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Honda

CB500F

PC45· 2013-2018 naked Top pick
Price (AUD)
$4k–$7.5kest. Aug 2026
Type
Naked
Origin
Japan
Built in
Japan

Overview

The CB500F PC45 is a genuinely learner-legal bike — not a restricted-for-LAMS detuned version, but a bike whose full-power output naturally sits inside the 150kW/tonne LAMS threshold. Honda launched the PC45 trio (CB500F, CB500X, CBR500R) in Australia in 2013 to address a gap in the learner market that the old CBF250 and VTR250 couldn't credibly fill. The 471cc parallel twin is liquid-cooled, fuel-injected and unremarkable in the best sense: it runs without drama, consumes minimal fuel, and doesn't throw money at problems. From 2016 Honda facelifted the PC45 with LED lighting, a larger 16.7L fuel tank (up from 15.7L), adjustable fork preload, a hinged fuel cap, and ABS as standard across the range. The 2013–2015 bikes were sold in both non-ABS (CB500F) and ABS (CB500FA) form; 2016–2018 bikes are all CB500FA. In Australia bikesales.com.au lists only the CB500FA designation for the ABS version, and the post-2016 bikes are all ABS. Either way the bike is LAMS-approved in all states and territories. The 471cc engine produces a genuine 35kW — it doesn't need to be soft-pedalled by a manufacturer to pass LAMS, which means it responds honestly to maintenance and has no restriction to verify or worry about.

Engines & variants

471cc parallel twin (CB500F, no ABS, 2013-2015) LAMS approved

Meets LAMS power-to-weight threshold at full rated output — no restriction applied. Approved in all Australian states and territories. Capacity is well under the 660cc guide figure.

Engine
471cc liquid-cooled DOHC 8-valve parallel twin, PGM-FI fuel injection, 67mm bore x 66.8mm stroke
Config
Parallel twin
Capacity
471cc
Power
35kW (47hp) @ 8500rpm
Torque
43Nm @ 7000rpm
Seat height
790mm
Weight
190kg (wet, ready to ride)
Final drive
Chain
Cooling
Liquid
ABS
None
Traction control
None
Fuel
15.7L
Economy
~4.5 L/100kmunverified
Service
12,000km / 12 months
Transmission
6-speed
Valve clearance interval
24,000kmunverified
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven

Pros

  • Genuinely LAMS-legal at full output — no restriction to check or worry about
  • Low 790mm seat height suits a wide range of riders
  • Reliable, simple 471cc parallel twin with no known chronic mechanical issues
  • Cheap to run: fuel, tyres, servicing all modest
  • Light kerb weight for the class makes it manageable in traffic and tight parks

Cons

  • No ABS — a real safety gap on a learner bike
  • Suspension is basic: non-adjustable forks and a simple rear shock
  • 15.7L tank limits range to around 300km before reserve
  • Single front disc is adequate but uninspiring under hard braking

Known problems

medium
No ABS on a learner bike
The pre-2016 non-ABS CB500F was sold as a LAMS learner bike without anti-lock brakes at a time when ABS was already proven life-saving on motorcycles. Brake performance is adequate for relaxed riding but an inexperienced rider in a panic stop is at real risk of locking the front wheel. The ABS version (CB500FA) was sold alongside it from 2013 and costs very little more on the used market — there is almost no reason to choose the non-ABS bike.
Fix: Prefer the CB500FA (ABS variant) unless the saving is substantial and the rider is experienced. The ABS system on the FA is dual-channel and non-intrusive in normal riding.
Any

471cc parallel twin (CB500FA, ABS, 2013-2018) LAMS approved

Meets LAMS power-to-weight threshold at full rated output — no restriction applied. Approved in all Australian states and territories.

Engine
471cc liquid-cooled DOHC 8-valve parallel twin, PGM-FI fuel injection, 67mm bore x 66.8mm stroke
Config
Parallel twin
Capacity
471cc
Power
35kW (47hp) @ 8500rpm
Torque
43Nm @ 7000rpm
Seat height
790mm
Weight
190-193kg wet (2013-2015: ~190kg; 2016-2018: ~193kg with larger tank and LED equipment)unverified
Final drive
Chain
Cooling
Liquid
ABS
Standard
Traction control
None
Fuel
15.7L (2013-2015) / 16.7L (2016-2018)
Economy
~4.5 L/100kmunverified
Service
12,000km / 12 months
Transmission
6-speed
Valve clearance interval
24,000kmunverified
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven

Pros

  • Dual-channel ABS standard from 2016; available from 2013 on the FA variant
  • 2016 facelift added LED lighting, hinged fuel cap, adjustable fork preload and larger 16.7L tank
  • LAMS-legal at full power — no restrictor, nothing to check
  • Low 790mm seat height suits a wide range of riders
  • Low running costs; consumables cheap and widely available

Cons

  • Suspension remains basic even on the 2016 update: adjustable for preload only
  • Gearbox can be notchy in slow traffic, especially in 1st-2nd transitions
  • Engine access for valve checks requires accessories removal — adds to labour cost
  • Comfort on longer rides limited by the stock seat

Known problems

low
Cam chain rattle at cold start
Some high-mileage CB500F engines develop a brief rattle on cold start that clears within 30 seconds of warm-up. The tensioner is automatic but the chain guide material can wear on higher-mileage units. If the rattle persists beyond warm-up or appears at operating temperature, investigate rather than ignore.
Fix: Check cam chain tension and guide condition at or after 50,000km. Tensioner replacement is straightforward; a worn guide is more involved.
From 50,000km+ · ~$200-600
medium
Starter relay/solenoid failure (2013-2016 recall)
Honda issued an Australian recall for 2013 models covering the starter relay switch assembly. Incorrect sealant application increased main fuse resistance, causing no-start faults and in some cases a melted solenoid cap or main fuse. The fuel level sensor on 2013-2015 bikes was separately recalled for float arm deformation causing inaccurate gauge readings and possible electrical shorts.
Fix: Both recalls are free at Honda dealers. Verify the VIN against Honda's recall database or ask the dealer to confirm both campaigns are closed before purchase.
Any

Common problems (all variants)

low
Cosmetic corrosion on fasteners and exposed steel
The PC45 uses basic fastener and bracket coatings. Bikes stored outdoors, ridden near the coast, or in wetter climates show surface rust on fasteners, the chain guard and rear subframe brackets well before any mechanical wear. It's cosmetic on its own but use it as a signal to check that chain, brakes and coolant were maintained with the same care.
Fix: Treat exposed fasteners with a protective coating during routine servicing. Consider it a guide to whether the previous owner maintained the bike carefully.
Any, worse on coastal or outdoor-stored bikesunverified · ~$0-200

unverified marks a figure we could not confirm against a manufacturer source. It is our best reading of what is published, not a checked fact — confirm it yourself before you spend money on the strength of it.

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