and prefer's the ride to his GSXR1000 K5!!!

Mines a Red Honda CB500S, 1 Owner and only 1500 miles (nice of him to run it in for me) So it looks like new! Only had it 3 weeks and after changing the original 3 year old 'slightly orange' tyres to New Dunlop Arrowmax's (The Honda Manufacters Choice) Its a really nice simple upright bike and is great for Basic Maechanics and it makes looking after a bike and all the Daily & Weekly Checks a great Learning Curve for the Beginner like me.

The Power is great when over taking and isn't a scary ride at all. You're higher than all the cars, which makes forward planning a doodle. Its good in to corners and is gentley easing me into all types of corners and gradually getting me upto spec (but I have a long way to go).

The only criticism I have is the weight of the bike its heavy, ok I'm not the biggest or smallest guy and a few times I've had trouble "Free-Wheeling" the bike and when moving the bike backwards on slight inclines. But I'm sure after a couple of months of getting to know the bike, the "Knack" will come, or failing that a couple of trips to the Gym should sort that out (Yeah right as if I'll go :lol:

But the Bike is perfect for the novice and I've only had it 3 weeks and it does everything asked of it and is like an Older Sister helping you along. Any questions or of you own one get in touch.

Prodigy Pete

[bikageboy]

any chance of a go of yours ? :)

you think there great - try the CBR600F

[ProdigyPete]

Yeah Warren no probs!

Yeah I think after a couple of years I'll go for a CBR600F or F-Sport! Looking for a little bit more power! Always a little worried about taking my little 500 over 80 as I think the engine will be under strain as its a commuter and not a sports bike.

[bikageboy]

whats the max RPM ? and where is it in the rev range at 80 ?

as long as your not in the red area - should be fine. you will be suprised how hard you can thrash a bike before it gets sick.

[Biker Dude]

lol, spoken like a true thrasher of bikes

[ProdigyPete]

I Think the RED is about 10/11/12 & At 80 its usually about 6,500 / 7

Really so you can push them then!?!

[R6abuse]

As you know(or may not) i buy and sell bikes as a sideline to my job, i get asked for them quite often

They are an excellent first bike,following passing test, and in my opinion better than the Kwak ER-5

I sold one last month, i only had it a week and it was gone, i rode it, aand its really user friendly

Paul

[harriebird]

well ProdigyPete,

as you know I have a CB500 (not an S, just a normal one) and it is doing just dandy too.

I bought it because it was there :lol: :lol: :lol:

Seriously, I had been looking at getting another bike after a 6 year lay off, and wanted summat that would treat me gently and ease me back into things. As I (and the rest of the DA crew) have found, it is just perfect for that. I ride it into work almost every day and took it for a whizz down the A12 last Saturday morning and was very very pleasantly surprised at hoe much fun I had on it. I don't even ride that quick (again) yet.

I had a refresher lesson just to convince me I was doing the right thing, had wanted an ER5 or CB500 and went into the bike shop on the way home and there it was, just the right price and just the right bike.

BUT you are right, it is very heavy, I am 5 foot tall and weigh abuot 8 1/2 stone and while I am not Geoff Capes I am pretty strong for a lass, and I have dropped it twice :oops: so far.

I think I will outgrow it before long (not literally, but would be nice) and get something a bit more zippy but even if I sell it, it will always be the bike that proved to me that I could do it and get on a bike again. :cry: :cry: :cry:

I had a CB 250RS before, and my ex and my mum had CB350s and the engine sounds the same, behaves the same and is just great.

Only criticism? I find the gap between 2nd and 3rd annoying on roundabouts. And the weight thing of course.

[harriebird]

and the centre stand is wack

but you can wind em on well past 80, I've had 105 out of mine!