Honda CB500FA (2018) Owner's Manual

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This manual should be considered a permanent part of the motorcycle and should remain with the motorcycle when it is resold.
This publication includes the latest production information available before printing. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. reserves the right to make changes at any time without notice and without incurring any obligation.
No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission.
© 2018 Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
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Welcome

Congratulations on your purchase of a new Honda motorcycle. Your selection of a Honda makes you part of a worldwide family of satisfied customers who appreciate Honda's reputation for building quality into every product.
To ensure your safety and riding pleasure:
Read this owner's manual carefully.
Follow all recommendations and
procedures contained in this manual.
Pay close attention to safety messages
contained in this manual and on the motorcycle.
The following codes in this manual
indicate each country.
The illustrations here in are based on the
CB500FA ED type.
Country Codes Code Country CB500FA
ED European direct sales U Australia, New Zealand KO Korea
*The specifications may vary with each locale.
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A Few Words About Safety

Your safety, and the safety of others, is very important. Operating this motorcycle safely is an important responsibility. To help you make informed decisions about safety, we have provided operating procedures and other information on safety labels and in this manual. This information alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt you or others. Of course, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all hazards associated with operating or maintaining a motorcycle. You must use your own good judgement.
You will find important safety information in a variety of forms, including:
Safety labels on the motorcycle
Safety Messages preceded by a safety alert symbol and one of three signal words: DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION. These signal words mean:
3DANGER
You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
3WARNING
You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
3CAUTION
You CAN be HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
Other important information is provided under the following titles:
NOTICE
Information to help you avoid damage to your motorcycle, other property, or the environment.
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Contents

Motorcycle Safety P. 2
Operation Guide P. 18
Troubleshooting P. 107
Maintenance P. 61
Information P. 126
Specifications P. 140
Index P. 143
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Motorcycle Safety

This section contains important information for safe riding of your motorcycle. Please read this section carefully.
Safety Guidelines................................................. P. 3
Image Labels......................................................... P. 6
Safety Precautions............................................. P. 11
Riding Precautions ............................................ P. 12
Accessories & Modifications........................... P. 15
Loading ................................................................ P. 16
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Safety Guidelines

Safety Guidelines
Follow these guidelines to enhance your safety:
Perform all routine and regular inspections
specified in this manual.
Stop the engine and keep sparks and flame
away before filling the fuel tank.
Do not run the engine in enclosed or partly
enclosed areas. Carbon monoxide in exhaust gases is toxic and can kill you.
Always Wear a Helmet
It's a proven fact: helmets and protective apparel significantly reduce the number and severity of head and other injuries. So always wear an approved motorcycle helmet and protective apparel. 2 P. 11
Before Riding
Make sure that you are physically fit, mentally focused and free of alcohol and drugs. Check
that you and your passenger are both wearing an approved motorcycle helmet and protective apparel. Instruct your passenger on holding onto the seat strap or your waist, leaning with you in turns, and keeping their feet on the footpegs, even when the motorcycle is stopped.
Take Time to Learn & Practice
Even if you have ridden other motorcycles, practice riding in a safe area to become familiar with how this motorcycle works and handles, and to become accustomed to the motorcycle's size and weight.
Ride Defensively
Always pay attention to other vehicles around you, and do not assume that other drivers see you. Be prepared to stop quickly or perform an evasive maneuver.
Continued
Motorcycle Safety
3
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Safety Guidelines
Make Yourself Easy to See
Motorcycle Safety
Make yourself more visible, especially at night, by wearing bright reflective clothing, positioning yourself so other drivers can see you, signaling before turning or changing lanes, and using your horn when necessary.
Ride within Your Limits
Never ride beyond your personal abilities or faster than conditions warrant. Fatigue and inattention can impair your ability to use good judgement and ride safely.
Don't Drink and Ride
Alcohol and riding don't mix. Even one alcoholic drink can reduce your ability to respond to changing conditions, and your reaction time gets worse with every additional drink. Don't drink and ride, and don't let your friends drink and ride either.
4
Keep Your Honda in Safe Condition
It's important to keep your motorcycle properly maintained and in safe riding condition. Inspect your motorcycle before every ride and perform all recommended maintenance. Never exceed load limits (2 P. 16), and do not modify your motorcycle or install accessories that would make your motorcycle unsafe (2 P. 15).
If You are Involved in a Crash
Personal safety is your first priority. If you or anyone else has been injured, take time to assess the severity of the injuries and whether it is safe to continue riding. Call for emergency assistance if needed. Also follow applicable laws and regulations if another person or vehicle is involved in the crash.
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Safety Guidelines
If you decide to continue riding, first turn the ignition switch to the (Off) position, and evaluate the condition of your motorcycle. Inspect for fluid leaks, check the tightness of critical nuts and bolts, and check the handlebar, control levers, brakes, and wheels. Ride slowly and cautiously. Your motorcycle may have suffered damage that is not immediately apparent. Have your motorcycle thoroughly checked at a qualified service facility as soon as possible.
Carbon Monoxide Hazard
Exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide, a colourless, odorless gas. Breathing carbon monoxide can cause loss of consciousness and may lead to death.
If you run the engine in confined or even partly enclosed area, the air you breathe could contain a dangerous amount of carbon monoxide.
Never run your motorcycle inside a garage or other enclosure.
3WARNING
Running the engine of your motorcycle while in an enclosed or even partially enclosed area can cause a rapid build­up of toxic carbon monoxide gas.
Breathing this colourless, odorless gas can quickly cause unconsciousness and lead to death.
Only run your motorcycle's engine when it is located in a well ventilated area outdoors.
Motorcycle Safety
5
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Image Labels

Image Labels
Motorcycle Safety
ED, U type
The following pages describe the label meanings. Some labels warn you of
Read instructions contained in Owner's
Manual carefully. potential hazards that could cause serious injury. Others provide important safety information. Read this information carefully and don't remove the labels.
Read instructions contained in Shop Manual
carefully. In the interest of safety, take the
motorcycle to be serviced only by your
If a label comes off or becomes hard to read, contact your dealer for a replacement.
There is a specific symbol on each label. The meanings of each symbol and label are as follows.
dealer.
DANGER (with RED background)
You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if
you don't follow instructions.
WARNING (with ORANGE background)
You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if
you don't follow instructions.
CAUTION (with YELLOW background)
You CAN be HURT if you don't follow
instructions.
6
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Image Labels
BATTERY LABEL DANGER
Keep flame and spark away from the battery.
Battery produce explosive gas that can cause explosion.
Wear the eye protection and rubber gloves when
handling the battery, or you can get burned or lose your eyesight by the battery electrolyte.
Do not allow children and other people to touch a
battery unless they understand proper handling and hazards of the battery very well.
Handle the battery electrolyte with extreme care as
it contains dilute sulfuric acid. Contact with your skin or eyes can burn you or cause loss of your eyesight. Read this manual carefully and understand it before
handling the battery. Neglect of the instructions can cause personal injury and damage to the motorcycle. Do not use a battery with the electrolyte at or
below the lower level mark. It can explode causing serious injury.
Continued
Motorcycle Safety
7
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Image Labels
Motorcycle Safety
8
RADIATOR CAP LABEL DANGER
ED type
NEVER OPEN WHEN HOT. Hot coolant will scald you. Relief pressure valve begins to open at 1.1 kgf/cm2.
ACCESSORIES AND LOADING WARNING LABEL WARNING
ED type
ACCESSORIES AND LOADING
The safety stability and handling of this motorcycle may be
affected by the addition of accessories and luggage. Read carefully the instructions contained in user's manual and
installation guide before installing any accessory.
The total weight of accessories and luggage added to rider's and
passenger's weight should not exceed 182 kg (401 lb), which is the maximum weight capacity.
The luggage weight must not exceed 11 kg (24 lb) under any circumstances. The fitting of large fork-mounted or large handlebar mounted
fairing is not recommended.
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Image Labels
REAR CUSHION LABEL
GAS FILLED Do not open. Do not heat.
TYRE INFORMATION & DRIVE CHAIN LABEL
Cold tyre pressure: [Driver only]
Front Rear
250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm2, 36 psi) 290 kPa (2.90 kgf/cm2, 42 psi)
[Driver and passenger] Front Rear
250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm2, 36 psi) 290 kPa (2.90 kgf/cm2, 42 psi)
Keep chain adjusted and lubricated. Freeplay 25 - 35 mm (1.0 - 1.4 in)
Continued
Motorcycle Safety
9
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Image Labels
Motorcycle Safety
10
or
SAFETY REMINDER LABEL
For your protection, always wear helmet, protective apparel.
FUEL LABEL
Unleaded petrol only ETHANOL up to 10 % by volume
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Safety Precautions

Safety Precautions
Ride cautiously and keep your hands on the
handlebar and feet on the footpegs.
Keep passenger's hands onto the seat strap
or your waist, passenger's feet on the footpegs while riding.
Always consider the safety of your
passenger, as well as other drivers and riders.
Protective Apparel
Make sure that you and any passenger are wearing an approved motorcycle helmet, eye protection, and high-visibility protective clothing. Ride defensively in response to weather and road conditions.
Helmet
#
Safety-standard certified, high-visibility, correct size for your head
Must fit comfortably but securely, with the chin strap fastened.
Face shield with unobstructed field of vision
or other approved eye protection
3WARNING
Not wearing a helmet increases the
chance of serious injury or death in a
crash.
Make sure that you and any passenger
always wear an approved helmet and
protective apparel.
Gloves
#
Full-finger leather gloves with high abrasion resistance
Boots or Riding Shoes
#
Sturdy boots with non-slip soles and ankle protection
Jacket and Trousers
#
Protective, highly visible, long-sleeved jacket and durable trousers for riding (or a protective suit)
Motorcycle Safety
11
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Riding Precautions

Riding Precautions
Motorcycle Safety
Running-in Period
During the first 500 km (300 miles) of running, follow these guidelines to ensure your motorcycle's future reliability and performance.
Avoid full-throttle starts and rapid
acceleration.
Avoid hard braking and rapid down-shifts.
Ride conservatively.
12
Brakes
Observe the following guidelines:
Avoid excessively hard braking and
downshifting.
u Sudden braking can reduce the
motorcycle's stability.
u Where possible, reduce speed before
turning; otherwise you risk sliding out.
Exercise caution on low traction surfaces.
u The tyres slip more easily on such
surfaces and braking distances are longer.
Avoid continuous braking.
u Repeated braking, such as when
descending long, steep slopes can seriously overheat the brakes, reducing their effectiveness. Use engine braking with intermittent use of the brakes to reduce speed.
For full braking effectiveness, operate both
the front and rear brakes together.
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Riding Precautions
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
#
This model is equipped with an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) designed to help prevent the brakes from locking up during hard braking.
ABS does not reduce braking distance. In
certain circumstances, ABS may result in a longer stopping distance.
ABS does not function at speeds below 10
km/h (6 mph).
The brake lever and pedal may recoil slightly
when applying the brakes. This is normal.
Always use the recommended front/rear
tyres and sprockets to ensure correct ABS operation.
Engine Braking
#
Engine braking helps slow your motorcycle down when you release the throttle. For further slowing action, downshift to a lower gear. Use engine braking with intermittent use of the brakes to reduce speed when descending long, steep slopes.
Wet or Rainy Conditions
#
Road surfaces are slippery when wet, and wet brakes further reduce braking efficiency. Exercise extra caution when braking in wet conditions. If the brakes get wet, apply the brakes while riding at low speed to help them dry.
Continued
Motorcycle Safety
13
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Riding Precautions
3.
Parking
Motorcycle Safety
Park on a firm, level surface.
If you must park on a slight incline or loose
surface, park so that the motorcycle cannot move or fall over.
Make sure that high-temperature parts
cannot come into contact with flammable materials.
Do not touch the engine, muffler, brakes
and other high-temperature parts until they cool down.
To reduce the likelihood of theft, always lock
the handlebar and remove the key when leaving the motorcycle unattended. Use of an anti-theft device is also recommended.
Parking with the Side Stand
#
1.
Stop the engine.
2.
Push the side stand down.
Slowly lean the motorcycle to the left until its weight rests on the side stand.
4.
Turn the handlebar fully to the left.
u Turning the handlebar to the right
reduces stability and may cause the motorcycle to fall.
5.
Turn the ignition switch to the (Lock) position and remove the key. 2 P. 52
Refuelling and Fuel Guidelines
Follow these guidelines to protect the engine, fuel system and catalytic converter:
Use only unleaded petrol.
Use recommended octane number. Using
lower octane petrol will result in decreased engine performance.
Do not use fuels containing a high
concentration of alcohol. 2 P. 138
Do not use stale or contaminated petrol or
an oil/petrol mixture.
Avoid getting dirt or water in the fuel tank.
14
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Accessories & Modifications

Accessories & Modifications
We strongly advise that you do not add any accessories that were not specifically designed for your motorcycle by Honda or make modifications to your motorcycle from its original design. Doing so can make it unsafe. Modifying your motorcycle may also void your warranty and make your motorcycle illegal to operate on public roads. Before deciding to install accessories on your motorcycle be certain the modification is safe and legal.
3WARNING
Improper accessories or modifications
can cause a crash in which you can be
seriously hurt or killed.
Follow all instructions in this owner's
manual regarding accessories and
modifications.
Do not pull a trailer with, or attach a sidecar to, your motorcycle. Your motorcycle was not designed for these attachments, and their use can seriously impair your motorcycle's handling.
Motorcycle Safety
15
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Loading

Loading
Motorcycle Safety
Carrying extra weight affects your
motorcycle's handling, braking and stability. Always ride at a safe speed for the load you are carrying.
Avoid carrying an excessive load and keep
within specified load limits.
Maximum weight capacity / Maximum luggage weight 2 P. 140
Tie all luggage securely, evenly balanced
and close to the centre of the motorcycle.
Do not place objects near the lights or the
muffler.
16
3WARNING
Overloading or improper loading can cause a crash and you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Follow all load limits and other loading guidelines in this manual.
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Motorcycle Safety
17
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Parts Location

Tool kit (P.59) Document bag (P.59)

Operation Guide

Fuel fill cap (P.57)
Front brake fluid reservoir (P.90) Front suspension spring preload adjuster
(P.105
Front brake lever (P.104) Throttle grip (P.101)
Engine oil fill cap (P.84) Engine oil level inspection window
)
(P.84
Engine oil filter (P.86) Engine oil drain bolt (P.86) Rear brake pedal Brakelight switch (P.92)
Rear brake fluid reservoir (P.90) Data link connector
)
18
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Clutch lever (P.98) Front suspension spring preload adjuster
(P.105
Front seat (P.81) Battery (P.79) Fuse boxes (P.124) Rear seat (P.82)
Left side cover (P.83) Main fuse (P.125)
Rear suspension spring preload adjuster
(P.106
Drive chain (P.94) Coolant reserve tank (P.88) Shift lever (P.54) Side stand (P.93) Crankcase breather (P.102)
)
)
Operation Guide
19
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Instruments

Operation Guide
20
SEL
button
Display Check
When the ignition switch is turned to the (On) position, initial animation will show. If any part of these displays does not come on when it should, have your dealer check for problems.
SET
button
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Tachometer red zone
(excessive engine rpm range)
Section A display (P.23)
Tachometer
NOTICE
Do not operate the engine in the tachometer red zone. Excessive engine speed can adversely affect engine life.
Clock (12-hour or 24-hour display) To set the clock: (P.33)
Speedometer
Section B display (P.27)
Continued
Operation Guide
21
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Instruments (Continued)
Coolant temperature gauge
When the coolant is over specified temperature, the segment H flashes.
Operation Guide
If the segment H flashes while riding:
(P.109
If the coolant temperature gauge indicator flashes:
(P.113
Gear position indicator
The gear position is shown in the gear position indicator.
)
)
u “-” appears when the
transmission is not shifted properly.
Fuel gauge
Remaining fuel when only 1st (E) segment starts flashing: approximately 3.2 L (0.85 US gal,
0.70 Imp gal)
If the fuel gauge indicator flashes in a repeat pattern or turns off:
(P.112
)
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Section A display
#
You can select the following:
Current fuel mileage
Average fuel mileage [AVG]
Fuel consumption
Average speed [AVG]
Elapsed time [TIME]
Reserve fuel consumption [RES]
Current fuel mileage
When the 1st (E) segment of
Reserve fuel consumption
Changing the section A display
#
With the
SEL
button, you can switch the section A display between the current fuel mileage, average fuel mileage, fuel consumption, average speed, elapsed time, and reserve fuel consumption.
Average fuel mileage
Elapsed time
Fuel consumption
Average speed
the fuel gauge starts flashing
When the 1st (E) segment of the fuel gauge starts flashing, the current fuel mileage, average fuel mileage, fuel consumption, average speed and elapsed time to the reserve fuel consumption.
Continued
Operation Guide
23
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Instruments (Continued)
Current fuel mileage
#
Displays the current instant fuel mileage.
Operation Guide
Display range: 0.0 to 300.0 L/100km (km/L, mile/gal or mile/L)
More than 300.0 L/100km (km/L, mile/gal
or mile/L): “300.0” is displayed.
When your speed is less than 6 km/h (4
mph): “---.-” is displayed.
When “---.-” is displayed except for the above-mentioned cases, go to your dealer for service.
24
Average fuel mileage [AVG]
#
Displays the average fuel mileage since the selected tripmeter was reset. The average fuel mileage will be calculated based on value displayed on the tripmeter (A or B) selected. Also, the average fuel mileage for tripmeter A will be displayed when the odometer, tripmeter A, numerical tachometer and reserve tripmeter are selected. Display range: 0.0 to 300.0 L/100km (km/L, mile/gal or mile/L)
More than 300.0 L/100km (km/L, mile/gal or mile/L): “300.0” is displayed.
When the tripmeter A or B is reset: “---.-” is displayed.
When “---.-” is displayed except for the above-mentioned cases, go to your dealer for service.
To reset the average fuel mileage:
(P.29)
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Fuel consumption
#
Displays the fuel consumption since the selected tripmeter was reset. The fuel consumption will be calculated based on value displayed on the tripmeter (A or B) selected. Also, the fuel consumption for tripmeter A will be displayed when the odometer, tripmeter A, numerical tachometer and reserve tripmeter are selected. Display range: 0.0 to 300.0 L (litres) or 0.0 to
300.0 gal (gallon) More than 300.0 L (litres) or 300.0 gal
(gallon): “300.0” is displayed.
When “---.-” is displayed, go to your dealer for service.
To reset the fuel consumption: (P.29)
Average speed [AVG]
#
Displays the average speed since the selected tripmeter was reset. The average speed will be calculated based on value displayed on the tripmeter (A or B) selected. Also, the average speed for tripmeter A will be displayed when the odometer, tripmeter A, numerical tachometer and reserve tripmeter are selected. Display range: 0 to 299 km/h (0 to 185 mile/h)
Initial display: “---” is displayed.
When your motorcycle has traveled less
than 0.2 km (0.12 mile) since the engine was started: “---” is displayed.
When your motorcycle operating time is
less than 30 seconds since the engine was started: “---” is displayed.
Continued
Operation Guide
25
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Instruments (Continued)
When “---” is displayed except for the above­mentioned cases, go to your dealer for service. To reset the average speed: (P.29)
Operation Guide
Elapsed time [TIME]
#
Displays the operating time since the selected tripmeter was reset. The elapsed time will be calculated based on value displayed on the tripmeter (A or B) selected. Also, the elapsed time for tripmeter A will be displayed when the odometer, tripmeter A, numerical tachometer and reserve tripmeter are selected. Display range: 0:00 to 99:59 (hours:minutes)
The elapsed time return to 0:00 when the
readout exceeds 99:59.
To reset the elapsed time:
(P.29
)
Reserve fuel consumption [RES]
#
Displays the fuel consumption since the 1st (E) segment of the fuel gauge starts flashing. When the 1st (E) segment of the fuel gauge starts flashing, the current fuel mileage, average fuel mileage, fuel consumption, average speed or elapsed time switch to the reserve fuel consumption. You should refill the tank as soon as possible.
Flashes from “0.0” L or gal.
u When the amount of consumed fuel is
more than 1.0 L (0.26 US gal, 0.22 Imp gal), the “RES” mark on the display blinks faster.
After refuelling more than the reserve amount, the display returns to normal.
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Section B display
#
You can select the following:
Odometer [TOTAL]
Tripmeter [TRIP A/B]
Numerical tachometer
Reserve tripmeter [RES]
Changing the section B display
#
With the
SET
button, you can switch the section B display between the odometer, tripmeter A, tripmeter B, numerical tachometer, and reserve tripmeter.
Odometer Tripmeter A
Reserve tripmeter
Numerical tachometer
Tripmeter B
When the 1st (E) segment of the fuel gauge starts flashing
When the 1st (E) segment of the fuel gauge starts flashing, the odometer, tripmeters and numerical tachometer switches to the reserve tripmeter.
Continued
Operation Guide
27
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