Honda 2013 releases...what do you think?

[Ibex250R]

I think it is an awesome thing for Honda to offer more options in their line up. These aren't intended to be perfect bikes or even close, these are practical, fun, affordable (relative to the overall market) bikes just like the 250.

The biggest gripe people had with the 250 has been answered: CBR500, extra horsepower in a manageable package at a claim $6500 with ABS! Come people what's wrong with that?

Some people will find flaws on anything, even supermodels.

[Desert Dweller]

Originally Posted by Goyble

I haven't seen the 700x in person but my brother has and said it's smallish. How long have you been riding? The Vstrom is indeed a big bike but after a few miles of riding, it's nothing. The Versys is a bit smaller but they both sit at about the same rather tall height.

You'll get used to anything after enough time. If the 500X gets even better gas mileage than the 700x, At about $6000 i would not buy a new one but I would be inclined to consider one after they start to show up on the use market. I'm obsessed with getting my money's worth so I never buy new. Right now you can find a very nice versys or Vstrom 650 for $3500. The difference of almost $3000 can pay for your gas for the next 6 years.

It's just personal preference for me. I hear the Vstrom is really a nice bike, (as is the Versys), and no doubt I would probably be happy with it if I owned one. It's just when I see one in person, that is my first reaction, big and top heavy! Certainly the 700X has a much lower center of gravity - but again, it's just personal preference. Actually the low slung phantom holds a lot of appeal to me - something about the laid back thumping down the road approach. Though, I also enjoy bikes that handle well and in my upper age am finding a more upright riding position suits me better than the sport bikes.
That's why I'm starting to think the 500x could be just the ticket, similar in stature to the 250, but more horses, larger tank and a more upright ride.
However, if I were to be frugal, no way would I get rid of my CBR250, there's no scenario where I would financially come out ahead, (even used I believe).
But that's no fun, I love to dream about more bikes and what might be in the garage next year!

[slapshot2516]

I love the 600rr's new look... The bigger head lamps look more aggressive... like its eyes are wide open now... If the cb1100 was fashioned a little more to the earlier 70's (straighter seat, spoked wheels, and smaller engine to make it less bulky-still a I4-) id think it was perfect but its still a cool bike the way it sits... I think the 500r and 500f will be good sport bikes but it needs a bit of an edge to set it apart... plus the exhaust reminds me of the gs500... kinda outdated looking IMO. I don't really know what the 500x is exactly. In the end they are all undoubtedly stellar despite not being tailored to my exact taste I am sure they will be loved by many

[CBR_Dave]

I agree that the CBR500R isn't exactly a SS, but I think it fills a gap quite well. It's a good intermediate between the "learners" 250R and an SS. If your destination is a SS, then going to the 500R from the 250R is probably a waste of money.

However, and this is a big however, if one plans to keep it a fair while, its a longer term investment. I see the CBR500R as a good step up from my "learner" present state: it is (likely to have at ~50hp) about 60% better power to weight ratio compared to the CBR250R. Yeah it's still a "LAMS" bike, but a significant step up from the 250R.

This appeals to me as I can easily see myself wanting a bit more oomph and a bit bigger bike, and being able to use it in a controlled fashion. I do like to have some decent fuel economy as well, and not pay through the nose for the bike. I'm not interested in a second-hand bike, cars always, bikes no.

I do hope it has better/better set up front shocks than the CBR250R though, and wish they had stuck with the fantastic dash of the 250R - that digital look with no temp gauge was a big mistake IMHO. I would have preferred that they kept the weight down a touch, maybe 180-185kg? The 250R is 165kg for goodness sake. I only go a buck 160 suited up. I'm wondering where the 194 kg came from too - maybe Aufitt was right, they filled the fairings with lead to keep the power to weight down . Well, at least that gives me an easy first mod .

Had the CBR500R been available 5 months ago (when I got my license), I might have seen how far I could push my wife ;-) knowing that this would save a second bout of negotiations a few years down the track...which I might loose LOL.

While I think a 600SS would be "fun" I also see it as a bit OTT for me as it has tooooo much oooomph soooooo very temptingly available on the street. Also my back doesn't fancy the 40+ degree lean angle when I sit on a SS....I really just ride for pleasure :-) Ditto my bank account re the $ for a 600 ;-)

Yes I know the Ninja 650 is much more upright than other 600's, and more "sedate", but its way more expensive than the CBR500R is going to be. I still live in hope that in a few years, when and if the chief financial controller in my home green lights it, the 500R will have a better dash. You will hear the cheers of joy wherever you live .

My 2c

Dave

[rider7]

Agreed

[badgasing]

am i confused, or does the cbr500 look like the cbr250?

compare these:

http://cmgonline.com/news/wp-content...a-cbr250rc.jpg
Cycle World - 2013 Honda CBR500R - First Look

[lewiCBR250R]

Originally Posted by badgasing

am i confused, or does the cbr500 look like the cbr250?

compare these:

http://cmgonline.com/news/wp-content...a-cbr250rc.jpg
Cycle World - 2013 Honda CBR500R - First Look

yes, they have very similar design traits. The cbr500r is based on the cbr250r's design

[ecustu7]

Is the CBR500 motor just 2 CBR250 motors put together, or is it a completely different motor?

[Goyble]

Originally Posted by CBR_Dave

Yes I know the Ninja 650 is much more upright than other 600's, and more "sedate", but its way more expensive than the CBR500R is going to be


Dave

The difference shouldn't be that much. You can buy a brand new Ninja 650r for $6500-7000 without trying too hard. I'm sure plenty of people will pay as much to that to get their hands on a new 500r.

I'm one of the few people on the planet who does not like the ninja. My brother owns one, I've only ridden it twice for a few miles but the sound of the engine and the very odd tilted in handlebars turned me off. I never thought the sound of an engine would bother me but I really dislike the engine note. Sounds like tractor.

[NSU]

Originally Posted by ecustu7

Is the CBR500 motor just 2 CBR250 motors put together, or is it a completely different motor?

Bore and stroke are completely different.