CB500 v CBF500

Apart from the rear suspension, some emission controls and a few "styling" looks, they are essentially the same bike, right?
I very rarely see any CBF's about which is a bit surprising, as they are younger bikes - see more CB's.
They don't seem to have the same highly regarded reputation as the (dare I say, legendary) bullet proof CB, in the biking world.
Just curious...or is it just my perception?

Same engine. The CBF has some bolt-on emissions control stuff but it is essentially the same AFAIK.

The CBF *should* be better - it also has a monoshock and ABS.

You don't see as many because there were far fewer CBF made.

Ahh...hadn't realised they only made them for couple of years, nice wee bike tho'.
Had considered buying one until I hit lucky with the CB

It was the bike I learnt on and at the time seemed like a great bike to ride and very forgiving