New 2022 Honda CB500X Review: The Best Budget Adventure Bike?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 ก.ค. 2024
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My 2016 CB500X is currently @ 78k miles with zero mechanical issues. Riding 94 miles a day, 4 days a week, all year round here in the UK. My daily commute is 5% country lanes, 90% motorway & 5% city returning on avarage 95MPG UK every day and only using around 12.8 lts for 280 miles. I bet on a full tank with good weather conditions, sitting around 55mph you would get 320 - 350 miles on a tank !!!!! Both front & rear pads are original, only the real wheel bearings went @ 73k miles, all the other bearings and seals are original too. Regarding valve clearances only 2 exhaust valves have ever been slightly tight @ the 64k miles service. If you want a commuter bike that doesn't drink fuel, cheap to service, easy to ride, with a great build & easy to maintain then the CB500X is the bike for you.
Totally agree! what more could you ask for, I would happily tour on one aswell. I was thinking of downsizing my Africa twin for one. I'm not interested in speed happy to plod along. I have done 500+ miles days on my CRF250L so this would be even better in that regard.
Original brake pads at 78k miles? Seriously?
This is the comment that has solidified my goal for saving up to one thanks for this
@@evoermine 95% of my 94 mile daily commute all year round requires no breaking, being 90% motorway & 5% country lanes. Both sets of pads are only half warn.
@@donakal7158 good luck with the saving , hope you get one soon 👍
I'm tired of reviewers saying they don't like an engine because of "how it sounds". Maybe it's the engineer in me, but I could not care less about the sound - unless it's too loud and I can't hear myself think while I ride it (i.e. keep Harleys with straight pipes away from me)! What I care about is usable HP with a smooth torque curve and reliability/easy maintenance. In that department, this engine shines. Wrap a bike around the engine that feels nimble yet stable, and in an adventure bike it is light enough to easily pick up but heavy enough to be planted on the highway when I'm between the gravel/trails plus the ergonomics to stand up when needed, and it is a winner - everyone seems to say this bike has that. I wish it was just a little bit cheaper new or more plentiful used (apparently no one nears me wants to sell theirs) and I'd have one - or even a 2nd for my wife - sitting in the garage right now.... but I haven't given up and hope to find the right match soon. My old original 90s Bandit with the 4 cyl engine but also 4 carbs that like to clog needs a friend sitting next to it that I know will always just start up and go.
I don't like how it sounds.
No brainer. If I could only have one bike and was on a budget, or I had room in the garage for a second, easy-to-hop-on bike, this would be it. Awesome. Typical Honda focusing on just the right things.
i own the 2020 model for about 18 months now
im an engineer
among other bikes i was looking to buy this is a mechanological diamond.
everything is exactly where its supposed to be .
throttle cable , clutch cable , electrical harness , all in perfect position and work with no tension/stress at all
this bike is built to last .
a friend of mine has the 2016 model with 130.000 klm on the clock .
every time i checked the valve clearance was right on spot.
this is amazing.
to my experience this happens only to hondas.
me and my wife enjoy long rides /trips while fully loaded .
fuel efficiency is extraordinary , never exceeded 3.5lt/100
Hey, I'd like your opinion regarding the frame that is attached directly to the engine. Any cons / pros on that?
Very balanced review. I think the 2022 improvements have really added to the overall package.
The styling is a huge improvement, and that colour really suits. Would be a perfect steed for a dispatch rider or regular commuter. Sure there are cheaper options but it's a Honda so it's going to last. I would definitely consider that if I was budgeting around that level.
CBT tomorrow and then in for training and test. This CB500X has been in my targets for a few months now and all that I see and read about it shows as my first legal bike, I'm onto a good one. Thanks for the video.
Too heavy for a noob .
@@leeinwis ended up getting the CB500F (2022 model) the day I passed my test and I find it perfect for what I do.
This was on my list to check out a year ago, unfortunately Honda didn't prioritise a test bike for dealers so never got to try one. Went with the Triumph Trident but still feels like this one got away, have to try and get a ride this year. Thanks for the review Bob.
I saw one yesterday at my dealer. In that colour and it is beautiful! Thank you mr Bob.
Thanks to the new look, and upgrades I would for sure consider this bike. And the price point is real nice. And it's a fuel sipper. Yes. And yes.
Great review Mr. MotoBob. I am a rider with 40 years experience and this bike is a little gem. Traction control, wheelie control, rain/sport modes are not required, as it is all in your right wrist and the GMU (Grey Matter Unit) between your ears. Keep up the great work. Dave from Nova Scotia, Canada
Totally agree. There are currently two motorcycles that I admire: SUZUKi V-Strom 650 and the CB 500x
GMU. LOL!
PS. Love that Cabot Trail during lobster season!
Thanks for the review, first time seeing that Army type color scheme on this bike, looks great and the review has been intrigued. Might need to go see this bad boy in the flesh.
Thanks Bob. Clear, straightforward and concise.
Really well presented. Great job.
Great review, solid update by Honda!
Less is more. Less weight, less cost, less fuel, less maintenance...
This bike is more than adequate for adventure riding.
It sound's like a Honda 4 wheeler. This bike is starting to remind me of the Porsche 911 in that Honda keeps perfecting it bit by bit with every generation. Even the looks like you said have become better and or more refined. I imagine this model will be in Honda's lineup for a long time to come. Seems like a perfect useable sort of beginner bike even. Nice review! Cheers!
They keep these upgrades in the bank years ahead of release to keep the market interested. Next iteration I reckon will be spoked wheels and a re designed windscreen, or maybe the windscreen will be 2025s model. Also the exhaust is terrible for panniers, maybe that will feature at some point.
Imo that analogy would be more sensible with Lotus’ Elise or Seven (now Caterham Seven). Whilst 911s have gone through quite a few jumps over the years (993->996 being the biggest) those two British flimsyweights literally have stuck with identical layout for more than 25 years, let alone the concept. For Lotus Seven, the 1st iteration comes from 1959!
@@left_ventricle I think that's fair. Thank you for your insight! I realised my comparison was a stretch but wanted to give a more popular reference. Hope all is well where you are! Cheers!
Makes me laugh when someone calls anything bigger than a 250cc a beginers bike. Yes, right, you will begin to kill yourself
@@R1cePudding oh yeah...thats something that isn't talked about. I forgot all about that. good point!
Great review, to the point, a pleasure to watch , thanks.
Great video! I would like to see a comparison between this, the TKR 502 and the Voge 500 DS...
Excellent review. Generally, what is in this video is what you need to know about a bike, be it for daily commute or a little adventure. And yes, it looks like a small version of the Africa Twin. Regards. Trinidad & Tobago. West Indies.
I’m getting older so a down grad on the size of my bikes is an obvious move for me..I’ve just brought exactly the same bike as used in the video and at the moment still running it in..what a brilliant mid sized adventure bike it is I’m very happy with it..
Been waiting for this review. So stoked to get mine once it's released in the USA.
Same. Do we have any idea on the release time?
@@cantCme818
Not soon enough.
Though, to be fair, where i live, riding season will be lucky to start by March
This might be my second bike as I'd really love some more comfort and just a smidgen more power out of my begginer bike.
Great review thank you
Excellent review
Excellent reviewer. Everything you need to know, nothing you don't.
Brilliant as alway just bought one love it
Got myself a 2023 CBx - very pleased overall and I’ve already got well over 4,000km in the first month. I’ve pushed it hard in the dirt, and with good off-road technique it does better than this review suggests and when I put better tyres on I expect even more positive results. The fuel economy is good, but it drops when carrying touring loads or pushed harder on the highway. I like it, especially for the money and a few aftermarket add-ons. I got the Matt gunmetal black and like it heaps.
nicely done... sold me to it... subscribed.
Overall a great all rounder and well balanced bike in this 500cc category. Suits for daily city use and weekend long rides, My Verdict - Value of money!!
Great video. Just a comment about the target group: Experienced riders looking for downsizing is definitely also in that group. Me included.
there has been a long period of time where in my opinion, the hondas have not been the pick of the pack (in almost every segment) but I feel that Honda is hitting back and coming out with some of the best bikes on the market. From the 125/350/750 forza / ADV line up, to the 500X and the 750NCX, the new NT1100, the africa twin, the goldwing, even the grom and the cub/trail, are market leading examples. In the era that the sports bike is almost dead, the honda brand is really shining through in my opinion. (and I am also becoming tired of the massive adventure bikes too, so a lack of a 1300 honda adventure bike is of no loss) If i was commuting again, this would be my first choice for sure...
Agree. With 2022 500x they made great improvement.
I own a 2017 500X. This is my first look and review on the 2022. Thank you for a great review. I think it might be time to step up to a new one. I love the upgrades of the 2022 over my 2017.
‘17 owner here too. The looks are getting sharper, and keen to try the larger front wheel. Feels good to ride an ageing bike that’s still being released without major mechanical or structural changes. Feels like I struck gold picking this bike up from my neighbour who was moving out and had to sell it
@@shazzthedon
You know I've decided to keep my 2017 a while longer. There is nothing wrong with her, and like you, I got a great deal on her so she will be staying with me for a while.
Nice shots in and around Portbury village there MOTOBOB, great review again no doubt will see you out and about around Bristol.
Good roads round there if you get a clean run! In fact all the way to cheddar is decent.
@@motobob Yeah that is the road we normaly come back down from Cheddar heading back home to Bradley Stoke.
I love the sound
Going to pick it up next thursday, bought the grandprix red with a bunch of accessories. Can't wait.
Coming from the 70sand 80s as a young rider, from an age where mid capacity meant that band of somewhere around 400-650 (now small commuter machines), the 750/4 was the big bike and Harley's had monster engines. The 500/4 was the epitome of mid capacity and the 650/750 Bonnevilles still considered large capacity. Then the Z1 and R90S were considered Superbike large capacity, and the Laverda was exceptional at a litre. Just as other reviews discuss 475lbs as a light machine, or 90hp 'just enough' for solo riding, I can't help but laugh at comments like 'mid capacity bike like the Triumph Tiger 900'.
Not criticising, I do like your reviews. Just a sign of changing times that is amusing. In a time of greater restrictions and speed limits, yet we aim for more an more power (and weight!).
It's mid size in relative to the adventure bike range, the main adventure bikes are 1000, 1100, 1200+ - the most sold one is the 1250GS.
@@Galf506 Er, yes. Having owned and ridden many of them I understand that. The comment was an observation on changing times. Most modern adventure bikes are overweight, overpowered and lost a lot of the spirit they started out with - but that' became true of most motorcycles over the years. Seems now we can't manage with less than about 800/900, and two up most would consider that might struggle.
@@davgb7904 Totally agree w what you're saying.Times have changed. I never want to run a GS as an ADV nor am I particularly interested in riding a Wing across the country. That being said, I know what the trade-offs are & fine w going a bit lighter & less power, especially when it comes to off road. I hope to keep riding as I age. And I'm pretty sure I will be going down in bike weight as that happens. Less weight & less power to tempt me into trouble. 😏
You really are No 1 presenter on bikes, possibly anywhere on planet earth, thank you!
Thanks DD! 🙏
Nice one Bob 👍
Think you nailed with this review. Honda made very good job indeed. This is imho best option for those who look in to entering adventure world without spending too much money. This might be my 2nd bike next year 😉
great review, great bike
Thank you MOTOBOB for a very nice review! Wondering what type of Trailmax tires this bike is factory equipped with? I believe there are several varieties for different surfaces sold under the Trailmax name. Wondering if you or anyone reading has a recommendation for a great 50/50 tire that would work on this bike. Thanks!
I dont think I heard it referenced - but in the value-added section, we should mention Honda reliability. I have thrashed my CB500x, riding long miles, and proper off-road, and its a champ. Go Team Red! :)
Can I drive it from la to Vegas ?
@@LuisAlfredo90 bro for sure 👍
@@LuisAlfredo90 absolutely
Couldn’t help noticing even with light off roading the radiator and header pipes had taken a pelting, I would imagine a stone through that radiator would be an eye watering experience, all for the sake of another 4/6 inches of front mudguard.
I have a 2021 cb500x, just about to reach 20,000miles, zero issues, nothing but fun, it makes a great touring bike
Minimum for me is 650cc with a twin engine. 500cc is a little weak on the highway. VStrom 650 or Tenere 700 are my 2 choices. If I had to pick a Honda it would have to be a 700cc or 800cc Transalp or a 700cc or 800cc Africa Twin. I don’t like 1000cc or 1200cc as they are way to heavy to pick up if dropped on the trails.
Oh man... that really is beautiful bike. I'm currently saving money pretty hard and i hope to buy one of these someday
i trust this dude. excellent presentation.
I have a 2022 nc750x on order but still thinking about the 500x. I will be riding trips 2up and this was the main reason why i opted for the 750x. Hopefully i didn't make a mistake
I took my 2016 off road in places it had no places being, it is a remarkably competent bike and even more so now. Hands down my top recommendation for any newer riders who wants to dabble in a bit of everything.
I do the same with my 2017
2021 bike is great, downsized from a 1200GSA, not owned a sub1200cc bike since 95, absolutely love the CB500X, have fitted Givi luggage, barkbuster hand guards, centre stand, Scotoiler, can hurtle around the Hampshire countryside and almost stay legal🤔 Fuel economy brilliant, looking forward to another Scotland trip and some camping
How do you find the ability to corner compared to the 1200gs?
@@vintageprinciples under all normal riding and batting around the B roads, brilliant. Fully laden with camping kit, gets a bit bouncy on standard suspension and can start to feel it through the twisties.
Am considering a suspension upgrade but holding off as it really does the job really well
@@simonwilson6386 very helpful thanks!!
It's a good bike, and the fact that is a 2 cylinder, lowers engine vibrations issues adding comfort during long rides. It's not super fast but has a good cruising speed suitable on highways. The exhausts under the engine should be having more protection, but I guess an aluminum cover could be added.
Loved you brought the himilayan into comparison the trade off would be how much dirt you want to due. Unfortunately i like a 50/50 mix or i should say i want that . The himilayan loses hard on the hp and top end but the honda just looks more pavement touring then dirt ready. Would love to see a bit more enduro in this bike.
that green is really cool
A good one to get especially if you can’t make up your mind which bike. It’s worry free and cheap to run. I had a 2019 which was versatile, but not quite powerful enough for pillion. Great for solo riding. A lot of riders had issues with buffeting over the windshield. I expect that could be improved with MRA Vario. Pay attention to the chain, which seemed a bit cheap to me. Great bike.
Scot Oiler takes care of ghe chain well
Briliant video never watched the channel before nice to see some pro's an cons mentioned, I've had 1200gs's 2x 390 ktm dad an i both got rejected at 147 and 269 miles riddled with issues the tech is only good when it works, had issues with the himalayan, after that had a 300 rally no issues bar the soft rear shock on a 1150gsa now an looking at a good alrounder an naturally looking at the honda ill always choose on reliability now looking forward to looking at the nx500 when it's out for dad an I. The prices of all the big bikes are getting daft now so stuff like this makes sense.
i like the green, but i'm always drawn to the honda red. which is funny because i dont typically like red on other bikes
I like the style of this bike. I know it is a silly comment but this bike would have looked great for a solder back in the 1980s wearing the woodland green cammies. The next time I am near my local Honda dealer I may go take a look at this bike.
Thats crazy range. My 2014 definitely does not get that much. Surprising Honda does not make a rally raid version.
I bought a cbr600rr this year to try an inline 4 and I already miss my thumpers and being able to do anything on a bike.. really eyeballing one of these.
Bought a 2021 Honda Africa Twin before I started riding now I regret getting something so big, its so top heavy and hard to move around. Really considering getting the CB500X instead.
i kinda like the way it look.s love the colour
what did you like better this or the 500cl that is forth coming?
The CB500x takes the top spot for 'bang for your buck' IMO - For a solo rider it really is all the bike most people need
Considering one of these. Do these have tubed or tubeless tires?Thanks.
Could do with a bash guard and fender extender
Down to what temperature would that jacket be comfortable?
Really was leaning towards the cbr500r 2024 iteration then got turned around with the new shotgun 650 and now this has the upgrades that kept me away from it so now what do I do? I can only get one past the missus every couple of years 🤩
I've tried the engines of both the KTM 390 and this one. The KTM is definitely more punchy, revs higher, and is actually smoother at high speed than the Honda's. The Honda sounds better and is smoother at low speeds. But it gets very buzzy at higher speeds. Overall I think if quality over performance is your need you'd go with Honda. But the KTM 390 Adv is a lot more fun.
And both similar priced
Should it be on spoke wheels, then it will be better.
I've had the previous generation bike (2021) for nearly a year now. The good bits are the fuel consumption and insurance cost. For me though the big fuel tank makes it a bit top heavy when fuelled up and the torque and bhp are just a bit too low. I get that it's an A2 friendly bike, but a bit more torque wouldn't go amiss. I find it a bit underdamped too, with lots of fork dive under braking.
It was a bit of a head over heart purchase, as it makes sense financially, but I can walk away from it and not feel the urge to turn round and admire it.
@Michael Bigdongovic It is made for the A2 license. They should make the NC750x with USD fork and double front disc, that would be a perfect middleweight bike.
I am jealous, we can't get that green color in the US. I love it, looks way better
Seems a good bike for someone like me maybe getting off the sporty bikes a bit to a transition in to light weight semi ADV bike. Hmmm.
How is vibration on this model?? 2021 is crazy on vibration, killed my two phone cameras! Im thinking if they have recall on that year or maybe engine mounts are not correctly torqued
Whats that round thing with an arrow on your handlebar?
I lööööööve my Halfrica Twin (2019 model)!!!
How does it compare to the benelli trk502?
A really good economical all-rounder. I have the 500R but will probably trade it for the 500X for a bit more comfort and backroad capability. Removing the intake snorkle piece really makes it sound nice and more throaty under wide open throttle.
Might be reasons for putting the intake snorkle there in the first place, don't you think?
@@JCBigCat It's usually to make it a bit quieter and fine-tune the response. I've ridden enough with and without to know that I really prefer the sound without, though the off-idle response is a bit slower (setting off from a start). Try both since it takes only a few minutes to remove/reinstall the piece.
I want this with the 750 DCT.... I own an Africa Twin, but i find it too big and heavy sometimes. I also never use all that power :D .
I'm a new rider, 5'7" with a 30 inch inseam - would this bike be a decent height?
How is it for picking up, if on its side? Kentucky
No question the winner in this category!😎 A little low on power for a sport/touring bike, but ideal for an ADV. Anything heavier than this is too heavy for off road notwithstanding all the false advertising the contrary🤔.
Adventure engaging and hazardous and exciting activities especially exploring unknown territories.
Well personally I've been all over North Georgia mountains ellijay Blue ridge blairsville mckaysville Morganton all the way down to Panama City Florida through all the Sandy roads and dirt roads and hills and trails Rivers creeks this bike will do anything may not be as fast as a KTM or his nimble as a Africa twin but believe me you can go anywhere on this bike I know I've got the 2014 and I love it it's not the fastest bike in the world but she always cranks and always gets me there and it's an adventure to me
i think that bike is nice looking and for the money after they have did all the upgrades its a Honda if I was just starting I would buy that bike
You had me at "baby Africa Twin" 😆
Is it possible to reduce the handlebar width by a couple of mm? My side clearance is 790mm I don’t like the idea of leaving it out front.
Honda is always budget motorcycle to own, never doubt
Toss on some Barkbusters and a bash plate and maybe an engine guard on either side and let's go! Plenty of tire options.
It will be nice if Honda offered DCT on this.
Does it have a metal petrol tank or a plastic one?
Nice bike
Here in Philiipines there are many pot holes,speed humps, and uneven roads. Can I just ride on it or I still need to slow down using cb500x just like any any standard motorcycle?
I have the 2020 model. Here in Japan, due to silly bike category laws it is sold as 400X. Other than the slightly lower engine size everything else is exactly the same. It’s a great bike but I do find the gear change a bit clunky.
I got this bike few weeks ago and preferred it to the new NX500…look-wise no comparison, CB much sexier and captivating than the new one.
Hi Bob
If I knew I was going to do 1% or less doing trails and let's be honest this bike isn't built down this I would 100% as for road focused tyres
Compare it to the CB500F which is 100% street and you'll see that there are quite a few differences. I'd say the X is 80/20; it's definitely not an enduro. Trails shouldn't be a problem.
Can it handle Greenlanes?
And green rebel 1100 is a great also
I proudly own a 2020 CB500x and I have to say that the range of above 500km is simply not achievable. If you're doing 50-60km/hr all day, sure maybe but I ride highways in the great Canadian Rockies and I'm lucky to get 400kms on a tank including dipping into reserve. I am going to say that I am jealous of the new upgrades like the upside down shocks and dual disc brakes.
If this bike was 600cc ish, 70HP and more torque and a much better seat, I would keep mine but alas even with a 16T sprocket to lower the RPM at 110km/hr still vibes so much your blood cells want to escape thru your pores lol
Sick review as usual Bob!
Yes agree, my 2019 is a great machine...below 65 mph. I stay off the highway. That being said most bikes under 500cc pretty much suck on the highway.
I think you've described a 650 V-Strom.
off road ABS break test should be part of every ADV bike test
The crankshaft digging in to your right ankle was a deal breaker for me. Shame you didn't mention it.