BMW S 1000 R versus Honda CB 500 X

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW S 1000 R

Naked
Honda

Honda CB 500 X

Adventure

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2014 bis 2024~
Built von 2021 bis 2023
RRP 16.000 €
RRP 7.680 €
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Pros:
  • Full of performance ...
  • .. but still easy to control
  • high-quality workmanship
  • cool sound
Pros:
  • light and manoeuvrable
  • low consumption, long range
  • cheap in purchase maintenance
  • easy to use
Cons:
  • Pillion operation only for emergencies
  • Sitting position for some people probably too sporty
Cons:
  • Windscreen not adjustable without tools
  • Single pane at the front grips a little late

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: 1.445 mm
Length :
2.155 mm Height : 1.410 mm
Seat :
810 mm until : 834 mm
Weight :
197 (max: 386 ) 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: Number 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 471 ccm
Hub: 67 mm
Hole: 67 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: 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: 18 Litre
Consumption:
4 l
Reach:
491 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
Front suspension:
Telescopic fork 41 mm (travel 136 mm)
Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 135 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 110/80-19
Rear tyres: 160/60-17

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 220 mm)
Front brake
Single disc ( 310 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 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

Giant travel steamer or CB500X?

The CB is a reliable, grateful motorcycle without unnecessary bells and whistles that sometimes invites you to longer tours. And those who can be content with this get a manoeuvrable, easy-to-use travel companion compared to the large touring machines. This is much easier to manoeuvre, is characterized by high-quality components in Honda quality and does not pose any major problems for its driver. Just fun driving and that for less than 7000 €. Combined with the low consumption and manageable sub-costs, the CB has a few really good arguments on its side!

The test bike was provided by Motofun in Kaltenkirchen.

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of construction

  • Price: from 6.754€
  • Years of construction: from 2021
  • Availability: from 2021
  • Colours: Prix Red, Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic, Pearl Metalloid White