Honda

CB500F inspection checklist

PC45 · 2013-2018. Take this to the bike and tick as you go; ticks stay on this device only. Every item comes from the CB500F guide.

0 of 0 checked

It's the bike you think it is

It's on your state's LAMS list today (registers change) Look up a code · NSW · QLD · VIC

Every used bike

Frame VIN and engine number match the registration papers
PPSR check: no finance owing, not written off or stolen ppsr.gov.au ↗ (a few dollars, needs the VIN)
Registration is current, and in the seller's name

Service history to ask for

Service records every 12,000km / 12 months
Valve clearance check every 24,000km: ask when it was last doneunverified
Recall (2014) done: Rocker arm shaft sealing bolt may come loose due to incorrect rust-inhibitor application during manufacture, causing an engine oil leak.
What to look for
Rocker arm shaft sealing bolt may come loose due to incorrect rust-inhibitor application during manufacture, causing an engine oil leak. If undetected, the bolt may fully exit the cylinder head, causing engine stall and crash risk. Affected: 2013 CB500F, CB500X, CBR500R sold in Australia. Fix: Free dealer replacement of the sealing bolt, washer and o-ring.
Recall (2015) done: Fuel level sensor float arm can deform from road debris and weather exposure, causing inaccurate fuel gauge readings, possible electrical short-circuit or engine stall.
What to look for
Fuel level sensor float arm can deform from road debris and weather exposure, causing inaccurate fuel gauge readings, possible electrical short-circuit or engine stall. Affected: 2013–2015 CB500 family. Fix: Free dealer replacement of fuel level sensor assembly.

Known faults to check for

Check for: No ABS on a learner bike Shows up: Any · Only: CB500F
What to look for
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.
Check for: Starter relay/solenoid failure (2013-2016 recall) Shows up: Any · Only: CB500FA
What to look for
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.
Check for: Cam chain rattle at cold start Shows up: 50,000km+ · Repair: $200-600 · Only: CB500FA
What to look for
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.
Check for: Cosmetic corrosion on fasteners and exposed steel Shows up: Any, worse on coastal or outdoor-stored bikes · Repair: $0-200
What to look for
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.

This is a checklist, not a diagnosis. Anything that fails, or that you can't check, is worth a mechanic's pre-purchase inspection. Amber “unverified” tags mean we couldn't confirm that figure against a manufacturer source.