BMW R 1200 GS (K50) versus Honda CB 500 F

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW R 1200 GS (K50)

Adventure
Honda

Honda CB 500 F

Naked

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2013 bis 2018
Built von 2013 bis 2024~
RRP 15.300 €
RRP 6.960 €
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Pros:
  • has neat Wums
  • extensive electronic helpers
  • significantly more off-road capability than the standard version of the GS
Pros:
  • Comfort
  • easy to use
  • Pillion Square
  • Range and consumption
Cons:
  • Price mainly with full equipment
Cons:
  • No assistance systems

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.507 mm
Length :
2.207 mm Height : 1.412 mm
Seat :
850 mm
Weight :
244 (max: 460 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.410 mm
Length :
2.080 mm Height : 1.150 mm
Seat :
782 mm until : 790 mm
Weight :
189 (max: 371 ) kg

Engine

Motor design: Boxer 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.170 ccm
Hub: 73 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: Luft
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
Motor design: Reihentwin 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 471 ccm
Hub: 67 mm
Hole: 67 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: O-Ring Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 219 km/h
Performance: 125 HP at 7.700 U/Min
Torque: 125 NM bei 6.500 U/Min
Tank contents: 20 Litre
Consumption:
5 l
Reach:
403 km
Maximum speed: 175 km/h
Performance: 48 HP at 8.600 U/Min
Torque: 43 NM bei 6.500 U/Min
Tank contents: 17 Litre
Consumption:
4 l
Reach:
489 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Bridges, motor supporting (steel)
Front suspension:
Telescopic fork 37 mm (travel 190 mm)
Front suspension:
Shock
Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 200 mm)
Rear suspension:
Single-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70 R 19
Rear tyres: 170/60 R 17
Frame type:
Bridge frame (steel)
Front suspension:
Telescopic fork, Ø 41 mm (travel 108 mm)
Rear suspension:
Mono shock absorber, spring base 9-way adjustable (travel 119 mm)
Rear suspension:
Box swing with ProLink suspension
Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 160/60 ZR 17

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc ( 305 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 376 mm)
Front brake
Single disc, Nissin, two-piston caliper ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, Nissin, single-piston caliper ( 240 mm)

Conclusion - what gets stuck

No, our high expectations were by no means disappointed – not even a bit! The R 1200 GS Rally not only made us very good, but it makes it really difficult for us to find criticisms. Well, it's quite expensive. But quality has a price. And if you look at the prices on the second-hand market, you have to say that gs keeps its value quite long. In addition, it is of course up to everyone to decide whether they really need all the equipment packages. Clearly all do their tasks reliably and well, however, drive up the price again neatly. And already in the basic equipment we have to deal with a mature, great bike!

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price: 15,000-20,000€ depending on the equipment
  • used so far only marginally cheaper
  • Years built: 2017-2018
  • Availability: from 12/2017
  • Colors: Rally design in blue, silver, red, black

Suitable for everyday use without end

So what remains? Sure, the term driving school motorcycle comes to mind, it is rarely meant as a compliment. But the Honda CB 500 F is far from boring in some way, despite its suitability for everyday use. Their lack of the corners and edges that characterize many of the motorcycles described as "strong in character".

But she doesn't get annoyed, sprays the Honda quality from each of her components and never presents you with a puzzle. If that's enough, if you just want to ride a motorcycle without any problems, the CB is the right place for just over 6,000 euros.

The test bike was provided by Motofun in Kaltenkirchen.

Price / Availability / Colours / Years of Construction

  • Price: 6,074€
  • Used (3 years old): 4,900€
  • Years of construction: since 1993
  • Availability: very good
  • Colours: red, black, orange, white