CBR500R fuel economy

[beatr911]

Wow, from those early numbers it looks like the CBR500R will better the Ninja 300 in average MPG. I place myself at about the upper third dividing line on those fuelly numbers, so I'm pretty excited to see the numbers as high as they are.

Reading a Honda statement several years ago, they were setting a goal to push fuel injection down to the entry 50cc bikes and improve the fuel efficiency of thier line world wide. Looks like they are good to thier word on this one!

[sendler]

For anyone that prefers a feet forward, cruiser position, I expect the CTX700 to have even higher fuel economy with an average of around 70 mpgUS on Fuelly. A hypermiler could ride that bike comfortably with two up and get 80 mpg at 50 mph.

[cosmic_kid]

I always read that the Ninja 300 is so fun to ride that it's hard to get better mpg. I wonder how it'd do with different sprockets, to take some of the fun out of it.

[sendler]

Originally Posted by cosmic_kid

I always read that the Ninja 300 is so fun to ride that it's hard to get better mpg. I wonder how it'd do with different sprockets, to take some of the fun out of it.

Longer gears would help. But it is still cammed for a 12,500 redline.

[user removed]

They lengthened the stroke on the Ninja, but the 49 state versions do not have an 02 sensor, which I believe would allow for more precise fuel control. Overall gearing is way to high, too many revs per mile. I think the Ninja in top gear is like the Suzuki in 4th. I would like to see the top ratio where the RPM is 90% of the speed or lower. For the life of me I can not understand why, with a 6 speed transmission you can't have your top speed in 5th. Gear it for 135 MPH at redline and I think you could get 80+ MPG without much effort. 6th gear on any small displacement bike should NOT be useable below 45 MPH, just like in a car you can't use top gear at much lower speeds.

Now if they really wanted to build a MPG bike. use the IDSI honda engine design in aa twin that is cammed for low speed torque and make 6th gear give you 3k RPM at 60 MPH with some decent aero. Bore and stroke the same amount and even two valves per cylinder offset for good swirl and twin plugs.

regards
Mech

[beatr911]

Anyone ridden the new 500? The first several that arrived at our local dealer were sold as they were coming off the truck. Not seen one in the wild yet, just on the dealers floor.

Kinda wondering how the engine will respond to taller gearing. Also wondering the same on the new 700 series bikes.

[renault_megane_dci]

I believed all engine respond all right to taller gearing, your best setup is to have 75% throttle in top gear @ 70 mph.

Obviously it only applies to bigger capacity engines (those able to hit 85 or so)

[sendler]

I was lucky enough to grab a test ride on the CBR500R at Americade. I had high expectations for the bike after putting 19,000 miles on my CBR250R and was still pleasantly surprised. The ride leaders were very generous at letting the front of the group stretch it out. We went on a 20 mile mix of 70mph super highway and a twisting canyon decent back into town. The best word to describe the CBR500R is dialed in. The shifting, clutch, trans and brakes feel silky smooth and very high quality. The smoothness of the engine at lower revs is shocking. The nested counterbalancer works so well you can hardly tell that the engine is on when you key the starter. The air over the front of the bike at speed is nicely controlled. The CBR500R is just enough bigger for 6 footers, just enough more power for 250 pounders, and just enough heavier to feel really stable while passing big trucks. It is not a supersport. The handlebars are fairly high and 44hp will never lift the front wheel unintentionally. And the front springs are on the soft side which I prefer for soaking up miles of super slab at a sitting. The low revving, square stroke engine is bringing back preliminary economy reports on Fuelly showing mid 60's mpgUS. The CBR500R will make a great highway commuter/ minimal sport touring bike.

[user removed]

Used available already here.

2013 honda cbr500r

regards
Mech

[sendler]

Retail is 5,999. My dealership wants 6,180 set up and destination charges included. I live in an 8% county which makes it $494.40 for tax. $100 documentation fee for the ladies in the office. $75 for your plate, title and to save you the trip to the dmv is fair. Comes to $6,849.40. All rolled into the 0% down financing. Ride it away with a signature and pay nothing for 40 days. 3 years at 2.9%
.
Used bikes still have to pay sales tax at registration. Again. And again. So his $6,600 will turn right back into $7,000 when you get back with your plates.
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Some of the huge dealers are a mill and have a completely unfair advantage. They may already be able to discount. Chattanooga had a few left over 2011 CBR250R's selling for $2,999 earlier this spring. You have to take delivery of the bike there.