Honda introduces new 500cc LAMS range

**TheTengTheory** · 2nd January 2013, 16:30

Its a tempting bike to get. If I wasn't going to go study soon I would consider it. Even though it may be 10grand ish, after two years, if you upgrade to a bigger non LAMS bike would the resale value be very low compared to the purchase price? I would imagine been a 1-2 year old bike with around 20k on the odo would be a decent trade in for something bigger if you went through a dealer?

This is provided you didn't drop it or crash it during your learning phase.

I only just started in november and I'm super glad I only spent a couple of grand on my hornet 250. Dropped it once in the first week and occasionally have a near oppsies when I stop on uneven terrain. However now that I've learnt the bare minimum and can somewhat handle the bike confidently. I'm considering a new bike. I would assume it would be much more reliable and require less messing around with.

**ducatilover** · 2nd January 2013, 16:32

Originally Posted by TheTengTheory

I would assume it would be much more reliable and require less messing around with.

You already own the most reliable small bike out there

**TheTengTheory** · 2nd January 2013, 16:39

Originally Posted by ducatilover

You already own the most reliable small bike out there

Once I fix this irritating idling problem I'll probably get over the lusting for a new bike. That and loctiting every dam bolt. I've had a faring side bolt, front fender bolt and the right side rear wheel tensioner bracket fall off in the last 4 weeks.

**AllanB** · 2nd January 2013, 20:12

A shame that the 500's are not physically or electronically restricted - ie as LAMS they are 40 -45 hp but with a dealer only chip change or similar once you have a full they will release more power thus no need to sell and 'upgrade'.

**James Deuce** · 2nd January 2013, 20:39

Originally Posted by AllanB

A shame that the 500's are not physically or electronically restricted - ie as LAMS they are 40 -45 hp but with a dealer only chip change or similar once you have a full they will release more power thus no need to sell and 'upgrade'.

That practice has been specifically banned in the latest EU regs and has flowed through to UK licensing practice. The second tier of UK licensing specifically bans ECU or throttle restrictions to bikes available in other power trims. Like 33hp GSXR600s for instance.

I don't think you'd find the twin cylinder 500s in these bikes would be capable of much more power so it's all a bit moot.

**p.dath** · 3rd January 2013, 08:09

Originally Posted by James Deuce

...I'd like to know what tyres are OEM please.

Not that it really matters what they specify, since there isn't much correlation between an OEM sourced version of a tyre, and the normal "retail" version. OEM versions are often "modified".

**James Deuce** · 3rd January 2013, 08:29

Originally Posted by p.dath

Not that it really matters what they specify, since there isn't much correlation between an OEM sourced version of a tyre, and the normal "retail" version. OEM versions are often "modified".

Oh, that's right, I'm so green I don't know that.

I'd like to know what OEM tyres are specified please. If I have to change them straight off the bat, and the dealer won't pay for that, then I'm not buying one, am I? I suspect they are getting Malaysian nylon ones, given that Honda usually trumpet the brand and model of tyre in their advertising literature.

**pritch** · 3rd January 2013, 09:59

Originally Posted by actungbaby

I was told by local bike shop that going have race series in the uk with these bikes

I read good preivews on them there a practicle sports comuteer not a cbr 600

designed to be good on mpgs and good price range

IIRC the "sports" version has been chosen for the European Cup which is the feeder series for WSBK. Riders aged 14 to 19? That's the series where Simon Crafar coaches. Last year they used the KTM Duke, the year before Ninja 250s.

The new 500s are designed for the third world markets and are built in Thailand to be priced at an affordable level in Asia.

Of course the "affordable" bit will go out the window when BlueWing do their financial calculations. They will set the price at the maximum they think the local market will bear. And they will get it wrong. Again!

**ducatilover** · 3rd January 2013, 13:18

Originally Posted by James Deuce

Oh, that's right, I'm so green I don't know that.

I'd like to know what OEM tyres are specified please. If I have to change them straight off the bat, and the dealer won't pay for that, then I'm not buying one, am I? I suspect they are getting Malaysian nylon ones, given that Honda usually trumpet the brand and model of tyre in their advertising literature.

Well I know the little Ninja 250/300R have the appalling and disgusting waste of space IRC RX01 Road Winners fitted... They're impressively poo by modern standards and I'd expect a dealer to swap 'em for a set of BT45 or Schport Demons

hopefully the Honduh doesn't have them

I expect they'll be quite nice bikes though, in terms of easy to ride and smooth learner/commuter goodness

**TheTengTheory** · 17th January 2013, 23:20

Originally Posted by ducatilover

Well I know the little Ninja 250/300R have the appalling and disgusting waste of space IRC RX01 Road Winners fitted... They're impressively poo by modern standards and I'd expect a dealer to swap 'em for a set of BT45 or Schport Demons

hopefully the Honduh doesn't have them

I expect they'll be quite nice bikes though, in terms of easy to ride and smooth learner/commuter goodness

The Ninja 300 I test rode a couple of months ago actually surprised me with how comfortable it was. Was a lounge seat compared to the cbr250rr my friend had.

If only they brought the cb400 over...I would probably buy one if given the option.

**ducatilover** · 18th January 2013, 07:28

Originally Posted by TheTengTheory

The Ninja 300 I test rode a couple of months ago actually surprised me with how comfortable it was. Was a lounge seat compared to the cbr250rr my friend had.

If only they brought the cb400 over...I would probably buy one if given the option.

The Ninja and CBR are very different bikes though, one's an overpriced silly looking commuter, the other is purely silly, light and made for fun.

I'd take your bike over any of the current offerings

**tons** · 3rd February 2013, 11:23

I see that Motomart in Wellington was advertising the 500's as 'coming in March' in the newspaper this weekend.

I am trying to decide between a CB500F and the new KTM Duke 390 - which do you folk think would be the best bike?

**ducatilover** · 4th February 2013, 14:33

Originally Posted by tons

I see that Motomart in Wellington was advertising the 500's as 'coming in March' in the newspaper this weekend.

I am trying to decide between a CB500F and the new KTM Duke 390 - which do you folk think would be the best bike?

Ride them and see, we can't know how you'll feel about each one.

But the KTM will be best, coz it's cooler

**tons** · 5th February 2013, 08:03

Will definitely give both bikes a ride when they're available.

But just wondered if anyone had any particular thoughts either way or what people see as the pros and cons of each:

e.g. Honda more powerful but heavier so less power to weight, Honda likely to have more sold so easier to re-sell/get parts, Honda possibly more reliable,

vs

KTM probably having better quality componentry (WP shocks, 'ByBre' (cheap Brembo) brakes, better dash etc), and having 'ice cold' coolness factor.

Keen to hear thoughts if anyone has any ...