I love mine. I have fully modded CRF250L and a CRF450L. This 500X is the perfect stable mate for my other bikes. Love the Honda reliability. I'm not that tall, I'm not going to be riding it like a T7, it's comfy, light, nimble and unpretentious . It's not trying to be anything that it's not.

Not sure what speeds or kind of riding you do on the highway but this bike does Highway just fine.

@Subboxstoker

Жыл бұрын

The fact that he weighs as much as the bike is the problem

That short first gear is just the ticket if you are caught in gridlock for a long stretch. I can tick along slowly with the traffic without having to use the clutch. This is a huge advantage compared to the bikes I've had with taller gearing. After an hour they were literally a pain.

I've heard so many good things about this bike, that I would definitely recommend it to new riders. A Japanese bike (low maintenance), cheap, capable enough to be interesting, not too much power to scare anybody

That’s a good well rounded review. The 500x is a beaut “all rounder” rather than being great at one thing and ordinary at everything else most of us need in one bike.

You've totally nailed it! I own this bike and agree 100% the light weight makes it a true adventure bike.

@johnsaxon7940

3 жыл бұрын

Sounds pretty critical. What do you recommend in this range?

@MartinLV.

3 жыл бұрын

why not change chain sprockets?

@johnrocker2986

3 жыл бұрын

@@MartinLV. fine if for solo use but weight and lack off engine/torque power will labour when two up.

@BillySBC

2 жыл бұрын

Can you tell us about the twitchy throttle?

You did the bike justice. It runs fine on the 2 lane hwys for long distances if you are happy to run at "safe" speeds. I started in 2nd gear. This bike is a dream to ride on long trips in the mountains on the curvy roads.

Seriously impressed with this review. Gives you a real no nonsense feel for the bike. Well done.

I'm an older rider, passed my test 3 years ago, and have had a CB500X all that time (upgraded from 2016 to 2019 after 1 yr). I've grown into this bike as I've transitioned from beginner to, er, not a beginner. It's a fantastic bike, I love it. I mainly use it for scratcing around locally (back roads), but I've done short tours, and camping trips with it. Will I ever grow out of it? Maybe, but after 3 years riding it, I'm not thinking of selling it anytime soon... Great, honest review BTW.

A solid option! And congrats on the sponsor, Dave!

Great bikes. I had an older version (Itchy Boot's model). It was so light and easy after my V-Strom 650 (miss that bike!! Best engine...so silky smooth) but the first gear drove me nuts!! The V-Strom had a looooong first gear. But was top heavy. V-Strom way better on highway, but CB500X was nimble and nifty. So horses for courses as they say. I miss both. Had a black CB500X by me at the lights today. Must say, it looked the business. Also, my bike had the smaller front wheel and was dreadful in stony roads. The 19 inch wheel on the new model would make all the difference. And highways suck anyway!! Great channel. Love from New Zealand. Take care over there (wherever you are) and ride safe.

Cred ca e al doilea comentariu pe YT :) Felicitari, in opinia mea unul din cele mai bune review-uri la urmatoarea mea motocicleta :D Keep up the good work!

What a brilliant review. So informative. Thank you.

As an owner of a 2019 I will say this is a good review. If you do highways...no 500'ish cc bike will do, if you do technical single-track...no adventure bike will do...but for all else the cb500x is good, really good.

A very good, well balanced review, thank you!

I upgraded to a 16 tooth front sprocket and it solved the highway discomfort.

@hassanjamal4212

3 жыл бұрын

What is the comfortable cruise speed

@jamestaylor8476

3 жыл бұрын

@@hassanjamal4212 On highway around 120, but that depends on the person.

@hassanjamal4212

3 жыл бұрын

@@jamestaylor8476 mph?

@jamestaylor8476

3 жыл бұрын

@@hassanjamal4212 120 Km

@mattlofgren1497

3 жыл бұрын

Heard thats the way to go. I want to know if you can do the same with the KTM 390, as those are the 2 I'm looking at

Good review, I've had my 2021 CB500X now for 3 months and I love it. I'm an old fella (70+) and I think this is the ideal bike for old guys downsizing as well as new riders, it's so easy to ride. I agree with your comments about the low 1st gear and snatchy throttle at low speed but simple solution seems to be to changeout the original 15T engine sprocket for 16T which makes 1st gear more usuable and lowers rpm at high speed in 6th gear. Rather than the bash plate you suggest I've installed Motech engine guards and a centre stand.

@gilbertbertrand2043

2 жыл бұрын

Hoping to get back into riding as a 70+ geezer. I think the CB550 will be the ticket for me.

3 things you have to do after purchasing CB500x: 1. Change front sprocket to 16T to make a useful 1st gear and better highway performance on 6th gear 2. Mount central stand which should be standard on this bike 3. Mount bash plate which should be standard on this bike Otherwise I think Honda nailed the price/performance on this light adventure bike.

Great review 👍🏻‼️ amazing bike, the short first gear is to maneuver the rush hour traffic without burning the clutch, the short wind defense and the braking it is to tight for the bike because in the most of the countries that Honda sells the bike the speed limit is about 80 and 100 km/h which is something like 50 to 62 mph, this is my aspiracional bike (as someone from south America this "entry level ADV bike" it's more like a mid tier ADV bike since we have here ADVs from 125cc and most of the bikes are between 125cc and 250cc.

Dave got a sponsor! Way to go!!! 💯

Great review thanks 😉👍

This bike has been modified by one american guy,he has also yt channel. He changed it completely,it looks amazing,like little africa twin even tho is 500cc he travelled a lot... Very nice to have sponsors,I love this channel...Im happy that sponsor is not some romanian company 🤑

I own a 2014 with a full 2nd stage Rally Raid kit...bought it used. Amazing bike...and if you bought this new and that kit...you could be in an KTM890 (all retail and labor maybe the KTM is even less). That said...I love it..and I love that I didn't pay full price for all the accessories and the Rally Raid kit. It's an amazing bike, light, a full-on tractor in the woods, and civilized on the road. The stock bike is a bit "under sprung" but the newer versions with the 19" front wheel make them much more capable than the older ones with the 17/17" set up. Buy a stock one and add some TKC80's and don't load it with garbage/weight that you don't need on the trail and you've got a great low-speed off-roader that will keep up with any big ADV bike and even go places they can't in some cases. Amazing value and platform. Bash plate and bark-busters are a must.

I sense that the “God forbid, with a pillion” comment is some sort of reference to the surely unpleasant experience of having Dave mounted behind you...

My kid has a 500F which is essentially the same bike. I’m 240lbs and I was able to cruise at 80mph and get it into the mid 90s easily. The twin does vibrate a bit at high speeds but here in the U.S, a fat ass like me can highway this bike all day long. Actually looking at the 500x for my kid as he’s 6’2” and feels pretty cramped on the F. This is a phenomenal bike for a person to learn on, which is what he has been doing on it.

Dave is moving up in the youtube world. Won't be long until he's sponsored by Raid: Shadow Legends. 🤣

@OZf1re

3 жыл бұрын

It could be worse… “hears nord VPN in the wind”

The lugs were on the frame on my 2019 CB500F so I put one on. One of the best things I ever did for adjusting, oiling the chain and checking your rear tyre for nasties. Rear brake works fine for me in terms of braking at lights, keeping the rear wheel straight. Brilliant week day City commuter, gravel road explorer. GVFM - great value for money. Alternative- Royal Enfield Himalayan.

@MrAndrew1953

3 жыл бұрын

@@theyorkshireman7145 The lugs for the Centre Stand were still on the frame of my 2019 CB500F, so I had one installed. Indispensable so I’d ask Honda dealer to install one when buying the bike as they’re very handy.

I have the 2019 and added a front sprocket with one more tooth. That makes first gear run a little better and a higher top gear. You can also get a taller windshield and this helps if you are taller.

Have beautiful day everyone 💯👍🏾

Always like your reviews, I have a 16', its a good machine and I got it with a lot of fruit already on it. I will change the front sprocket when I get time, so with luck the buzz at 110/115 Kph will move to 120 Kph and that is well past legal speed in this nanny state, that and bar risers and a screen extension.

Just purchased one same colour as yours, so far so good does all it should do. Had a lowering kit fitted for my 30" legs as wanted to get flats of feet down.

Nice review

great review, thx :)

First thing I did with mine was change the front sprocket to a 16 tooth one. It makes a massive difference to 1st gear and improves highway riding a lot. (Don't forget to grind down the front guide to accommodate the slightly larger diameter sprocket).

Great job, thanks ! Saleti from 🍀🇧🇷

Would love to see your review of the 2021 Benelli TRK502!

I have a 2016 500R and totally agree about the first gear. It's so ridiculously short. I find myself shifting into second after 25km and often lug the engine in second down as low as 15km. Get used to it, but it has always been a quirk that I've never liked much. I think the 500 platform is great overall and sometimes do wish I had the 500X over the 500R, especially since I am looking into moving into an ADV as my next bike.

This review of yours is the best of the many I have watched. What, in your opinion, would be the next logical upgrade from this bike in the honda line-up? Thanks

Your humor is always enjoyable. For light off-roading, fire roads etc., if you added a bash plate and center stand would you think the Honda would be as capable as the Himalayan? Which would you choose given the option?

Nice road test I like the night ride test. Now do a road test on a royal enfield Himalayan the new version or get dave to do it please.

Looks like a nice commuter/utilitarian bike. Doesn't break the bank. With the smaller honda motor it should be extremely reliable.

Apart from skid plate I think Honda should install the 12V USB adaptor as standard. It’s so cheap from after market so should only cost pennies by Honda. I have 2 questionsI hope you can help. I owned a 2019 500xA. 1. Can I use a better brake pad to improved the braking? 2. As for engine vibration has Honda improved it for 2019 model or only 2021 model? As always you vid reviews are great to watch.

Hi, Good review. Can we increase to 16 tooth front sprocket as many reviewers suggest

Dave needs one of those fancy wallets. And a better paying job. Good review on what the bike is designed to do. Thanks

I've owned the 2020 model(which is the same bike as the 2021model) for 8 months and 4,500miles.Generally I agree with your test,other than the brakes,which are perfectly adequate for the bike when they've been run in,the rear is particularly good. The horn is a joke(like most motorcycle horns),a Denali Mini Sound Bomb sorted that PDQ. The bike is geared too low and a 16tooth front sprocket lifted the gearing enough to make riding,especially at highway speeds,far more pleasurable. Another joke is that aweful screen which buffets your head like a pingpong ball at anything above 50mph,the easy and welcome fix was a Givi D1171ST touring screen,problem solved.The total cost ofmthese 'upgrades' was £110,why didn't Mr Honda think of them and make the bike soooo much better? I'm happy now with what is a great bike which beats anything in the price range and is everything I want for a sedate touring machine that can handle a little mild to moderate offroad.

Would love to purchase this CB500X, but very difficult to find one available in So California Riverside area. Dealers say they get very few & sold quickly. Wish Honda would provide higher quantities. Nice review, always enjoy your videos.

@dank9288639

2 жыл бұрын

there are 3 In stock here in corona/riverside. as of 1-14-22

The short first gear is a Honda thing, most Honda owners complain about it until you live in places with lots of high inclinations roads. It's actually a good thing

Great review, is it possible to do the versys 650 ?

I have heard that if you changed the front sprocket from a 15 tooth to a 16 tooth it has a more usable first gear and better Sixth gear.

@spacecoasttactical

3 жыл бұрын

I did this with mine the day I got it. Works like a dream

@garethstarkey7560

3 жыл бұрын

At the moment I am looking around for a lighter touring and reliable cheaper bike as my r1150rs is too heavy.

@spacecoasttactical

3 жыл бұрын

@@garethstarkey7560 Get a Triumph Tiger 900

@garethstarkey7560

3 жыл бұрын

I have been also looking at a Honda nt700v, Honda nc750x and triumph.

@spacecoasttactical

3 жыл бұрын

@@garethstarkey7560 NC750x is not a bad bike, but it's not great. Get a Triumph Tiger, any model except the GT Pro ( electronically adjustable rear preload is just something else to go wrong) If you have an inseam of 32 in or more, get the Rally Pro. I have one and you won't regret it. Go to your local Triumph dealer and get a test ride, you'll come back from that and buy it on the spot.

Excellent review. 👍🏻 The amount of ads has doubled!! 😳

@chrislecouteur2360

3 жыл бұрын

They have a say to yes or no to Ad's as they will get paid But the amout of Ad's are down to KZread ..... Not even Dave can control that lol

@KevInTheAlps

3 жыл бұрын

@@chrislecouteur2360 I was just surprised as the amount of ads seemed to have doubled over previous versions. Not dissing on anyone.

A detailed review. I’m researching this bike and there are some contradictory views on engine vibrations. If riding around 4000-4500 rpm is there any vibration? At that rpm what speed can be achieved.

Pretty consistent review with others on YT, but I have one my self and I agree to the conclusions. Its a fun bike (I have a 2021 version) and provide me (a new rider) with the versatility I was after and a bike to build experience and confidence with. The breaks to their job, but Brembos would be better I suppose. For more money. If you get into mud you will have problems with the stock tyres which are road oriented.

Hi, excellent video!! For a total beginner betwen cb500x and vstrom 650xt, witch one is better!? Thanx ✌️

Answered a few questions for me, thank you.

Have a beautiful day everyone. Ride forever! 💯🛵

Good video. Any issues with any weak links in the chassis such as "stressed member chassis" ?

Hi. What would you suggest as the next sted up for sone more serious offroad? The tenere? In my country the tenere is about 50% more expensive new. With minimal RR upgrades the diff is about 40%. What would be you suggesion that does not compromise too much on road comfort

Very good and balanced review. I buy these type bikes not to go off-road but for the superb ergonomics. I don’t think you should make statements like you will have no trouble flat footing it. A lot of people are shorter than you. And they will have trouble with that. But you just learn to drop 1 foot down at a stop.

I had a CB500X in the 2015 model, they are an incredibly capable little bike. One of the best things I found with it is accessories, you can buy almost anything you want for it... Sadly that bike wasn't built as bushfire proof and now I've got a 2020 Africa Twin (which probably isn't bushfire proof either, but I'm not planning on living in the bush anymore). I do like the slight changes they've made on the new CB500X, it's a lot more like a baby Africa Twin now than it used to be.... but hey, maybe we'll see the baby Africa Twin turn up some time this century, but probably badged as a Trans Alp I guess. You were saying about the throttle. Are they ride by wire now on the CB500X? I've found that the Africa Twin can be a bit annoying at low revs when you roll on or off the throttle. I've got to keep it in URBAN mode around town to change the power output which seems to fix that problem.. if I've got it still in TOUR mode with full power it's really a bit annoying, though I have gotten used to it a lot more now that I've done almost 12,000 km. I never found the brakes to be an issue on my CB, not sure whether or not they've changed something with them to make them not feel so good.. but I will say that the AT can seemingly stop much quicker for a much bigger bike. Great video mate.

Where are the offroad tracks you went with the bike in this video?

Very nice review. I have heard about the "twitchy throttle" on these bikes, how annoying is it and can you describe it a little bit better? Thanks.

Can you do the Hymalayan next?

Sounds like an astute observation regarding 1st and 6th gear . . . . and the missing bash plate.

Thank you

Very good review, good job, most reviews are about engine and breaks, not many cover the ergonomics and the handlebar, handlebar and it’s details are important factor. You can change the ergonomics of a bike with a handlebar and risers, you would have failed this bike if it had a wrong handlebar ( straight). Thanks

For a beginner, the CB500X is a perfect first adventure bike. Even for more experienced riders who won't need to go on faster highways much it's good. You can't beat the fuel economy either (70 MPG). I outgrew mine though and traded it in for a Suzuki V-Strom 650. Pretty much the same form factor, but a lot more power, just a little heavier and far better on highways. I would recommend the V-Strom over the CB500X to any experienced rider. Yes it's around $1850USD more but worth every penny of it.

Accurate review. I have 2021. I ride mountain roads & tracks in Crete. Not a highway bike, ok up to 110 but runs out of grunt thereafter. Seat is hard but I'm ok after 6hr ride but need 10 min breaks every 1.5 hrs. I'm 170cm, 95kg. Suspension soaks up bumps. Engine is nice & sounds nice but rough at 5250 on mine, ok but noticeable. I really like it, great slipper clutch & slick gearbox. I have tracer 700 in uk. More go but suspension, gearbox, seat are inferior to the Honda. The engine makes up for it though!

Really good motorcycle for traveling solo. Top value for money.

So the 2022 comes with dual brakes up front and is supposed to come with a better suspension. My property is a couple miles off grid on very rough and rocky roads. Should I wait for the 2022?

At my country, the newly appointed Suzuki distributor is doing a clear out for the V Strom 650 XT. So much so, it is about the same price as CB500X. Assuming zero off-road, would you go for the Honda or Suzuki?

I have the 2020 and the first four minutes is dead accurate. Still a great bike

I've had mine since June 2020. I agree with you regards motorways. It's best suited on back roads and A roads. Best mpg between 45-50 mph

@flyingdutchman4you

3 жыл бұрын

What mileage you get? Thnx.

@robcourtney1997

3 жыл бұрын

@@flyingdutchman4you I average 82 mpg

Thank God we don't have too many kilometers of highway in Romania !!! I really love this bike for me but I was thinking of buying one to travel long distances in Romania and Europe with a pillion behind..but now after I saw this...I guess is not the best idea.

I bet a 16 tooth front sprocket will help a lot with that short first gear. I hear it helps correct the speedo too.

@motohobo

3 жыл бұрын

Done that on mine. Indeed it does. Checked speedo to several GPS units and it's spot on.

@kenparkes

3 жыл бұрын

I to bumped it to 16 tooth and saw improvement both of the concerns. 1st gear can hang in a little longer and about 5-6km higher speed at same RPM. And yes Speedo is now much more accurate.

You mention that it's best to look for other options rather then spending money (on a rally raid kit) to allow trail riding. Other than KTM390Adventure, BMW310GS, what options are there without getting into the dual-sport category? I did not ride a lot of different bikes but my understanding is that you can't do comfortable long runs on road with a dual sport, and you can't hit real trails (single tracks) with an adventure bike due to heavy weight. So I don't see what options you are referring to. Can you elaborate please?

How it is compared to trk 502x and 390 adventure which is better?

Nice video. What was the gas consume? It changes a lot depending for the ride styke?

@kmb957

3 жыл бұрын

The 471cc engine will get 60-70mpg. Less if you ride like a moron.

Nice ... but I'd like to see a review of its bigger sister the CB750X. Should be interesting to see the difference of the two bikes. Otherwise ... well done (as always).

@bc2316

3 жыл бұрын

NC750X? I don’t think there is a cb750X currently.

@Surrlibrumm

3 жыл бұрын

@@bc2316 Yep, it's called NC (for what reason ever) 750 X. Sorry.

@seekerofthenarrowgate8716

3 жыл бұрын

@@Surrlibrumm NC stands for New Concept.

Oh nice sponsor product 👍

If they came out with a version that has offroad tires, better suspension, bashplate, etc it would be a massive hit. I am guessing that is what the new transalp will be.

Very interesting, but I thought the only thing that mattered was how many torques the bike makes. How will I ever get all the way home on only 40 torques?

Benelli 500X looks real competitor especially with price and I think less vibration and smoother run, with protection bars...

Another tip. Get rid of the chain and put a decent one on. The factory chain will get frozen links pretty quick.

The brakes take awhile to seat in the brakes will get better as use them . T.rex makes the best rock protection in my opinion . That should be done ASP. Another thing is the maintainence is a bigg plus also

For someone who is coming back to riding after 20 years, this bike or nc750 x ?

One easy mod thats fairly cheap to do that'll solve a few problems (short 1st gear, a longer 6th gear, better fuel economy, better highway use, maybe even reducing vibes in various riding situations)... All you need to do is up the front drive sprocket by 1 tooth and reduce rear sprocket by 2 teeth... I've done it on many bikes i've owned, it's a very helpful and practical real world every day riding from a GSX400F Katana (early 80's model), Kawasaki ZX10 B, Suzuki RF900RW... The 2 sprocket mod? It works, period.... 😎😎😎😎😎

Swap from the 15 T sprocket to a 16 T to have a more useful first gear and a 6% reduction of revs( about 400 rpm at 125 km/h). I will make it as soon as I could go back to Phuket where I own a 2018 500X.

@YA-kl7ny

Жыл бұрын

Can i ask you wich rpm you had before changing on 16 teeth sprocket

I think this bike should have a 600cc instead of a 500cc. It needs to be faster for the freeway.Also, all motorcycles should have the best brakes money can buy. I really like this motorcycle because it is very versatile. Again, another great video. Thanks

@iz723

3 жыл бұрын

They made it for the A2 licence catagory

When you going to review the 2022 model

The gearing seems to be something all three CB500's have in common; they're geared for "beginners" riding round a car-park, not real riding. But it's easily fixed. Otherwise great bikes; I'm seriously eyeing the CB500F!

My first ‘off road’ ride I put a 2” hole in the oil pan...I got a new pan in a few weeks but still waiting on the skid plate.

@HvV8446

3 жыл бұрын

Ouch

Change the disc, caliper, pads and master cylinder to Brembo. Makes a huge difference.

Display is perfect imho.

👍🏽 nice

I have to agree with most of what you said except for when you start saying "this should be included, that should be included". This is why the price is so low; plus for people who have no intent to go "off-road", why should they have to pay for something, like a bash-plate. My belief is that a basic bike should be sold as that and if you want extras, you pay for them. Thx for the video, be safe.

What do you thin about NC750X? 2021 model

Well... If not great for the highway then you can just save 2k and get a Himalayan. And that is my question.. is it worth over $2k more than a Himalayan?

All Honda seats are hard- Honda presumes our bums are square - I have had 12 Honda bikes and modified all seats to be more comfy. Apart from that- the bikes are Great well built and Great to Ride.

Id it any good for tall people (6’4”)?

While many people think of motorcycles as toys, I have always considered mine my core vehicle. Car and trucks/vans are necessary evils - backup vehicles only.