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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.
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