CB500F (PC45, 2013-2018): what changes by year
Only what our guide ties to model years: the versions, recalls and faults that name years. It's not a ranking of years.
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. 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.
Starter relay/solenoid failure (2013-2016 recall)
Honda issued an Australian recall for 2013 models covering the starter relay switch assembly. The fuel level sensor on 2013-2015 bikes was separately recalled for float arm deformation causing inaccurate gauge readings and possible electrical shorts.
471cc parallel twin (CB500F, no ABS, 2013-2015): LAMS, no ABS, 35kW (47hp) @ 8500rpm.
471cc parallel twin (CB500FA, ABS, 2013-2018): LAMS, ABS, 35kW (47hp) @ 8500rpm.
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. Ask for proof the recall work was 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. Affected: 2013–2015 CB500 family.
Fix: Free dealer replacement of fuel level sensor assembly. Ask for proof the recall work was done.
Most faults in the guide depend on mileage and how a bike was kept, not its model year; those are in the full guide and the checklist. Across all years, our guide rates this generation a Top pick.