HONDA CBR500

[Madbuffalo]

I happened upon this bike when walking through a shop the other day and was very impressed. Didn't even know they existed!
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It uses the same bore as the larger 600 with a much longer stroke so horsepower suffers a bit but according to reviews the little 500 more than makes up for it in torque. Top speed is 115mph so I wouldn't expect cruising at highway speed would be an issue, although quick passing might.

What I like: Claimed 70mpg!, simple 2-cylinder engine, simple cable clutch, great sportbike look with a slightly more standard rider stance.

What I really didn't like is the steel frame, apparently to save money, that actually makes it heavier than the CBR600. Personally I would pay a little more for an aluminum frame with presumably better mpg.

I've been seriously considering getting one in a few years. Eventually the buffalo will get too rare to keep using as my everyday ride.

[RING_DING]

I like it too! There's definitely a move to smaller displacement going on with modern bikes. I've spoken with owners of the new Kawasaki Ninja 300 and they love it.

[Madbuffalo]

Agreed. There seems to be a resurgence of small bikes (especially scooters) lately. I like to think of myself as a minimalist. A bike/car that can do just what I need, gets good mpg, & is easy to work on; that's right up my alley. Less is more