Honda CB 500 issues?

Question

Hi from the UK, and thanks to all those who have already answered my questions today!

Many of you have recommended Honda for my first bike, at the age of 22, and opinion seems to be split between a CBF 250 and a CB 500.

I have looked in to both of these a little and must say they're both impressive. However I am confused; if I am restricted to 33 bhp, how could I get a CB 500, second hand? Is it easy enough to get a garage to restrict it for you, and would it be worth doing on a 500? What sort of year CB 500 am I looking at, they seem to go back to the 1980s?

What would this do to performance and economy?

Cheers!

Answer 1

I recently bought my second Honda CB500 (Twin) 1997 it was imported from Germany by a Bike shop who specialise in Good Quality imports...It is in immaculate condition.The Honda CB prefix refers to a couple of different models going back to the CB 500/4.There was a CB 500T these models are pretty few and far between and I am Guessing that the advice to buy one of these CB 500's refer to the later model which is water cooled,twin cylinder,Four Stroke...I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this Model to You as I have had extensive experience of them...A good indication of their Quality,Reliability etc is borne out by the fact that so many Despatch Riders(Myself Included opt for them as their workaday Tools.They are extremely Agile,economical,Cheap to run,Insure,Maintain etc. My recently purchased one WAS restricted and this is easily reversed by the removal of two Metal Inserts which are fitted into the carburettor mounting Rubbers between the Carbs and The Cylinder Head.Anyone who is in any way Handy with Bikes will have absolutely no trouble removing them...A little more work is involved in fitting them..as the carbs need to be lifted clear of the intake rubbers. If You are looking for a Good Solid Bike with good handling,braking and even Performance.the CB is the bike for You any Restrictions will have to be verified as being done correctly by a reputable dealer to avail of .....insurance discounts...license restrictions etc...for obvious reasons...Good luck and ps Look for a low mileage one that hasn't been used for courier Use and You WILL have no problems....I guarantee it. Good Luck. The Years these particular models were made were between~1994 -2004 after which the CB 500F was introduced easily distinguished by the lack of 2 rear shock absorbers as The later ones are monoshock....Same bulletproof Engine.

Answer 2

You can restrict a 500, this would be worth doing as you can reverse the process when you want/are legal to have more power. If you buy a new Honda the kit is free (about £150) and fitting will be around £50. Kits can be fitted to used bikes, but there is a little more cost, but you will pay less for a used bike anyway!.



One thing to note above all else is that you must get a certificate stating that your bike has been restricted. There are unscrupulous dealers/privateers that will supply just the certificate i.e. without restricting the bike DO NOT FALL FOR THIS ONE! as 1. Your insurance will not be valid and 2. You will get a big time fine and points etc.



What to get a 250 or 500? really depends on what you are using the bike for (commuting etc) and how long you intend to keep the bike. If you want to keep it a couple of years or so after going to full power I would suggest the 500 (they are more saleable aswell) though the 250 is quite adequate as a commuter!?!



With a new bike you get a 2 year warranty (restricting the bike if done by a qualified person does not invalidate your warranty, and you get a good deal on the kit from a Honda dealer) i.e. New CBF500 ABS model is £3,999, plus £50 fitting of the kit.



Or consider a used bike, but make sure you check 1. Service history 2. Correct mileage (verify) 3. Number of owners. 4. Whether it has been a write off or outstanding finance 5. Import (worth £300 less on average) etc - all of which you can check via MCN/Biketrader etc. Golden rule with used bikes is, if in doubt when buying, walk away, there will be plenty more



Sorry to go on a bit, but if you are not careful you can easily get ripped off when you are new to bikes and buying used.

Answer 3

You could buy a second hand CB500 with the 33bhp kit fitted, you often see restricted bikes advertised. If not you arrange with a dealership to get a kit fitted. The normal cost to supply & fit the kit is about £200.



It wouldn't greatly reduce the performance of a CB500 as they only make about 50bhp anyway, it would just stop you from going flat out at motorway speeds.



There are 2 different models of cb500, the 1970s- 1980s model is the cb500/4, you want the 1990s-2000s version.



You can pick up a late registration low mileage example for about £1500, scruffy ones for less. Performance won't suffer too badly & economy should be perfectly acceptable.



The restriction is easily reversible but don't think about doing it yourself, if you remove the kit you would invalidate your insurance & be riding other than in accordance with your licence - both endorsable offences.

Answer 4

dont stuff around. the mot guys are wise and realise that if you can get it restricted, you can also get it derestricted.

ring them up, they probobly have a list of approved bikes, look at them.

for my money, i'd be going with the 250 anyway,