First Bike CBF500?

Wendy · L Plate Warrior Joined: 13 Jun 2004 Karma :

Having just passed my test I am looking for me first bike.

After finding cruisers very uncomfortable I now like the Honda CBF range but am having conflicting opinions from work collegues.

The dilema is do I get the lighter (girlie problem) CBF250 which would not need restricting or have the CBF500 which would mean I would not necessarily want to replace it after the two year restriction period.

I wan the bike to ride to work but have to go on the motorway for most of it and others have suggested that the 250 would not be up to the job but am worried that the 500 would end up being heavy and slow...

Any suggstions / comments / alternatives would be really helpful

Thanks

PsychoHippy · Jammy Git Joined: 02 Jul 2002 Karma :

To be honest, your best bet is to go for whichever bike you feel comfortable on. The 500s will certainly give you more longevity after your restricted period.

Anyway, welcome to the Forum - please don't feed the animals and feel free to walk on the grass Smile

Oh, if you need any help looking at bikes (to make sure they are OK), there are loads of us around the Bristol area who will be more than willing to help you out.
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I spend all my money on bikes and beer, the rest I simply waste!

iCraig · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Jun 2004 Karma :

a GS500E would suit you more I think.

Its lighter and handles slightly better than the CBF, its also cheaper to run and insure as its only Grp 7 Compared to Grp 9 with the CBF.

Then again Honda's build quality is slightly better.

Bendy · Mrs Sensible Joined: 10 Jun 2002 Karma :

I had a CB500 as my first bike and it was just right.

The weight thing isn't really that big an issue, and I personally find the bigger bikes feel more stable than the small ones.

As for restriction, you could restrict the 500 to 33bhp and it would probably still have more 'go' than the 250.

Plus it's probably going to be easier to sell on as lots of people like the 500 class of bike.

dainesefreak · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Apr 2003 Karma :

CBF500

I've just read a review of the CBF600 in Bike mag and on the whole they give it a thumbs up. Thinking about it, if I remember correctly one of the lads has a CBF600 for his long term test bike.

I would imagine that the 500 and 600 are fairly similar and I'm sure I read that the seat and screen hight can be adjusted. Honda have made the CBF range to be someones first big bike after passing the test and it's supposed to do a good job.

Wendy · L Plate Warrior Joined: 13 Jun 2004 Karma :

Thanks for the help - off now with my cheque book !! Laughing

Frost · World Chat Champion Joined: 26 May 2004 Karma :

Quality user friendly bike. should go on for forever and hold its value well.

<jon> · L Plate Warrior Joined: 26 Jun 2004 Karma :

I recently bought a cbf600 which I had to get restricted. It can do 90, which is more than fast enough for the time being. Also I have been very glad to have the ABS on one occasion involving applying too much back brake in the wet. I would imagine that it is a lot smoother than a single cylinder 250 or a twin 500, but you usually get what you pay for. It is certainly a lot smoother than my CG125 was!
I find it a bit of a handful sometimes at low speeds, and so perhaps a smaller bike might be better for a novice who is not six feet tall like me.
My only criticism would be that a bike like this (it is described in one Honda catalogue as a sports-tourer) should have panniers available for it.