Like you say cant go wrong with any of the honda 500 range, Changed both my bikes this year, both honda, new 2023 cbr650r in grand prix red and new 2023 Honda cmx Rebel 500 special edition in titanium. Two completely different bikes, great quality for the price, really happy with both of them. Had 500 x in the past , really enjoyed, test rode the scrambler, would have been my second choice out of the 500 range
I quite like the X. Lone Wally clocked up something like 80’000 miles on his. Most suitable for the riding I do I reckon. Nice little summary of the range 👍🏼
I own a 2023 CBR and 2022 CBF, and have owned the CB500X, (3) which I found was ruined when they went to the 19" front wheel. (sold it after just 6 weeks) When I went to buy the next downgrade bike, this year (from Z1000SX) I demo'd the 500X and still felt the steering and handling are a long way from the CBR and F, so as I already had an F in Pearl grey, I got the CBR in Gunpowder black, which I really like and would be my preferred choice for longer rides, BUT the F is a bit more fun, as you can muscle it a bit more, and makes the CBR seem more refined. When you consider the running costs, my main reason for downgrading, they are extremely good bikes, and preferred to previously owned Z400 & Ninja 400 (too small for me, but quicker & better handling) & NC750X, too heavy and lethargic, and now at 65, I don't feel the need for speed any longer, so just competent reliable economical bikes are the order of the day, and having owned 9 of this generation from 2014, I've not had a seconds trouble with any of them and I cover about 24k miles pa. 👍 BTW if you've read to the end I've owned 102 bikes from Hayabusa & blade to lowly CRF250's and pretty much everything in between, fave was GSXR750, had 5 over 10 years 😃
Wow that is some bike history!!!!!!!! I'm so glad it wasn't just me that thinks what I did about the 500X!........The "F" is fantastic! as is the CBR. Thanks for your input : )
@@exeterrider Ha-Ha, all that wasted money, 😄 had a few 'classics' Suzi GT750, CBX1000, Suzi Katana, Yam V Max and ZPZ900RA1, my first sports-bike, and had loads for another 30 years, gixxers, ZXR, Blade & R1, but now I'm just happy to plod along, and yes my first 2 500X's, a 16 plate & 18 plate were great, (17" front wheel) and was dead keen to get the new 19 plate with 19" front wheel, ...... a disaster, completely ruined it with a heavy top end, slow steering and awkward handling, so I sold it quickly, but I too thought I'd give it a go this year to see if the USD's, and change of suspension had improved it, ❓.... it is a bit better, but still a shadow of the CBR and CBF, so again I bypassed it as I still like to ride spiritedly, and the CBX does not inspire confidence, so went CBR to compliment the CBF, which are great bikes for the price.👍
How true about small big small big etc. had loads of sports bikes and big cc bikes over the years and now I’ve got older I can’t bothered with the weight. 400cc suits me at the current moment.
I’m with you Kev. I have owned multiple motorcycles, and I’m really having fun with this little Z 400 that I bought. After adjusting the seat to my liking, I put a little windscreen on it, and even taking it on tours. It is perfect for around town and back road blasting. Not to mention gas mileage and insurance cost, and avoiding traffic tickets and hospital bills.
I tried the Rebel (being a short arse) then took out the CL - bought the CL still low enough for me, preferred the riding position, we are all different though so go try them all, have owned 2 CB500F or the equivalent in the past, bullet proof and great work horses.
I watched YT video this week on valve clearance check on the 500x version. My word what a faff getting to the rocker cover it was. It was by someone who has many maintenance videos and knows what he's doing. By far a better choice for me would be the next engine up, the NC750 which you have yourself.
The NC is so easy to work on, in fact one of the easiest bikes to service I have ever had. Yes the 500 range is more complicated to get the cover off etc.
Excellent insight from someone whose sampled them all. I purchased a 2021 CB500X new. Like it a lot 10k miles on. But Im 5'6 and always have concern I'll drop it. Plus I just putter country hardtop back roads. I've pondered swapping my X for the CL every since the CL was released since I think it would be better fit wise. I have a Corbin on my X though. Ive heard tales of the CL seat hurting the tail end rather quickly. Still... pondering.
I prefer the scrambler too. With a bash plate, fender extender, new exhaust, bar end mirrors and a black cowl, it would look pretty good. Nice get about bike. Smaller cc are more economical these days.
On my second CBR500 2019 was great but the handling on the new 2023 model with the showa big piston forks and twin disc brakes is just incredible. It’s one of those bikes you have to take a backwards glance at when you walk away too.
I've got a 2020 500x as my commuter and so far I have no complaints. The engine is really flexible, and whilst not a power house, more than capable of breaking the speed limit and is surprisingly good fun. The only reason I went with the x is that I wanted to also do the occasional tour/long ride and for that I have found no fault. For my me it hits the sweet spot, but to be honest only because I have another more powerful bike in the garage to compliment it :-)
Thank you as someone who identifies as a strong independent bridge I feel I'm much better informed to buy a motorcycle for zooming around a seaside town. Forever in your debt 👍😊
Hiya, Thanks for this one mate, you did a very good comparison which will answer most questions prospective buyers will have, well done you really provided a service. Ride Carefully.
Hi Paul,yeap this answered common questions I get about the 500s. I think there is such a choice, people can't make up there mind. Thanks for watching 📺
Nice review sir. Job well done. If I was to choose it would be the 500 F because there’s plenty of used ones for cheap on the market and the 5 gallon tank can get me to Yosemite and a couple gallons in the back I can make it home. I agree with what you said about going from small to big and back to small. I’m in that phase right now and love my little Kawasaki Z 400. It got me to the gold country on only 2 gallons of gas.
Yes, the CL500 definitely needs a fender extender. So do the rest of the Honda 500s and indeed 99% of all modern motorcycles. When did this incredibly stupid fashion of the short mudguard begin? Perhaps when the manufacturers figured out that it makes their bikes deteriorate faster, so they can sell more new ones.
Your lucky to be alive Mate, just look back at where the bridge was behind the Scrambler, one of the metal cross pieces was eaten away! Yup, weak bridge???
Said before, I got the Rebel, cause it’s the only one, in the 500 range that i can touch ground on. Looking to upgrade with a custom seat. I do like the CL, sat on it in showroom, but legs dangling. The motor is excellent, so what ever your preference is, you won’t be disappointed. Only gripe is it’s notch’ie in towns at 30mph, in third, and 2nd feels it screams.
That was very interesting… balanced way of looking at the options. Good work 👍 when I got the Monkey the dealer was trying to sell me the CL as being close to my likes. They look quality for the money.
Hi Exmouth. Another excellent video and one which I am sure will be useful to your millions of viewers 👍🏻 It would have to be the 500X for me, the silencer on the Scrambler is just too "urgh", sorry ! I also think that the 500X would be a great budget tourer capable of doing the odd light trail, should you feel the urge. So it would be just a bit more versatile, for those on a budget who need a "one bike to do it all" kind of bike. I have often considered getting a 500X myself but then I got the Classic as my second bike and that became the Himalayan, so now I have all bases covered. I think these 500s are the sweet spot for many folks. Enough power and speed for all roads, decent quality and reasonably priced. What's not to like ? Well, apart from the Scrambler's silencer I mean 🤢😂 Cheers Exmouth, love to the crew from France, El Outro and Robi
Yes its too clumpy isn't it, I got used to it but took me a while. The 500x is a very popular bike mate. Loads of people tour to France on them or even Spain. El outro from the seafront 🇫🇷👍 Thanks Garry
Here a weird thought, when I buy I new power tool, I tend to buy a naked as I already have a couple of charges and a few batteries and this works out so much cheaper this way. . Wouldn't it be great if you could do the same with bikes and buy the scrambler with the engine and a couple of the others naked and just swap the engine into the bike you wanted for the weekend (subject to mapping, which could be a button on the handlebar) a bit like swapping colour coded bitz on your smart car. 😂 Anyway I'm rambling so, good vid bud 👍😎, also what make is that your favourite jacket you tend to wear?
I have just purchased a Honda CB500X 2022 model to replace my CFmoto 650MT. Wanted something more reliable, lighter and better MPG. This bike ticks all three. Looking for to getting it on the 24th Feb.
This is going to be a game changer for you , I'm so pleased you have got rid of the CF. It had its day and now you will be on to better things...I cant wait to see it!
Great insight, stunning scenery...well done as usual. Still don't know what my second bike will be. Though this helped me all but eliminate the Rebel 500.
I mean, the Rebel, is it really a good bike 😉😂 (Red has made me much prefer the Vulcan 650s) 😂 I personally have to have the CBR, it’s just more my style and it would be so fun to throw around I reckon 🤘 The scramblers are getting more popular I’ve noticed, and they do look the business, feels like the best of all worlds sometimes 🤘 Great video mate, some awesome bikes, although you’d never get me on that adventure styled one 😂 Hope you’re well bud 🤘
The CBR has alot going for it. It's a good looker and you can thrash it without too much risk of 3 figures. Is the rebel a good bike..... Umm not for me, but it suits many. Thanks RB, have a good week 👍
I had cb500 2021 , rebel 500 2022. All the 500 line of honda are perfect for beginners.. Now just sold nt1100 to go for the hornet 750. Is very difficult to choose one. Depends the style ,use , height of eatch person. If i choose for myself i will go again with rebel 500.So fun to ride bike.20 more hp , i would never sold her.
My current Honda is the Rebel 1100 with De Pretto Moto forward controls. I'm 6'1" with 32'" inseam. More room for me than on the CL500. The CL500 was very cramped.
Pleased you rode to the best town in Devon, Teignmouth! Was this a Monday morning by chance? As you passed the NCI I recognised a colleagues car and he is usually on watch Monday morning. My choice would be the 500X, my mate has a 2018 model and really likes it. I still have my Honda 750X DCT, getting a new set of tyres on soon, looking at the Michelin R6’s, good choice I think from Protyre who you use, or used too.
Have to say I had a 2018 500x and it was too short geared which made it feel quite busy at Motorway speeds which seems ridiculous on a bike which is the most tour styled bike in the range and the screen was terrible and I never really found a good solution for it. It was fantastic on fuel and pretty comfortable. I've had Hondas before going right back to the 80's but the 500x had one unforgivable fault that put me off ever buying a newer Honda ever again. I bought it with only 5,000 miles on it and it was one owner full service history and in really nice condition and I sold it less than a year later with 8,000 miles on because the quality of the coatings was rubbish. A really carefully looked after bike should not have paint chipping off the frame and fastners going furry at that mileage and when I stood it next to my 2007 CBF1000 you could just see that Honda had cheaped out on all the finishes from the frame paint to the fastners and chrome none of it was anywhere near as good as the Honda quality of a few years back. I think they are a brand like some others who are living on a reputation of being quality whilst cheaping out to save money and as a Honda fan that is a real shame.
only problem with 500cc honda range in my country is that its only 600eur away from honet, sv650, mt07, z650...so, unless you really have license restriction or need that 1l/100km save over the more powerful 650/700, the choice is easy...
I am a Honda fanboy and was lucky enough to have the CL500 for most of the day but got to say I did not really find a connection with it. Not ridden any of the other 500s but the engine was just a bit too vibby for me, much prefer the NC750x (which is more expensive of course).
Yes I too prefer the NC, but the 500 range for me is just a fun package that you can ride quite hard and ....well its just fun....but yes after taking out the 500x in 2019 and not falling for it, I knew the NC was for me , and thats what I bought : )
Very informative. I wonder if the Rebel 500 would be ok on the Sicilian autostrada…can it hold 80mph for a long time? Also does it have enough grunt to overtake vehicles travelling at that speed?
@@exeterrider Thanks man…hmmm looks as if I need something with a little more power. Honda should consider putting the nc750x engine into a cruiser as 1100cc is too much!
@@exeterrider Oh no, If you’re close to 6ft and over it’s unbearable for higher speed riding no matter what screen; or no screen. I believe it’s the design of the fairings coupled with the distance from the rider to the dash. Otherwise everything else about it is great. If the wind issue wasn’t there I’d still have the bike.
Thanks! Good video as always. I've got the '22 cb500x. It's not a bad bike but very top heavy (oddly it feels better with a full tank of fuel though?), still very dirty airflow off the screen which can get wearing. I'm starting to look at the F or the R or the CL as a second bike for town. I would swap my 500x for the transalp now I think. Or out of brand, probably the Kawasaki Versys? Something like that.
I have a lovely '22 F new style in yellow, but prefer the X for more protection. Realistically, you don't need anything else for general use and the engine and fuel economy are excellent. I took out a 650 Versys and a Tiger 660 from Bridge I really didn't like the Versys, it felt agricultural and didn't handle very well, where as the Triumph was much better. I didn't change because the bikes weren't an improvement enough to justify the cost.
@@MrLuxLuthor It was purely numbers for me. The Versys did 60-70 mpg and wasn't much faster than the 500x. I didn't even test ride it (I learned to ride on the sv650 which has the same engine). If I'm being really good I can get 80mpg out of the 500x. I imagine if I'm in wales I could probably get 110 ;-)
@@exeterrider Would you be able to get hold of an MT-07 from yamaha to compare with a 650r? I'd appreciate your opinion on them. To be honest a lot of the manufacturers are knocking it out the park on these mid-size bikes at the moment. Even Royal Enfield seem to be doing better (judging by reviews and itchyboots ride across india on the new himalayan)
@@TriggsRiffs Most youtubers struggle to get hold of Yamahas, they are not well set up for exposure, I have ridden the MT07 and the 650r and I'm not really a 4 cylinder fan my self because all the fun is at the illegal speed end of the speedo, where as twins I feel you can just ride more , so the MT is a smaller feeling bike and quite dated now but it is a lot of fun!
My plan is to complete my das and go straight into and advanced rider course as I want to ride a large Cruiser. What do you think is the best 500 for a mature novice to learn on? I’m 5’7’’. Initially I was drawn to the 500x
They are all as good as each other to be honest.... If you're bigger plan is a large cruiser then consider the 650 kawasaki vulcan. Best of all worlds there and not heavy And reliable! 👍
@@neilanderson2374 it would be more evergreen than a 500 long term speaking, and you won't feel as stronger need to get a big cruiser because big cruisers often have their issues, not to mention humping them around. ... Not with the vulcan though.
Personally I would get the Benelli 502c or its off road equivalent the TRK 502x , it's cheaper with good build quality and gets rave reviews . As for the Hondas the X would be my choice .
Struggle and grind away every day, it's easier when you love what you do even though it hardly pays the electric bill every month...Silly thing to do all this really but do it for the enjoyment, and being in contact with good folk like you.
Hi ER. What is the difference between the F and the X? I am considering looking for a lighter bike as I get older. I would like a conventional naked bike that would be easy to put kuggage on for touring.
The "F" is a street bike where as the "X" is set up and a adventure touring type bike. Both good bikes, but if you want a fun light bike then the "F" is really good.
The X for me i think, shame that they don't do one with a bit more 'Adventure' bias I should think they'd fly out of the Dealers.... A bit more Grunt and more road capable that the CRF's, yet lighter, smaller and a bit more Dirt friendly than the Transalp or A/T
Totally agree Ken, It's the one thing missing from the line up isn't it. Thing is people who are less in the know than us think the X will do that but nope it's not suited to Ken Tors
@exeterrider yes, exactly as you say. A bit like the R9T beemer, they're both lovely bikes, 'looks' the part but that's as far as it goes. If I wanted a pure road bike the x would be fairly high on my list.
Is there any perfomance difference between all these bikes as they have the same engine I own the CB 500 x and my dad owns the cbr 500 and his bike seems faster
Size wise the CL would be my choice, but I think it's a bit of an ugly bugger. Most modern bikes lack a useful front mudguard. I don't know why the likes of Ducati and MV bother at all with the skimpy bit of plastic they call a mudguard.
Many bikes are made bias to style to sell over practicability . Many people who buy these kinda miss those points, but the more experienced see whats missing or what needs to be added.
CB500X for me, that scrambler looks like it fell from the ugly tree hitting every branch on the way down! The redeeming feature, the engine will out last the design.
