I sold my hayabusa of 17 years and my cbr250 and got a 19 5oox and love the thing. It is definitely not "gutless" as described, however you do have to keep in mind it is 471cc so if you expect blistering acceleration then you have unrealistic expectations. It is plenty zippy just as I expected as a rider of 40+ years. It will also do unpaved roads very well especially with better off-road rubber. This machine fills a gap in the adventure market for those who incorporate unpaved roads and mild single track into their travels without the expense of high end suspension and electronics packed into a bike intended for difficult off-road trails. Ironically many of those high-end machines are so heavy they leave a lot to be desired in difficult terrain.
Yeap I appreciate what your saying. I just felt the gear ratios let the engine down. It needs to have higher ratios and mapping more like the f and CBR and it v well be fine. Above 50 or 60 it was revving too high and the screen wasn't good enough. Just my opinion. I appreciate its still a good bike though.
Will for me it revved too high at motorway speeds and the screen was very noisey and very buffety. Others may disagree but I found it more disappointing than enjoyable. The F, CBR, and rebel use the engine in a much better fashion. Try one see what you think.
@@exeterrider I've got a l2 1000 gixer but looking at a daily thinking of cbx or gsx f 650 which I know and have riden very good bike ticks all my boxes wondered if cb500x would be OK... Thanks
My CB500X gets 74 mpg at 80 mph. My BMW R1150GS gets 40 mpg at 80 mph. The BMW is great for touring. The CB500X is great for big smiles. Both are great in the twisties and scuffed foot pegs are proof of that and I am 72.
Having owned the cb500x 2019 since December 2019, and unless you literally weigh less than 100 pounds gear and all, I find that definitely impossible to believe you get even 60 mpg at 80 mph speeds. I keep my tires at 42 front and 46 rear year around and ride 55 mph on interstate ..weight worst case 190 pounds with all gear all and my backpack and I don't even clear 72 mpg. You're stretching the truth there ( and also btw...not stock sprocket here either. 16t up front with 40 in rear...soon to be 36 in rear to get even lower rpms at 60mph speed for slightly better gas mileage) Manufacturers DONT..make a sprocket set that has the following to enable anywhere CLOSE to such an exaggerated claim of the mpg you claimed at even 75 mph let alone 80 mph: bigger than 17 tooth in front and smaller than 36 in the rear that actually fits the cb 500x line up from 2013 through 2021 which would be the best case lowest rpm range scenario for this bike. Who were you trying fool? Yeah..I love that bike also, but I know good damn well the mpg is no where near even 60 mpg at THAT consistent speed...from years of experience. Get real.lol. Btw...my explanation is based upon my bike at the 900 mile to 8500 mile odometer reading and that's calculating the mileage within 500 miles after a fresh oil change and I changed it on mine around 700 miles early versus what the manual recommend too.
I just don't get this common view that a 47-50 hp bike is somehow sluggish and "plods" around. Solo riding a bike of this power will out accelerate almost any car on the road and easily keep up with motorway speeds. Even a 200cc scooter will achieve highway speeds. What is it about some bikers who are never satisfied unless a machine can accelerate like a porsche and do 140 mph? Where in Europe can you safely do these kinds of speeds? Nowhere (except German Autobahns, but who wants to tour on those?). All you can do on a super bike is get a brief "thrill" after which you have to slow down again. Riding for pleasure is about enjoying the landscape and the relative freedom of being on two wheels. As for off-road, you need to define what kind of off-road you mean. Almost any bike will go off-road within limits. A bloke drove a 125cc ten year old scooter across the middle-east and Asia without a single serious incident. The biking world is all about PR, marketing and creating myths. You do not need to fork out £18000 to have an adventure. As for the screen, almost all bikes end up needing an after market screen.
I think I'm coming across wrong here. The point I was trying to get across is that for example even by the time you get 30 your already in 5th gear. It's the short gears that bug me. At 30 I want to be in 3rd maximum.
I also am not a speed freak and don't see any point in bikes that can do 200mph just for the record. But I do expect not to be changing gear so much at slow speeds also it feels like your giving the engine a hard time when on motorways /highways. Just my view
@@exeterrider On gearing I can agree. Most bikes nowadays are too low geared. But then if you had wider/higher gears you might be complaining even more about being sluggish!
@@fingerhorn4 I know what you mean but to be honest I think they need to meet in the middle with the having low gears and having higher gears. The nature of bike manufacturing is to play it safe with lower gearing to accommodate for pillion riding and to make them feel fast... My CB300R is the same....The reality of it is it is less likely to be a motorway/highway rider because your screaming the engine ( not literally of course) motorway work would be more achievable and nicer if 6th was higher and it could be used better for exactly what that gear is for.....and save fuel! My 300 is the same. You get to 3rd gear on it and skip 4th,5th straight to 6th, Its irritating and I found the 500 not as bad but similar.
fingerhorn4 and Exeterrider, I get the annoyance of gears that are too close, but with a chain-driven bike it’s so easy and cheap to gear the bike higher by fitting a one-tooth-bigger (or two) gearbox sprocket that the low gearing complaint isn’t really valid. That’ll give you easier one-up cruising and probably even better fuel economy. It even worked for me on my little 125 Chinese enduro. Les PS, my 1992 Serow has a 6th gear which it taller than the other gears and allows a decent cruising speed - even on a trail machine. Well done Yamaha. Do they still do that on modern machines?
I bought one and certainly wouldn’t describe it as gutless; it’s got really good low down pull and a zingy top end that gets better with some miles added. It’s not boring either.......I’ve come from a Fazer 8 (108 bhp) but find this much more fun on a windy road with its great steering and super stable handling. You failed to pick up on (to me) it’s only negative............the rear shock can get abit bouncy when pushed hard but 2 clicks harder on the preload pretty much sorts it 👍
Yes a couple people mentioned the rear shock. I didn't notice it at the time but I only had the bike for 1 hour & 40 minutes so perhaps it would be something I would pick up on if I had it longer. Its a good honest bike. I think due to it being a new bike it may have needed running in a bit more and loosening up which may make it more spritely. Ride safe👍
Exeter rider, I disagree that the nc750X is a better option than the CB500X, having ridden both the nc's extra weight disimproves the handling, and it's low gearing makes for a far duller experience. Here are my thoughts on the CB500X, along with how to run one in. I've owned and broken in dozens of bikes since I was a despatch rider in London, in the early 70s. Only those using bikes mainly for trackdays, or for racing need use the 'harder the better' approach to breaking in. That is because they want max power from the off knowing the bike will be regularly rebuilt and worn parts replaced every 2000 or 3000 miles. For the rest of us, we want our new bike to last for tens of thousands of miles, to hold its value at resale, and to represent a pride of ownership too. We want to look after our new bike, hopefully. Honda's instructions for the 2021 CB500X are simple: no full throttle starts, and take it easy for the first 300 miles. Given the above, anyone running one in differently risks voiding the warranty if they're found out, shortening the longevity of the motor, reducing the bike's longterm fuel economy, and ending up with a bike that sounds rough, and may prove unreliable. Don't do it. Moving on, the CB500X makes 47bhp, is good for around 110mph (so cruising at motorway legal speeds puts no untoward strain on the engine), returns 75-80 mpg, takes a pillion comfortably, has servicing intervals of 8000 miles, weighs 197kgs (so it's light), has a tank range approaching 300 miles between fills, and is big enough to tour the world on. Power is well sufficient to ride British roads at all legal speeds, and beyond them if you take the bike abroad. The icing on the cake is that with different tyres the CB500X will even handle offroading in the UK. Just don't try muddy lanes with stock tyres. In Canada, and elsewhere they're regularly used for long distance trail riding. To sum up, it's my view that there is no better all round bike for sale in the UK right now, and for around £6000, the CB500X is excellent value. If you're looking for a used model, make sure that it's 2019 or later, because that was when Honda considerably improved the bike by increasing the size of the front wheel from 17" to 19", making it far better offroad, than previously. I've just downsized, and put an order in for mine, in matt gunpowder black. I shall run it her in carefully, and I very much look forward to enjoying thousands of miles of troublefree motorcycling onboard. It's no coincidence that Honda have fitted the exact same engine to no less than three other models. As to wind buffeting, were you aware that the stock screen has two adjustable heights, and if so which height was the screen set at when you tried the bike? If the top position wasn't sufficient inexpensive taller aftermarket screens are easy to get hold of. Thanks for reading!
I ended up buying this one because it grew on me. I was dead set on the Rebel, but the clutch was in my ankle. Then I tried the F, and it was good, but being 6'5, the peg placement on this bike was just better. It's my first bike and I couldn't recommend it more for a larger first timer
I’m getting one as a second bike (to my T120), for local running around. It feels safe, which is paramount when using it daily. You don’t want to be having to think about the bike when watching all the traffic. With bikes and cars that feel “gutless” (a bit unkind that term), you have to drive them harder, like the old NT650. This CB500X is light, flickable and safe. You are right that it’s best on the twisties and safe on the rough roads.
I don't mean to sound harsh with the gutless term. I felt the mapping of the engine was wrong and the 500, cbr, f, and rebel with the same engine rode better. The screen simply was better left off than of. It was awful. Noisey and buffety. It's important I say it how it is. Riding it harder is fine but for this style bike it needs to have more low down torque and higher gearing. It was a noisey buffety ride on the highway part of the video at very high revs. It should be better. Only my view though still mass respect whoever owns one👍
If you go for a 2nd try, leave it in a lower gear and spin it up. Small engines like that make their power higher in the rev range. I luv this little thing. I'd want a bash plate to protect that oil filter, but otherwise looks like a go anywhere scoot to me.
Thanks TPR. Great to see the channel reaching your area. This type of bike would be a dream in your country. Its great to have you on board and thanks for commenting TPR
I've got a CB500X(2019)just want the bike for commuting,occasional day rides. Trade up to NCX 750 only if necessary. Everyone should have one of these bikes or an Enfield Himalayan for more adventurous weekend off road exploring, weekday commuting.
I had a ride of one of these the other day. I liked the engine and gearbox and lovely light clutch on the 2019 model. The engine unsurprisingly didn't have the arm wrenching torque of my Speed Twin, but to be honest the bike went fast enough for me, and easily got up to the national speed limit. It would have gone a reasonable bit faster, I didn't find out ! 47 BHP is probably all I need. The engine was also very smooth for a twin, the gearbox very sweet. Not sure I'd get one of these though, I'm not a fan of being so high up. I could sort of flat foot, although not as easily as my Speed Twin. (I'm 5'11"). It was comfortable to ride, but I didn't like the steering as compared to my Speed Twin. This might be the larger front wheel and some part of it's geometry. I really want to try the CB500F , this might be the light-middleweight bike that does it for me , although I also intend to try a CB650R.
Yeap the larger front whell doe's change things alot for the "feel" of the steering. The engines are sweet as a nut and very nice but I felt the X engine was mapped not to my liking to be honest. The F is fantastic as is the Rebel if thats your type of thing.
I’ve ordered a CB500X. I drove up to test ride it on my 125 BHP ST1300. I didn’t feel that the 500 lacked power when I rode it despite just getting off a bike two and a half times more powerful. It performed very well indeed. In fact riding home on the ST1300 I was amazed to see that on one stretch of road I’d been along on the 500 I actually went faster on the smaller bike and I hadn’t been hurrying it either. Perhaps you are not appreciating how the 500 uses torque to get you along the road at a decent pace and doesn’t need a buzzy power delivery to reach that end. You comment about its ability off road was bizarre when you admitted that you hadn’t actually used it off road and as far as your comment about it being up to an adventure like driving from Exeter to Cornwall well, God give me strength.
I have since ridden the 500x on some off road stuff, and yes I still feel the same way about it. It just seems flat to me and the gearing isn't right . Yes the torque is low but it's also very flat I found unlike the cb500f and the CBR which were brilliant. Just my opinion, I have a 500x video coming up in a few weeks time so look out for that. The Cornwall comment.... OK it was the early days and its not easy doing what I do. That was only my second time I videoed a bike. Thanks for watching, I respect your opinion and look out for one coming up with the 500x., 😊👍
Not many people in the comment section seem to get what exeter rider is trying to convey in this review. I own a CB500X 2019 and have just returned from a 5000km trip across Ukraine, Moldova, Transnistria, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Czechia and Poland. I think he is on point when describing the characteristics of the engine in that you are at a high gear relatively low in the rev range, which gives the perception of it being somewhat sluggish. It's not really sluggish per se, but I get why someone could have that impression. Also, even after having risen the stock windshield to its high position, the wind noise is uncomfortable to me and I find myself having to ride with ear plugs all the time (I own several other bikes so no, I don't think I am simply oversensitive). Again, I agree with exeter rider, that it could benefit from an aftermarket deflector, which I plan to purchase. Also, the rear shock is nothing to write home about, but then we are talking about a cheap bike :-). All in all a fantastic little machine and I enjoy mine immensely, but let's try to be objective and openly talk about the minor flaws as well.
@rontheretiredone it's all part of the service mate. You took the time to rewatched the old crappy vid😂so the least I can do is reply y, love from Devon 😂👍😎
Great review & tutorial. I purchased my 2021 in 2021 and have close to 8k miles. This bike would be an SUV if it were a car. Can do whatever you ask of it nicely. Your take on it is on point and I totally understood your take on it. Seems to be working hard on highway speeds and gets buzzy. Fair bit of handlebar vibration while there too. Still, for the cost and intended use it's a great investment.
We all want (or expect) something different from a motorcycle so reviews are always going to be subjective. As dealers are closed to the public during this Covid-19 pandemic, I have, for the first time bought a bike solely based on RU-vid and other on line reviews without actually seeing or trying it first. The CB500X ticked all the boxes and the dimensions were close enough to my old bike to know the fit would be ok. It arrived this morning ( big shout out to Hunts Motorcycles Manchester ) so I had a little ride out to see if my choice was vindicated. After coming off a 20 year old XF650 (which I love by the way), this thing felt poised and planted. The fuelling is bang on, the position relaxed and comfy and the performance brilliant. If you want a reference bike Exeter Rider, you're more than welcome to have the old Suzuki for a few weeks to give you a better perspective. You'll certainly remember the journey on that one :)
Congrats Marcus, If only you didnt live so far away then I could try the xf650, Cool looking bikes actually.! reminds me of the Katana I took out. Like say reviews are subjective and respect that.et to see yu have the new bike .Congrats
Same here Marcus, got my bike from Hunt's during covid, friendly sales staff, £600 off the price, good trade in and delivered to my door in Scotland. I am on my second Vstrom 1000 but wanted a little run around. The Vstrom has not been out in weeks since getting the cb500x , it's a lot of bike for the money.
@@jimdocherty5494 I love the thing, it never fails to make me smile. I'm perplexed as to how Honda have made it for the price point. There is nothing about it that feels budget, it's so nicely put together.
It's one of the best all around bike. Good bang for the buck. For power it's not lazy for a 500cc when you want big power you buy a big horse not a pony lol! Ride safe.
Yes it's a good bike but for me from when I tried the 500f I felt the engine worked better in that bike than the X. For somebody who is A2 then it's perfect but for me I'd rather have the NC750. Thanks fir commenting.
In the old days testers would always take a bike down the quarter mile .,"Not" to show if it was a dragster ., but to immediately tell a potential buyer if this fit with the riders intended use ., Horsepower figures used to be important, until people realized that 500cc bikes sometimes had even more horsepower than some of Harley "s 1000 cc bikes, (yet some, couldn't keep with them because they had much higher torque),,, ,(fill in the blanks)....It still is nice to know what a bike will do in the quarter ," especially if you've got to occasionally go down the highway"..Also nice to know what it revs at highway speeds ,& in knowing you can take the stroke & figure out piston speed ..In knowing these 2 simple figures you can project the motors life expectancy for what "you" are going to use it for..
I bought a 2020 CB500X(white like the one in the test),after dumping the truly aweful standard screen(why honda even allow it to leave the factory with that screen fitted is beyond me🤔)for a Givi D1171ST which solved the terrible buffeting problem. I had a centre stand fitted(another modern day bike anomally🤔)SW Motech engine bars.The other must for me was a £15 problem solving 16tooth front sprocket to replace the 15t standard item,this immediately brought the revs down to 5,600 @ a true 70mph(as the 16t also corrects the 3mph over speedo reading) and I'm optimistic a 39t rear sprocket would help even more for the 40mile motorway trips I ride regularly. I would not call the bike gutless at all if you're willing to use the gearbox after all it's only 47bhp.It's light,handles very well indeed for a budget bike,a suspension upgrade would put it in a different class handlingwise,but there's nothing wrong with the stock suspension unless you really push it on bumpy UK B roads,that said it's nothing that the average rider can't correct and handle and isn't a buttock clenching worryment. My 15,000 18month assessment is(with the tweeks I've made),is that it's a fantastic 100% reliable bike that,although I keep thinking about changing,everytime I ride it,it always brings a smile to my face and leaves me thinking I don't need anything more,what with rising cost of fuel 85/90mpg(imperial)it can't be bettered for a mid range bike.
Try taking it off road before saying it is not a off road bike, it is not a duel sport but for light off road it is fine from what people who have taken it off road say. I like your review except for comments about what you have not tried . It like that the guy who said it would not handle highway but when he took it on a highway had to eat his words. It is a great all round bike that dose every thing good but not the best at everything. To me getting 500 Km on a tank of gas is much better than doing 180 KPH and only be able to go 200 km and having to start looking for gas.
I totally agree, light off road is OK but many miss the "light" off road part and describe it like you can do the heavier stuff on it. But out the showroom it isn't suitable for that.
@@exeterrider Over 90 % of the ADV riders will never do more than light off road, If you want to do the heavy stuff a duel sport would be a better choice for most riders. Even those with the big ADV bikes will only do light off road , may be 10 % will do the hard rides. That is why the CB 500 X is more than enough bike for most people for a all round bike.
Guess what I did buy one in 2019. Your right on everything the screen buffeting is an easy cure and I also run mine in on non synthetic oil so now she runs without high frequency buzzing at 1500 miles changed to semi synthetic also wound up preload and the handling is safer.
I don't think it's a plodder, no speed demon but enough. seat I find is very comfy and good size. And at 5'6 can get my feet on ground. I find it good ride, light easy to handle. Smooth ride , Fab on fuel, loved my vfr 750, but back problems, the cb500x is great for me as needed an upright riding position . Fab bike.
If you have worn out your Suzuki DL650 (unlikely) and are willing to trade some acceleration to gain better fuel economy, then this could be the perfect bike. If you only use your bike for recreationally (highway speed, longer distances, big days in the saddle) then this may not be the bike for you. Alternatively if you do the above riding AND commute/daily ride, this bike is VERY sensible (ease of use, running costs). My ONLY gripe with this machine is the woeful sounding exhaust at mid/upper register. Honda REALLY should have given it a 270 degree crank phase to sound like the NC750X!
Yeap the 270 crank would have been a good idea. Unfortunately I think honda fell short on many aspects of this bike. Unusual for them - and only my opinion. Its OK as A2 licence friendly bike but that's it.
Hi i also waited until the 2019 model came out and bought the first 1 out the showroom , now don;t get me wrong it is a very comfortable bike very econommical i have had doing 65MPH 93MPG on the readout then gone upto just over 70MPH and its dropped to around 70-75MPG which is very good. My ONLY niggle is the gearing from 5th to 6th there does;nt seem to be much drop in revs so i know i need different sprox. Now i have gone on many forums called rallyraid to ask can i put a powercommander ,a de-cat freeflo exhaust and a DNA air filter to give it a bit more PEP all said no until i called a local Dynojet dyno gentleman this morning and he said IF i put on the air filter the freeflo exhaust AND then take it to him for the powercommander i should see at least 4-8HP but dont hold him to it ,he then said that he could map out the snappyness of the throttle because in first and second gear the throttle is like a switch and the most gains may NOT be in HP but in low down torque which is exactly what i wanted the bike has more than enough power but a bit more to PULL a better 6th highway speed is what im after so it can be done ok thanks SCOOBS UK.
The first add on parts on my 500x front fender extender and rear hugger to keep all the road muck off engine/pipes and rear suspension Not expensive but saves time when cleaning
Yeap I agree - I think many look at this bike as a "adventure offroad bike" which it is not - unless the Rallyraid stuff is fitted. Adventre bike only yes definitely. For going on tour trips it would be good! : )
test rode one recently and now I'm looking forward to take delivery of mine, with an after market smoked Puig screen. With the current pandemic, don't know how long I'll have to wait for delivery, though!
Yeap it will be worth the wait but must be gutting and I'm sorry to hear that. It's bad enough waiting for a date let alone with all this going on. Goodluck!
I owned a CB500X, then 'upgraded' to the CB500 Honda made in the 1990s. The older bike had significantly better performance and, I thought, better build quality. The newer model was quick enough for my needs, it just lacked a bit of heart when opening the throttle which the older bike offered. The newer model is probably lighter handling than the the older one, if a bit lacking in feel.
Noisy in my helmet too. It's an entry level bike. This is my very first bike. It is so easy to ride that it almost makes you think you are ready for a larger bike. I get some vibrations when I ride in the highway from 120kph and above that make my hands numb a bit. Nevertheless still a really good bike.
Yeap it is. Your right bas well if you have this bike it is the sort that you will grow out of pretty quick. After market screen would help with the noise. Its certinly built to last. Enjoy your bike 👍
Just wanted to say thanks for making this video. Yours is the first review that actually tests the bike the way I think most normal people would. Unlike some of the other reviewers that take it to the middle of nowhere or don't bother to take it on an expressway. Anyhow, I was debating whether or not to buy one and you've convinced me to get something else - even though you kept saying you didn't want to dissuade us. But I currently have an sv650 and my big worry was the loss in power compared to that bike. I do a fair bit of commuting on the expressway and need something that can comfortably go between 80-90mph to keep up with traffic. I feel like this bike would probably struggle and feel unstable at those speeds. Anyhow thanks again, you've earned yourself another subscriber.
Comments like yours make doing all this worthwhile. Coming from a 650 perhaps the versys 650 maybe up your street, or the Honda nc750x. Thankyou for subscribing and your lovely comment. It's best to have you on board 😊👍
Thanks for the review, I agree with you 100% regarding the power. Like you I have the CB300R having downsized from a 2017 CB500X which I rode for 12 months. Great bike as you say, ideal for commuting and long distance but feel the 500 lacks grunt and is a bit (dare I say) boring. As soon as I jumped on my 300R it felt more engaging, nippier through the gears and most importantly FUN to ride, the handling is also more direct and feels sporty. When I bought my 500X back in Oct.17 I paid £5200 which was great value for money but I'm not sure it is now. The 500x is a very stylish bike, very smooth to ride and good on fuel, but having owned the CB300R I won't be going back to the X. Don't let me put people off this machine but I would say that if you get the opportunity to try the 300 have a go before you make your mind up. The 300 by the way is also a mile muncher and can handle motorways and A roads without problems. It is also around 60 kilos lighter than the X which for guys like me in their early 60s is a big plus. Thanks for an informative review.
It's really intresting to hear that from you because you have owned both the 500x and the 300r. I also prefer the 300R for exactly the reasons you say.
Thanks George, it's still fast enough don't get me wrong but it's how it gets there I have a issue with, also it revs to high at motorway speeds and the screen is awful. Apart from that......
@@exeterrider I've heard that from the factory. Also 1st gear is 2 short 4 most ppl. Adding that 16 tooth front sprocket spreads out all gears & drops rpm 1,100rpm @ 70mph if I'm not mistaken. It's only like $15 bucks & pretty easy 2 install. Maybe that would help
I agree completely with your conclusion. I had high hopes for the CB500X, but was slightly disappointed when I rode it, principally because of the lack of grunt. If it had 80-90hp, it would be the perfect bike, but as it stands I feel I would be frustrated on a day-to-day basis. I bought a Honda Monkey 125 last October, but sold it last month because it was so feeble. I also rode the NC750 back to back and, to be honest, despite having a bit more power, it didn't feel any more 'exciting' than the 500.
Glad it's not just me then Paul. Monkey bike are great. I had a grom at one point but was just too uncomfortable. I hear what your saying with the NC but I really like it. I tried the Dct version which is the only way to go with the nc. I have done a review on it if intrested. Thanks for commenting.
Yes, I would like to have tried the DCT, but the dealer didn't have one. Monkey was too big to be a toy, but too small to be a 'proper' (i.e. useful) bike. I also have a Vision scooter - brilliant in its own way, use it several times a day - and a 125hp Street Triple, so I'm quite open to different bikes. I might go and try the CB500X again, because I really wanted to like it, as I felt you did in your video. I know exactly what you meant when you said you got to your destination without remembering how you got there or what the ride was like. It's all a bit nondescript and underwhelming...
@@hamsterclamper you sound much like me with bikes. A good happy medium is the 300r of its your type. More poke than the 500x too and lighter. Quite a good everyday bike. I don't think the 750x would work so well I must admit. Dct is the best way with that bike.
exeter rider : i own & still love my CB500X 2017 & the 2019 is better then ever with awesome improvements; im tempted to swap. The CB500X got enough power but, to be honest, i would like to have a CB650X; Honda please create a CB650X 2020. 🤗😎😍
@@trekkydelirium-vroom5821 yes that could work although it would need to be a twin and not a 4 pot. I'm sure they are working on something like that as we speak.
In Australia, they are just starting to arrive but only in Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic and Matte Vulcan Silver Metallic. I was wanting to get the 'red' color but it wont be available in Australia I think. Would this bike be in Matte Vulcan Silver Metallic by any chance. Thank you.
Hi, I don't think you can ever beat Honda for sturdy quality with a bullet proof engine. The 310 isn't as good on the engine side and soft front suspension but it's something different and looks good too. Performance wise the BMW has a smaller engine of course and I'm not fond of the engine when on tickover.... But having said all that, in this case I would go BMW. But you need to try both for sure
Fantastic review. In your opinion, Is it powerful enough to cruise on the highway confortably for a few hours? I have a 300cc bike (which is buzzy on the highway), so just wondering if this bike would be enough of a power upgrade.
Anytime my friend, if I might add to that the nc750x excels at highway work and punches well above its weight. 3 hours on the highway is easy due to 6th gear acting like a overdrive 👍🍻
1:55 to 2:00. How tall are you? 5 foot 9 here and I'm wondering if I'll experience high wind noise at 60mph. Scorpion exo-t510 helmet here in America. Thanks for the vid. Cheers.
I'd still go for the NC750X. 75mph at 6000 rpm in 6th on the 500X, the NC at that speed would be at 3700 rpm. A more relaxing ride plus the advantage of storage space.
Don't like the smaller gas tank on the NC or having to take off the seat to fill you and the passenger have to get off but on the other hand there are very few full service gas stations any more. And I just like the look of the CB 500 X with the hard bags on it.
I have CB500X and I agree that it is too low gear ratio as standard, I guess it is set up for off-road use even though it is not a real off-road bike. Putting a 16 teeth front gear will help a bit and makes it more comfortable on touring. Gives a bit better fuel economy too.
The 500f everyday. It's a great bike and the engine worked well in the f but the engine didn't work for me so well in the x. And the screen was awful. Try both if you can. Just my opinion 👍
England is tiny and over populated so everything is on top of everything. Also the roads in many many places are built on on old tracks that can go back 100s of years so they are often not ideal for modern day traffic.
Hi! @13.17mins....missing the thrill/ x factor that helps retain that memory of the ride! It’s perhaps like a Toyota Hilux, it’ll just keep goin’ it’s so reliable that one forgets about the bike and the ride itself! I don’t own this but been seeing too many reviews eh! Do you think 💭 the NC750 be better with smaller front tyre?
Hi, yes the 500x left me a bit cold. The nc750x was everything I thought the 500x was going to be. The nc750x front wheel is OK but it would be nice to have it a couple inches bigger
exeter rider thank you! 🤔 ummm. Here in New Zealand we dint get the DCT version just the manual so gear ⚙️ wise not a comparison, mainly power and dual purpose (light gravel etc) capability and how easy to handle between the two
Umm.... Well I guess the 500x may beat the nc on seat comfort but only by a smidge. I couldn't see me going to the 500x, me and that bike clashed a bit. You may think different👍
Small fly screens. I fitted one on my Triumph Speed Twin. It looks quite cool, but I think it makes the wind on the top of my head worse ! I've not yet ridden a bike with a really big screen, guess I'll have to try one. The fly screen on this bike looks bigger than the one I have .
Hi Karlos, the screen on this 500 was pretty awful. Very noisey. Some bikes only have a small screen but work really well. One of the best bikes for wind protection is the ktm Duke 790 I tried which had no screen but they made a cracking job of of making it areo dynamic. I now have a puig touring screen on my nc750 and couldnt be without it now.
@@karlosh9286 is I did ride the 2016 on my old amateur channel and it ride really well compared to the 500X. The F is also ruined better. Maybe I'll be able to have a go again next year for a full review. The F is a brilliant bike!
exeter rider The new 2019 CB500F does appeal as a commuter. Has something like a 260 mile range (assuming 73 MPG, some people report 80+ MPG). I haven't ridden it yet, but in a dealers a few days back pulling in the clutch lever, I could tell the difference on the 2019 CB500F's slipper clutch as compared to an older model they also had there. It was much lighter. I remember my riding lessons on a 10 year old CB600 without a slipper clutch. It was like training my left hand to crush billiard balls ! I sat on a 2019 CB500X, I'm 5'11" and whereas I could just about flat foot, it wasn't as easy as my Speed Twin. Around 807mm seat height seems optimum for me. The high suspension adventure bike thing doesn't really appeal to me for on road riding. Maybe I should try commuting on my Speed Twin, but I don't know if I want to park my BABY down at some station car park ! The CB500F does look like a good commuter that I'll be less concerned to park at a station car park, and I've worked out I rarely need 96 BHP, but the Speed Twin is good fun on weekend blasts :) The storage in the NC750 appeals, but that's a dearer bike. I saw you like the auto box and that's another £800 over a manual box. One question is when you go from riding auto to manual bikes does it take a while to adjust ? I remember from briefly having an auto car my left foot wanted to press on something, often I'd accidentally hit the large brake pedal and "kiss" the windscreen.
South of Tiverton. I have been mostly wobbling around the lanes picking my way though mud and potholes, so not worried about having only 47hp! You are right about the buffeting from the screen. I have just fitted a deflector that seems to fix it (although adds a fair amount of distortion).
People gets around just fine with 125 cc bikes, with 5 passengers, and bags and a dog, no problem at all... check those guys in India ridings bikes and you will be amazed how such an small 125cc can do so much, and this guy complains about a state of the art motorcycles with all the bells and whistles, we are becoming a very picky,demanding, hard to please, complaining, unhappy, unsatisfied society, bikes is great period, I rest my case
Not at all. My job here is to review these bikes and give my opinion on them so people can judge for themselves against other bikes and finally make a decision. This is is far from having all the bells and whistles. Its just a good honest bike which has a few big flaws that none else has mentioned..... Which I have. For example the screen is a noisey and should have been made alt better..... Its the worst screen I've come across. People need to know these things. It's got nothing to do with people being unhappy etc etc
Hi Pete, the tank was around 17 litres of the top of my head I think which is quite impressive. Do check that info.... Brakes were OK on the front but a bit vague on the back.
I'm 6ft and it fits me fine. The pegs are at a good hieght. It's the first bike I've ridden for 70 miles+ non stop and not felt I needed to get off. I also have arthritis in the spine and my back is fine, I couldn't honestly say that with the 500X. My advice is go and try one as we are all different, I think you will be pleasantly surprised. My mate (who is a big lad) rode it last week and enjoyed it! All best.
Sounds promising. They are yet to ship the 2019 model in my country, that is why I'm asking people on youtube :) But as a general rule, you are right. Trying it in person is the way.
Due to the low gearing I would say around 65mph. But will do alot more. Yes it will type Europe but I think you would be better with a bigger bike for that tbh also a bike with a better screen for sure.
@@exeterrider Thanks for advice, however I'm a new rider and looking for a around 500cc bike that I could do some touring with. After doing some research I think this would fit me best.
@@drLazyEvil yes of it fits you then ideal. It will certinly be reliable. If you have a reputable benelli dealer with good aftercare take a look at the 502x. Goodluck
Hi Exeteter I wish you would tell us your logistics at the beginning of your reviews like tonnage height and inside leg as these specs are all vital for prospective owners. I think the Cb500X is getting better with every new model and if you think you need Rally raid upgrades get a Ténéré 700 Sure it could do with 10 more hp but you could stick a turbo on it and shit your pants
Hi, yes I only started this as a bit of fun so a little "green" with the presentation skills. Thankyou for the heads up. I am 5,7 tall by the way. Inside leg is 30 inch.
The 500x is a fine bike but having owned one for 12 months my view is that the 300 has more grunt going up the box. I think the 500 is now a tad expensive for what it is considering most of the updates are cosmetic. All very subjective, personal choice and what your needs are, you pays your money and takes your choice.
I am 5'7" inside leg 28". I just tried to sit on the cb500x and it felt amazingly comfortable. I always feared to even try to sit on an adventure bike due to my short legs. This one felt really good. I have to try and ride one.
It would be nice to have known your height and weight to better understand the windscreen causing the helmet buffeting and the feeling of it being gutless. A nice review otherwise. Thank you.
No it's not on the fly. I'm not wingeing. I'm there to say my thoughts and the screen is something they have gone wrong on. If I didn't mention it I would be doing my viewers a disservice. Fact is it should have done a better job and with less noise.
@@exeterrider totally agree. The screen sucks and you feel a lot of turbulence as of 100km/h. I have added an extension to the screen, with substantial better results, but will most likely end up buying a Givi or Puig one.
@@exeterrider Why criticise the screen? You didn't know whether it was adjusted to the high or low position. You wrongly said it's not adjustable when it is. You never even figured out how it works. Your reply makes no sense, because it may have been fine, for your height, after adjustment. You just dissed it by saying 'whatever setting it was on it was not good', and recommended an aftermarket. If you wrote reviews like that for a bike mag you'd be out of the door mate. So who will trust the rest of your review as being accurate?
@@prorecordist4753 my point is whatever the screen was set at and I can't remember now because it was a long time ago. It was no good to me. I didn't like anything about it regardless of postion. I am just your average Joe. Its my opinion nothing more. I don't pretend to be any type of bike magazine journalist. Just my opinion for others to accept or not 👍
I have ridden one, a couple of months ago that a friend bought. It's not as much torque at lower rpm like the Vstrom 650, and, it doesn't produce as much power in the mid-range or top-end either. However, it feels smaller and more nimble than the Vstrom, and is a bit more comfortable to me at least. But basically the same idea really. The CB is a very nice bike no doubt. But power? A little lacking I thought, pretty soft-feeling, power wise. It revs good but it's kind of screaming at 80 mph. The Vstrom 650 is not breaking a sweat at 80.
The Vstrom is quite top heavy, has a high seat and is overweight for its spec. The 500x will virtually achieve anything the Vstrom can but with much greater comfort, economy and ease. The 250 cc wee strom is lighter but still overweight for its size. The 500x is a cracking bike and extremely capable, as is the NC750. Honda is currently producing high quality and very accomplished bikes for real people.
It's a fucking 500 twin. It won't blow your bollocks off mate. But for what it is it's a piece of genius. Re-calibrate your brain and expectations before test riding.
Yea I understand that but was still expecting more. I was expecting it to be like the f 500 but it seemed alot less power to me when it should be the same because it had the same engine etc.
Honda makes reliable engine in general but lacks the punch of like Yamaha or KTM, a 300 cc Yamaha or KTM will blow Honda's 500cc all day long. It is what it is, Honda's are quality bikes but more designed for rather thrill-less experience.
Yeap I totally agree, hondas are about refinement and this cb500x has that in bag loads. Unfortunately for me the gearing is far too low, and they messed up with the screen. To be Frank they should know better. They would have spent a long time trying to get that screen right and it's terrible.
So a CB300R is fast enough for you, but a CB500X is too slow???? The 500 is 1.3 seconds quicker to 60! It has a top speed of 112mph, but it is too slow????????
I should add the BMW310, and the benelli trk502 to that list aswell. I haven't tried the versys but on a technical level it could win. I like the trk too. I will be trying one this year.
P. S, I guess the nc750x isn't your thing.? It ticks all the boxes the 500x dosent. And makes it a better long term propersition. Also the most comfortable easy to maintain characterful one could be the himilayan but yes it's not much of a looker 😕
@@exeterrider Thanks for the reply. I have been doing motocross for some time but I never had a motorbike on the street. I currently have a vespa gts 300. I would like something to use in the city as in the weekend trips where I can also do 700 km. The cb seems to me handy and cheap. The other more "motorcycles"
No probs mate. I think you will grow out of the 500x pretty quick with your experience tbh. Let me know how you get on and give me a shout if you want a second opinion. Ultimately its up to you of course🏍️🍻👍
For those looking to buy the 2019 cb500x or you already own one and want the oem center stand, here is the part number 08M70-MKP-J80 purchased from partzilla.com for $155 taxes and shipped ( U.S. resident here btw) installation instructions for it are here ->> cdn.powersports.honda.com/documentum/MW01/08M70-MKP-J80.pdf *** NOTE You will have an easier time getting the damn spring connected on the stand ( you're instructed to connect it first to the black loop under the bike on the left side) with a spring puller tool ( such as your dime a dozen ones found on ebay for 2 bucks to 20 bucks), or jerry rig some metal wiring to some way to generate enough leverage to pull that sucker until it connects with the black hook part of the centerstand. You'll find it easier to hold/prop up the center stand in the riding position ( all the way up) while doing this to bring the spring slightly closer to the hook on the center stand, Don't forget to lube the silver colored " main pivot bolt" with some silicone or metal lubricant before inserting it. Hope this helped. Cheers.
As with all bikes, parts of them can be brilliant. That goes without saying and for somebody who is A2 then this will be a brilliant bike so that's that one done. Ride like that do I. OK I'm alright with that. I enjoy bike riding. Thanks for commenting.
Don't be rude Barry not all people are speed merchants who disregard the highway code and their own and others safety . My local EM Dep't at the hospital refer to bad motorcyclists as " Organ Donors " and it seems you may fall into that category .
Hi Barry. I am not an expert but I can understand what exeter rider's videos aim to show and my judgement is that he succeeds! I read all the comments and praise the proactive ones that highlight the pros and cons. The adjective "brilliant" tags the purpose that he clearly states!!
