What's the model history?
The CB500 is dead. Long live the CBF500!
Instead of letting the CB5 quietly disappear as we feared, Honda have gone banzai on the CB series and released FOUR new CBs for 2004; the CBF500 (CB5's replacement), CBF600 & 600F (same bike with a detuned CBR 600 engine) and even a new CB 250. Well done to Honda for finally developing the great CB5 and in a world of fragile supersports and expensive cruisers, providing some excellent bikes that won't break the bank.
CBF500 - New swingarm with monoshock
- 120/70 160/60 radial tyres on new wheels
- Catalyltic converter
- 19 litre tank with warning light
- LCD clocks
- New carbs
- Stainless steel exhaust (at last!)
- Seat down to 770mm
- New frame (similar to Hornet)
- Same great engine
- ABS option
For full details see the press pack. For more pictures of this and all the 2004 Hondas see www.hoc.org.uk/new_2004.html
| CBF600 
| CBF600F 
|
The CBF600 is similar to the CBF500 but powered by a detunded CBR600 motor (very detuned -- they don't want it to go faster than the Hornet!) and twin front disks.
Full details.
END OF AN ERA!
Honda announced (Feb 2003) that they were ceasing production of the CB500 as it did not meet the new Euro II emission standards, and could not be legally sold new after 17 June 2003.
Boo Hoo!! Pity the poor learners struggling to negotiate bends above 30mph on their horrible little ER5s. Perhaps they'll just have to buy dull, mediocre inline fours like Divvies and Bandits or the evil-handling fuel-guzzling Hornet. What a shame! But wait...
CB500Y & CB500S-Y 2000. Colours change to black, red and metallic blue. Wheels change to gold.
No further change to date.
CB500-X & CB500S-X
December 1998. No changes.
CB500-W & CB500-SW
1998. CB500-W (naked bike) now available in red, yellow (!), black and sliver. CB500-SW first 'sport' half-faired model with new headlight, clocks and bar layout. Came in red, yellow (ugh!!) and black. Production moved from Japan to Italy.
CB500-V
November 1996. Front brake changes to Brembo, rear brake changes to Brembo disk brake. CB500 cup race series starts. Special sliver model with cup logo introduced.
CB500-T 1996. No significant changes.
CB500-R
1994 - 1995. First model. Naked version only, rear drum brake, Nissin front brake. Available in black, red, green and blue.
Theo, October 2003. If you have corrections, comments or updates, email us. 
since 21/1/04
