Honda CB500F Specs, Top Speed & Performance Review
TL;DR
- The Honda CB500F is a naked, mid-size roadster powered by a 471cc parallel-twin engine producing approximately 47 hp at 8,600 rpm
- Real-world top speed is 110-115 mph; Honda does not publish an official figure.
- 0-60 mph acceleration runs roughly 5.8-6.5 seconds depending on rider weight and road conditions
- Wet weight is 192 kg (423 lbs); seat height is 790 mm (31.1 inches), making it accessible for shorter and newer riders.
- It’s a strong buy for new riders, commuters, and A2-license holders who want a bike that won’t punish them for learning but won’t bore them once they’re past the basics.
Honda CB500F Full Specs at a Glance
| Spec | 2024 CB500F |
|---|---|
| Engine | 471cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin |
| Horsepower | ~47 hp @ 8,600 rpm |
| Torque | 43 Nm (31.7 lb-ft) @ 7,000 rpm |
| Top Speed | ~110-115 mph (real-world; Honda unpublished) |
| 0-60 mph | ~5.8-6.5 sec (varies by rider/conditions) |
| Seat Height | 790 mm (31.1 in) |
| Wet Weight | 192 kg (423 lbs) |
| Fuel Tank | 17.7 L (4.7 gal) |
| Fuel Economy | ~60-65 mpg (Honda USA, 2024) |
| ABS | Standard (dual-channel) |
| MSRP (USA) | ~$6,999 (Honda USA, 2024) |
What the CB500F Engine Actually Does on the Road
The CB500F runs a 471cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin with fuel injection, and it makes 47 hp and 43 Nm of torque in a way that’s far more usable than the numbers suggest. Torque arrives early, around 4,000-5,000 rpm, so you’re not constantly wringing the throttle to keep up in traffic.
It’s not a fast bike. It doesn’t pretend to be. What it does well is pull cleanly from low revs, hold a highway cruise at 70-75 mph without buzzing your hands off the bars, and return 60-65 mpg (Honda USA, 2024) in mixed riding. That’s a realistic commuter setup.
Where the engine shows its limits is above 90 mph. It gets there, but you’re asking it for everything it has. On the highway, 80 mph is the sweet spot – relaxed, stable, and not eating your fuel economy alive.
CB500F Top Speed: What’s Actually Achievable
The CB500F’s real-world top speed is 110-115 mph. Honda doesn’t publish an official top speed figure for this bike; that range comes from independent road tests and dyno runs at full tuck on a flat road (MCNews, 2023; Bennetts BikeSocial, 2022).
For a 47 hp naked bike with upright ergonomics, 110 mph is honest and expected. Wind resistance at speed is the limiting factor – you’re not going to see 120 mph without a full tuck and a tailwind. In everyday riding, you’ll never need more than this.
CB500F Acceleration: 0-60 mph and Real-World Feel
The CB500F hits 60 mph in roughly 5.8-6.5 seconds. That number shifts with rider weight, altitude, and whether you’re slipping the clutch hard off the line or riding it like a commuter (MCNews, 2023).
It’s not quick enough to win a stoplight drag race against a sport 600, but it’s quick enough to stay safe in traffic, merge on a highway, and feel genuinely fun on a twisty back road. The throttle response is smooth rather than snappy – good for new riders, slightly uninspiring for those chasing adrenaline.
Handling, Suspension, and Brakes: Where the CB500F Earns Its Reputation
The CB500F handles well for its class. The 41mm telescopic fork up front and preload-adjustable monoshock out back are standard equipment, not exceptional by spec but tuned sensibly for the bike’s weight and intended rider (Honda USA, 2024). It corners predictably, holds a line through sweepers, and doesn’t wallow at low speed.
Braking is a 320mm single disc up front with a two-piston caliper, backed by a 240mm rear disc. Dual-channel ABS is standard from 2019 onward. Stopping power is adequate for the bike’s 192 kg wet weight; you won’t find yourself wishing for Brembo M50s, but you won’t be grabbing a handful of brake in a panic stop either.
The seat height of 790 mm (31.1 inches) puts flat-footing out of reach for riders under 5’6″, but one-foot-down is easy for most. This is a manageable bike to handle at stops.
Who the CB500F Is Actually Right For
The CB500F fits a specific rider well: someone past the parking lot stage but not yet ready (or willing) to throw $10,000+ at a middleweight. It’s A2-license compliant in Europe (47 hp / 35 kW limit), which is part of why Honda sells so many of them (Honda Europe, 2023).
It works as a daily commuter, a weekend road bike, and a first-year sport bike without being any of those things perfectly. The riding position is upright and comfortable for 45-60 minute stints. It’s not a long-haul touring setup – there’s no windscreen, no panniers, no cruise control – but fit a tank bag and a tail bag, and you can cover 250-300 miles in a day without serious fatigue.
New riders will appreciate how the power delivery doesn’t bite. Experienced riders returning to bikes after years off will appreciate that it doesn’t feel like a step backward.
Real Drawbacks Worth Knowing
The CB500F has genuine limitations. The stock suspension is soft enough that heavier riders (180 lbs+) will feel the front compress noticeably under braking on rough pavement. Rebound damping isn’t adjustable up front, so your fix is either accept it or budget for a cartridge emulator kit.
The instrument cluster is analog/digital hybrid, functional but dated compared to the full-TFT displays on newer competitors like the Yamaha MT-03. There’s no traction control, no riding modes, no quick-shifter option from the factory.
And at highway speed, the naked ergonomics mean wind blast is your constant companion. A flyscreen – aftermarket options from Puig or MRA run $80-$120 – makes a real difference on rides over an hour.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Honda CB500F
What is the top speed of the Honda CB500F?
The CB500F reaches approximately 110-115 mph in real-world conditions. Honda doesn’t publish an official top speed figure. That range comes from independent road tests and assumes a flat road, full throttle, and a rider in a moderate tuck (MCNews, 2023).
How fast does the CB500F go from 0 to 60 mph?
The CB500F covers 0-60 mph in roughly 5.8-6.5 seconds depending on rider weight, conditions, and launch technique. It’s not a quick bike off the line by sport-bike standards, but it’s fast enough for safe highway merging and real-world urban riding.
Is the Honda CB500F a good beginner bike?
Yes, the CB500F is a strong beginner choice. Its 47 hp, smooth power delivery, low seat height (790 mm), and predictable handling make it forgiving without being slow enough to feel like a step down. It’s A2-license compliant in Europe, which tells you exactly where Honda positions it.
How does the CB500F compare to the CB500F’s sibling, the CB500X?
The CB500X uses the same 471cc engine but comes in an adventure-style package with a taller seat (830 mm), more suspension travel, spoke wheels, and a taller windscreen. The CB500F is the naked roadster with lower bars, sportier geometry, and a lower seat. Same motor, different purpose.
What is the fuel economy of the Honda CB500F?
Honda rates the CB500F at approximately 60-65 mpg in mixed riding (Honda USA, 2024). Real-world figures track close to that number. The 17.7-liter (4.7-gallon) tank gives a realistic range of 250-280 miles before you’re looking for a gas station.
Key Takeaways
- The CB500F makes 47 hp and 43 Nm from a 471cc parallel-twin; those numbers understate how usable the bike is in everyday riding.
- Real top speed is 110-115 mph; 0-60 takes roughly 5.8-6.5 seconds.
- Wet weight of 192 kg and a 790 mm seat height make it manageable for most riders.
- The stock suspension is soft for heavier riders, and there’s no traction control or riding modes.
- At $6,999 MSRP (Honda USA, 2024), it’s one of the better-value naked bikes available for new and returning riders in the U.S. market.
