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TEST RIDE

Honda's new CBR500R proves to be a great all-rounder

Published: 31 Dec 2012 at 00.00
Newspaper section: Life

Big bikes are really becoming popular in Thailand, but they do come with heavy price tags because they are imported.

The CBR500R corners like a proper sports bike.

The Honda CBR1000R, for instance, costs 799,000 baht. We believe that there are many bikers who are looking for more choices on medium size sport bikes with a good reason, but price must be right also.

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durieu
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Discussion 4 : 04 Jan 2013 at 21.524
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Indeed, as long as highways will not be authorized, the interest of a middle or big size motorcycle will be very limited. I do not understand why the Thailand does not make as in many other country witch authorize motorcycles on highway (for example above 125 or from 250 cc or with more than 24 HP). Nevertheless, this CBR 500 could interests me, but the new Kawasaki 300 cc makes approximately 40 CV for a much more moderated weight. It could be interesting to compare these two motorcycles. Finally, why Honda has limited the power of this CBR? It could make easily 10 HP more without compromising his reliability…
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dekwat
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Discussion 3 : 03 Jan 2013 at 08.353
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I've been riding the CBR250 for almost 2 years and I'm very happy with it. Easy in the corners and comfortable enough for long distance rides.
For as long as big bikes aren't allowed on highways, anything above 500cc becomes useless. Roads and traffic are just too unpredictable for high speed riding.
I was a big fan of Yamaha in Europe but in Thailand, the after-sale service is deplorable. Honda repair shops can be found everywhere. That matters a lot for long distance riders.
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dao
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Discussion 2 : 01 Jan 2013 at 13.322
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Ive ridden this bike .I believe Honda has lost the plot .hey produce a 1000 cc which is quadruple the price and then make this cheap looking bike .The bikes they made 20 years a go looked better and had more power .They could have made this bike look a lot better .It isnt like they dont have the money or talent .
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30+YearResident
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Discussion 1 : 31 Dec 2012 at 13.071
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Sport bikes.....Ugh! I would think the market would appreciate bigger "Big Bikes". The Phantom 150cc was a start, but simply too small. I have a 2003 Phantom 200 cc. decked out with a Harley halogen headlight, twin halogen spots and front turn signal lights. Still a great bike which sold quite well. Why Honda stopped product came as a total surprise. Based on the popularity of the Phantom 200cc, I was always waiting for a 300-500 cc. version. Much more comfortable to ride than Honda's sports bikes.
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