Do I Still Love the Honda CB500X 

I have the 2023 bike and love it. Yes, there is slight vibration at around 6k but I fitted grip puppies to the handgrips and that helps a lot. I used to have a KTM 1090 Adventure with 125hp. Awesome bike with loads of grunt but I came to realise that I can't use/don't need that power. The Honda is enough for everyday use and the fuel economy is brilliant.

Old boy putting bins out. Comedy gold…. ;)

Thanks, very honest review, just what I was looking for.

I’m currently touring Scandinavia on my 2020 CB500X. Love it to bits. A puig screen extender solved buffering problems. The bikes more than capable of legal motorway speeds and the small amount of buzzing I get doesn’t bother me. Of course a few bhp more would be useful, but any other similar bike offering that is too big for my stumpy legs ! Not to mention all the rider modes etc that I don’t want. Interesting you had a problem with your garmin. Several times my Zumo xt has displayed external power lost, and I’ve had to jiggle it around to keep it working. The bike however has run faultlessly, gravel and forest roads no problem on the hunt for wild camping sites. Thanks for the vid, ride safe.

I can see you love it but are considering an upgrade. The new transalp has certainly got me thinking along those lines too! You've done some great journeys on her though it's commendable.

I own one and agree with your opinions about the bike. I love the simplicity, reliability, economy, versatility etc. as well as the build quality and the looks. I am tempted by other bikes from time to time, but bigger capacity bikes tend to be more complicated, heavier and more thirsty........If the new Honda Transalp was offered with tubeless wheels though, I think I might find myself doing some sums! Cheers and 'hello' to the wife!

Distance Glasses !! I had exactly the same problem but recently went to Vari-focals. Took a few days to get used to wearing them but reading the clock data on the bike is now perfect.

I owned a cb500x I kept it for 6 months after I realised I needed more power. I bought an African twin I had it for 2 years before I realised I need a cb500x and that’s what’s in my garage. It’s a 2020 and it will be with me until I no longer ride . It’s that good . The Africa twin was good but it definitely wasn’t twice the bike and definitely not worth twice the price.

Nice review. I owned a benelli trk502x some years ago and many of the things you highlighted about the honda are identical compromises with long distance touring. I then moved onto a 850gs and now have a 1200gsa and been absolutely honest the 1200 is actually the easist to live with in terms of "weight" due to the fact the boxer holds its weight so low down. Although the other bikes are lighter on paper they hold their weight higher and feel more top heavy when pushing around. My current plan is to keep the 1200 for my European tours but maybe look at something lighter for commuting and short uk trips....possibly something like the crf300. I think the middle weight bikes are always a compromise as they sometimes arent the best on highways but are probably to heavy for anything off road. Keep up the great work 👍 🇬🇧

Interested to see if you can reduce the vibrations by loosening and then re-tightening the bolts. I have heard that if done from the front to the back it helps and as I have a similar set up on my 2021 500X with Givi engine bars, I would try it if it actually worked. My vibs set in at 104 kmh (62 mph) in 6th gear , much lower than yours and after two years ownership I am also thinking of updating the bike because of this. Really would like cruise control and tubeless tyres so rules the Transalp out. Maybe the Tiger 900GT.

I have been looking at lots of videos on the bike, and I have say that I think you have made my mind up for me, I currently have a F800GS but want something a little smaller and easier to handle

Hi, excellent review, thanks for making this video. Just a quick thought, have you considered changing the drive sprocket to 16 teeth? Reports suggest a worthwhile modification for touring, drop the revs down by 500 thereabouts, offering more comfortable cruising over longer distances

I have the 2019 not rode it yet .love the old chap

thank you, you did not mention the year of your bike. lm thinking of buying one and apparently there has been some improvement on 2024.

A wife who doesn't mind if you buy another bike is definitely a keeper!

I have the 22 500x, standard gearing. Will do 80mph all day, no problem on the motorway. Very little vibes, none above 75mph. I use a screen extender. Love the bike, but I'm interested in the Tiger 660 sport.

A couple of days ago I've rented the RE Himalayan and spent the entire day on it for the sake of comparison with my 2020 cb500x, thinking of trading her in. While it's a great bike for the backroads, Honda is much more powerful and comfortable for long distance touring. I took the RE to the highway, and after just 30km it felt like an absolute torture. After I returned the RE and got on my honda again, it felt like a very big bike. I had to ride 50km back home on the highway, and it was sooo much more comfortable! So if you ever think of upgrading, "downgrade" first and get back on your bike to feel how good it actually is 😅

I've have the same bike and had it for 7 years now with full touring hard luggage and other extras. It's pretty weighty when fueled and loaded up but fine once on the move. Totally agree with everything you said and I just wish it had 10hp more as it would be pretty much perfect. I've been looking for something else with more poke but nothing quite hits the mark in the way this does. The closest is the honda NC750X but it's rather dull then the new CFmoto 700mt but the nearest dealer is over 80 miles away. We don't all have a 10k plus budget to spend or want to spend over 10k on a hobby. Am like you and don't want anything with a higher seat height or weight but like the style and riding position of these 'adventure' road bikes and the space for a pillion now and again. Great vids and thanks for the review of Rukins in the dales as I had a fantastic weekend Moto camping there thanks to your videos.

I got a cb500x 2023 brought new. I love it, hated the seat at 1st but i brought a expensive Cool cover , not the cheapo Chinese things you see on ebay and it has totally transformed the comfort. It actually feels fast to me for what it is , nice power delivery without any annoying flat spots.

nice video grts from belgium from danny

Andrew i think all CB00x owners know what you mean about the buzz on the motorway and can only guess that the autobahn would be worse ( ZXR750 what i had in germany) sounds like you need 2 bikes, a tourer for the long halls and the cb for the other 95% of your riding. Just remember that 1 bike generally doesnt fit everything without compromises, you just have to way them up. Looking forward to your solution. All the best from North Yorkshire.

I don't have a CB500X but what we have in common is that I'm long-sighted and now decided to wear verifocal lenses on the bike as I can not see any dashboard anymore. Unless it might be 1m away from me 🤪Safe riding Diana

Thanks! Interesting video. I'm actually downsizing this week from a T7 to a new 500 NX. All of my riding these days is in Ireland and although the Tenere 700 is a fantastic bike it has too much of an off-road bias for the use I give it. I'm 76 years old but still very active on my bikes. I bought an old but very good 650 Suzuki Freewind a few months ago just as a winter hack to keep dirty winter miles off my newer T7. In many ways it's kind of a 26 year old version of the 500 X. More or less same power/torque. It's a fine old machine. It made me realise that, for what I do, even the 700 Tenere was a tad overkill. So...I looked for a more modern, more refined 21st century model of the old Suzi xf650 . The 500 NX seems to fit the bill. Just wondering: Sometimes, as you mentioned, it's necessary, even for me in Ireland, to do the occasional couple of hours motorway stint at 120 kph. Do you think these bikes will pull an extra half gear or so? I put a 16 tooth front sprocket on the T7 which made a great improvement at motorway speeds. Do you think the 500 Honda might fade a bit pulling a bit higher gearing. I'm 5'9'' with a 30'' inseam. I weigh about 13 stone geared up and dont carry ever-so much in the way of luggage. Just a medium size top box and a 30 litre roll bag. (No more camping....B&B for me these days)😂

I just purchased this 2023 bike and it is way better than what you are saying.

Had similar issues with vibration both when new and after installing crash bars, but I had the center stand I loosened and redid just the upper engine bolts to torque and that issue has been eliminated for me at freeway speeds up to and above 85mph. Obviously every bike differs but it may be worth redoing the engine bolts.

I bought it new this year and preferred it over the new nx500. CB500X is simply amazing. I love it.

Sounds like you had a good trip regardless of a few hiccups. I did a similar trip last month here in the states, camping off the bike for 10 days and covering about 1800 miles. The bike did a great job, though i agree with your points. She's buzzy at highway/freeway revs/speeds. On the days you need to do a lot of miles, you can feel where she falls a little short. But truth be told, i didn't buy her to do that kind of riding. I bought her for the secondary, dirt and gravel roads, the fire trails and forest roads. As far as a new bike that might be in the same vein as the CB500X, i might suggest the Suzuki V-STROM 800DE. I got to test ride one yesterday, and it's not too much heavier than the CB500X (she carries her weight low), and she has the longer legs that you might be looking for!

I sold mine. Loved it on A, B roads and through the mountains but when I’ve had to do 3/4 hour motorway stints.. I found it harder work then it should be

Honda always has the best rider feel and really like this bike!

I am looking for a bike at the moment. So I had some views on construction plans of the engines: The criticised vibrations are caused by the minimal mass balancing of the engine of the CB500X. The engine has one single balance shaft only. In comparision to another bike the Suzuki GSX-8S has two balance shafts. This reduces the vibrations on one side but increases the costs on the other side.

You know the new KTM 790 adventure is waiting for you 😆 My 890 is sub 200kg and goes like a rocket..was averaging 65mpg in France and I can read the display...just. Get a ride on one.

Would a Vstrom 650 be a good all rounder that can handle crusing at 70-75mph?

Did a few thousand kms on mine last year, and going to tour all of August this year. Agree with everything. Stay off the motorways and it's great. Concerning riding in the dark, the headlight isn't great. Bright, sure, at close range, but the highbeam is hardly different than the lowbeam. I might add some extra lights to mine to help with high beam, as I tend to ride at all hours, depending on mood. I'd ride the bike for a year long tour, no hesitation. The vibrations could be inherent, maybe try some heavier bar ends, if they fit with the handguards. I'm considering getting a different size front sprocket, to bring the RPM down a bit. 5th and 6th gear are so close, and 1st is almost useless.

Just got back from a two week 2000 mile trip from Cornwall to Spain and around Andalucia mainly exploring the white villages, and it was great fun.. but we were two up on our 500X with an extra 25kg of luggage no problem! my tip for you would be slow down a bit on the motorway! whats the rush?..I mainly cruised on the duel carriageways at about 55/60mph and still managed 300+ mile days, never needed anymore power in the mountains and the overall trip mpg was 94.6mpg. The only mods. Hagon rear shock and a 16T front sprocket.

Im considering one as i have to go to Belgium from North Wales once every couple of months. Were there any other models you considered ? Im by no means a speed freak, but the comfort issues on the motorways concerns me. For having a bit of fun on the back roads near me it looks perfect.

Have you tried a Honda NC750x, best bike for touring and so frugal on fuel it's like getting a free pitch at the end of the day !!

I have a 2022 model. I don’t know if they have changed the gearing, but 70mph equates to about 5600 rpm on my bike, and I find it pretty smooth and trouble free. I down sized from a BMW 850gsa, and yes, I would love another 20 hp, but 95% of the time, this is a much nicer and more fun bike to ride. Low weight and size as I’m now in my late 50’s make such a difference. I’ll never go back to a full size adventure bike, but if a manufacturer brings out a CB style equivalent with a bit more grunt, then that would be perfect. As it is, I still love it.

I own a 2021 with 8k miles. Even with a Corbin seat, Grip Puppies, double Barkbuster bar end weights on either side, Voigt Moto Technik bar riser, and Michelin Road 5's.... I can 'still' feel vibrations. They are tolerable at low speeds. But as soon as I hit motorway it buzzes and becomes aggravating. I have a buddy who got a 2022. Same thing for him too. I'm thinking this 500 engine vibrates in general whether its an X, F, R, Rebel, and one reviewer even told me even the new CL has vibration too. Your analysis is accurate and very on point.

I agree as a CB500X (2020) owner, that yes it isn't all that great on the major highways and it has a hard to see screen. Once I'm off the highways it's a perfect MC! I do intend to hold onto my CBX for a while longer yet. Mine is also kitted out with the Rally Raid Lvl2 kit. When it comes time for my next bike, the Honda "Transalp" has certainly caught my eye, with it's more powerful 755CC motor and a black on white screen display. It's a great step up from the CBX500 but no where near as big and expensive as the legendary Honda Africa Twin. I found the seat height of the Transalp not that much different (with my 6FT height) to my CBX500, when I had a chance to sit on one, whilst my CB500X was being serviced.

My experience (2022 model) after about 8.000 kms is, the modest vibes I experience go away at about 110.

I've been looking at this Bike now for over a year. I had a 2017 FZ07 which I LOVED. I was finally able to find a 2023 CB500X. The dealer took months to get one. My only issue was that the gear shifter seemed very small and close to the engine. I was unable to get my riding boots comfortably under the shifter to shift properly. The dealer had a Scrambler SCL same engine as the CB500. I had no issues with that Bike at all. I don't have big feet and only weigh 156 lbs so I'm not a big guy. The salesperson had the same issue as me. I felt as if shifting would be a major problem with the bike. I've never seen anyone mention this.

I suspect it is an issue of mechanical sympathy and personal preference. On my way back from Italy i done 6 hours on the autobahn from Basel in Switzerland to Arnhem in Netherlands on my little KTM 390 Adventure. The wee gem buzzed along at a steady 80mph for the majority, nipping up to 90 for overtakes, all without approaching the red line. I wouldn’t want to subject it to that regularly, but I wouldn’t want to do motorways regularly anyway.

Can this take panniers and a pinion ? I have the Tiger 900 GTP which I find top heavy - how about this Honda ? Tall height .

Andy, get yourself to the optician and get some titanium frames" Ray ban make some nice ones that you can use with a helmet". Explain why you need em get some varifocal lenses and problem sorted. Been wearing em for years no issues.

If the screen is your biggest worry, and you can live with everything else, the CB500X is being replaced by the NX model that will have an updated TFT display and some mile engine tuning. The looks up front are getting completely redone as well.

I have a 550X also, finding a replacement for it would be a daunting task, would a different steed be that good for 90% of the time?

In a previous post between us I think we mentioned the New Transalp, and you said something like it would be the only bike I'd change the CB500X for. Well, I've been a Transalp anorak for years; I'll never sell my 600's, but tbh, I'm not convinced the new one is better though. Whilst I understand why Honda put it in, imo the NC750X engine or a version of it would have been more suitable for it's long distance torquey and exceptionally frugal character. As regards your motorway speed as suggested before, pop a 16 tooth front sprocket on your CB500X, or at least give it a try. Got 16's on both my Transalps. Atb, ride safe Cheers Wayne.

Have you thought of varifocal specs it would be a lot cheaper than getting a bike with a larger screen jat

Nice review mate :) I agree with the motorway miles, but I also tend to avoid those and choose the back roads. I would suggest Grip Puppies for your hands, they do not totally stop vibration, but they do help to reduce the vibrations. I still love my CB500X, such a great little bike that does the job, with amazing range on a single tank! Happy riding and keep up the great content!

I would say, Suzuki VStrom DL650 for the next bike could be a good choice. I have one, it's an amazing workhorse with 60-62mpg.

Sounds to me like a Suzuki V Strom 650 would be perfect for you. I purchased a 2017 model XT new in April 2018. I have done 56,000 trouble free km and I love it. It has heaps of grunt and long legs. Mine has no vibration at any speed. Ironically, I am waiting to test ride the new Honda 500 NX when it becomes available in Australia. Why, because I have just turned 80 in March this year and I think I will need something a bit lighter and a little lower than the VStrom for ground handling. The new Honda has a much better and easier to read screen than the 500 CBX. Good review by the way.

People ask me why I don’t change the alloy rims, I have a very reasonable motives. They are lighter, they are tubeless, they are well designed to be strong enough and most important reason they are not broken yet. I would only change them to spoked rims if them got broken. Until then alloy rims all day long for me. I would like to know what are your reasons? Thanks.

I hear you. I really like my CB500X, also done about 20,000 miles, but a bit more power and better suspension would be good. I'd really hoped to trade up to the new TransAlp, or the Suzuki 800 DE, but they are just too tall. Yes, the problem is me - just way too short in the leg, but it's disappointing nonetheless. Anyway, look forward to the videos of your trip!

The question is how much will the ideal bike cost?. CB500 X is good value for what you get

16t front sprocket has made my 2019 cb500x a lot better it will now sit at around 5500 rpm at 70mph and out of the vibration range.

If I wanted the bike for mainly motorway cruising, I would go up a tooth on the countershaft. I like the stock gearing, but I live in the mountains and I'm a six-four 240lb lump. The bike has plenty of torque. It would handle the gearing easily. My 1972 450 Honda, a much less powerful bike would easily cruise at 80 mph plus (7000 rpm) all day long. It would be strange if the 500X can't do the same.

Does anyone know which crashbars these are? Thank you

Hi Andrew. I have just exactly same bike. On the moment with 13 k km. In Poland, where I live bike is not that popular. Typical opinion is- "this bike could be good option for a girl but not for a serious biker". Of course bike has his limitations and cons but for me his positives like simplicity, low cost of buying and running, simplicity of maintenance are unbeatable. When I ride around 90- 100 km/h I got range around 500 km. Not every bike can do that, especially when we talk about small, budget bike. I love this. For me this bike is like swiss army knife. Of course you can have a better knife's. But this specific one is more Universal and still very solid. If I could of course I wish to have 4 cylinder engine like in cb 650 r with more power for better ride on the highway but still in form like in cb 500 x. CB 650 in Form of sport bike or naked bike are not for me. For the problem with vibration I use "hush puppies grips". Works not only on vibration but makes grips little bit more thicker and more comfortable for me.

An intro to Mrs Camping Biker!! She must be a good women letting you do what you do. Back to the topic. I didn't expect anything else from the 500x. It's a great bike, at a price point. It's a Honda at the end of the day. You've put a bit of money into yours and it's made it the bike it is. 20k miles is just run in. It's got a lot more to give. My old xt660r had 47hp and it went well with loads of torque. It wouldn't have bothered my to take it anywhere. Magadan was to destination until covid amd then Putin's war buggered that plan. I have a ktm 1290 super adventure s, it has 165hp and I use about 70hp 90% of the time, 50hp 50% of the time. 165hp 1% of the time. It's nice to have but wasted most of the time. Yamaha Tenere 700 is the way forward buddy. Might be a bit heavier than wanted but it covers all grounds at a sensible price. Hope to see you on one soon.

😂 we've all been there before , justifying and rationalising the reasons to buy a new bike , it's a lovely bike but ...Go for it young fella 😃

I see that you upgraded your slip-on exhaust. Did that improve the heel clearance when standing on the pegs? I'm 6'-3" and I can't drop my right heel properly when standing as the stock exhaust interferes with my right boot.

You want something with more horsepower but nothing heavier. You are splitting hairs. It is an outstanding motorcycle. As biker owners, we always seem to want the bike that we don't have.

I upgraded from my CB500X to a Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro and I love it! The extra power makes a huge difference in enjoyment of the bike. The Honda is a great starter bike but most riders will probably want to upgrade to something more exciting pretty quickly.

What tyres do you have?

Many say that the best mod is the front sprocket one tooth increase. This drops the revs at 70 to just below the buzzy band and doesn’t affect the acceleration too much. But you might have already done this.

I'm selling my tenere 700 soon dude and I'm not so far away from the gasket.

New Yamaha Tracer 7 is just as light but 650cc. A little more expensive obviously.

varifocals are cheaper than a new bike ;-)

I currently own four bikes. I demo rode over 60 of them on and off road. I'm yet to find something to beat the value and versatility of X. I did 2000+ miles trip from Oregon to Texas, hauled it on hitch carrier of my pickup truck on vacations, used it for commuting to work, took it on few dirt roads (with inappropriate tires). Other than very bad weather and high wind, it can really do a lot. My limit on it around 400 miles per day and cruising for hours above 70mph is lil bit pushing it. It is definitely a keeper. In Europe, it probably makes more sense than 90% of bikes (if ergonomically fits the rider).

I really don’t get your point about the ‘need’ to use motorways, that’s just not true. You might ‘need’ to use motorways to make your plans fit your timescale but that might mean your plans need improving. I use my 500X extensively and have ridden all over France, been to the Pyrenees twice and across to the Picos and Portugal yet have never ridden it on a motorway. Perhaps that’s just me as I avoid them whenever possible in my cars as well. Instead of saying how your RR prepared bike on 60:40 tyres isn’t great on motorways why not spend more time on telling your viewers about the roads it is great on, the roads that you use over 95% of the time? I think you’ve fallen into the RU-vid influencer’s trap of believing that you have to rush across Europe on motorways to find good biking roads. That’s just not true.

I say: This bike is the NX650 of the 2020s.

I’m afraid I switched off when you started on about why you had to use a motorway, you’re now telling lies to justify a mistake.

shame it can’t handle higher speeds. 65 on uk motorways simply won’t cut it. every fucker does 80 on motorways. love the look for the bike but think i will go down the 650 vstrom route. 70bhp should be more then enough for uk roads