CB500s on the NC500

Honda CBR500R, CB500F, CB500X

Honda’s 500cc range is popular with riders who are looking for an easy-to-live-with commuter, an entertaining weekend blatter or a bit of both. Not many would consider them for touring purposes.

So, when we got the chance to take the bikes round Scotland’s famous North Coast 500 route in the north-west of the country, we jumped at the chance – this would be the perfect way to see how the bikes perform out of their comfort zone. Big miles, a vast array of different kinds of roads, rapidly changing weather, and all the challenges of touring would surely put the bikes through their paces. It was time for a road trip!

Sporty start

We set off from Inverness in glorious sunshine. Late September in north Scotland can be pretty bleak, but for now we were enjoying weather that even the southern European riders in the group weren’t complaining about. The NC500 is a very tempting route when the weather is on your side.

I started the ride on the CBR500R, the sporty one of the lot. For a sportsbike, this is an easy one to ride, and rather comfortable too, but it still has the Blade-esque looks and a sporty silhouette. That’s a combination sure to appeal to younger/less experienced riders and those who love the thought of sportsbikes, but can feel their knees aching just from looking at them.

Of course, with the 500 you have to remember it has an engine with only half the