BMW R 1150 R versus Honda CB 500 F

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW R 1150 R

Naked
Honda

Honda CB 500 F

Naked

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2005 bis 2006
Built von 2013 bis 2024~
RRP
RRP 6.960 €
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Pros:
  • easy and manoeuvrable to drive despite size and weight
  • used relatively cheap
  • is also suitable as a tourer
  • wonderful boxer with sound
  • sufficient power, powerful torque
Pros:
  • Comfort
  • easy to use
  • Pillion Square
  • Range and consumption
Cons:
  • vulnerable ABS system
  • fiddly battery removal
Cons:
  • No assistance systems

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.487 mm
Length :
2.170 mm Height : 1.220 mm
Seat :
800 mm
Weight :
238 (max: 450 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.410 mm
Length :
2.080 mm Height : 1.150 mm
Seat :
782 mm until : 790 mm
Weight :
189 (max: 371 ) kg

Engine

Motor design: Boxer 4-stroke 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.130 ccm
Hub: 71 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: Öl-Luft
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
Motor design: Reihentwin 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 471 ccm
Hub: 67 mm
Hole: 67 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: O-Ring Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 197 km/h
Performance: 85 HP at 6.750 U/Min
Torque: 98 NM bei 5.250 U/Min
Tank contents: 21 Litre
Consumption:
5 l
Reach:
446 km
Maximum speed: 175 km/h
Performance: 48 HP at 8.600 U/Min
Torque: 43 NM bei 6.500 U/Min
Tank contents: 17 Litre
Consumption:
4 l
Reach:
489 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Three-part frame concept consisting of front and rear frame with supporting engine (steel)
Front suspension:
BMW Motorrad Telelever; Standpipe diameter 35 mm (travel 120 mm)
Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 135 mm)
Rear suspension:
Aluminum cast single-arm swingarm with Paralever
Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 170/60 ZR 17
Frame type:
Bridge frame (steel)
Front suspension:
Telescopic fork, Ø 41 mm (travel 108 mm)
Rear suspension:
Mono shock absorber, spring base 9-way adjustable (travel 119 mm)
Rear suspension:
Box swing with ProLink suspension
Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 160/60 ZR 17

Brakes

Front brake
Four-piston fixed caliper double disc brake ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Two-piston fixed caliper brake ( 276 mm)
Front brake
Single disc, Nissin, two-piston caliper ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, Nissin, single-piston caliper ( 240 mm)

Conclusion - what gets stuck

The BMW R 1150 R is a grateful bike that offers riders a confident and safe riding experience even with high mileage. There are many used machines of this type, most fortunately in uncrafted original condition. But old machines are not really cheap either: 1150s are hardly available in good condition under 4,000 euros. To answer the opening question: Yes, it is still worth buying a 15-year-old motorcycle today. At least if it is a BMW R 1150 R.

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price new (2003): 9,000€
  • Used (15 years old): 4,500€
  • Years built: 2000 - 2006
  • Colours: black, blue, silver

Suitable for everyday use without end

So what remains? Sure, the term driving school motorcycle comes to mind, it is rarely meant as a compliment. But the Honda CB 500 F is far from boring in some way, despite its suitability for everyday use. Their lack of the corners and edges that characterize many of the motorcycles described as "strong in character".

But she doesn't get annoyed, sprays the Honda quality from each of her components and never presents you with a puzzle. If that's enough, if you just want to ride a motorcycle without any problems, the CB is the right place for just over 6,000 euros.

The test bike was provided by Motofun in Kaltenkirchen.

Price / Availability / Colours / Years of Construction

  • Price: 6,074€
  • Used (3 years old): 4,900€
  • Years of construction: since 1993
  • Availability: very good
  • Colours: red, black, orange, white