BMW S 1000 R versus Honda CB 500 F

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW S 1000 R

Naked
Honda

Honda CB 500 F

Naked

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2014 bis 2024~
Built von 2013 bis 2024~
RRP 16.000 €
RRP 6.960 €
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Pros:
  • Full of performance ...
  • .. but still easy to control
  • high-quality workmanship
  • cool sound
Pros:
  • Comfort
  • easy to use
  • Pillion Square
  • Range and consumption
Cons:
  • Pillion operation only for emergencies
  • Sitting position for some people probably too sporty
Cons:
  • No assistance systems

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.450 mm
Length :
2.090 mm Height : 1.115 mm
Seat :
814 mm until : 830 mm
Weight :
199 (max: 407 ) 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: In-line four-cylinder 4-stroke 4 Cylinder
Displacement: 999 ccm
Hub: 50 mm
Hole: 80 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
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: 261 km/h
Performance: 165 HP at 11.000 U/Min
Torque: 114 NM bei 9.250 U/Min
Tank contents: 17 Litre
Consumption:
6 l
Reach:
266 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:
Aluminium composite bridge frame, motor supporting (aluminium)
Front suspension:
Telescopic fork (travel 120 mm)
Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 117 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 190/55 ZR 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 ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 220 mm)
Front brake
Single disc, Nissin, two-piston caliper ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, Nissin, single-piston caliper ( 240 mm)

Conclusion - what sticks

The S 1000 R is basically a double R, from which the fairing has been removed and the torque curve on country roads has been optimised. It is super sporty, which can be an disadvantage and a disadvantage at the same time. If you want to sit upright on your streetfighter, you are out of place here. If you are looking for proximity to the front wheel and asphalt, you will find it here!

In any case, we had tons of driving fun and did not feel overwhelmed despite the immense performance. This is exactly why you have to compliment BMW: Not all manufacturers succeed in putting such a grenade on the wheels for (almost) everyone. To anticipate misunderstandings: Of course, this motorcycle is not a beginner's machine!
 
The test machine was kindly provided by Bergmann & Söhne in Pinneberg - thank you!

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of construction

  • Price: from 14.740 €
  • Used (7 years old): 8.000€
  • Years of construction: since 2014
  • Colours: red, grey-yellow, white-blue-red

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