I am considering buying a Honda CBF 500, I have a few questions for anyone with experience?

Question

I have just passed my UK bike test and this will be my first bike since a scooter aged 16. The CBF is what I learnt on and it seemed to be a solid, no-nonsense bike that will be capable of gettign me to work during the week and hitting the coast at the weekend. They're also everwhere, so parts must be available quite easily should itever go wrong.

My questions:

Is the CBF quite capable of moving me at 70mph all day, if need be, without breaking a sweat? What about should I decide to carry a pillion, would it suffer with the extra weight?

Also, the bike would be my only transport. Are top boxes, panniers and screens available for the CBF- and would this extra weight take from it's performance in terms of fuel consumption or road speed? I have never ridden a bike with a screen before, so I hope they don't act like air-brakes!

Lastly, is it worth looking into performance upgrades or more meaty-sounding pipes for the CBF? I know it will be my workhorse as opposed to a 'fun' bike, but that doesn't mean it has to be boring! I would keep it stock as a beginner though.

Any serious help welcome. Thanks!

Answer 1

Yes, it will cruise at 70 all day (top speed is around 110mph).

All bikes are affected by the extra weight of a pillion, both in terms of handling and performance.

Various companies make luggage that should fit the CBF-500 (including the Hondaline range).  All luggage will affect the top speed and economy of any bike, because you are basically increasing the drag and reducing the aerodynamic efficiency.

Performance upgrades don't really exist for the CBF-500.  Most people who want more performance will simply buy a different bike.  Arrow make an exhaust system that will fit, though.

An alternative, but with more style, more power and more aftermarket bits (but still a good 'first big bike') would be the Honda CB-600 Hornet.  If you go for the 'S' version, that even has a half-fairing as standard.

Answer 2

hi i took my test on that bike and i liked it too. but when i passed and bought a bike i could not beleive the power i got a 1988 vfr750 i thought it was going to be like the bike i took my test on , boy was i wrong. compared to the cbf500 the vfr is very very quick fast and with torque. the cbf 500 is a very basic bike with low power but it would still go 110mph . i would really recommend a bike with the power of a vfr 750fj  but you have to respect the power. if i never got the vfr , i was going to buy cbr600r another really powerfull bike have you thought about the cbr600rr or cbr600f  vfr750 fj i bought for £600 and 105bhp cbf500 is about 53bhp.  by all means if you like it get it , please test ride some more you will be surprised with the power of these bikes if you are like me , i never realised bike were this powerfull, its the best thing i have ever done , safe riding and good luck

Answer 3

I really like the CBF 500 as a first big bike, its fast enough to give you a little fun but not to quick that as a beginner it will over whelm you.

The bike will very happily do 70mph and faster if you need to get around that lorry as its top speed it says is about 125mph.

I have not found anywhere that does panniers for the bike though the bike does seem to allow for this upgrade and I have a givi rack and top box on it and no slow down is noticeable.

Screens are available; which will be the next thing I am looking for on my bike.

Not looked at performance upgrades for it so cannot help with that.

The only downside I have found with the bike is the oil check, it can leave you with a wonder if you are doing it correct, thankfully bike does come with a low oil warning light.