Newbie needs help deciding between CBR500R or CB500X or

CSH

New member
Hello
Newbie here. I rode 200-250cc bikes for about 5 years in india and stopped riding when i cam here in 2005. I am now ready to start again. Was initally thinking if CBR600RR but thought will start with something more forgiving. I am 35 years old. After doing some research shortlisted these two models.
I will be commuting 65kms each way 70% will be 400 series highway and 30% city streets. Any recommendations between these two or any other model. I am looking for new as i am not handy at all with maintenance so looking for something with very low maintenance and low insurance. Insurance for these is about 80 a month. Any ideas should i stick to new and lightly used. Budget max 6.5k before taxes. Thanks in advance.
 
Last edited:
Have you called around for insurance quotes?
 
Have you sat on them? I'd go for the X personally. More room, more upright, bigger tank, etc.
 
With those two bikes to chose from, for commuting, I would go with the X for the upright seating position. For highway riding I would definitely get a touring screen.
 
Try them both at a demo..... I was initially thinking about the 500r but when i rode it was very uncomfortable.... The 500x on the other hand was very comfortable..... Seating position makes a big difference for me.... Have you given some thought to the 500f as well?

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
 
Try them both at a demo..... I was initially thinking about the 500r but when i rode it was very uncomfortable.... The 500x on the other hand was very comfortable..... Seating position makes a big difference for me.... Have you given some thought to the 500f as well?

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

I think the 500F is the winner of the group. The CBR is beautiful but "racier" ergonomics.

The 500 F is one nice looking bike to me. :)
 
Unfortunately, the 500f isn't part of Honda's demo lineup this year

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
 
Someone told me get a CBR600R. He mentioned that there are switches to change the power to 400cc, 500cc and 600cc

How does this work? If yes then it may be a good option. I may be able to strech my budget a bit
 
I have ZX6R and it's sub-optimal for anything but racing. Don't get me wrong, it's fun. But if you want a commuter, a SS is not the one to get. I'm considering a 500 or a monster or DRZ or something like that but it's going to be tough to give up the instant beast-mode power the SS has. The insurance and mileage will forgive me though.

Someone told me get a CBR600R. He mentioned that there are switches to change the power to 400cc, 500cc and 600cc

How does this work? If yes then it may be a good option. I may be able to strech my budget a bit
 
Love my cb500x. As a first bike,k it has been great. Easy to ride, decent power, great for commuting. I wouldn't trade it for anything right now!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
Definitely the 500X. Way more room, good upright position, great user reviews and of course, because i won one and love the bike.:eek:
 
Someone told me get a CBR600R. He mentioned that there are switches to change the power to 400cc, 500cc and 600cc

Someone actually believed what Yut ugh had to say? ......... Except his was between 600, 750 and 1000cc, if your going to do wheelies make sure you have it set to the 1000cc...
 
Someone told me get a CBR600R. He mentioned that there are switches to change the power to 400cc, 500cc and 600cc

The GSXR's (08 and up) have an ABC setting - A full power -> C less power and softer delivery. I am not aware of this on the CBR models. It's a bit useless on the 600 cc models as C mode makes the bike a bit limp. I also believe you cannot change the settings on the fly.. meaning you have the shut off the bike and back on again if you want to go from C to B or A. (someone correct me if I'm wrong)

The CBR600 is a great bike.. but if you are going to do a daily commute on one, especially with an office job... It's like a work out everyday. I would take the sport touring riding position of the 500x all day, every day.
 
On my 13 and my old 12 you can change those settings on the fly with a simple push of the button. No Honda does not have 4 5 and 600 cc modes. You're friend is a tool.

To add to it if comfort is a concern stick to the 500. If not the gsxr and cbr are by far the most comfortable of their kind.
 
if you've ridden in India, you are already more experienced with bikes than any one of us here...


Welcome to the forums!
 
If 70% of your commute is on the highway, I would go with the CBR500 for the fairing. Plus, I think it looks awesome!

You could also wait for the new CBR650F, but that may be stretching your budget.
 
Definitely the 500X. Way more room, good upright position, great user reviews and of course, because i won one and love the bike.:eek:

Congrats! How/where did you win it? I'd love to meet up and ride.....haven't found many cb500x riders out there.....


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Back
Top Bottom