At $7,000, Is This Honda CB500X The Approachable Adventure Bike For Everyone? I Get Hands-On! 

Love your videos. I’m waiting for a Green 2022. At 57, I need something a little lighter. Bought a helmet, gloves and boots and taking the course for FL endorsement this weekend. Keep up the great work. You guys are a lot of fun!

They are a great bike. I had to take my wifes new CB500x on an 8000klm outback trip here in Australia after I blew my "indestructible" modified DR650 up. I loved that bike, but I loved the Honda better in very quick time. In fact after about 2000klms if you had asked if I wanted the DR back, I would have said NO. There are plenty of aftermarket options out there to make these into a very capable and fun ADV bike. If I had not been able to get my KTM790 at the right price this was going to be a real option for a ADV bike build.

Looks more glamorous in the off-road setting with nice extras but certainly not just form, extremely functional and everything about the bike is encouraging you to ride further and adventure more often.

Crash protection and center stands should be a design standard, not an after-market decision.

That exposed pan scares me at 3:30 would definitely need a skid plate.

Great review. Well shot and talked through. Just sent it to a friend who’s looking at this bike. Thanks!

I like the direction Honda is taking this 500 for Adventure riders, takes for the vid.

Done nearly 3000 miles on this bike now and no regrets. It's the right bike for me! Light clutch, smooth gear box, commanding riding position, great mpg and an all-round easy bike to ride, which is what I need in the congested roads around where I live Down side, seat is a bit hard and the screen could be easier to adjust. Otherwise it's a thumbs up !

Great review. Looking fwd to seeing your vids from some dirt road adventures.

Thanks for a good, thorough review. I think this would be the perfect compliment to my ‘21 Honda CRF300L Rally. Happy Trails

Every bike has its purpose, the CB, decent cruiser, decent off road, decent price, lots of fun, bullet proof engine. If you want more there are plenty of choices, just pick one. I think this would cover a lot of expectations, thinking in getting one, looks like a really great machine.

I love the look of this bike and you hit the nail on the head about its use!!

9699 km, 2023 CB500X, from may to november! 130km/h on gravel and far upward on asphalt! Very satisfying bike for everything!

The KTM 390 Adventure is more of a direct competitor to this, I believe ... Than the Versys 300 I like Honda's 500-series ... They are approachable for any riders

Very good presentation. Liked it a lot. Congrats. I might get one of those for myself also.

I have this bike and I love it. Honda does not make a crash bar for this bike, they call it a light bar. I would have loved to see lights on the light bar. The front of the engine is extremely vulnerable to road debris, rocks and UFO's. I got more protection.

After nearly a year of research,have just bought one here in Australia.For me,it is the only one that fits my criteria for what I want to do,mainly hit some dirt roads.For my height.5'9" and weight,just under 80kg,not many choices without some modification.So I wanted a bike that had a comfortable seat, could travel on the highway fully loaded comfortably,give a good range fuel-wise,be able to put both feet on the ground,and be capable off road whilst being reliable.I like the fact it doesn't have whiz bang electronics like the KTM390,cheaper than a BMW310,and only has ABS,wish you could have the option of turning off,but believe there is an after market solution.I'm too old and busted up to try anything too gnarly or technical,so perfect to go away on and see more of my lovely country.My only negatives so far,the TFT is not that great,hard to read at times,no cover for the oil filter,(skid plate going on will deal with that),and not being able to turn off ABS.So really not much,and hey,no bike is perfect.It's the smallest bike power-wise in my collection,notice that,but ride accordingly,not going to be blowing off anything at the lights.Love riding it,very nimble,a lot of fun,and not bad on price.I think this mid-range niche in the market is only going to take off,we will be seeing more offerings in the future.

Good review !

Thanks for all the info about the bike. An now i am a new follower of your channel Greetings from Sweden

Great review, man.

Thank you for the review! This bike seems to checks a lot of my boxes. Are the "off-road" videos on the way? I'd love to hear more of your thoughts on this bike for mildish off-road use.

Great bike review 👍

And so the follow-up videos for the CB500FX are....... where? Cuz I don't see them on your page! Great bike! Want more content on this one!

Good review, I've subscribed now. Look forward to the next one. 😊😉😎👍

Thank you. Great job. Good info. God bless. Happy trails.

I love the 500 engine, started on a '15 CB500F and it was a peach, really. Boringly reliable, which is a MUST on a daily or ADV touring bike. I might be stepping out of line for most but as a commuter/daily, the CB500_ line holds the bar right now... just depends which style jumps out at you.

I wish! I’ve always wanted this bike!

The Honda saddlebags shown in the video appear to operate much like the ones BMW uses for their street going motorcycles. They're fairly straightforward to use.

Thanks for the info about side panniers, I’ve watched so many vids about the 500 and not one has given any info about the panniers, I’ve got the stays and the cases are on there way, just to add, you can get 2 lock barrels which you configure to your ignition key, I’ve already done that with my top box, so one key fits all

Waiting for the 2022 model to arrive in Tucson. I'm getting one. Good video.

Awesome bike, I intend to purchase a 2022and modify it for ADV. I wish it came with wire spoke wheels from factory though!

if this bike wasn’t the same weight as a Tenere 700, it’d be a beast.

Good overall review except for the comment regarding other competing bikes in this class. KTM 390 Adventure has many more features, besides having a bit more fun factor and a color TFT screen. Agree a skid plate is definitely missing. I kind of regard the Honda CB500X as a mini-Africa, minus all the bells and whistles.

Wow, that looks fantastic!!

Thanks for posting personally love all bikes but smart enough to know if Honda makes it it will work and last

Hey guys! It'd be cool to have a CB500X vs 390 Adventure vs G310 GS. I guess it's the short list for everybody who's getting into adventure bikes.

With the rally raid kit it's probably the perfect middle of the road adv bike.

Got the 500f love it!

Great video!!

I've got a 400X as my daily in Tokyo an it absolutely kills the competition here. Can't wait to get it up in the mountains in Saitama!

Would love to own that. Handy and cool bike.

The KTM 390 Adventure and BMW G310GS are some other competitors to this bike and, especially in the case of the KTM, it’s very close power wise despite being a 390 single

I checked one out at my local Honda store a couple of weeks ago. Very nice bike.

Hey TFL Bike, nice series the journalist Interns are way cool 😎 knowledge rules👍🏻

I have one of these and it's great on the street. But not much of an offroad bike. I still have the stock tires on though. When I fit new tires I think I'll just commit to what this thing does best and put some sporty pavement only tires on it. Handles great on the street. Would be incredible if Honda fitted a dry sump oiling system to this engine to take 6 inches out of the oil pan height and stuck it in a serious dual sport chassis. Like if this engine was just in a DRZ frame, it would be fine if it was 380 or 400lbs, whatever it needs to be to add a cush drive hub and a beefy subframe, that would be an awesome thing to behold.

Really debating between this and a Rebel 500. Like mentioned what's awesome with the price point possible to own both

I have the 2022 model and it super I could say I love it

Great video. I would like to see a comparison of this to the Suzuki V-Strom 650

Think Honda gave you the 2019 model, the new one 2021 has upsidedowns and double brake disks. Just saying, love the video.

Wish I could a came to the ADVfest? Did you go and vlog?

6:33 Dual brake will only dissipate heat faster. Single rotor will have plenty of stopping power, and is a lighter set up for better handling.

What is the make / of your hard luggage and crash bars. Thanks much.

0:50 Don't you dare beak shame that bike 😁

This is a great size.. you don't want something humongous when adventuring.

Did 10,000 miles on mine most of those around europe..great bike

Good video, What is the vibration in the handlebars like mate.

Manufacturer/model/source of those crash bars, please? Thanks

Good video brother Got confused between cb500x and sujuki v strom 650xt Which will be better value for money buy.

Great video. Like they way that You present the good and the Bad, for a 500cc do it all bike under 7k. Please advice the fuel consumption with a happy troutle. Regards from Honduras, Central América. And remember... Every day is an adventure on any bike. Ride with God.

Got one....daily 20mile commute on B roads, had an Xjr1300 before....took some time getting used to the screen having only ever used totaly naked old bikes. Only bad point ....a bit under powered, otherwise a fab everyday bike,🙂

Good review, I just picked up a used 2019 cb500x & I just use it as a street bike daily commute so I don't have to drive my manual Tacoma that sucks down ⛽ like a 🐖 I had the 250 rally I just wanted something more of a street bike & if I want to cruise some dirt roads & explore sum I guess lol Ima put 16 🦷⚙️, crash bars & skid 🍽️ + barkbusters & call it a day.

What kind are the tires on your Motorbike, and are they competible as written in the manual??? I am looking for gravel roads.

This is exactly the type of bike I’m looking for some off road adventure trips & going up to the top of Mount Washington 🏔

I think I like this better than the G 310GS by BMW. They’re the same price but this one has a little more traditional motor.

If they only had a much lower seat height! My BMW has a "low" seat ht of just over 30", without lowering the suspension. With my 29" legs, I still tip toe it, but it works for me.

Hi! Great review! Thanks a lot! The CB 500 X is a superb motorcycle! It was on my short list when I had to make a choice and buy a new bike 2 years ago. Unfortunately I have chosen the NC 750 X and now I regret it! Wish you all the best!

Where are you located? In my country is not easy to get the accessories as good design as the bike you showed.

I would like to see you do a test with a passenger on all your motorcycles

This bike is great, I have One and I love it. Best for the price. Instal the exhaust after market 😎

Needs bash plate to protect pipes and engine.

I think you just sold me on Honda... I was looking at Kawasaki KLR 650!

Did they do any work on the 2022 seat. I find my 21 slants forward a bit and caused discomfort after an hr or so. But I still love the bike. Canadian price. $8200 plus add freight, pdi and taxes. $10,100 out the door. Will be interest to see what the 22 cost, shipping cost have gone way up. And guess who will carry that increase

Needs a skidplate to protect that oil filter can hanging out front and wire wheels. Come on Honda. Who is making a jug and piston package to get this thig upto, say 600cc size or so?

Absolutely fantastic video! What a great motorcycle plus you get Honda’s legendary reliability!

What crash bars do you have?

You mentioned you are 5' 10". What is your inseam? My legs are a little bit short. Totally enjoy your reviews.

Add on hand guards,crashbar,skid plate and centre stand..and its not that lightweight at 197kg..

Benelli TRK 502 is the main competition for this bike $6k/$6.4k 17 nch front wheel/19 inch front wheel here in USA. Will make a better 2nd bike because of the weight and seat height 🙋

Is this to big of a bike for my First??? I am 5'11 175 lbs... I drove dirt bikes as a kid but never more than 125cc. I am also considering the Versys 300 X.

@tflbike are those side cases capable of adv touring, or when you tip over, will they crack?

What about the TRK502X?

compare the KTM 390 Adventure more ground clearance ( 7.8" ) more suspension travel front (6.69 ) and rear (6.97 ) adjustable suspension front and rear. ABS with 2 settings off road and on road, traction control you can turn off, 44 Hp. and 37 Nm torque and cost less. also comes with skid plate and crash guards, but I would up grade the skid plate to the KTM stronger one, also comes with power outlet, and a much better screen with every thing you need on it, that all changes can be made with your left thumb. The KTM 390 Adventure is what you should be comparing it to not the Versys 300 X

Uh, only been riding 42 years; I'm 65....but: HOW is a TALL Center of Gravity, first time bike a good thing for a beginner? "It likes to fall over and that gives you a lot of confidence as a new rider". Personally, looking back to 1978, my first bike; what gave me confidence then was being able to flatfoot and manage my own 500cc, a '78 Honda CX500, a sweet little shaft drive.

This Honda seems to be a adequate back road type of bike, at a reasonable price. The ground clearance really cries out for a solid skid plate. As is I suspect it would be a disaster out on rough trails. This bike while relatively cheap, cuts corners on what is needed for serious adventure bikes. Better preload, better suspension travel, a skid plate, crash guards, hand protection, headlight guard, and more low end torque, are all must haves for a good boonie bike. Do all that for a decent price and sign me up!

It only needs spoke wheels and metal cases

Definitely gonna want a skid plate! Is it available with spoke wheels?

I have a goldwing and I am thinking about trading for this bike because it can do everything. Goldwing is great for interstate but not commuting

Owned a cbr500 r liked that motor, ended up selling it and over time getting a honda vfr and a cb1100.. Im interested in an basic adventure bike and this fits the bill, nothing too extreme but you can make it more off road ready if needed for not much.

Hard tô get one These days

yeah! 🤙

Do u think someone 6 foot 1 would be comfortable on this bike

Aren't their rumors of a scrambler version of this platform coming soon? I think I'd rather have that so it could shed a few pounds.

I looked at this bike a few years back and thought that it had great potential but I was shocked that it weighed 400+. If I wanted a bike in the weight class it would make more sense to get a T700 and unlike the Honda it comes dirt ready. Yes the Honda is cheaper but it also requires alot of modifications to make it dirt ready so the difference in price is not as much as you might think. Honda could easily offer an Offroad trim from the factory that would fix this and still be thousands cheaper than the T700 but they don't. Yet, they will deliver an upgraded bike for a review. This review had me hoping this was the CB 500X ADV I know Honda can build, such a shame.

I wish it had more travel in the suspension and a higher seat, but instead, they decreased these things in 2022.

The 2022 will gave dual braking disc.

The KTM 390adv is a competitor. However..It depends on what you will drive. I do a lot of highway, and the cb500x is more suited for that. Less vibration. more wind protection. Did a test with the 390 and that kinda sucked on the highway. However, the 390adv does have a lot of good kit as standard. It's KTM though...don't know about reliability

How were those tires on the payment?

How is the suspension over bumps?

Those knobby tires are so aggressive, it would shake your teeth out on the road. lol Certainly heard it on your road ride. A shame the dash gauge is so small and hard to read. But otherwise, looks like just the right size bike for me.

Just went to a dealership in Georgetown Texas today and asked to purchase one. They had one it sold a week or to ago. Here is the deal... the dealership has no say what so ever as to when and what bikes are provided to them to sale!! Have you ever heard such nonsense in your life? What kind of business plan leaves the sales agent with little to no say about their inventory???