Okay, so I finally got my hands on a 2016 Honda CBR500RR. I’d been eyeing this bike for a while, and let me tell you, the anticipation was killing me! The first thing I did was, of course, take it out for a spin.
First Impressions
The bike felt surprisingly light and nimble. I mean, I’ve ridden heavier bikes before, but this one just felt right. The seating position was sporty, but not overly aggressive, which is perfect for me since I also like doing longer rides.
Getting to Know the Machine
I spent the next few days just getting used to the bike. I took it on some familiar backroads, practicing my cornering and getting a feel for the brakes.
- Handling: Seriously responsive. It felt like the bike was reading my mind.
- Power: Plenty of power for everyday riding, and enough to have some fun with. Not overwhelming, but definitely not boring.
- Brakes: Strong and predictable. No surprises there.
I did several things to test how the bike would act.
Little Mods
Of course, I couldn’t leave it completely stock. I’m not a mechanic, so I kept it simple. First, I adjusted the levers to better fit my hands. A small thing, but it made a big difference in comfort. Then I swapped the factory windscreen for a slightly taller, tinted one. Helps with wind protection on the highway, and I think it looks cooler, too.
Longer Ride
I really wanted the bike to be more comfortable, so I took it on a longer trip.
I packed a small bag and headed out for a weekend ride to test it out. The CBR500RR handled it like a champ. The engine was smooth, and the suspension soaked up the bumps pretty well. Even after a few hours in the saddle, I wasn’t feeling too beat up. I really pushed the bike’s storage.
Final Thoughts (For Now!)
So far, I’m loving the 2016 CBR500RR. It’s a great all-around bike that’s fun to ride, comfortable enough for longer trips, and looks pretty awesome.
I’ll probably keep tweaking things here and there, but for now, I’m just going to enjoy the ride! I’m planning on taking it to the mountains next.
