Honda introduces new 500cc LAMS range

[Hillbilly]

Honda Australia have introduced a range of three new 500cc bikes spcifically for the LAMS market. They are the naked CB-500F, Sporty CBR-500 and the Adventure CB-500X. Rather than go into details, you can check out the full range on the dedicated website:

http://honda500.com.au/

If they're introduced into NZ they're certain to be a hit. Even the humble Suziki GS-500F isn't imported, which is silly as thy're such a great bike, especially now that LAMS is here in NZ.
They'll probably be reasonably priced too, as the CB-400 Super Four was a tad expensive, even in Aussie dollars. However, the $17,495 pricetag for the 38Kw Ducati Monster 659 is plain silly! Honda here in NZ has such a dismal range available for new riders as well. Take a look at what is available from your Honda dealer in Oz if you're a new rider:

http://motorcycles.honda.com.au/Lear...ed_Motorcycles

[nerrrd]

If they're introduced into NZ they're certain to be a hit.

Copied from the "News" section of the blue wing website:

"Revealed at the EICMA (Milan Motorcycle Show) earlier in the week, Blue Wing Honda is thrilled to announce that the new CBR500R, CB500F and CB500X will all be making their way to New Zealand from March 2013."

[nerrrd]

And for those interested in ABS:

"Dedicated to providing the utmost rider confidence, the CB500F and CB500X will both feature an ABS braking system."

Taken from http://www.honda-motorcycles.co.nz/N...das-500cc-trio

Makes me wonder if the NC700S and X will still be available (seems like a bit of an overlap).

[HenryDorsetCase]

they will be stupidly expensive here. All new Honda product is.

[DEATH_INC.]

The 500R is 192 kg !!!!! did they put lead in the tank or something????
Shame, a new middleweight sprotbike would be cool.....

[James Deuce]

they will be stupidly expensive here. All new Honda product is.

The 500R is 192 kg !!!!! did they put lead in the tank or something????
Shame, a new middleweight sprotbike would be cool.....

Exactly to both those points and the X has the wrong wheels sizes. Needs Transalp wheels.

The advertising bumpf from Honda Australia were some of the least inspiring specifications I've ever seen. I'd like to know what tyres are OEM please.

[gunnyrob]

According to the Feb 13 Cycle world mag, pricing for the for the R&X is 6,000USD with the F going for 5,500USD. ABS will be a 500 USD option. US pricing for the NZ700X is 7,000USD which is $12,500 in NZ.

[Glowerss]

The 500R is 192 kg !!!!! did they put lead in the tank or something????
Shame, a new middleweight sprotbike would be cool.....

They made it for some new EU regulations, apparently. If you look at the new EU restrictions for learner bikes, honda tailored the bikes to fit the reqs exactly.

It really is a pity. I wouldn't mind a middleweight bike with a riding position that doesn't entail my knees being around my ears.

[GrayWolf]

The 500R is 192 kg !!!!! did they put lead in the tank or something????
Shame, a new middleweight sprotbike would be cool.....

Dont see the problem, 192kg isnt THAT heavy, its a power restricted learners style bike, to put it in perspective the old air cooled RD250 series bikes weighed in at around 150 to 165kg depending on version (the cast wheel version being heavier). Too light and it's also got a chance of being more unstable in high winds, and skittish over rough surfaces.

[DEATH_INC.]

Dont see the problem, 192kg isnt THAT heavy,

C'mon...a tl1000 is lighter than that. I'm not saying they should weigh 120 either, but it'd be much easier for a youngun/smaller chick etc if it didn't weigh as much as a full size bike.
And as a bonus have much more potential for the non-lams group....

[bogan]

Beige, not enough cylinders to be called a CBR, not enough V to be called interesting. And too much weight (unless they have quoted the dripping wet figure) to do well at what it is supposed to do.

[HenryDorsetCase]

They made it for some new EU regulations, apparently. If you look at the new EU restrictions for learner bikes, honda tailored the bikes to fit the reqs exactly.

It really is a pity. I wouldn't mind a middleweight bike with a riding position that doesn't entail my knees being around my ears.

Triumph Street Triple.

[Marmoot]

The 500R is 192 kg !!!!! did they put lead in the tank or something????
Shame, a new middleweight sprotbike would be cool.....

My thinking exactly when I read the specs.
And what's with the 30cc missing displacement? Oh right, CBR470 wouldn't have the same gong as a 500.

Must've been the power-to-weight ratio.
But, would've been better with less power and less weight, as asking learners to control a 2-wheeled tractor is not a very smart move.

[aderino4]

192KG wet weight.. It's about the same as old age 600cc bike.. albeit with less power.

Definitely not a sports bike.
160 section rear tyre.
Non adjustable front and rear (except preload) suspension

Kinda like riding on the old CBR250R (not RR) with bigger engine I suppose.

[Gremlin]

Triumph Street Triple.

I don't know about that... I moved Blackbird's Street Triple in November for him, the first thing that struck me was just how tiny the bike was... no way I could squeeze myself onto one.