2025 Honda CB500F Review

Designed to be the perfect first step into the streetfighter world, the CB500F features an aggressive stance, nimble handling, and approachable power. Confidence comes easy on this lightweight and versatile naked bike, making it perfect for riders of all skill levels to hone their craft as next-level riding meets next-level value.

Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications

2025 Honda CB500F: TAKE THE STREETS BY STORM.

Introducing the 2025 Honda CB500F…

A motorcycle is more than just transport. It sets you apart. Marks out individuality. And opens up the city. Buses, trains and traffic jams? Forget them. Enjoy the fast, nimble steering that a lightweight chassis gives. Revel in the thrill of the engine’s crisp response. Explore every corner of your world, then go beyond. The CB500F will take you wherever you want to go.

The value-conscious and sporty Honda CB500F is a perfect example of why the universal Japanese motorcycle (UJM, a concept that Honda helped to establish back in the ’70s) has been so popular for so long. With subtle-yet-aerodynamic styling, the CB500F standard bike is a capable, reliable machine that delivers an enjoyable riding experience for all comers. Chalk that up to its compact, lightweight chassis and proven 471cc twin-cylinder engine, which together make for a nimble-handling, smooth-accelerating ride, all packed in a stylish naked-bike design.

Designed to be the perfect first step into the streetfighter world, the CB500F features an aggressive stance, nimble handling, and approachable power. Confidence comes easy on this lightweight and versatile naked bike, making it perfect for riders of all skill levels to hone their craft as next-level riding meets next-level value.

2025 Honda CB500F Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

• Naked sportbike styling
• Showa® SFF-BP fork
• Twin-cylinder engine
• Standard ABS

HISTORY
Since it was originally launched in 2013, the naked CB500F has quietly proved that one of Honda’s tried-and-true formulas for building popular motorcycles has lost none of its relevance. That formula? An entertaining twin-cylinder engine wrapped in a simple, lightweight, sporty chassis that’s as much fun for a veteran rider as it is for those still building their riding experience.

While its compact dimensions and welcoming manners have made the CB500F an easy machine to manage, ride and learn with, those same attributes also made it a genuine pleasure for those (whether stepping up from a smaller machine or coming down from a bigger model) who want to explore just what it can do on the weekend. Sensible running costs added to the appeal.

In 2019, the CB500F was redrawn with uncompromising lines that elevated its technical and mechanical aspects. Having proved its continued popularity, the twin-cylinder naked bike received additional improvements for the 2022 model year. Continuing its evolution, the 2024 CB500F benefited from aggressive new styling, high-end technology and a variety of detail upgrades.

Honda Updates Lineup for 2025 Model Year

• RoadSync now standard on all Rebel 1100 versions New premium-level Rebel 1100 DCT SE now offered
• Announcement includes seven other two-wheel products

American Honda announced today that for the 2025 model year, its popular Rebel 1100 cruiser lineup receives important updates focused on comfort and convenience. The family also grows by one, with the addition of the Rebel 1100 DCT SE—a premium-level version that shines with a list of eye-grabbing features included as standard equipment, such as fork boots, handlebar-end rear-view mirrors, a color-matched headlight cowl, a short front fender, and a special seat.

“Since its 2021 debut, Honda’s Rebel 1100 platform has proven to be a big hit with American cruiser customers, so we’re excited to both improve and deepen the roster for 2025,” said Colin Miller, Manager of Public Relations at American Honda. “The entire platform now boasts more comfortable ergonomics, and the new Rebel 1100 DCT SE comes straight from the dealership with premium styling features. It’s clear that Honda values cruiser customers and takes their needs seriously.”

In addition to unveiling the Rebel 1100 platform, Honda confirmed the return of several other two-wheel models from five different categories: the head-turning Fury and timeless Shadow Phantom cruisers, the legendary Africa Twin and compact NX500 adventure bikes, the iconic XR650L dual-sport machine, the versatile CBR500R sport bike, and the stylish and affordable CB500F naked motorcycle.

2025 Honda CB500F Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

Engine & Drivetrain
More Power, More Torque
The 471 cc DOHC liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine uses a square bore & stroke of 67 mm x 66.8 mm for an optimum combination of strong low-end torque and excellent top-end power and performance.

Assist Slipper Clutch
Not only does the assist slipper clutch help to prevent rear-wheel lockup on downshifts, it also reduces effort at the lever by almost half, helping to reduce rider fatigue particularly in city traffic or on long rides.

Easy Shifting
The gear indicator and adjustable shift-up indicator make it even easier to use the smooth-shifting six-speed gearbox.

Chassis & Suspension
Lightweight Frame
The lightweight diamond-shaped steel frame was designed to allow a certain degree of yield, which enables it to better respond to changes in the road surface and to transmit just the right amount of feedback to the rider.

Suspension
The upgraded suspension (compared to the previous generation) includes a Showa 41mm Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks – the same found on the CBR650R. Additionally, the Pro-Link® rear suspension compliments the front suspension with more lateral flex and a single-tube shock absorber with five-stage spring preload adjustment (replacing the double-tube design of the previous model). Its large-diameter piston also helps to ensure excellent suspension response and improved heat dissipation. Both the shock and the adjustable 41 mm fork are calibrated for a comfortable but sporty ride.

Lightweight Wheels
Lightweight cast aluminum wheels with Y-shaped spokes not only look trick, they also contribute to the bike’s excellent manoeuvrability.

Powerful Braking
Experience strong and easily controlled stopping power — the front has been updated with dual disc brakes with radial-mounted calipers (compared to previous models), while the back features a single-piston caliper. Plus, two-channel ABS gives you extra peace of mind on reduced-traction road surfaces. Wave brake rotors with superlative heat-dissipating qualities are lighter than conventional discs of the same diameter, which help to further reduce the bike’s unsprung weight.

Additional Features
Designed for City & Highway Rides
Ergonomics were carefully configured to ensure an unrestricted riding position that allows easy manoeuvring in town, an easy reach to the ground, as well as excellent comfort during long-distance highway trips.

Aggressive Look
Sleek bodywork incorporates an LED headlight, taillight and turn signals, and leaves more of the engine exposed for an aggressive, streetfighter look.

Convenient Storage
A utility space under the seat accommodates a U-lock, wet weather gear or other items.

More Upgrades
The CB500F’s impressive list of premium features includes brighter LEDs and new PGM-FI settings to improve engine character with increased power to low-end torque.

DOHC twin-cylinder engine
The 471cc parallel-twin engine features a dual overhead cam design that’s versatile, approachable, and famously reliable. It has robust low-end torque and high-rpm horsepower.

Programmed fuel injection
The PGM-FI system adjusts fuel levels based on parameters like temperature, elevation, throttle position, and riding style to increase power and torque from 3000-7000 RPM and improve throttle response.

Compact exhaust
The exhaust system features twin outlets. It’s a small detail, but it looks great, and the sound will bring a smile to your face every time you twist the throttle.

Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
Our Anti-Lock Braking System is standard, providing confident stopping power and added assurance in challenging conditions, such as wet roads or loose gravel.

Showa® SFF-BP fork
A top-notch 41mm inverted Showa® Separate Function Fork—Big Piston (SFF-BP) front end provides the rigidity needed for precise steering and feedback.

Pro-Link® rear suspension
Our Pro-Link® rear suspension features tailored shock settings and 4.7 inches of travel, enhancing ride comfort and handling.

Steel-tube frame
The 35mm steel-tube mainframe seamlessly links to the engine through four mounts, providing a rock-solid foundation that ensures a smooth ride and quick handling.

Cast wheels
Solid and stylish, the lightweight, multi-spoke, cast aluminum wheels are designed to improve handling by lessening rotating inertia and are sized to fit a wide variety of sticky street tires.

Lightweight swingarm
The swingarm, utilized across the entire Honda 500 lineup, is nearly two pounds lighter and stronger than the previous version. This is one reason for the exceptional handling.

Slipper clutch
The slipper clutch improves power delivery, reduces clutch-lever pull effort by 45 percent, and helps prevent rear-wheel hop during hard deceleration.

Smooth transmission
Our engineers profiled the shift dogs in the transmission to help you get smooth shifts every time. You’ll never see these parts, but you’ll feel their effects.

Naked sportbike styling
Embracing the ‘less is more’ philosophy, the sleek, angular design seamlessly merges modern aesthetics with exceptional value to create an all-around package that packs a lot for a little.

Step-up seat
The seat is dual-level and low-height, designed to accommodate inseams of all sizes. Perfect for around town or carving the canyons, it also offers room for a passenger and is ergonomically shaped to fit a wide range of riders.

Passenger handholds
Sturdy passenger handholds offer security for your passengers or can be used as tie-down points for cargo items.

Genuine Honda accessories
You can equip your new CB500F with a range of Honda accessories. These include a centerstand, tank bag, wind visor, and 12V accessory socket.

LED headlight
The dual-lens LED headlight gives the front end a modern, cutting-edge look while still projecting plenty of light on the road for visibility.

Digital instruments
An easy-to-read digital LCD gauge cluster includes a speedometer, tachometer, odometer, multiple trip meters, and more.

DESIGN / STYLING
With fresh streetfighter-inspired styling, the CB500F has a strong, aggressive look that exudes aggression, thanks to a low-set stance that is ready for action. The geometric angles of the fairing incorporate headlight side ducts that channel airflow smoothly around the upper fuel-tank area. The side shrouds interlock with the fuel tank and fully emphasize the engine, while the side covers and seat unit continue the theme of muscular angularity. The compact front fender is drawn directly from the CB650R.

This aerodynamic design contributes to a linear steering feel with excellent handling agility. An LED headlight design has good beam penetration but also throws out wide light distribution, for exceptional visibility when riding at night, particularly when cornering. It’s matched to a sleek taillight, and all lighting is LED.

From the rider’s point of view, a 5-inch full-color TFT screen displays vital information. By sealing the gap between the cover glass and TFT screen with resin, glare is minimized and backlight transmittance is optimized, making the display easy to read with just a glance. Owners can customize the display patterns (Bar, Circle and Simple), and navigating through the TFT display settings is simple and intuitive thanks to the backlit four-way toggle switch located on the left side of the handlebar.

A tapered handlebar provides feel and leverage, while the sporty aluminum footpegs complement the aggressive character. The neutral riding position is comfortable and accommodates a wide range of riders.

CHASSIS / SUSPENSION
The CB500F’s light, strong 35mm diameter steel diamond-tube mainframe has a tuned degree of yield that gives plenty of feedback to the rider as road surfaces change. The shape and position of the engine mounts, plus the frame’s rigidity balance, keep vibration to a minimum.

With the aim to heighten all-around handling performance, this model uses a Showa 41mm inverted Separate Function Fork Big Piston fork (SFF-BP) with 4.7 inches of suspension travel. By dividing the functions—Big Piston pressure-separation damper in one leg, spring mechanism in the other—reaction and ride quality are maximized. (The CB650R uses the same setup.)

The single-tube shock absorber (as found on larger-capacity sport bikes) has a large-diameter piston that ensures excellent response and temperature management; it features five-stage preload adjustment with an optimized spring rate and damping settings to match the fork. Rear-wheel travel is 4.7 inches.

The front-wheel width is 3.5 inches with a 120/70-ZR17 tire, and the rear is 4.5 inches with a 160/60-ZR17 tire.

The CB500F’s curb weight is 414 pounds (with all fluids and a full tank of fuel), and its 49.7/50.3 front/rear bias percentage places more weight on the front wheel to promote nimble handling and excellent front-end grip. Wheelbase is 55.5 inches, with rake and trail of 25.5°/101mm (4.0 inches).

The tapered handlebar offers intuitive feel and leverage. Seat height is low at 31.3 inches, making the CB500F ABS very easy to manage, and its neutral riding position comfortably accommodates riders of varying heights. Overall dimensions are 81.9 inches long, 31.4 inches wide and 41.7 inches high, with ground clearance of 5.7 inches. The fuel tank holds 4.5 gallons, including reserve.

ENGINE / DRIVETRAIN
The CB500F’s 471cc, eight-valve, liquid-cooled, parallel twin-cylinder layout offers a well-proportioned balance of physical size and willing, enjoyable power output, with an energetic, high-revving character and zippy top end. The engine’s overall performance and character belie its relatively small capacity. Acceleration is impressive, due to good low-to-midrange power and torque in the 3,000 to 7,000 rpm range.

The CB500F features Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), which compares front and rear wheel speeds to monitor rear slip; when it’s detected, the fuel injection is controlled to smoothly reduce torque, offering enhanced control, especially in slippery conditions. HSTC can be turned off completely with the new four-way toggle switch on the left side of the handlebar.

Feeding the PGM-FI fuel injection is a relatively straight shot of airflow through the airbox and throttle bodies. The ignition timing and air/fuel ratio are optimized to create powerful acceleration feel from low rpm, with linear power delivery and throttle feel. The exhaust muffler features dual exit pipes, giving a sporting edge to each pulse, as well as a rasping high-rpm howl.

Bore and stroke are set at 67mm x 66.8mm, with a compression ratio of 10.7:1; the crankshaft pins are phased at 180°, and a primary couple-balancer sits behind the cylinders, close to the bike’s center of gravity. The primary and balancer gears use scissor gears, minimizing noise. The crank counterweight is specifically shaped for couple-balance, and its light weight allows the engine to spin freely, with reduced inertia.

Acting as a stressed member, the engine complements the frame’s rigidity with four hangers on the cylinder head. Internally, the head uses roller rocker arms; shim-type valve adjustment allows them to be light, for low valve-spring load and minimal friction.

A silent (SV Chain) cam chain has the surface of its pins treated with Vanadium, minimizing friction with good protection against wear. Inlet-valve diameter is 26.0mm, while exhaust-valve diameter is 21.5mm.

The piston shape is carefully designed to minimize noise at high rpm. Friction is reduced by striations on the piston skirt (a finish that increases surface area and introduces gaps in which oil can flow for better lubrication). The “triangle” proportion of crankshaft, main shaft and countershaft is efficiently compact. The crankcases use centrifugally cast thin-walled sleeves; their internal design reduces the pumping losses that can occur with a 180° phased firing order. A deep sump reduces oil movement under hard cornering and braking; oil capacity is 3.2 liters. The slick-shifting, six-speed transmission is managed by an assist/slipper clutch.

2025 Honda CB500F – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $6,899 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $9,116 CDN (includes Freight, PDI and Fees)
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ See Dealer for Pricing in GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride
Meets current EPA standards
Models sold in California meet current CARB standards and may differ slightly due to emissions equipment
Specifications subject to change

2025 Honda CB500F – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details

• Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, parallel twin-cylinder engine
• Displacement: 471 cc
• Bore & Stroke: 67.0 x 66.8 mm
• Compression Ratio: 10.7:1
• Valve Train: DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
• Fuel Delivery: PGM-FI electronic fuel injection with 34mm throttle bodies
• Transmission: 6-speed manual
• Final Drive: O-ring-sealed chain; 15T / 41T
• Front Suspension: 41 mm Showa SFF-BP inverted telescopic fork, 118 mm (4.7 in) travel
• Rear Suspension: Pro-Link® single shock with nine-position spring preload adjustability, 118 mm (4.7 in) travel
• Tires: Front: 120/70R-17 / Rear: 160/60R-17
• Brakes: Front: Dual 296 mm petal-style discs with four-piston calipers, ABS / Rear: Single 240 mm petal-style disc with one-piston caliper, ABS
• ABS: Two-channel
• Ground Clearance: 140 mm (5.5 in)
• Seat Height: 795 mm (31.3 in)
• Wheelbase: 1,420 mm (55.9 in)
• Curb Weight: 414 lbs (188 kg)
• Fuel Capacity: 4.5 gallons (17 liters)
• Colour: Matte Black Metallic
• Warranty: 12 months, unlimited mileage, freely transferable warranty; extended coverage available with Honda Plus

2025 Honda CB500F – Totalmotorcycle.com Europe Specifications/Technical Details

TBA

Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).