Best 500cc Motorcycles For Commuters
A 500cc motorcycle is the ideal choice for riders looking to step up to that next level after their test. As an intermediate class, 500ccs offer a considerable amount of power without being too much to handle. This makes them perfect for getting to and from the office – so what are the best 500cc bikes for commuters? Read on for the MPW verdict.
Honda CB 500
The Honda CB500 is a hit with commuters and couriers alike, who love its reliability, handling and performance. A smooth gearbox and good suspension help create a comfortable ride as you weave through traffic, while still being able to offer plenty of power. 47Nm at 8000rpm gives you a good head start with a top speed of 120mph on offer. It’ll reach 200 miles on a full tank, and has good seating space and room for a pillion with a grab rail included as standard. Parts are ten-a-penny and easy to fit. If you want a bike that’s easy to maintain, affordable, and won’t cost you a tonne to repair, this is it.
Kawasaki GPZ 550
The Kawasaki GPZ550 is a perfect all-rounder with enough sparkle to keep you interested. The GPZ550 is super smooth and reliable with an engine offering up to 46.1 Nm at 8,500rpm of rev power, and though slightly screamy it begs to be revved. It’s a bike that’s been around for quite a while but remains as popular as ever as an option for commuting due to what owners attest to as it’s “bulletproof” nature. The fuel consumption is another great selling point standing at 44 mpg, though older models tend to have worn brakes and this is something to watch out for. Luckily, parts are not difficult to come by and, while far from modern, this is a bike that won’t let you down when you need a worker.
Kawasaki ER-5
The Kawasaki ER-5 is great for riders who simply want to get from A to B. While far from the fastest and with a rather modest 170-mile range, it handles fuel consumption well, while the gearbox and tyres are designed to last. The engine won’t blow your socks off, and on the motorway it can be a little wanting, but if you’re looking for a town bike it’s a comfortable ride and reliable to boot. A parallel-twin 498cc engine gets you around 60 mpg. With a rather modest 170 mile range. Seating is low and ride quality is high, though watch out for the brakes as on some models they are known to be a little vague. As long as you do your checks, you can’t go wrong with the ER-5 for local journeys.
Suzuki GS 500
While its critics might say this bike lacks excitement, in many ways it's what makes the Suzuki GS500 a perfect everyday trooper. This bike delivers just the right amount of power and speed without giving you the temptation to rev it up and end up losing control. The 487cc four-stroke, parallel-twin cylinder engine delivers a top speed of 110mph and has a seat height of 790mm, so they give you good speed and visibility for getting around the traffic. But dull low-end gearing makes them like they were built to travel rather than to bob and weave. These bikes can only be purchased second hand now, but are perfect for getting to work as they can be snapped up for a good price, doubling up as a solid entry bike and a reliable ride that will teach you how to sensibly handle the increased power.
Kawasaki Vulcan 500
The Vulcan offers a fairly relaxed riding position so is kind to the lower back and legs and means you can settle into your journey without worry. It’s powered by a 4-stroke parallel twin 498cc engine that performs well on dual carriageways and motorways and feels incredibly stable. As a mid-range urban cruiser, the Kawasaki handles surprisingly well in dense traffic too, with the handlebars easy to turn and the weight distribution making it nimbler than it looks. You can pick up these bikes for an affordable price and parts are relatively easy to get hold of, making them perfect commuters for those who want a more laid back ride.
Buell Blast
This is a small yet light and versatile entry bike that ticks a lot of the right boxes for the daily commute. While no longer available as new, you can pick one up for a good price second hand. It doesn’t boast heaps of power, with a 492cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine, but its 5-speed transmission and 67mpg economy should be more than enough for your ride to work. The Buell Blast is seen as easy to ride, easy to maintain, but it may be a little harder to source replacement parts. You’ll enjoy a comfortable riding position (seat height of 698.5mm) and good handling, and it’s also a bit of a looker. While generally more suited to beginners, it’s also a favourite second bike for many intermediate riders though quite sought after so if you get your hands on one, snap it up!
Kawasaki GPZ500 (Ninja 500 in the US)
This GPZ/Ninja 500 is, no doubt, a lot of fun to ride. It delivers a top speed of 118mph and a quarter-mile time of 12.98 seconds at 99mph. The 17-inch rims are wider than those seen on the original EX500 (16 inch), while the brakes are also upgraded from previous models (270 mm disc 2-piston calliper on the front). But it’s the light handling that gives it the “X” factor and means you can flip it side-to-side like you’re on the track. For riders with more experience, this will give you the confidence to manoeuvre through the busy city with ease, but for beginners, it may take a little getting used to. Fuel capacity is 21.8 litres, with a standing weight of 198kg. The Kawasaki is also a surprisingly good option for long rides at the weekend, with a contoured semi-sport riding position offering a great deal of comfort.
Yamaha YZF-R3
OK, so this isn’t a 500cc, but it remains one of the most exciting motorcycles under 500cc and is one of the most popular bikes for commuters. At the start of 2019, it received its first update in a few years and is a great mid-entry bike. It performs equally well on the motorway as around town and can even step up on those first track days, as you work your way up to a bigger bike. Top speed is 115mph, with a tank range of 230 miles, and you can buy parts from our online store. If you’re looking for a solid all-rounder, the YZF-R3 definitely delivers, giving you great value for money, with Yamaha aware that most people spending on this will rely on it as their only way of getting around.
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