[repressor]

The 500 will definitely feel more planted on the highways and with its bigger wheels and weight, at least looks like a real man's bike, what are your thoughts on it instead of the R3, in terms of price, performance and all around usability?

 

[PaulJr]

The CBR500 could be my fallback position if I ride the R3 and don't like it, but I've fallen in the bigger, faster, better trap for a bit over 50 years and probably not having more fun because of it. I'm thinking the extra weight of the 500 will offset the positive aspects.

 

[R1-Dave]

The Honda will have more low-end power. Other than that, nothing better. More weight, old tech motor, same old Honda style. Blahhh. Good bike for a commuter that doesn't even care about motorcycles. The R3 is a stylish little sportbike with modern technology.

 

[Aufitt]

Test ride them all, buy the one that gives YOU the biggest boner., yadda yadda yadda.

 

[AJ Nin]

I would look at the CB300F as well. I love that bike. It's light (348 lbs. wet), cheap to buy, maintain, and ride, handles highway speeds just fine (top speed is about 90 mph), and the riding position is very comfortable. If you are shorter, it has a low seat at 30.7 inch and a seat option available from Honda for an even lower seat.

 

[YamahaPWR]

Test ride them all, buy the one that gives YOU the biggest boner., yadda yadda yadda.

Yup, that's what it comes down to, too many folks stick to want they read and see, need to experience it for yourself and get a stronger sense of what's going on!

 

[YR3]

Yup, that's what it comes down to, too many folks stick to want they read and see, need to experience it for yourself and get a stronger sense of what's going on!

i made that mistake before, got way too caught up with the information online, i guess you can say i went on an information binge! Have to get back to the basics...get on and ride.

 

[AJ Nin]

I wish more dealerships allowed test rides. Kawasaki has the Good Times van that tours and they conduct escorted rides on most of their bikes, and at the end give you a chit for a discount on a new bike. It's great advertising and gives you a chance to actually ride a bike you are interested in buying. Without that, you run of risk of buying a bike and almost immediately finding out there is something you don't like about it. Don't ask me how I know this.

 

[YR3]

^ what he said
it sucks that aside from that, we have to rely on what others say if we want to get a better sense of what it's like just to be on the safe side.

 

[PaulJr]

BMW and most Triumph dealers tend to offer test rides in my experience but getting a demo ride from one of the Japanese manufacturers is a much more difficult proposition. My dealer handles all 4 and he offers demo rides, another local who handles Honda/Suzuki/Aprillia won't allow demo rides. I bought a lot of bikes without a ride in my youth but have gotten to the point where I won't any more.

 

[sendler]

I don't own a CBR500R but have ridden one many times and for a larger rider or couple that might want to ride two up it is a very smooth and dialed in bike. The rear seat and grab bars are much more useful on the Hondas. The Honda engine and trans in the 500 is nothing like old school as stated above with it's balance shaft and silky shifting and controls. Just that is has a long stroke and resulting low redline to make it's worst case fuel efficiency stay very high. But the balance shaft twin in the R3 is just as smooth and being smaller and lighter makes the R3 a bit sportier.
.
Charging over a knoll at 50 mph in 3rd puts you at 8,700 rpm where if you pin it, the front wheel will get light. But then again the R3 will never unexpectedly loop out from under a beginner. It has the perfect amount of ultra smooth power to weight ratio for anyone under 6 feet and 200 pounds. And the nice, "smart" riding position that these new 300 and 500 cc world bikes are noted for.
.
And as a proficient hypermiler my three logged tanks were 84, 84, and 92 mpgUS over 600 miles on the Yamaha so it can be very fuel efficient. This was a very pleasant surprise. At $4,990 it is a great deal for those who don't want to buy an overpowered, uncomfortable and gas guzzling used 600.
.
http://www.fuelly.com/motorcycle/yamaha/yzf-r3/2015/sendler/373805
.

 

[John]

The 500 will definitely feel more planted on the highways and with its bigger wheels and weight, at least looks like a real man's bike

A 500 isn't going to look like a real mans bike either, nothing under a 900cc will convince anyone. Save yourself the hassle and get yourself a used ZX-11. After riding that manly killing machine for a while, take Aufitts advice - test ride them all and buy one that gives YOU the biggest boner.

 

[Texas250]

A 500 isn't going to look like a real mans bike either, noqthing under a 900cc will convince anyone. Save yourself the hassle and get yourself a used ZX-11. After riding that manly killing machine for a while, take Aufitts advice - test ride them all and buy one that gives YOU the biggest boner.

On my way home with my red/white/blue 2014 out front of a 7-11 drinking coffee with a friend, I saw 3 young men going in really checking out my cycle. When they came out one asked me if it was the new CBR1000RR. Nope just a 500. He said well it's cool anyway.

 

[Kojiiro]

On my way home with my red/white/blue 2014 out front of a 7-11 drinking coffee with a friend, I saw 3 young men going in really checking out my cycle. When they came out one asked me if it was the new CBR1000RR. Nope just a 500. He said well it's cool anyway.

Looking cool on a bike or a cool looking bike is ALWAYS more important than enjoying your bike and the ride.

 

[Texas250]

Fortunately I am doing both

 

[Blau Lightning]

Me too. Plus the bike cost, fuel, insurance keep me in the sub-600cc classes. I.e. 321cc!

 

[CBRpilot]

Looking cool on a bike or a cool looking bike is ALWAYS more important than enjoying your bike and the ride.

Is that what the salesman told you at your local HARLEY dealer?
:laugh:

( I told you to stay away from those Harley dealers! )

 

[CBRpilot]

Fortunately I am doing both

Nothing wrong with a CBR500R. I used to have one. I liked many things about that bike. It's a great city bike. It's well sorted and easy to ride. Very smooth. Typical Honda quality, even though it is built to a price-point. The only thing I did not like about it was the engine. It's not a true 500, it's 471cc. More stroke, less rpm. Decent power, just feels kind of tame with the low rev range. It is a bit larger and heavier than the R3, but both bikes are very comfortable. It wasn't until I sold my 500R to get my 1000RR, that I realized I missed the comfort and practicality of the smaller bike. So that's why I decided to get an R3. Now I have a fast bike, and a slow bike. I can ride my fast bike slow... or I can ride my slow bike fast. I'm spoiled.

 

[Kojiiro]

Nothing wrong with a CBR500R. I used to have one. I liked many things about that bike. It's a great city bike. It's well sorted and easy to ride. Very smooth. Typical Honda quality, even though it is built to a price-point. The only thing I did not like about it was the engine. It's not a true 500, it's 471cc. More stroke, less rpm. Decent power, just feels kind of tame with the low rev range. It is a bit larger and heavier than the R3, but both bikes are very comfortable. It wasn't until I sold my 500R to get my 1000RR, that I realized I missed the comfort and practicality of the smaller bike. So that's why I decided to get an R3. Now I have a fast bike, and a slow bike. I can ride my fast bike slow... or I can ride my slow bike fast. I'm spoiled.

Or go to a fast track and ride both bikes fast!

 

[CBRpilot]

Or go to a fast track and ride both bikes fast!

I might crash, and mess up my nice bike(s)!
( I'll come to the track with you, and you can let me ride YOUR bike fast! )