Honda CB 500 X - 2018 - Test Ride & Review
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Honda CB 500 X - 2018 - Is it good for travelling?
My lightweight motorcycle series continue with Honda CB 500 X. It is not exactly for this category, but actually in this niche 250-300cc there are not so many bikes to test. I will add some models up to 500cc and later in the year I might start a new series " Middle weigh touring motorcycles"
My first impressions from the bike are very good. Yes, I will agree that it is not a motorcycle to go off road, but it has very good and economical engine, nice style, cheap price and it could be easily be converted to around the world motorcycle.
I think that it will be perfect bike for short riders, because of it's seat high, only 81sm. It is also very good entry level for many new riders. I personally would like to have this engine to a CRF 250 Rally frame, but...
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Can you please review the cb500x 2019 ?
I bought mine 5 days ago awesome (also 2019 model)
Appreciate your reviews. I have ridden hi way speeds (70-80 mph) on mine for hours on end. Bike will do it but, fuel economy suffers markedly. It will cruise 65mph all day with better fuel economy. I like it....I like it a lot.
I used to have a 2013 CB500X and I loved the bike. I am only 1m66 and didn’t have any problems with excessive buffeting. On highways I regularly drove 130 to 140 km/h and sometimes 150. I also took it onto gentle dirt roads, but nothing extreme. For that the wheels are not ideal. But the bike took me over the Alps, through Romania, through Bulgaria, through Serbia and Croatia and it was a great bike to do this trip with! I put just over 60 000 km on the counter. For a solo rider a great bike with a great engine!
But as my girlfriend started joining me on rides more often, I changed the CB500X for a VFR800X. (Which is also a great bike by the way).
Many happy and safe rides!
Jan Davidts How’s your experience through Serbia?
Cheers :-)
Marko Ristic the ride true Serbia was excellent. I crossed from the border with Bulgaria from near Belogradchik to Belgrade, then towards Novy Sad, stayed south of that city and then headed west to Croatia. Remarkable good roads in general (besides the rare exception) and great experiences with the people :)
Jan Davidts thank you man ❤️🇷🇸
And Most welcome anytime!
Good to know that the bike performs well on the long trips.
Motorcycle Adventures Absolutely! My travel buddy had a Tenere like yours at that time (just white colour with red blocks) and I took the CB500X where he took his Tenere :)
He had his Tenere since 2011, but a few months ago he went for the Africa Twin :)
I’m 183 tall for 80 kg and find that my 500x is perfect for my size, only changed the windscreen with taller givi one. easily you can ride over 400 km before refueling
Good to know.
on highway at 120 / 130 km/h it is about 23-25 km/lt, on normal road, or on twisty road you can easily reach 30 km/lt
That is good to know, but now you have made my decision harder...lol. I am a little taller at 1.87 and like the CB500X, but figured it would be too small for me. I am still not sure whether or not I should be looking at the NC750X instead. Each rider is different I guess.
Great upgrades on the CB500X 2019; i love it; Great Job Honda; i’m really tempted to upgrade my CB500X 2017; Honda: now please create a new version : a CB500X Adventure Sports ((kind of Rally Raid version; small Africa Twin; spokes wheels, inverted front forks, skid plate, hand guards, rear suspension with adjustable remote, engine guards, dual front brake discs, ABS switch on/off...)) & i will buy it to swap my CB500X 2017 for a CB500X Adventure Sports 2020. Or, let’s dream, i would also upgrade for a future new CB650X or for an Africa Twin 700cc (my dream bikes).
they won't, because I am pretty sure most ppl will buy that instead of the africa twin. A good example is the v strom 650 that outsells 2:1 the v strom 1000 ....
@@ioandragulescu6063 I disagree as the Africa Twin is a longer distance bike that is much better on highways. The Africa Twin is way better than the 1000 v-Strom so Honda is taking Susuki sales.
The 2019 version is out, now with a 19'' front wheel. Hope You can review It! Thank you for your vídeos!
I might do it in the future. Thanks for watching!
I just bought my CB500X, and I'm glad to tell you that your review helped me in my choice. Thank you
Thanks as always great review Pavlin!
From my experience, the CB500X is a "Jack of all trades, master of none" - It is a capable all-rounder but doesn't specialise in anything particular, unlike perhaps other bikes. So in my opinion, it is really up to the owner to adjust it to their requirements and "make it theirs" whatever the intended use. It is very good value for money but if you want to travel (especially offroad) you must invest in customising it to your needs as the stock comes 90% street. For example, large/spoke wheels, bar risers, better suspension etc. There are many companies that offer kits and aftermarket options for this.
I think in your case the screen was in a low position and it can be adjusted however if you are very tall you will still need a screen extension. (20 euro on Ebay and works great).
Some things I wish it had is a gear indicator but again you can get one online for a reasonable price and better handlebar grips (Softer). Engine plate and radiator guard are a must, even for normal travel like the highway in my opinion and ABS cannot be deactivated (I don't know if this is good or not). For this price however, it has a lot to offer and it is definitely worth every euro!
The economy is great - I live in a very very busy place and I am getting 3.6 -3.8. However, when I go on the highway I can easily get around 430km per tank and this is really fantastic. (riding between 100 - 110 km/h). I must say Honda did a very good job with the fairings. You notice this more in the rain as my legs are always dry.
Overall I must say I'm very happy with this bike and i don't have anything to complain about. I will be heading to Croatia in 1 month on a new adventure with it.
Your videos on balkans have been very helpful, I actually took some notes which I will be taking with me. Thank you very much!
Thanks for the detailed info Pierre!
Take out the fuse to disable the ABS.
A good review, but out dated I put in for reviews for the 2019 CB 500 X and got this. Could you please do one on the 2019, would appreciate if very much. I have seen many of your reviews and this is far one of the better ones.
"Only" 17,5L? f 850 gs have 15L ;) And honda eat less. Its good enough for this bike.
True
My 2017cb500x bring my wife 60kg, me 104kg and our lugages on south of France litle roads perfectly. D’ont want change it
Good, enjoy it!
Get hold of the Rally-Raid prepared version of the Honda CB500x, you will find it is very capable off road adventure bike. 👍
could you do "The Best Midweight Touring Motorcycles", e.g. 650 v-strom, versyes 650, 700 tracer etc, next please, thank you.
I will, later in the year.
ok cool that you!
Another good video have you seen the Rally Raid accessories for it? Turns it into a very capable rough road bike.
I have seen it, but my opinion is that if you looking for off road machine, you will be able to find much more capable than this. It is road bike.
Thanks for all the great videos. I am currently trying to decide between cb500x (which would get the rally raid upgrade) and 2017 africa twin. You had nothing but good things to say about both bikes in your reviews. Which would you pick if you had to. My use case is solo touring, 70/30 in terms of on-road/ off-road. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
11:03 rear shock is adjustable on 2018 model. I have this bike.
Good to know, thanks!
Not only rear, but since 2017 even the front is adjustable!
You can rename this video like this "Shadow of a airliner hit a Honda CB500X from behind"
13:22
I have one of this, before of this I use to have a Suzuki V Strom 650, for my heigth and weigh, the honda is perfect, the V strom is a really really excelent motorcycle but is heavy for me (whit luggage and my wife on it es very hard to me on urban roads)
On the hiway, thats another history, more power could be better but this motorcycle (the honda) taken us (my wife and me) from Ecuador to Perú whit no problem at all.
Thanks for you review.
True
Benelli trx502 review
Actually it's 471cc as it is the exact same engine as the Rebel 500 and cbr500r.
Would love to see you review the CB500X with the Rally Raid Stage 3 mods and how you would modify this bike to make it a good light weight Adventure Bike.
Thanks for another great video; i love my CB500X 2017 (great for road & light dirt road in stock form; without Rally Raid Mods); but, i am dreaming of a new Honda model : a CB600X, a CB650X or a VFR650X Crosstourer.
Great, enjoy your bike until you get the new...
Regarding the fuel economy:
I have got the '17 CB500F and she needs about 3,6 to 3,8 L/100km when I ride conservatively with a bit of fun here and there. 400km in one tank are easily achievable although the gauge will have started blinking by then. The F-model has got 3,2 litres of fuel left it starts to blink so you have about 80kms left by then. Plenty enough!
Good to know, thanks!
Unfortunately you didn’t even TRY to ride the bike off-road before dismissing its off road capabilities. You would have been pleasantly surprised. Don’t let the “city bike” name fool ya....;-) JB.
I cannot try any of these bikes off road. They are test motorcycles from the shops. I spent more than enough time riding dirt bikes and I can tell you straight away that no matter what mods you will do it will always be road bike. Nice motorcycle, but definitely not for off road. In the video I was talking about the bike in its stock condition. I know what Jenny did with hers Honda NC, but for this amount, spent on the top of one already expensive bike I could buy one ready to go without any changes.
blancolirio
O,o o,
Just back from a week in Greece having hired one to travel on. In short, superb. It had givi engine bars and an sw motech sump guard. About 350-400 dollars. On a second hand bike with these options 4500 dollars Bargain light travel bike. With proper tyres on it was excellent on trails and medium off road. 17 inch not ideal but it was OK. Really like this bike.
Good review.
Thanks Richard!
I think this is a super bike...and the upgrade options from rally ride it wil make the bike the perfect world travel bike..48hk dont sound mutch but with the great gear box it pulls impressive good. Standard suspension are a bit soft for my weight...but othervise its a perfect bike...honda quality so chances of brakedown are minimum.
Thanks for a good review sir and ride safe..
Yes, it could be the perfect travel bike...
I have this bike, 2018 model, for two months now. It's a really really great bike, city ride, longer trips (comfortable up to 100 kmph, after that, it gets windy and noisy), very maneuverable, very stable, very forgiving. The only things I would improve is a small extension of the front wheel guard (when it rains it throws mud into radiator) and I would add two extra headlights because the stock headlamp (LED) is shit. You don't get almost any light by night....
Thanks for this video. Informative as always.
You are welcome!
Corvette alert at 10:25.
Anyway, why less power per litre than an air cooled 70's bike? As for a 17" front on a crossover, needs a 19"
After watching this video a few times and heard you say many excellent things about this cb500x I bought it(even exactly this color Lol). And yes you are right about this bike. Suitable for me, I am a short rider. Good for daily commute. Many thanks Pavlin.
My 2016 CB500X gets 94 - 98 UK MPG, my best being 104 !!!!
Buy one, you will not regret it.....
Great results
My 2019 cb500x is getting 98-100 uk mpg . Fantastic range. Great bike.
Your an plonker ? if you did not want to make the video because you are far to tall and uncomfortable fo the bike to match your criteria then you where the wrong bloke to do the review it for us normally height folk!!! Have a nice Day!
Only on the road? Not. There are even companies near me that use these for clients that need a bike not intimidating but capable of both on and off road - such as fire access roads into state forest, etc. - and plenty others have done more.
I knew you would like it. Pity about the seat height as you are a tall rider, but many on our forum are the same height as yourself and they cope fine, just mod the screen to stop wind buffeting.
I have the first generation model which was 2013, only very slight differences, e,g, exhaust, screen, adjustable front suspension.
The Rally Raid kit will transform this bike especially with the spoked wheels, but it is expensive. A few people I have read have done the T.A.T. on it with no problems. I went for Hagon front and rear springs and it is better than stock. It is a very under rated bike and journalists seem to categorise it as entry level, but I have heard so many downgrade from litre bikes and still find this bike fun.
It would be great to see this engine in the frame of the CRF250 Rally as you mentioned. Great review my friend. :-)
I think that this is really nice machine and with a little efforts from Honda, it could be the perfect adventure motorcycle, but...I don't think that they will ever do it.
Taking mine up the Dempster Hiway this summer..Canada. Gravel road for 800kms each way..I have no qualms on taking this bike.
Good luck on your trip and always ride safe!
Jo Miller that'd be a lot of fun. I'd love to see your pics. Message me back if you don't mind sharing them.
I like your perspective on motorcycles. Very informative. .... Have you heard about "Rally Raid" products? They have a complete kit for the CB500X. It raises the seat height by about 2". Their concept is to make the bike more off road capable, but not to the extreme. There is a guy on TH-cam that talks about CB500X and the Rally Raid products - don't remember his name, but you might find it interesting. Thanks again for your review.
I know about it, but I don't think that is worth it to spend big amount of money for motorcycle which one the basic concept is not off road.
I think your point is spot on. As I see it, the problem is that they just don't have an adventure bike in the lower mid-range. It seem like you have to step to 700 to 850 cc. I would prefer something down around 500cc because of the weight issues. The horse power @500cc is fine for me.
John Roth check out blancolirio on u tube. He's done quite a few posts on a rally raid cb500x. Really puts the bike through it and it copes with it all. Its almost a mini Africa Twin. Great bike.
I drive a Rally Raid version and you would be surprised how good it is , especially in off road. currently there is no competition in its weight class
The rally raid modification for the cb500x is excellent but is not for the rider on a budget (me).
if honda made this a 650 it would be a real contender for the vstrom 650
Great vid as usual. As you doing Light weight adventure bike I would like to see your review on The new Suzuki DL250 V-Strom.
We don't have it in Berlin, sorry!
I’ve got one and I’ve had lots of motorcycles over the years from 175 to 1400cc and I can honestly say that it’s one of my favourites 👍🇬🇧 well done Honda
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you and again graet video
Thanks for watching!
You are saying 500cc is not enough for highway. I have a 400cc and it is enough for highways here in India. :) I like your accent.
What I am saying is that if you plan a lot of highway miles, especially in a group with other riders this 500cc will not be enough.
Motorcycle Adventures I am just comparing the difference between the minimum standards between 2 countries. No harm intended. I like your videos
Yes, it might be great for India, but for most of European riders...
2019 is absolutely stunning.
Thanks Pavlin!
Would be very interested in your assessment of the latest CBX500 with the 19” front wheel.
I might try it later in the year.
Hi! I would like to see your review of honda NCX 700 / 750. Thank you and I hope everything be great in your way
I might do it in the future.
I am very intrigued on this bike. the first time I saw here in the PH. I was just like "meh." but when I searched it, there are many good reviews regarding the bike. I already sold my '16 Ninja 650 and planning to get another bike. my choices are Z650, Versys 650. maybe I should add this bike.
the only thing I hate about versys is that the bike is too big for me. my height is 5"4' :(
Test them all and you will know which one is yours.
Motorcycle Adventures I've already ridden a Z650 and versys 650. the only thing that I didn't ride is the cb500x
the only thing I hate about the Z650 is the pillion seat. while the versys is too much for me. 🤣
It's too bad you haven't updated your CB500X review for the 2021 model. Thanks for your review though!
I will do it when I have the chance.
Time for an update? I ordered a 2022 a few weeks ago. I've ridden a BMW F650 for 12 years and have decided to move on to something a little lighter, newer and more fun. All the reviews seem so positive. I'd like to see how you would compare the 2018 to the greatly improved 2022.
When I have the chance.
Can you recomend a motorcycle for woman under 160cm and 47kg? Is it eaven possible to ride a bike for such a tiny person? Of course i am asking about touring motorcycle
This Honda is not tall and maybe could be even lowered... very good for touring. Go and try it. Another option will be some old choppers, like Honda Shadow 400cc or Suzuki Virago, of course they will need some mods for touring.
as long as you dont want to do much overtaking, they`re good bikes, just underpowered for a 500cc bike
They are fine.
Pavlin' review the himalayan
No dealer in Berlin, sorry!
there is one : "PIG 7" mayby they have one...
I'd like to watch and listen your opinion of the f700 gs (the one I have) before BMW retires it for the (chinese) 750. I like your channel a lot, good ideas, nice experience.
I might do it in the future
Motorcycle Adventures great!
Hay! I think u shudl try honda nc750. I think u like it. ✋
I might try it in the future.
Hi, I was hoping you would discuss Rally Aid upgrade option for this bike. You can get spoke wheels and suspension upgrade
Not every one is able to spend 3,000$ extra on the top of these 6,900 euro. At the end you will have 10,000 euro road bike with limited possibility to go off road, but far far away from what it should be.
Motorcycle Adventures, that is true, yet many people would be happy to know that it's possible to convert such great bike to go off-road. Plus 2nd hand one can go for 4k n a set of spoke wheels for 1k is not a bad deal, given that the engine n milege you can get is greater than many other bikes out there.
As always, an excellent review. Sounds like a nice bike but would not want to take it off road for any length of time.
Definitely not for off road, but for anything else - yes!
I'm 183cm and was thinking about this. What is the next best naked/adv to this but with better height as a first bike.
It will wok just fine.
hello one time you have chance try rally raid mod model you have to surprise whit it i think
i have a chace and extra on light off road
I will, thanks!
Honda is not a good company to deal with in CANADA I wanted a CB500X 2019 they told me could get one in May, the first of May I went in and they told me May 15, on May 15, I went in and the said June 6, on June 7 I was told they could not get me one. So then I seen that they were having a good sail on the 2018 CB 500 X went in to day and the dealer called Honda and they said they did not have any. I called Honda many times and emailed them but not results. Why are the advertising bikes in Canada that you can not get and when you call Honda they say you can then say maybe then say see your dealer who I have seen many times, and when he calls Honda he gets the same answers I do and said it is a way to get people in to the dealer ships. Is this not false advertising, which is Against The Law in Canada.
Any chance to compare the Honda CB500X and the Voge 500DS?
When I have the chance.
These bikes here in the US can be had for $3500 in excellent condition if it's a few years old. Would make a nice first bike, then when off road calls, it should handle the "easy" stuff. Then as the rider gets better, Rally Raid to the rescue. Not talking from experience, but after some research I think that's what I'd like to do.
Took my 2017 (rally raid level 1) CB500X on an 11,000 mile, 22 US state, 2 Canadian Province tour of North America. This included the Trans America Trail. It, IMO, handled perfectly along the whole trip. On and off the road. Is it an 'offroader'? Not if you compare it to bikes like the KLR or crf250. But, it's not meant to be a true 'offroader' . It's a road bike, that some people have discovered works as a cheaper, lighter, more economical option to the 'big' ADV bigs.
They took it off road in Australia and it performed same as a KTM only slower.
Good.
So whats the better choice for a small engine touring bike for both off road and highway thats cost effective......
"Sounds really powerful" - "sound" is the keyword eheh
Ok, I always said that my English sucks...
Motorcycle Adventures Your english is perfect. I was referring to the bike not being powerful at all. 50hp? Either way, awesome review, makes me wonder if NC750X is worth the price difference.
Thank you! :)
."sound" in English also means "safe"
No gear indicator? I aould prefer the 2018 model because it's lower. The 2019 model is a little high for me
I like the comment. Excellent work..... thanks Friend. Not many talk about the Soul of this bike. I love my soul and when I link with the soul of this bike it's better than astral traveling. Fly friends and enjoy
Please test the new 2019 model. Thanks
I will, when I have the chance. Everything is sold for 2019 and they don't have even test model in Berlin
I am on the process of buying this bike, but you scare me now. Taught it would be tall enough. im also 6 foot tall. are you uncomfortable?
Good video, thanks. You mention the screen height but are you aware that it has two positions and I think you've got the brackets on low. If so, you can rise it by ~5cm.
Can you please review the 2021 version one day???
When I have the chance.
greeting from Bosnia and Herzegovina
Please test SUZUKI V-STROM 650 KT L8, and also if possible V-STROM 250
to finish a picture of the motorcycle adventures tests
I already tested the V Strom 650, the video is coming next week. 250 V Strom - no test bike.
Thank you , now a allready watching your trip to Mongolia, nice greeting
I like that bike. Wish Honda would offer rally upgrades as options. As is, not for me.
Hope you do my bike Tracer 700 great review my next door niegbour has one of these CB500
As I said I might do it later in the year.
look forward to it :)
I hear only good comments about this bike. Good review.
I forgot to mention that you can upgrade cb500x with rally kit. Check link below. This will allow you to travel offroad, ground clearance +5cm with this kit.
www.cycleworld.com/honda-cb500x-adventure-kit-by-rally-raid-products
3,000$ for what? To make road bike capable to go off road? For this money you can buy one ready to go. I don't think that the result will be what the owners would expect to have.
Motorcycle Adventures true. I personally would not buy this. But there are people who already have this bike and want an upgrade. But I agree for this price I can buy SWM Superdual.
That's my bike had a 2014....until I lost it in April 2018.....sad day when I lost it.
And welcome to India for travel, Motorcycle trip Expecially chennai. I am very glad to invite you
Windscreens often make buffering worse ...
To bad they don't make a true retro version. I hate that it looks like a cheap Chinese shoe.
A GREAT VIDEO FOR THIS BIKE
Thanks!
I think it is very underestimated motorcycle. It is a perfect choice for women because of its size, power, economy and easy to drive. My women has such and does not want to change it for anything else. I call this bike "Little V-Strom" because it is able to go almost anywhere together with V-Strom. Approximately the same range (hard to believe but it is true), good enough power and max. speed (over 160 km/h). We traveled together thousands kilometres without any problems.
Yes, it is good bike.
slingshot
FACT: CB500X 1421mm wheelbase,VERSYS 300X 1450mm wheelbase
Thank you sir! I'm probably too heavy for this, I'm looking for an NC700X instead. And excellent driving sir! I drive like a car around cars too. It's the smart way to ride ;) ....safe and happy trails, brother thxz again
Glad to help!
Rhetorical question: can you quality CB500x as lightweight ADV bike? It has 17" front wheel and only 33lbs/15kg lighter than V-Strom 650. Yet 50lbs/23kg heavier than Versys-X 300. Great bike though when you Rally Raid it.
It is definitely not a light bike and it is not design to go out of the roads.
Motorcycle Adventures I would not discard bike for off-road just because of 17" front; continental makes TKC70 and TKC80 in that size and there's Shinko 705. Of cause it will not be on par with 19/21" but would get through most. Handlebars can be fixed with risers bigger problem is sport bike peg location which makes standing awkward at best. Not sure if Rally Raid kit fixes it. Great engine though not sure what Honda were thinking when they cooked this bike up.
Still no peg relocation kit yet from rally raid, but last i heard they were meant to be working on one ?
I love the look of this, being a CB500 rider myself ( the last of the 93-02 models ) I think Honda has been gentle in its evolution, with the mono shock and curvy undulations, it’s very sporty, but still says ‘tourer’. It could do with a rear hugger. The only thing that makes it look cheap are the handlebars. Very old school. Otherwise nice bike, great review Pavlin, thanks.
I am glad that it helps!
Oh , nice surprise :) I didn't expect you will like this motorcycle. I saw it a couple of weeks ago, and was wandering if it's really capable of serious travel (it looks like it will :) ).
Do you think it will be managable il light terrain? (gravel roads, dry meadows etc.)?
P.S. Some company in England offers custom kits to transform CB500x into full-adventure bike: www.cb500xadventure.com/level-3 :)
P.S.2. You are too big for any lightweight motorcycle i suppose :D
Yes, I am. That's why I ride middleweight, which I think is the best way to travel.
As always, a GREAT review. I look forward to your mid-weight motorcycle reviews later this year. Maybe you can try the Honda NC750X in Standard and DCT? I know it's not off-road (equal to this one), but it seems more your (my) size motorcycle.
BTW, here's the Royal Enfield dealer in Berlin:
royalenfield.com/de/locateus/dealers/?state=395&city=887
pig7.de/himalayan-411-efi-2/
I'd LOVE for you to test ride the Himalayan!
That is great, I will go to see if they have it for test ride, thanks!
Anybody from Toronto with the same bike?
No lower belly cowl? MY CB500XA-E is a 17.3litre tank (0.3 reserve) with a range of about 240miles I calculate.
Neo preeeen? (neoprene) ?
I just don't like going at 5,000rpm at 70mph. Still some buffeting with a Givi screen. But very capable. I get about 60-70mpg out of mine. Rear suspension can be adjusted.
Good to know.
Great :-)
Thanks!
I read a lot of California Dirt Bike magazines when I was young. They'd do shootouts with Japanese and Euorpean bikes and they'd pick a 'winner', but you were always left with the feeling there could be something better. If you combined the forks from the Suzuki, the rear fork from the Kawasaki and the engine from the Honda and then package it to handle like the Maico you'd have the ultimate Frankenstein.
Very true.
Bought one last year. Agree on the motorway buffeting. I'm 5'8" Got a small screen extender and much better. Motorway miles are doable but you do feel a bit vulnerable due to the size of the bike and lack of power. Travelling with friends on larger bikes, you'll struggle to keep up. That's probably obvious. 😊
Thanks for adding this info!
Love your vids,i tour,not much off road,im a small chap,5 foot 5 inch,with also short legs.so ive a problem with motorcycles,need,low,light, reasonable performance,cosidered a small ,light road bike like a z650,add a screen,considered an x300,but engine not quite big enough and its tall.love the adventure posture,but they're all soooo tall ! Any suggestions pavlin ?
I don't have honestly. Go to the shops and try some bikes.
Another excellent review... Rode this bike and the CB500 for a couple days in the summer and winter. The only thing I did not like was the twitchy, jerky throttle (compared to 4 cylinder bikes) which made slow maneuvering kinda pain in the ass. Otherwise very comfortable, very reliable, easy to use, great all around bike. It's a preferred model for official Honda instructor courses.
Confirm
Nice to see you've tested the X.
I bought mine new in August 2017 and have already put over 12000 miles on the clock, as I use mine for business travel. I'm 1.88m tall and weigh about 50% more than you. I've raised the windscreen to stop the buffeting. The bike has barkbusters and heated grips. The only place I don't like the bike on is...off-road, as it handles like a dog, but sometimes the satnav has me on tracks as it is configured for shortest route. I have fitted Givi side cases and the original Honda topbox. It is so easy with all this stuff onboard to still hit obscene speeds. If I behave badly, I can get at least 70mpg. If I'm really good, 85-90mpg! I avoid motorways as they're boring, but if I'm in a hurry, I'll playback my Amazon music on my Bluetooth headphones while eating up the miles.
Any bike could be converted to suit to anyone, with a little or with a lot of changes.
If only there was 600cc version of this bike 🤔
Great plan with midleweight category... You can think about adding kawasaki versys 650 in your list ;) At the moment am "the honda/man", but I saw some great reviews and positive opinions for Versys650, and the price/quality of the new bike is really affordable.
I cannot do it. Kawasaki dealer is not really good here in Berlin.
I used to have a CB500X. Had to sell it because it was buffeting like crazy, and the riding position is very unusual. The seat and the pegs are at the same place as the CBR500R, but you have that high handlebar. And the front of the seat is wide and has a squared off shape. It was forcing me into an unatural (for me) position which gave me pain in the hips. Sold it and now I a have a KLR650, much more comfortable. Sadly it's not as peppy on the highway than the CB500X, and my girlfriend is not very keen to hop on it because she has much less space on the seat (it's shorter). Compromises...
Whatever suit for you.
The Right Stuff. Yep,you're probably right there,mate. No competition so why bother and take sales figures from the 250s and 1000s. Understandable from a business point of view. Oh well just have to pray another big manufacturer fancy their chances at this market and shock Honda into pulling their finger out.
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Suzuki V-strom 250, Mash 400 Adventure (Shineray X5), Royal Enfield Himalayan, CCM 450 adventure (sadly discontinued)
Some ideas for your reviews
Thanks!
I have the NC 700X which is similar, more or less. Enough power up to 120 km/h. 70000 km without any problem and fun to ride. Fuel consumption on longer trips can go down to 3 liters. Does not lose any oil. If you adjust the seat, the bike is fine and you can ride many kilometers without a problem.
I have heard a lot of good things about this bike. might test it in the future.
I had a CB50f in 1972 when I got out of the service. I think it was the most beautiful motorcycle ever made. I rode it all the time(I didnt have a car), monthly the 240 miles to Houston from Shreveport. What a heart! This bike was so reliable. If they make another four cylinder that looks this good, I’ll buy it. It’s about the minim. Would consider for a street bike
It is a good bike
That CB500X looks very similar than my NC750XD. Everything is nice without anything too much.
I hope that (in the bigger bikes series) you get to test the NC750X with its extreme low center of gravity, and especially the DCT version...
I have plans to test it in the future.
this motorcycle was never designed to be an off road or a dual sport motorcycle, yes, there is a lot of talk about how great the motorcycle is a base dual sport bike, and that is also true, BUT...one has to spend another 2-3000.00 USD to make it so. As is the DR6550 if one strengthens the chassis, upgrades the engine's head, valves, cams, carburator, etc., even though this motorcycle is a dual sport motorcycle, again, to make road, and off road adventure ready even this bike needs upgrades. the honda is a great street machine, not for long distance, but city that is why it carries its designation CB500 (CB meaning City Bike)even though Honda advertises this as an adventure Bike it has never been designed to be such. With that said, if one where to spend the MONEY, to make it so, it could and did Conquer the Simpson Desert, and the American TAT, which the motorcycle performed flawlessly, or we have been led to believe.
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