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2004–2007 · Naked Bike · Buyer's Guide
Honest Miles, Zero Drama
The CBF 500 is Honda at its most honest. At its heart sits a 499 cc liquid-cooled parallel twin with roots in the long-lived CB500, making 57 hp at 9,500 rpm and 33 lb-ft at 8,000 rpm. On paper that's modest. On the road it's willing and smooth, and it's the kind of engine that simply keeps running. It sits in a steel backbone frame with a 58.3 in (1480 mm) wheelbase, and only the rear shock takes preload adjustment: the telescopic fork isn't adjustable at all. ABS was an option, so check what a used one actually has. There's no traction control and no ride modes. This bike was built to be used, not admired.
It keeps its promises for years. Reliability and running costs are its strongest traits, and 38 mpg from a 5.0 gal tank makes it cheap to live with. The handling is easy to trust. It's light enough to thread through traffic and settled enough at highway speed that newer riders don't feel rushed. That makes it a natural first real motorcycle, or a commuter you never have to worry about. The honest caveat: it will not wow anyone chasing speed. If raw pace is the goal, look elsewhere. If you want a bike that works every morning, this one does.
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
| Power | 57 hp (42 kW) @ 9,500 rpm |
|---|---|
| Torque | 33 lb-ft (45 Nm) @ 8,000 rpm |
| Displacement | 499 cc |
| Engine | Parallel twin |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Final drive | Chain |
| Fork | Telescopic |
| Front brake | 296 mm |
| Front tire | 120/70-17 |
| Rear tire | 160/60-17 |
| Wheelbase | 58.3 in (1480 mm) |
| Seat height | 30.3 in (770 mm) |
| Wet weight | 454 lb (206 kg) |
| Fuel capacity | 5.0 gal (19 L) |
| Top speed | 125 mph (201 km/h) |
| Fuel economy | 38 mpg (US) |
Equipment check
Chassis
Safety
What follows comes from years of listening to CBF 500 owners: paddock conversations, club-night chatter, long talks with people who ride one every day, and the messages riders send me directly. The pattern is steady. Owners talk about trust and low cost far more than excitement, and the complaints they raise are few and modest.
Riders consistently bring up the engine's durability. Owners describe twins that keep running past 200,000 miles with basic care, and satisfaction with the build stays high. Many call it unusually smooth for a twin, easygoing around town and happy to rev above 7,000 rpm when they want to push. Owners also point to strong resale, cheap insurance and little servicing. Shorter riders say the light controls helped them settle in quickly, and experienced owners say it's still fun.
The most repeated complaint is the styling. Owners call it functional and a little dated next to sportier rivals. A few riders who came from the CB500 notice the extra weight at walking pace. Some also say the front brake feels safe and progressive but lacks bite with a passenger aboard or when riding hard.
Clutch cable premature wear
Clutch cables can snap with little warning, typically around 10,000–15,000 miles. Carrying a spare cable and keeping the mechanism well-lubricated is advised.
Exhaust downpipe corrosion
The painted mild steel downpipe is prone to rust, especially if used through winter without regular cleaning and protective treatment.
Where this Honda CBF 500 pulls ahead of — or falls behind — its rivals on the numbers, and the typical bike in its class on character.
Power
Torque
Displacement
Wet weight
Top speed
Seat height
Forget spec-sheet bragging. Here's who the CBF 500 is actually built for.
If you want to chase precision on the Crest, 57 hp will leave you wanting. As an easy, cheap bike for sharpening your lines and commuting through LA traffic, it earns its place.
Made for Angeles Crest Highway · Coronado Trail / US 191 · Highway 1 / Big Sur
You care about technique more than speed, and that suits this bike. Light, predictable handling lets you work on your lines all day. Just don't expect a sharp, sporty chassis.
Made for Back of the Dragon · Blue Ridge Parkway · Cherohala Skyway
If this one isn't quite the fit, these are the bikes worth riding back-to-back against it.
Successor · 2024
The A2 That Actually Handles
Competitor · 2006–2008
City-Smart Twin That Bites
Competitor · 2005–2007
Cheap To Own, Easy To Trust
Similar Character · 2005–2006
Cheap To Run, Easy To Own