SF Moto is your motorcycle headquarters, proudly serving as a rider’s paradise and the best place to find used motorcycles for sale near Hayward, CA. Hayward riders know the benefits of navigating their commute from the saddle, effortlessly managing traffic, and saving money on fuel without compromising performance. It’s an outstanding balance, especially when you’re behind the handlebars of a used Honda.
The four middleweight Honda 500 models—the CBR500R, CB500F, CB500X, and Rebel 500—are outstanding options for our Hayward customers because they provide the same dependable performance courtesy of Honda’s proven 471 cc engine but offer four distinct experiences in the saddle. However, which of these four models is perfect for you? As the leading Honda dealer in San Francisco, SF Moto is proud to help. Here’s a closer look at how the CBR500R, CB500F, CB500X, and Rebel 500 compare.
It’s All in the Name: Differentiating the Honda 500 Twins
Honda debuted the first of its modern 500 twins in 2013, offering three unique models to accommodate various riding styles and needs. The CBR500R is the sport bike of the 500 family, recognizable by its aggressive riding position and streamlined fairings. The CB500F sheds the fairings and adopts a more upright riding position, making it great for everyday riding in and around Hayward. Finally, the CB500X is the most adventurous and comfortable of the group, appealing to riders with a penchant for long-distance touring beyond the streets of Hayward.
The Honda Rebel joined the 500 family in 2017, immediately differentiating itself with its classic cruiser aesthetic. Blending retro details with modern features, the Rebel is a bobber meant for comfort on the road, ensuring you’ll turn heads wherever the road takes you. Think of it as the Honda 500 with the most personality because of its unique styling and minimalist design.
The Rumble of the Engine: The Power Behind the Honda 500 Twins
While they have distinct styles, all four Honda 500 models share the same 471 cc powertrain. This liquid-cooled four-stroke parallel-twin engine provides 47 hp at 8,500 RPM and 32 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 RPM. This output gives the CBR500R, CB500F, CB500X, and Rebel 500 a unique advantage for riders of all skill levels. How so?
New riders can confidently get in the saddle of one of these Honda 500 twins without concern that the bike will be overpowering. Instead, the bikes offer a balanced output that isn’t intimidating, helping inexperienced Hayward riders hone their skills. At the same time, more experienced riders can still enjoy their time behind the handlebars.
These bikes are lightweight and incredibly agile, making it easy to harness their power in any condition with the right know-how. As a result, Hayward riders often turn to models like the CBR500R, CB500F, CB500X, and Rebel 500 to manage their weekday commutes, knowing they can nimbly navigate traffic south to Fremont, north to Oakland, or even across the bay to San Francisco.
All About the Suspension: Subtle Differences to Accommodate Each Bike
The CBR500R, CB500F, CB500X, and Rebel 500 have a lot in common. However, sharing the same engine doesn’t mean they all perform or handle the same. Honda finetunes each bike’s design to deliver a distinct experience in the saddle that matches the expectations of how a sport bike, naked bike, adventure touring bike, and cruiser should perform.
The CBR500R, CB500F, and CB500X all rely on a 41-mm telescopic fork front suspension and a Pro-Link single shock rear suspension with a nine-position spring preload adjustability. The difference is in how much the suspension travels. The suspension has 4.3 inches of travel on the sport bike, 4.7 inches on the naked bike, and 5.9 inches on the adventure bike. The same difference is apparent in the rear suspension, with the CBR500R and CB500F having 4.7 inches of travel in the back and the CB500X at 5.9 inches. More suspension travel means a softer ride for soaking up bumps in the road, but it comes at the expense of handling.
Like the other Honda 500 twins, the Rebel 500 relies on a 41-mm telescopic fork front suspension with 5.5 inches of travel. However, the bobber has twin shock absorbers at the rear with 3.7 inches of travel. With dual shocks, the Rebel is at home on Hayward streets, relying on its suspension to effortlessly absorb bumps and offer a more comfortable ride in town, where potholes and road imperfections are prevalent.
Comfort in the Saddle: From Seat Height to Running Weight
Hayward is a great place to ride a motorcycle, but even more so when you’re in the saddle of one of Honda’s 500 twins. These bikes are incredibly lightweight and accommodating, making them perfect for riders of all skill levels, especially when shopping for a used bike. They’re agile and easy to maneuver in traffic but powerful enough to handle cruising at highway speeds as you venture beyond the Hayward city limits along I-880. But how do they differ when it comes to your comfort and control?
As a cruiser, the Rebel 500 is the lightest of the bunch and offers the most accommodating riding position for shorter riders. It weighs a mere 408 lbs in running order with its three-gallon fuel tank full and all other liquids topped off. Its 27.2-inch seat height does two things. First, it reflects the Rebel’s style as a bobber, but it also gives you a lower center of gravity and more control over the bike. Because of this, it’s an excellent option for cruising around Hayward in style.
The next lightest in the lineup is the CB500F. Honda’s naked bike weighs only 416 lbs in running order. As a naked bike, it sheds the windscreen and fairing of the other 500 twins, delivering a unique experience in the saddle. Its 31.1-inch seat height matches the CBR500R, a sport bike that weighs slightly more than its naked sibling at 423 lbs. This additional weight is courtesy of the sport bike’s windscreen and fairings that offer more wind protection.
Lastly, the CB500X is the heaviest bike in the Honda 500 twin family, but Hayward riders looking for more protection and comfort in the saddle won’t mind. As an adventure touring bike, the CB500X is better equipped, weighing 439 lbs and offering a taller seat height of 32.8 inches. With its rugged design and tall windscreen to protect you from the wind and elements, the additional weight of the CB500X isn’t a deterrent for Hayward riders that plan to venture beyond the city and travel longer distances.
Finding the Perfect Honda 500 Twin
Honda’s 500 cc models are impressive because they offer distinct aesthetics and riding styles. Where the CBR500R is a traditional sport bike, the CB500F is its naked counterpart, boasting a lightweight design and a remarkable experience in the saddle. The Rebel 500 takes a different approach, offering a distinct bobber style with a lower seat and an incredible blend of retro and modern details. Lastly, the CB500X promises to go the distance as a well-equipped adventure touring bike that can handle your weekday commute from Hayward and every journey beyond.
What model is perfect for you? Consider your riding style and needs. For a new rider, Honda’s 500 twins are versatile and powerful without being overwhelming, allowing you to confidently improve your skills without getting into too much trouble. As a veteran rider, these bikes are a fantastic and efficient way to upgrade your commute without breaking the bank or compromising performance and ride quality. Plus, they've been around for a few years now and make for great value on the used market.
