Honda has launched the 2013 Honda CB500F during the recently held EICMA event at Milan, Italy. The CB500F is part of the new Honda 500cc trio which includes the CBR500R and CB500F. The latter is inspired from the CB1000R. This motorcycle is the naked version of of the CBR500R and that is why we expect it to be priced much more competitively than its faired sibling.
The CB500F is powered by the same 500cc twin-cylinder liquid-cooled DOHC engine that also powers the 2013 Honda CBR500R and 2013 Honda CB500X.The motorcycle also features Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI). The engine is mated to a 6 speed manual transmission and produces 47bhp and 43Nm. The front suspension has a 41mm fork with 4.8 inches of travel whereas the rear suspension is a Pro-Link single shock with nine-position spring preload adjustability.
Honda has given the CB500R's brakes twin-piston callipers clamping on a single 320mm wave disc at the front and a single calliper 240mm disc at the rear. As for tyres, Honda has given it a 17 inch rim with 120/70 in front and 160/60 at the rear. The seat height has been adjusted to 30.9 inches making it a good motorcycle for a wider range of riders and a kerb weight of 190kg. Like its other new 500cc siblings, ABS is optional in this motorcycle. Colours available are black and pearl white.
The 2013 Honda CB500F standard model is priced at US $5,499(Rs 3 lakhs before taxes and duties) making it a value-for-money deal for riders in developed markets who are planning to upgrade to a bigger capacity motorcycle from learner motorcycles. Indian consumers need to wait for official word from HMSI. But there are high chances of this motorcycle being launched early next year as it has been developed keeping emerging markets in mind.
