Honda CB500X 2017 - An in-depth review 

I have owned a CB500x (2016) and have over 16,000km on it. I have driven all types of road, in nearly all seasons here in Canada. It had been through heat waves, bone-chilling cold, torrential downpours, and high wind. It has survived ALL of them. I have a set of Kenda Big Block knobbys on it, and took it to a really rough, washed out muddy trail, tires were literally under mud and water, and with some struggle wrestling it's weight,(I'm only 125 lbs), I was able to make it through. It had enough power in 1st and 2nd to pull itself and me no problem, and was also light enough to not get pulled down into deep mud channels. It has kept me on the bike, while ripping gravel/dirt/rain going 80-90 km/h. As far as mileage, I have gone well over 400kms on a single tank of gas at highway speeds. Did my first wheelie on it during my 2nd year riding, tire popped up with no effort whatsoever. Reached top speed of 174km/h on the highway. This bike is fully capable of handling most of what you throw at it STOCK, and for a 500cc CITY BIKE, that is saying something. With a few small purchases, it can be very offroad worthy, and with a full rally rid kit, and some custom parts, you could take it virtually anywhere. Having spent $7,000(CAD) all in, I feel it was worth every single dollar.

Great review you nailed it. I went from a 125cc to a cb500x and it felt fast, great engine 70mpg+ and reliable tourer.

I see a lot of people, even professionals, who seem to be confusing dual purpose and "adventure style" bike. From technical perspective, dual purpose means that bike can go on and off-road with compromises in both areas. Adventure bike means you can take it for "adventure". There is no definition of adventure and for some people it is camping in their backyard and for some it climbing the Himalayas. In technical aspect, the "adventure style" means mostly that it has more natural upright seating that is comfortable for prolonged riding and that it has capability to carry substantial cargo. I don't think that "adventure" requires motocross activity. As for CB500X, it is entry level and as such, it has lower price and less features than more expensive bikes. It handles highway very well. It is very economical in terms of gas consumption (I'm getting 65-67mpg) and maintenance. It is fairly light but, heavy enough to fight wind. And, there is really nothing else in this class of 500cc which I think is really really perfect compromise for those who prefer economy and comfort instead of performance and features (=higher cost). And honestly, I got it tonight to 90mph and didn't even notice until I looked at speedometer. How much more do you need?

This is such a confusing review. I don't know if Honda should be offended, or happy that you are comparing it to Benelli's and BMWs. There is simply no other entry level ADV bike out there that has the same power and versatility. The versys x 300 would be something close, but to hear that engine scream at 11000 RPM on the highway just doesn't suit most people. This bike is a quality, affordably priced Adventure Style motorcycle. Yes there are some shortfalls, like the Dunlop tires and the lack of ABS shut off, and rubber pegs. But Honda markets this bike primarily as a commuter motorcycle that can do a little bit of off-roading. Fitting this motorcycle with rally raid products would catapult it into capabilities that BMW GS and Triumph tigers would handle, with substantially less weight. You can't use all that power on the trail. So having a bike with 1000 or 1200 CC's or higher is pretty much a waste on trail riding. You complained about the power, but then did little wheelies in the beginning of the review. It kept you comfortable on your 250 + km Journey, which is an excellent feat for a small adventure bike. You took it off road with the Dunlop tires, and you didn't dump the bike or stall, and it handled some rocks and a few divets that I would bet you would never bring your xsr900 on. Nobody would ever take a Honda Hornet off road. The suspension travel of the cb500x, although not as substantial as the heavier ADV bikes, is just fine for light off-road use. I think you were a little too hard on this fantastic bike. I'm picking mine up in 3 weeks and I can't wait to enjoy every moment in the seat.

Picking mine up tomorrow! Direct from Rally Raid. Their ex-demonstrator 2017 CB, with Stage 1 suspension, Stage 1 tubeless wheels, engine guard and TKC80's. I may not sleep tonight. Excited.

First and foremost, I've never bought into the notion that a bike that breaks 90 mph in 13.5 seconds is a bike for a beginner. If you're going 65 mph at 8000 feet elevation and want to pass someone, yes you'll need to kick it down into 4th. Enough said about the power. As far as an actual review of the bike, I've got 23,000 miles on mine, 9000 of which is highway touring miles. I've done everything from commuting to the Beartooth Highway. No, it's not an off-road bike, but you can gravel road it a bit if you want. The truth of the matter is that NOBODY is making a bike with this seating and foot peg position for this price at 430 lbs. with a flat torque curve and steady horsepower curve. The Versys 300 is close but the motor is a peaky screamer. The Moto Guzzi V7 has an upright riding position with the pegs under you where they belong, but it's a lot more money and the resale is squat. Plus try to find a Guzzi dealer when you need one on a trip. With all of the riding I've done on mine, my opinion hasn't changed from the day I bought it. Honda really got it together and offered a damn good bike for the money. And the new ones have a better transmission from what I understand.

one of the best bang for your buck bikes out there.

This bike is not an off road bike but it’s still a great bike for road, for commuting, for light touring & for light easy dirt road; it’s a very fun bike to ride & i really think that if we consider price/quality/fun to ride the CB500X that its a great bike for new & intermediate riders; this bike is also very reliable; i own one since one year & i still love it; i also know experimented riders who love it; cheers

I've found that with a set of knobbies and a skid plate that you can go anywhere a KLR can go.

Just bought a rally raid equipped one. It's a good addition to my DRZ

Great review. I've recently purchased a CB500X, and now I feel I know more about it after your review. What an amazing road you are on.

Great review best I've seen to date. Thinking about this bike for the wife.👍👍

Last year I drove over 2000km on Swedish Gravel Roads. It was nice. Yes it is no real offroad bike, but i think it is a real adventure bike. Because it has a high range, it has a low weight ,good onroad and gravel conditions and ok offroad conditions. I love this Bike still after 20000km. I tryed both, the NC and the CB. The NC is much slower i think. Because of the low rpm and the high weight. I liked the CB much more.

I have this motorbike since 6 months ago and I do every day at least 50km with it. I should say I basically agree with your review although in your conclusions you seem to generally see the glass more empty than full. I mean, I totally agree this is not an offroad bike, unless you heavily prepare it for it. In fact I just changed tyres last week (I bought the bike second hand) and I've put 100% pure on-road tyres, much better than the original Dunlop. But I don't think Honda is marketing it like off-road, as you suggest. The adventure concept is an "ad" term that probably means "long trips" and a more comfortable riding, more than off-road trips. Compared to the 500f this one has a more natural riding position and the suspensions will probably handle better bumps or road irregularities. Using it in a daily basis I like the riding position and the slightly longer suspensions. But it is not an off-road bike, I agree. Same with the motor. The motor is the most technologically advanced and better part of this bike by far. But, as you say, the strong points are fuel consumption and no vibrations, not nerve. But again, I'm ok with that, because I do 300km each week with it, so I'm superhappy with the low consumption instead of being worried about if it is not so fun or nervous than other models (probably more expensive). In fact the bike is faster than what I usually need. But basically agree with your review.

They need to launch a version of this bike with the 499cc dohc original motor, or overbore this one to achieve original 57+ hp, and add fully stage 3 Rally-Raid kit, plus they can add an ABS bypass, or owners can do this with piggy back fuse holder with a manual switch ( so works same as removing the fuse, but much less trouble in use, just flick the switch). I think that combination would create the perfect 500 go anywhere bike.

I have the CBR500R and am thinking about trading another bike we have for the 500X. On the 500R, I put a GSXR 650 rear shock on it and got RaceTech springs/valves and Fox 7wt up front. Rides like a dream. Little bit of tinkering on this chassi can yield a great result!

After many bikes I learned that what really matters for ADV bike is weight!!! And CB500x is the lightest with enough power on the market. Plus Most adv riding is on street, that spoke 19+ rim really dont matter..

The 2019 version has 19-inch front wheel, slightly more ground clearance and more suspension travel. Pretty much all the negatives you were talking about are addressed :)

Honest and extensive review. Keep up the good work and be carefull out there, quite trecherous mountain roads they are!

What an awesome channel! Liked Subscribed

I keep taking mine into the deserts of Australia. Sure it's not a Sand Sled, however if you let the tyres down low enough it will chug through some deep stuff too. The Multistrada supposedly better offroad? You've gotta be joking. It weighs over 35kg more and also only has 17inch wheels. The biggest point this bike has is reliability. 26.000km with a good couple thousand on rough dirt, drops, corrugations, sand,.... and not a single issue. If anything really broke, it's the gear attached to it. Also you completely forgot the ability to put on kits from Rally Raid on it. They tested their converted prototype by riding it through the Simpson Desert.

Really nice in-depth review! Thanks!

I liked your review. It seemed that you were struggling to say something nice, but I got your point - it's a street bike for beginners. I've got no problem with that. Maybe it works for me - a beginner. I'll check it out. Thanks.

Where is this mountain. What a beautiful scenery.

CB500X is as much off-road as CBR500R is a sport bike ;-) Honda is fooling you by styling it's bikes. However CB500X seems the best of family due to versatility and riding position...

great review mate thank you

Just got the 2016 model, I want it to be confy for me and my gf, cheap and be able to learn how to ride on it. I will probabile also buy an MT07 later on to have fun with,

I think you're quite tough, but ultimately it's a dead accurate review, and most, most importantly you precisely illustrate your points with examples. There is some debate around the definition of 'adventure' in the context of an ADV bike, but your little single track detour is in my opinion what it's all about. Unpaved roads, a bit of dirt, and the occasional (very occasional) rocky bit of single track should be achievable, and you demonstrate that indeed it does all these things, with the caveat that you do need to have an idea what you're doing. Also I'm not sure you noticed but you do demonstrate a good degree of maneuverability on asphalt. The bike looked very pointable.

Agree with Darrell V. Negative bias crept in regularly during this review. It’s a learner bike and a bike for someone who has enough power and handling etc to satisfy themselves. A bit more discipline is required when reviewing this Honda product. Other than that a nice review. Thanks JF Motorcycles.

I'll be taking one around the world starting in May 2019. Rough asphalt mostly carrying 110kg (me & luggage). Putting Rally raid suspension in and leaving it fairly stock thereafter. Will it do it JD?

Id call it a sport tourer?

They never mention about ground clearance . This is adventure bike so this is one of the most important thing to consider

This is the Best bike ever

What an incredibly awesome road you're riding ! Wow.

Thanks for this brutally honest review. I have the CBR500R and always wondered if I should have got the X. Now I know I made the right choice. My CBR is for everyday riding and is very competent. I have a Buell for adrenaline :>)

Would you recommend one of these or a CB650F for commuting?

Greetings from Thailand

Good honest video. But check,out all the options for it from Rally Raid. More things than u can throw at it. Yes, than means aftermarket costs. But man, do they offer a lot of changes and add ons for it.

Man...You are so much taller than this bike, it looks like the cb500x is a little toy for you..

This is clearly an adventure sports bike like the BMW s1000xr

Hope to buy

Thank-you JF. Very honest review, I need to chose between the CB500x and the Nc750x as my first motorbike and to keep it a long time, but the choice is difficult. The main problem is that Honda increased the NC750x price in 2018 by 700euro in one shot, from 7400 euo to 8100euro.

Ok. Its much liter then all thoes adventure bikes. So this is good off road bike. The front wheel size dont make any diferens off road.

You’re making good videos man.. Keep it up!

I have this bike and I do light offroad with no worries. Agree with the throttle issue but I have got used to it more or less. In my case I can't have more suspension travel than this because I'm 1.66m. I was thinking if it is possible to change the front wheel to a 19" to see if that helps little more in offroad. Would this make any positive difference? Thanks!

Put a Rally Raid Products suspension kit and a RRP bellypan on this bike and it's a completely different motorcycle.

Nice review man. I am thinking about buying that bike, Do you think is confortable enough to go with passanger? Sometimes i see it a bit small.

Nice review but every motorcycle is a compromise and is usually built for a specific purpose.

Are you going to review the 2019 model year with the 19 inch front wheel?

Closer to a 450cc than 500cc.

And strictly speaking you can have an adventure without going off road.

Para cuando en Argentina....... ?

For the price it’s grade bike

It's no more of an adventure bike than the F model it's just the seating position and height that is the difference! What motorcycle in it's price range is inspiring , makes 60 hp and gets the same mpg with Honda reliability? Comparing it to bikes that cost twice or three times as much makes zero sense just like comparing it to older bikes. Manufacturers have to many rules to follow now and profit margins are far tighter than they were 20 years ago so there is no incentive to throw a ton of technology at a bargain basement bike. It's the same reason you cannot get GTR performance out of a Sentra!

i am sure honda aiming for maybe woman riders or small riders or maybe young riders ? because this bike seems enough to take you everywhere you want. you dont realy need 200mm front fork and 19orims to go offroad,17oRims also enough. let me say this way...you dont have to ride a Hummer to buy a KG bread. you can ride bicycle to buy 1 kg bread.

You've put too much emphasis on not being suitable for off-road. Stats from manufacturers say that more than 80% of buyers of any so called "adventure" bike, will never get out and ride their bikes off-road. Nevertheless, I like your review style.

dude works for kawa, Suki or something, pretty much trashed a great bike

Where are these roads?! Wow 😍

You look like a very big guy, what is your height Sir. The 500x is small to you.

I hired one of these bikes and toured in Thailand for a month, Vlogging. I hated it so much. It wasn't good on the road or off road. It was also way to heavy for a 500cc. Never again will hire or ride again............ Great honest review

Nice video, thanks!!! I am 183 cm and 100 kg age 49. What bike for me better cb 500 x or nc 750?

Short wheelbase.

Clearly one look tells you it's a street bike that can handle dirt or fire roads and not off roading. Its not a motor cross bike or a giant GS. Dirt road not dirt track

A tour company we love has just bought one of these and 3 NC750's. Personally I'm disappointed as they just don't excite. Overtaking uphill on those Gran Canaria mountain roads could prove a long job especially if you are a tall heavy guy like me. Given the limited power do you think this bike suitable for carrying pillions?

Is it the bike small or the guy big?

How tall are you? Looking to get this bike..im 6'4

Big fella, some of your comments are spot on, but taking a bike with road tyres off road is a recipe for disaster, sorry but only someone who was forced to or is an idiot would do that. If you buy a set of good off road tyres for the CB500x it then converts into a decent green lane / adventure bike, not tailor made like an africa twin of KLX but capable. In the form you have, the same as mine, it's a very capable touring, commuter ... It's not a 'beginners bike', though a very good bike for someone stepping up, it's fast, for a 500, comfortable and reliable ... it does everything really well .... you big fella need an africa twin or something that befits your stature.... By the way, I do like your video's, just think you're sweating the off-road part and you're not doing the x the justice it deserves ....

the road at 0:50 looks dangerous.

What a beautiful place! Where is it?

Wow dude, please make up your, and our mind. First of all if one wants an off road bike get one, its designed to a highway adventure bike,

Honda did not say its a pure adventure bike...........CB stands for City bike

Pit touring kuwi mas...

471 cc not 417cc

ABS switch: www.rally-raidproducts.co.uk/honda-cb500x-cb500f/Honda-cb500x-cb500f-abs-switch

If you can't ride this bike on the trails you suck off road.

His knowledge is mile long and inch deep .. what r u trying to say ?? Waisted 2 min of my time and yet said anything worth watching

Your review is very confusing!!! You need to get an opinion and stay with it... your trying to make an adventure bike into an offroad.. not good dude!

Honda designs and finishing always made you feel it's overpriced.

What the heck? Lol he hate this bike🤣😂🤣