Honda CB500F Specs, Price & Who It’s For

October 20, 2026

Table of Contents

Honda CB500F Overview

The Honda CB500F is a naked motorcycle with a 471 cc parallel-twin engine. Honda positions it as welcoming for new enthusiasts while staying nimble for riders of any skill level. For 2024, the ABS version lists at $6,899 USD MSRP, so price is a big part of this guide.

Honda calls the CB500F a naked package that leads in versatility and rider-friendly performance. The styling is aggressive and streetfighter-inspired, with aerodynamic benefits and a narrow, lightweight chassis. You get a bike that looks sharp in traffic and is easy to place in corners.

Honda pitches the bike as a stylish city machine and a competent office or campus commuter. Honda also says it is at home for fun riding. Within Honda’s lineup, it is the smaller sibling of the CB1000R, with excellent maneuverability and a comfortable riding position.

Chanokchon via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Honda CB500F Engine & Performance

The engine is a liquid-cooled, eight-valve DOHC parallel twin with a 471 cc displacement. Its bore and stroke measure 67.0 x 66.8 mm. Fuel is metered by EFI with 34 mm throttle bodies.

Specification	Value
Engine	471 cc, liquid-cooled DOHC parallel twin
Bore x stroke	67.0 x 66.8 mm
Fuel delivery	EFI with 34 mm throttle bodies
Maximum power	35 kW (47 hp) at 8,500 rpm
Maximum torque	43 N⋅m (32 lbf⋅ft) at 7,000 rpm
Strong low-to-midrange band	3,000 to 7,000 rpm

Peak power arrives at 8,500 rpm, and peak torque comes at 7,000 rpm. Most of the useful pull sits lower, in the 3,000 to 7,000 rpm band. That is where the bike is most relaxed in everyday riding.

Honda describes the engine as having good torque and a broad spread of power. For 2024, the ECU was revised for better acceleration through changes to air/fuel ratio and ignition timing. In practice, the bike rewards you for staying in the middle of the rev range rather than chasing the top end.

Honda CB500F Chassis & Ergonomics

The front uses a 41 mm Showa inverted fork with 4.3 inches of travel. The rear uses a Pro-Link single shock with 4.7 inches of travel. Fact sheets disagree on front preload adjustment. Some list an external preload adjuster, while the 2024 listing describes the fork as non-adjustable.

Check the spec sheet for the exact year you are considering.

The front brake is a 296 mm disc with 4-piston radially mounted Nissin calipers. The rear uses a 240 mm disc with a single-piston caliper. Those are the numbers that matter most when you are judging stopping power on a bike at this size.

Specification	Value
Front fork	Showa 41 mm inverted, 4.3 in travel
Rear shock	Pro-Link single shock, 4.7 in travel
Front brake	296 mm disc, 4-piston Nissin calipers
Rear brake	240 mm disc, single-piston caliper
Tires	120/70-ZR17 front, 160/60-ZR17 rear
Wet weight	414 lb (188 kg)
Seat height	31.1 in
Ground clearance	5.7 in (144.8 mm)
Wheelbase	55.5 in (1409.7 mm)
Frame and body	Steel frame, plastic body
Fuel capacity	4.5 gal (17 l)

Honda gives the bike a 414 lb (188 kg) weight with all fluids and a full tank. The bike also lost two pounds going into 2024. A 31.1 in seat keeps your feet closer to the ground at stops, which helps shorter riders and beginners.

Ground clearance of 5.7 in (144.8 mm) and a 55.5 in (1409.7 mm) wheelbase point to a stable, compact platform. The 4.5 gal (17 l) tank gives you a practical range between stops without adding bulk.

Honda CB500F Features

The 2024 model adds a 5-inch full-color TFT screen. It offers three selectable designs: Bar, Circle, and Simple. A backlit four-way toggle switch controls the display.

All lighting is LED, including the headlight and taillight. The new headlight sits under a new shroud that Honda says is functional. The LED lighting improves visibility without extra switching or maintenance on your part.

Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) is standard on the 2024 model. It compares front and rear wheel speeds and reduces torque when rear slip is detected. You can turn it off with the toggle switch, or defeat it through the left-handlebar switchgear. The hinged fuel cap is a small but useful detail for quick refueling.

Honda CB500F Price & Trims

The 2024 ABS version has a US MSRP of $6,899. Honda says the 2024 changes add up to a $100 price increase. Check your dealer for current pricing, since MSRP is only the starting figure.

Honda’s fact sheet says the CB500F is sold as the ABS model. Other listings say an ABS version is available alongside the standard model. Ask your dealer which version is on the floor before you shop.

The only color listed is Matte Black Metallic. The warranty is a one-year, transferable, unlimited-mileage limited warranty. Extended coverage is available through a Honda Protection Plan.

How the Honda CB500F Compares

The most direct price reference in the source material is the 2022 Honda CBR500R ABS, which lists at $7,199 USD MSRP. That model year differs from the 2024 CB500F, so compare the years carefully. The table below shows the figures available for each.

Model (year)	US MSRP	Notes
Honda CB500F ABS (2024)	$6,899	Naked, streetfighter-inspired styling
Honda CBR500R ABS (2022)	$7,199	Sibling model in the same lineup

Honda’s own positioning puts the CB500F in the welcoming and nimble category for riders of any skill level. The source material does not provide a full head-to-head spec comparison with the CBR500R, so this guide does not make one.

If you are weighing other beginner-friendly nakeds, the Kawasaki Ninja 500: Specs, Strengths, and Who It Suits and the Yamaha MT-07 First Bike? Who It Suits and What to Know are useful starting points.

Who the Honda CB500F Is For (and Who Should Skip It)

The CB500F suits riders who want a welcoming bike that is still nimble. It fits new riders who plan to use the bike in town and on weekend rides. Its low-to-midrange power band of 3,000 to 7,000 rpm gives you usable pull without demanding high revs.

Skip it if you want more than 47 hp for sustained highway passing or aggressive riding. Skip it if you need adjustable rebound damping, since the fact sheets list rebound as non-adjustable. Riders who want a bike that feels heavy and planted at a stop may also prefer something with more mass than 414 lb (188 kg).

Honda describes the bike as excellent to maneuver and comfortable to ride. If you ride mostly short trips and want a bike that is easy to handle, that matches your needs. If you want the most power in this class, the numbers above make the trade-off clear.

Honda CB500F FAQ

Is the Honda CB500F good for a first motorcycle?

It can be. Honda describes the bike as welcoming for new enthusiasts, and it has a 31.1 in seat. Its power band is accessible through the 3,000 to 7,000 rpm range. Take a beginner course and test ride it before you buy.

How much does the 2024 Honda CB500F cost in the US?

The 2024 ABS version has a US MSRP of $6,899. Honda says the 2024 changes added $100 to the price. Your final cost depends on dealer pricing, fees, and any options, so get a written quote.

Does the Honda CB500F come with traction control and ABS?

Yes, with a caveat on ABS. Traction control, called HSTC, is standard on the 2024 model. ABS is offered as an optional version for enhanced braking in less-than-ideal conditions, and Honda’s fact sheet says the bike is sold as the ABS model. Confirm the braking setup on the specific bike you are considering.

What is the warranty on the Honda CB500F?

The warranty is a one-year, transferable, unlimited-mileage limited warranty. Extended coverage is available through a Honda Protection Plan. Read the warranty terms with your dealer before you buy.

Bottom Line

The Honda CB500F is a 471 cc naked twin that Honda positions as welcoming for new riders and nimble for any skill level. The 2024 ABS version lists at $6,899 USD MSRP. It makes 47 hp at 8,500 rpm, which is plenty for city and everyday riding. If you want more power or adjustable rebound damping, look elsewhere.