BMW S 1000 R versus Honda CL 500
BMW S 1000 R
Naked
Honda CL 500
Scrambler
Year of construction / RRP / Test report
Built von 2014 bis 2024~
Built von 2023 bis 2024~
RRP 16.000 €
RRP 6.400 €
waveform
waveform
Competitors
Pros:
- Full of performance ...
- .. but still easy to control
- high-quality workmanship
- cool sound
Pros:
- very accessible, easy-to-ride motorcycle
- manoeuvrable and agile handling
- Easy to use, sit on it and drive off
Cons:
- Pillion operation only for emergencies
- Sitting position for some people probably too sporty
Cons:
- Footpegs in the way
- dark display
- Lever not adjustable within reach
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
Length : 2.090 mm Height : 1.115 mm
Seat : 814 mm until : 830 mm
Weight : 199 (max: 407 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.484 mm
Length : 2.153 mm Height : 1.137 mm
Seat : 790 mm
Weight : 192 kg
Length : 2.153 mm Height : 1.137 mm
Seat : 790 mm
Weight : 192 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
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: Kette
Aisles: 6
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
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
Performance: 47 HP at 8.500 U/Min
Torque: 43 NM bei 6.250 U/Min Tank contents: 12 Litre
Consumption: 4 l
Reach: 333 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
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 150 mm) Rear suspension:
Stereo shock absorbers (travel 145 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 110/80R19M/C 59H
Rear tyres: 150/70R17M/C 69H
Telescopic fork 41 mm (travel 150 mm) Rear suspension:
Stereo shock absorbers (travel 145 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 110/80R19M/C 59H
Rear tyres: 150/70R17M/C 69H
Brakes
Front brake
Double disc (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 220 mm)
Double disc (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 220 mm)
Front brake
Single disc, two-piston caliper (∅ 310 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, single-piston floating caliper (∅ 240 mm)
Single disc, two-piston caliper (∅ 310 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, single-piston floating 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!
Result
The Honda CL500 is an easy-to-ride and very accessible bike that is a lot of fun to ride. It is simply equipped, does not pose any puzzles to the driver and works very well. As usual with A2 bikes, you shouldn't expect any performance miracles. The CL500 is more of a leisurely bike with which you consciously enjoy every kilometre.The test machine was kindly provided to us by motofun . motofun is a large Honda dealer in Kaltenkirchen, north of Hamburg. There, the CL 500 is a demonstrator - and almost every other current Honda can also be test-driven there. Let's go to motofun!
