Vol. 3.0 : But Can the CB500X Even Highway? 

Hello there and THANK YOU for the comment! I'm so glad to hear you found it useful and enjoyable!! I am working on new videos and will be adding more content soon :) Let me know when you get your bike so I can see some photos of your new ride!

Thanks for the kind words! You’ve got it just right- the right tool for the job! This bike will be great for easy cruising and dirt/ mountains. I wish I would have bought one when I was still living up north where there were actual “mountains” :D It would have made the roads more interesting!

Thanks for saying so! I have many more thoughts now that I’ve put on 16k miles and a cross-country trip on it, just need to find the time to put another vid together. I appreciate the comment!

The buffering was horrible until I slotted that extender then it was great! I rode from Miami to Tulsa and back on the CB, no interstates (save for a brief escapade coming out of Little Rock), so all back roads and state highways and it was amazing! But, being in south Florida, I have to ride interstates pretty often :/ I added an Indian Scout bobber to my garage some time ago but now I’m on an Africa Twin ES and it’s what I always wanted the CB to be- I’m up to 13k miles in a bit over 4 months now :D I’m not knocking the 500, it is an incredible machine and I loved riding it, but I was looking for more. For most people though, it’s all they will ever need!

Glad to hear the upgrades are a good plan! More content coming as soon as my “real job” quiets down a smidge :D Thanks for commenting, I appreciate the feedback!

Thank you! Working on some news ones!

It surely will!! Lol

Thanks!! I am by no means a pro video fella but I’m trying to learn techniques and such. I appreciate the positive comment!!

Thank you!

Thank you! I do t notice the bar vibrations but that may just be me not noticing :) The bar end weights really do help a lot, one of the reasons I’ve not put bark busters on yet- I’d have to ditch the end weights. I appreciate the note, thanks for checking out the video!

For me at 60 mph on the dot, had a weird vibration, a few more and a few less and it went away

Agreed, the bike has some odd harmonic resonance moments… I just crossed 16k on the OD and I’ve noticed a lot of niggles previously not mentioned in the earlier videos. I see odd throttle response / engine surge around 3k rpm when bopping along in 4th gear… Not sure if it’s the ecu, throttle, fueling though. Just had the 16k service so I’ll report more once I have new info.

IKR , my 250 rally can do 60mph all day so sayin the 500 can't is rubbish .And that's with stock tires , everything stock .

My CRF250 Rally can do 60+ mph all day , so i'm skeptical the 500x can't do 70+ .

@@joecamel6835 The CB500X can do 70mph all day but I wouldn't want to ride at that speed day in day out on it,I upped the gearing on mine with a 16tooth front sprocket which makes 70/75mph motorway riding much more pleasant. In my previous post I mentioned replacing the stock windscreen with the Givi,that got broken in a tip over so I tried a cheap deflector on the OEM screen fantasric not only did it kill the buffeting of the OEM but it's quieter than the Givi at speed.

It’s a great bike for that ride! I pass M A N Y hd’s on the way every time I head down there but I think they are missing out ;)

I’ve put so many more miles on the bike since I posted this… Still applies!

What BMW are you swapping for? Definitely get a windshield extension, a throttle lock, and maybe an upgraded seat. Luggage options- go for soft panniers like Mosko Moto Reckless or Kriega Overlanders, both fit great!

@@kfotomoto I have an F650GS from 2009. Great bike! But I'm ready for something different. I ordered panniers and a top box, plus engine guards and hand guards. I'll probably get a smaller soft bag as well. The bag you suggest looks good but a little hard to find here in Norway. I'll certainly look.

I think you will enjoy the Honda! It’s SO light and easy to ride, and simple… I can’t tell you how nice it is to just ride without needing to set a bevy of settings in menus :D

Missouri is a way better place to live.

Hello from Miami and thanks! I'm just getting started so I hope it continues to entertain :D

Have you decided?! A lot has happened in my life since my last post… Including two other bikes 😳😳😳

Hell yes! I ended up with an Atlas lock and it was a life saver for the longer, multi-day rides. I was annoyed at needed to adjust the throttle since it is not cruise control, but still worth the money.

Agreed! I ended up buying an Atlas lock just before my long ride to Oklahoma and back… It was an absolute life/wrist saver for sure!

Wait wait wait, this sounds amazing! Can you email me a few photos??

Hallo from Miami! Thank you and glad you enjoyed it! I’m just getting started and the vids need some more polish but I appreciate the comment. How’s the riding in Greece?

@@kfotomoto very good we are lucky to have beaches and mountens, we waiting to end the pandemic restrictions for longer distanses

I would love to have some mountains here- everything is eternally flat and more flat. Here’s to hoping this horrible no good situation ends soon so we can all get out and adventure again

Hello hello! I feel rather large on this bike (how wind hits my helmet, the bend in my knees, etc.) so I think you would be better served by a larger bike. The 500X does have mid sets, which is comfortable for me but I come in at 5'10" on a good day- I would be concerned your knees would be far forward and against the tank in a way that would be uncomfortable for you. Also, if you are planning to go off road at all, your standing position would have to be fairly hunched over which would place your center of mass ahead of the handle bars by a fair amount (unless you added 3-4" risers, I think). If you have the budget, I would look at a larger bike (if you are looking for an ADV-inspired vehicle), something like the Africa Twin, KTM Super Adventure, or even a BMW F850... Better everything, larger form factors, suspension adjustment, etc. The best suggestion I have, if you are able, is to go sit on some of these bikes and see how they feel, and stand on the pegs, too! Let me know if this helps or if I can add anything else that may be helpful!

@@kfotomoto Thank you Kfoto! Appreciate you taking the time to write a detailed response! Cheers

I’ve moved the windscreen up and down between the two positions and the buffering doesn’t seem much different either way, unfortunately. When I stand up, however, the clean wind over my helmet is pretty nice and steady. I’ve been looking at a taller windscreen as my next possible solution, for sure. Also, ordered a throttle lock just a couple days back and am very much looking forward to it. Def love the gas mileage, averaging around 70 mpg most fill-ups! I appreciate the comment! Do you have any other accessories on your bike? Hand guards, panniers, crash bars, etc?

@@kfotomoto I have some soft saddlebags without racks, T-Rex luggage rack, a mid price top case and a T-Rex Center stand, I do not have handguards and that's why I'm not riding right now is it's under 50 degrees and I'm too much of a wimp in the morning. It'll be 88 today and I'm already regretting not riding.

It’s my next step, luggage, and I’m looking at soft bags. I’ve been looking for racks but have so far been left unimpressed. Any issues with attaching your bags and them moving around / interfering with the moving bits? Have you thought about adding heated grips I stead of guards?

@@kfotomoto I originally had a set of Ortlieb waterproof bags that were old and came with my 96 KLR when I bought it in 2013. A strap broke the first week I had the CB and I caught the bags on fire. When you don't use a soft bag rack, it's very difficult to get the bags even. Mine are smallish and don't get in the way of the wheel or exhaust-they are the Coleman brand on Amazon. I'll probably get some soft bag racks and larger saddle bags for my trip. I like Chase Harper - that's what my tank bag is and it's the best one I've ever had. Heated grips - I haven't wanted to mess with the install and I'm not confident it'll make a difference with the wind on my fingers. Check out Oregon Motorcycle, he's made a lot of mods.

Thanks! I’m going to take a look at those brands. I’m def concerned about interference issues without a rack but I heard good things from another commenter about Mosko Moto’s Reckless bags as well. I hear you on the grips- I don’t need them very often down here but I have wanted them a few times in the winter months, but the install looks like a real pain in the ass. Oregon Moto is a great, he is one of the reasons I ended up the 500X! I won’t lie though, I kinda wish he’d bought an Africa Twin ;)

Thank you!

Great to hear! Are you thinking of purchasing a 500x?

Any recommendations?

@@kfotomoto I ride a Victory Cross County Tour, so I am not up to date on what works on your bike, but start at your Honda dealer and see what they suggest and also check RevZilla, Baker, Mephis shades and other aftermarket part companies. Good luck, and keep me posted if you have time.

Oh shoot, a Victory! Those bikes are damned sexy machines. They have some of the best lines of any bikes out there. I’m a wee bit jealous :) I’ve been looking around for bits and bobs for the bike, like deflectors. It’s interesting, there are not many companies offering parts for this bike in the US; most of what I’m looking for is available from European companies. Will definitely keep you updated tho!

I own a 2014 V Strom 650 and am renting a 2020 Honda CB500X as we speak while I'm in Portugal. They are both great bikes. I have done 2 hour trips on the Honda 4 times now and while it's not easy with the wind buffetting it is very doable. I am a very big guy at 6'5" 210 so they're both easily manageable for me size wise but the Honda is a little easier to throw around, it's a little lighter, and it feels a little more sporty despite not having the power of my V Strom. They're comparable off road but I'd use neither if that's a real consideration for you. Ultimately, the V Strom is a far better highway bike but the Honda is nice for a smaller person and not a bad choice at all.

@@fishstickparty funny thing. Since I made that comment, I bought a 2014 CB500X. I absolutely love it. I find it's fine on the highway and also handles extremely well.

Ive been absent from making more vids due to C R A Z Y work hours over the last several months BUT I did manage to sneak in a 3k mile trip from Miami to Tulsa, OK and back on the 500X. It was pretty great with limited interstate highway time. Def wanted a bigger bike more than a few times but the 500 behaved admirably

@@fishstickparty For the small extra financial outlay, I find the V-Strom 650 has a broader ability than the 500X.

I’m curious how you are using your bikes? Can you tell me what it is you find better? Suspension? Over tarmac / dirt? I now have two bikes and the 500X is still one of them but I can see trading it in for something a bit more punchy ;)

Please tell me you have some video riding a scooter down a motorway! If that’s a yes do send me a link! I knew a guy who tweaked Vespa scooters- bored the cylinders and made em little rockets. I’m confident in the engine on the CBX, for sure, just noting it feels stressed. It is only a 500 though so no surprise!

@@kfotomoto a 300cc scooter is easily capable of motorway cruising even without modifications. My sh300i has a topspeed of 155kmh and uses very little fuel at 110kmh. If you go to my channel I have videos of effortless trucks overtakes uphill above 80kmh and this one cruising at 110kph even in a very steep hill where most cars need to arrive with momentum and speed to reach the top at 120kmh ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-cHtFbyW0ug4.html Even with pillion, I've never encounter a road I could travel at 110kmh or more.

I’ll def check out your channel! For some reason I read “scooter” and “highway”, it didn’t click that you also said “300cc” so it makes sense it would be zippy. When I read scooter I think tiny little 50cc things I see delivery guys zipping around on :D

@@kfotomoto Yeah, the "300cc" part does make a difference :) I have a Piaggio BV 350 (330cc) and it's fantastic. I easily cruises on the highway and is a beast around town. Just an amazing little vehicle. Thanks for the review. I have the Piaggio and a Speed Triple, and I'm thinking of getting an ADV bike for light offroad and highway travels.

Of all bikes, I think my next one will be an Indian bobber, maybe the Scout 60! Keeping the 500X, it’s just too good, but I’m looking for something else to day trips with my special lady. I highly recommend the 500x for light off-road and city but highway is stretching its abilities a bit… This after a 3k trip on it 😏

That would be the AGV K3 with the special visor. www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/agv-k3-sv-helmet-2020?PLA-AGV%20Helmets-All&msclkid=719d09095c4f154fcc296b80dc65ef60

It was a great helmet for that first year but I’ve since switched over to an Arai 😳🎉 and it is next level comfort and airflow 👍

@@kfotomoto l appreciate the feedback, thanks...

I had my tires changed recently and test rode an Africa Twin... It was pretty fantastic and I think will be my next bike. The highway riding was much improved and it didn’t feel like that much larger of a bike. I figure if I’m going to upgrade, it’ll be for the 1100 cc class engines. Have you ridden an NC750? I still haven’t found one to even test ride yet

@@kfotomoto no I have a 2016 CB500x with 65k miles (105,000 kms), with zero mechanical issues. I'm riding 100 miles per day, 4 days a week for work. 5% country lanes, 90% highway & 5% city. I sit at 60mph on the highway and you can tell she gets a little out of breath over 70. My MPG (UK) is an avarage of 94 all year round and I can get 330 miles per tank. Was thinking of the NC but the MPG & tank range would be lower.

That sounds a bit like my riding habits... I'm around 1200 miles / month, mostly commuting and joy riding but less highway miles. I looked at the NC but just wasn't liking the cost / CC ratio and wanted that extra green-lane ability that came baked in to the CBX. I keep looking at the Africa Twin as a future upgrade :)

@@kfotomoto Might be worth waiting into 2022 to see if they put the 1100 in a "sport touring" bike. They need one, and could do well to have it come in at 14K USD, 17K with DCT and fancy ES. Of course, the AT can do highway all day as is, I suppose. Thanks for doing this video, by the way.

It can hit 75mph and above. Vibration is minimal, about as expected for a twin at high revs. But it does get pretty light at those speeds, due to aerodynamics. Are you thinking of buying a 500X?

@@kfotomoto yes i said to buy but i want for all roads back roads and highways i want on a highways travel 70 -80 miles per hour .

This would be a great bike for the back roads, and a middling one for highways. You would be better served by something a step up in 700-800 cc class if you are a) wanting something of a smaller, cheaper bike and b) want to ride highways often or for long durations

@@kfotomoto i will go every day on highway for 60 kilometres to my work . After that i will go ride a lot around 100-200 km and journey aroun 400-500 km 3 times a year

Nice riding schedule! this still could be a good bike for you- take a test ride if you can and see what you think. I’m thinking a bigger bike could be good for me but not very often

Ah, nice! I thought about doing the same thing, pulling the whole windscreen off, but I ended up leaving it on, with an extender... The vast majority of my riding is at or below 50mph so I appreciate the weather protection. My new bike has no windscreen so only clean air, though! :)

I think I generally agree. It is much more sporty than I think most give it credit for. I would L O V E to have some elevation and curved roads, both sadly lacking in southern Florida

Agreed! The extender made A WORLD of difference for me- how’d you make out with it?

@@kfotomoto Sold it and bought a naked bike.

Lol a BIG change in ride! What did you get? MT-_ _ ? Another Honda?

@@kfotomoto Royal Enfield Interceptor 650

Ooooooo!! Damn that’s a pretty bike! Must be pretty quick too!

Glad you found it of good use in making your decision!

@@kfotomoto It did thank you. Also thanks for a trip down the memory lane with Sloppy Joe (in Houston for me).

Oh yeah, I definitely did that, and added a throttle lock before heading out on a 3k road trip!

Of course. I am from Peru and I have this motorcycle. I can tell you that I don't entirely agree with the evaluation because this motorcycle can go calmly at 140km per hour without messing up its hair in a calm way without forcing the engine and with a companion. To say that at 120km x hour the engine feels stressed or lacks power is a lie, if you don't imagine. The Kawasaki Versys 300cc cruises at 120km per hour with no problem. yes i agree with the windshield

I’ve put down plenty of highway miles at this point ( I’m just about to cross 18k miles now) and I stand by what I said. It CAN speed along at highway speed but it doesn’t feel comfortable. My new bike is a 1000cc boi and cruises the highway at a much more comfortable speed, it does not feel strained whatsoever. All this said, I have found everyone either agrees or disagrees with my opinions- this whole thing is quite subjective! I’m glad to hear this bike works well for you and my experience is not as good as yours. What else do you like / dislike about the bike? Anything else stick out to you? I’m LOVING how light the clutch pull is!

Yes it was :) There is one right at the southern tip of the mainland Florida before entering the Keys. It was a nice way to warm up :D

Absolutely they know what they are doing, it’s Honda! I put 20k + miles on the bike in two years with multiple long distance trips (3k +) and after all of that, perception is everything! :D How the bike feels is absolutely everything. It will definitely hold together but I pushed it beyond a comfort zone, not a capability zone. Honda engineers are truly incredible, and made an incredible machine, to your point(s). I would very much appreciate some more info on finite element analysis- that’s not my strong suit! Where would you recommend I start looking for more info? Any chance of emailing me some additional points/info?

Manwiches are so exotic !

HAHA omg I’ve never gotten anywhere near that speed! Bike feels like parts on a shake table after 80mph!

@@kfotomoto Well it must be a different bike to the one they sell in Europe because I've seen a few UK videos where the 500X is cruising at 80 mph with barely any vibration , unless it's the poor quality of US roads .

That I believe. The US standards for vehicles means we miss out on so many, autos and motos. A diff version would make a lot of sense. I have beat on mine a bit so I may need to check it over careful like. Do you ride?

@@kfotomoto Yes mate , I've got a 2017 500X :) Check this review out from MCN the biggest Bike publication in Europe , the stats of the Bike we get are further down the page . They have it at 112 mph but that is probably 115 indicated as speedos tend to be slightly out .

Oh shoot! You’re in the 500x fam too! :D How are you using the bike mostly? Motorways? Green lanes? Commuting? I’ll definitely look up the review, thanks for noting it.

Lolz right??