The Honda CB500F is a naked streetfighter motorcycle from Honda’s mid-capacity lineup. It is designed for riders who want a mix of style, performance, and everyday usability. Positioned between entry-level bikes and big superbikes, the CB500F offers a balance of power and practicality. It is part of Honda’s famous CB family, which includes the CB500X (adventure) and CBR500R (sport). With its aggressive styling, smooth engine, and premium Honda build quality, the CB500F is considered one of the best middleweight naked bikes for both city and highway use.
Engine & Performance
The Honda CB500F comes with a 471cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine, which produces around 47 bhp at 8,600 rpm and 43 Nm torque at 6,500 rpm. The engine is extremely smooth, refined, and reliable, which is typical of Honda. The 6-speed gearbox with slipper-assist clutch makes shifting effortless and reduces wheel lock during downshifts. The bike is Euro-5 compliant, meaning it meets global emission standards. Performance is strong enough for highway cruising at 120–130 km/h without stress, yet it remains manageable for newer riders transitioning to bigger motorcycles.
Design & Styling
The CB500F has a muscular and aggressive streetfighter design. It features a sharp LED headlight, sculpted fuel tank, and minimalist rear section, which give it a sporty look. The bike is compact and lightweight compared to larger superbikes, making it practical for daily city rides. Honda has designed the CB500F with a balance of sporty and commuter-friendly looks. The exposed frame and engine add to its naked-bike appeal. The riding position is upright but slightly sporty, making it suitable for both commuting and weekend rides.
Features & Technology
Honda has equipped the CB500F with a digital LCD instrument cluster that displays speed, gear position, fuel level, trip meter, and other essential information. The bike also features full LED lighting for the headlamp, indicators, and tail-lamp, which improves visibility and gives it a modern look. Safety features include dual-channel ABS and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), which works as traction control to prevent wheel slip. While it does not have advanced features like ride modes, its simplicity and Honda reliability make it a trusted option for long-term use.
Suspension & Handling
The CB500F uses Showa 41mm USD (upside-down) forks at the front and a pro-link mono-shock at the rear. This suspension setup is sporty yet comfortable, making it perfect for Indian roads as well as highways. The bike rides on 17-inch alloy wheels with high-grip tyres that provide excellent stability in corners. Weighing around 189 kg (kerb weight), the CB500F is light compared to other 500cc bikes, which makes handling smooth and beginner-friendly. The chassis is stiff and well-balanced, giving confidence at both low and high speeds.
Braking & Safety
The CB500F comes with dual front disc brakes with radial-mounted calipers and a single rear disc. Combined with dual-channel ABS, braking is strong and progressive. This setup ensures riders can stop quickly and safely even at higher speeds. The wider tyres provide excellent road grip during emergency braking. Safety is further enhanced by Honda’s traction control system, which prevents wheel spin on slippery surfaces. Overall, the CB500F provides one of the safest braking experiences in its segment, making it a very reliable option for both city and touring.
Comfort & Ergonomics
Honda has designed the CB500F for comfort and practicality. The seat height is 785 mm, which makes it accessible even for shorter riders. The riding position is upright, with slightly rear-set footpegs for a sporty feel. This combination reduces fatigue during long highway rides while still being agile in city traffic. The seat is well-cushioned and suitable for both rider and pillion. The suspension absorbs bumps well, making it comfortable even on rough roads. Riders can use it for daily commutes, weekend rides, and even long-distance touring.
Mileage & Fuel Efficiency
The Honda CB500F is quite fuel-efficient for a 471cc bike. It delivers around 28–30 km/l under normal riding conditions. With a 17.1-liter fuel tank, the bike can offer a riding range of 450–500 km on a full tank. This makes it suitable for long touring without frequent fuel stops. Honda’s fuel-injection system ensures consistent mileage and smooth throttle response. Compared to rivals, the CB500F stands out for its balance of performance and efficiency, which is rare in the middleweight naked bike segment.
Price & Availability in India
The Honda CB500F is sold internationally, but in India, Honda has not officially launched it yet. If introduced, it is expected to be priced around ₹5.5 lakh – ₹6 lakh (ex-showroom). At this price, it will compete with Kawasaki Z650, Benelli 502C, and Royal Enfield 650 Twins. Honda may bring it through its premium BigWing dealerships in India if demand grows. The CB500F could be an excellent option for Indian riders who want a refined, reliable, and stylish 500cc naked motorcycle without the bulk of larger superbikes.
