Test: Honda CBR 500 RA – “CBR Driving School”

(Iz Automagazina 08/2013)

Text: Matevж Gribar, photo by Alyos Pavletić, factory

Already, a newcomer to the motorcycle world cannot afford a “real” CBRka due to legal or financial constraints. It's harder for him to admit that he doesn't need such a bike to ride on the road and that he doesn't even know how to harness the potential of racing technology. Following the revival of the CBR 600 F last year, Honda has taken another step towards finding buyers this year: In the fall of 2012 at the Milan Motor Show, they unveiled the CBR 500 R. If we're a little angry, their move is similar to the presentation of the Renault Clio RS 1.2 R based on the Clio Storia model. Only the buyer (of either gender) should know that the price does not lie and that for 5.890 euros he will not receive the race car that won the Slovenian day in Grobnik, but a sheep in wolf's clothing.

We must realize that looks are an important factor when buying a motorcycle, and we must admit that this is a neat, eye-pleasing young motorcycle. Casual interlocutors, unaware of all the previous uploads about the meaning of the CBR name, shamelessly praised the bike's lines and colors. We assume that such a hook could easily have caught a girl who is rooting for Rossi and dreams of a prince on a white horse. What does she know about rupees?

Slightly more motorized ones will have a cross. For example, the sound at just under 50 horsepower from a clogged two-cylinder does not even remotely sound like the harsh foursome supersport racing cars (including the CBR 600 RR). It is similar to the power adapted for the A2 driving test (18 years old, 35 kilowatts or 0,2 kW / kg). Since we took literally a new bike for our introductory tests this year from a market Honda dealer, we didn't test the top speed and didn't get the two-cylinder to top speed, but after about 200 kilometers in cold weather we can tell. that the engine is very suitable for a newcomer to the world of motorsport.

The throttle response is smooth, squeak-free at low revs, and power is increased very steadily. The speed of movement within the limits of the highway on the engine does not cause problems; for non-aggressive overtaking of the car, it is enough to add gas without looking for the "necessary" revolutions with the gearbox. Expect a soft, smooth ride and, compared to four-cylinder engines, some slight (unperturbed) vibration on the pedals and where the rider's feet touch the bike.

During the morning drive on the motorway from Kranj to Ljubljana, we were even more worried about the protection from the wind, which leaves the upper part of the hull at the mercy of precipitation. Of course, since the handlebars are moved much higher than real sports bikes, the body is almost vertical and the front grille with the windshield remains relatively low.

Yes, of course, the draft can be eliminated by installing a raised windshield, but while the touring model CBF 600 still somehow fits such an addition, the Honda CBR 500 RA with "post glass" will be, to put it mildly, amusing. Another small detail would be fixed if you wanted to tune the bike to your liking: as a handlebar, you would open it a few degrees and thus provide a more natural grip on the levers, which is not possible due to their shape on a production bike. ...

Want to buy a motorcycle through your wallet? Then let me entrust you with the data from the on-board computer: with a gentle movement of the right hand, we easily kept the consumption at the level of 3,6 liters per hundred kilometers, and with an increase in speed - about five liters. Fair. Brakes? Given the fact that locking the wheels prevents the use of ABS, despite Honda's measurements on motorcyclists, beginners will want a stronger one. Suspense? Surprisingly solid, but, of course, still far from sporty. Production? Considering the price, it's good enough to deserve the Honda badge.

If you know the difference that the name uses one R and not two, this is probably one of the best motorcycle tickets with the A2 sign in your driver's license.

• Basic data

  Sales: Motocentr As Domžale

  Test model cost: 5.890 €

• Technical information

  engine: two-cylinder in-line, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, 471 cm3, injection.

  Power: 35 kW (47,6 KM) at 8.500/min.

  Torque: 43 Nm @ 7.000 rpm

  Energy transfer: Transmission 6-speed, chain.

  Frame: steel pipe.

  brakes: front disc Ø 320 mm, double-piston caliper, rear disc Ø 240 mm, single-piston caliper.

  Suspension: classic telescopic fork Ø 41 mm at the front, single shock absorber at the rear, 9-stage preload adjustment.

  Tires: 120/70-ZR17, 160/60-ZR17.

  Growth: 785 mm.

  Fuel tank: 15,7 l.

  Wheelbase: 1.410 mm

  Weight: 194 kg (with fuel).

We praise and reproach

appearance

price

undemanding to driving

workmanship (for the price)

installation of mirrors

fuel consumption

soft responsiveness of the engine

windscreens for legs and upper torso

barely enough brakes

as a steering wheel for larger drivers

abuse of the acronym CBR

the container lid is removable (no hinges)