HONDA

CB 500 2023 line features technical, performance and safety improvements

The Honda CB 500F and CB 500X occupy a position of indisputable unanimity among Brazilian motorcyclists, being appreciated for multiple qualities that have placed them as champions of preference in their respective segments. In fact, such success simply repeats what happens in all the world markets in which these 500 are sold, a global recognition that reflects the correct technical and style choices. Almost a decade away from the worldwide launch, it is the occasional and routine improvements such as those now applied to the CB 500 2023 line that make such models still fully current.

Present in the domestic market since 2014, the CB 500F and CB 500X are the passport of several motorcyclists to the world of high-cylinder motorcycles, reconciling affordable acquisition and maintenance costs with a performance capable of meeting the expectations of those who come from smaller models and want an upgrade. On the other hand, even experienced motorcyclists used to high-power models will be served by the performance of the CB 500F and CB 500X, which enhance riding in multiple situations, based on an excellent power-to-weight ratio that results in great agility.

In this latest update, both the naked CB 500F and the adventurous CB 500X preserve the renowned engine, the 471 cc liquid-cooled DOHC twin-cylinder, which squanders torque from the lowest rpm and is capable of delivering surprising power when taken to high rotations. In terms of cycling, major technical innovations will certainly place the riding experience of both in a step above the already high level of previous models.

Model overviews... A major highlight in this new generation of the CB 500F and CB 500X is the adoption of the Showa inverted front suspension with a diameter of 41 mm, type SFF-BP USD, an important evolution that came with the improvement in front braking, now a feature of a pair of 296 mm diameter Wave discs to replace the single 310 mm disc, also Wave type.

The weight reduction on the wheels and new brake calipers - with four pistons and radial fixation in the CB 500F, with two pistons and axial fixation in the CB 500X - allowed to increase the safety and maneuverability of the models, an aspect that was also favored by the redesigned rear suspension, new adjustment of the rear spring-damper set and different weight distribution between the front and rear wheels.

The full-LED lighting had the headlight of both CB 500 improved aiming at a better distribution of the low and high light beam, and was accompanied by new front turn signals, changes complemented by unprecedented colors for the naked CB 500F and the adventurous CB 500X.

Style & chassis... The 35 mm steel tube chassis, renowned for its strength and lightness, remained unchanged on both the CB 500F and CB 500X, which received an unprecedented inverted front suspension with 41 mm diameter tubes, made by Showa with the renowned SFF-BP - Separated Function Fork Big Piston technology, the same used in the Honda CB 650R and CBR 650R. The attachment of this new suspension to the steering column of the CB 500X and CB 500F required a new pair of tables, exclusive to each of the models.

The operation of the SFF-BP - Separated Function Fork Big Piston suspension has the advantage - as its name implies - of separating the functions on each side of the front suspension. The hydraulic damping function (Big Piston) is located on one suspension stick while the spring mechanism is on the other. As a result, the system's reaction to surface imperfections was improved, which resulted in improved handling.

On the rear suspension, the unique spring-damper set continues with five levels of spring load adjustment, but its tuning has been modified to better suit the new front suspension and redesigned rear suspension balance, which now features a transverse stiffening beam. . The new rear suspension balance is lighter due to the change in the material it is built with, 2 mm thick sheet steel (instead of 2.3 mm). Despite the lower weight, the rear suspension balance is more resistant to torsion, but with greater lateral flexibility, which allows for improved handling.

On the CB 500F the new wheels, now lighter, have five Y-shaped spokes and are shod with 120/70 ZR17 tires at the front and 160/60 ZR17 at the rear. On the CB 500X only the front wheel, now lighter thanks to the adoption of narrower spokes, was modified to be able to receive the pair of 296 mm diameter brake discs that replaced the single 310 mm disc. Importantly, the small weight increase resulting from the replacement of the single disc for the pair of discs was fully compensated by the reduction in pressure required on the brake lever, as well as the lower weight front wheel reduced unsprung mass, benefiting manoeuvrability. Regarding the tires of the CB 500X, the mixed on-off models remained, without changes in measurements, 110/80 R19 at the front and 160/60 R17 at the rear.

As already mentioned, the naked CB 500F 2023 brings braking with two Nissin four-piston calipers and radial fixation, an ideal set for a light, compact and aggressive naked, with excellent dynamic performance. In the adventurous CB 500X, the option was for two Nissin calipers with double piston and axial fixation, more in line with the braking needs of a model that allows more eclectic use, both on roads and on low-grip surfaces.

Interventions in the chassis of the CB 500 2023 family resulted in positive changes in the weight distribution between the front and rear wheels. On the CB 500F there was a slight increase in the mass that engraves under the front axle. The weight distribution percentage is now 49.7% at the front and 50.3% at the rear (from 46.8/53.2%), which improves the handling of the motorcycle and the grip of the front tire. The wheelbase remains at 1,409 mm and the caster and trail are 25.5º and 102 mm respectively. On the CB 500X the weight distribution between the front and rear wheels has also been slightly modified. Now the percentage between front and rear is 48.7/51.3% (from 48/52%). The wheelbase remained at 1,443 mm, with caster and trail of 27.5º/108 mm.

Engine...The liquid-cooled parallel twin cylinder that equips the Honda CB 500F and CB 500X is a DOHC (double overhead camshaft) in which the four valves of each cylinder are activated by means of roller rockers. The controls, in turn, are moved by chain with surface treatment in Vanadium, which guarantees great durability.

The new PGM-FI injection system tuning has improved the torque feel and character of the engine without compromising on performance. Power and maximum torque remained unchanged: 50.2 hp at 8,500 rpm and 44.5 NM at 7,000 rpm. Ditto with respect to the fundamental measurements, diameter and stroke of 67 x 66.8 mm and the cubic capacity is exactly 471 cc. The compression ratio is 10.7:1 and the crankshaft has 180° journals, with a balance shaft positioned at the rear of the cylinders. The shape of the pistons has been carefully designed to reduce noise at high rpm. Friction was reduced by grooves on the piston skirt, which increased the surface area and also favored oil accumulation for better lubrication.

Recognized for being a compact engine, this quality derives in part from centrifugally cast crankcase walls, with an internal design that aimed to reduce pumping losses. The deep oil reservoir reduces lubricant movement in sharp turns and braking, which benefits the engine in terms of durability. The oil capacity is 3.2 liters. The 6-speed transmission is managed by an assisted and slipper clutch, and the final transmission is by a 520 type sealed chain. Fixed to the Diamond architecture chassis by four anchor points, the engine is a structural element, contributing to the rigidity of the set. and consequent manageability.

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