The reality of the 500X is it’s a budget bike that punches way above its weight. I’ve had mine for nearly two years now after trading in the ST1300 that I’d owned for nine years. The Pan European was a superb bike but since changing to the 500X my annual mileage has doubled. It’s a bike that does everything well. I was amazed recently when I met up with an old friend on his 2002 Triumph Tiger 1200 GTPro for three days in the Pyrenees. He’s a quick rider and I expected to be playing catch up all day but I didn’t, in the mountains the 500X pushed him all the way. It’s a good no nonsense bike and when you factor in the price and economy it’s hard to ignore. Unlike what other posters seem to presume not everybody would choose the Transalp over the 500X. At first I felt that if the Transalp had been around when I was changing bikes that would have been my preferred choice but having had a good look at one I now believe that the 500X actually suits me and my real life riding better so I’m not changing bikes. Why would I? I’ve already got a fun to ride everyday bike that’s economical, comfortable and the best trans European tourer that I’ve ever owned.

@DSR1YT

11 ай бұрын

Nicely put David, whack on some bags on this and you can easily do some decent cheap touring. Go on plenty of trips with the money you save from buying a £20k+ bike. :)

@clivepearce9766

11 ай бұрын

I too had an ST1300 which I loved & toured extensively in France & Spain by accident once, another story. I bought a green CB500x a year & a half ago (for my 75th) & absolutely love it. In fact I am off to Poole on the ferry tomorrow for some mileage in Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire & Devon. What is not to like?

@DSR1YT

11 ай бұрын

@@clivepearce9766 That's it Clive, you enjoy your trip down south mate. People will over look a bike like this because it's not a litre bike with big numbers. This bike is proof that you don't need big numbers to have fun on it. Enjoy and ride safe.

@porter5877

4 ай бұрын

I've got a 23 cb500x and I couldn't of put it better! It really does punch above its weight! I'm only gripe is the footpegs position which are way to far back. I've taking mine to Wales off road for the whole weekend then Rode back 250 miles to Sussex and it never misses a beat. In 35 bikes owned this is in my top 5.... but the seat really does suck big time.

always and forever 500x is the best do-it-all motorbike on the market. All other things mentioned before aside, it also reaches this maximum size where it still is a casual bike - you take it to shops, you take it for errands and casual rides. Tell me eg. 1250gs rider, when was last time you rode your bike to the post office? I ride my 500x every single time, my car is used ONLY for every 10 times I use 500x

@DSR1YT

11 ай бұрын

Being a GSA rider myself with only one car in the house. I use my bike for post runs. Shop runs. Going to dealers and everything in between. But I agree I may be an exception. 😁. The 500x is a decent bike though. Not trying to take away from this bike 🤙

@chrishart8548

9 ай бұрын

​@@DSR1YTsad but I find it much easier to take the car. The key is always in my pocket and I just jump in and go.. the bike involves locks getting it out of the garage. Boots helmet gloves jacket.

Back in the day I rode a Honda CB400N Superdream for a couple of years. Rated at 43 BHP it was no slouch and even toured well with passenger and camping gear etc. easily sitting at the legal limit with plenty in hand. We do seem obsessed these days with tech and power, sometimes it’s refreshing to go back to basics and appreciate just being on two wheels.

@DSR1YT

11 ай бұрын

All the tech you can think of and more, with BHP over 200 seems to be the bench mark for a top tier bike these days. Less tech sometimes mean you can just enjoy the ride, that’s why i liked my HD nothing but ABS and at slower speeds you got to see the scenery rather than blasting past it.

@papachis9535

11 ай бұрын

Absolutely correct about the CB400N. Two-up was no problem. Sufficient power. Can’t see how the CB500X wouldn’t work.

@mart7798

11 ай бұрын

@@papachis9535 you've forgotten that 'back in the day' none of the bikes were governed in any way.everythings euro 4 or 5 or 6 or whatever now.bikes are strangled by their emissions!

@papachis9535

11 ай бұрын

@@mart7798 That, my good friend, is probably very true, although engine efficiency has also improved somewhat I would guess. I would be extremely interested to know the comparison at the back wheel between a CB400N and a CB500X. Do you know how we could find out? You’ve got me thinking!

@mart7798

11 ай бұрын

@@papachis9535 matt could do a video on new and old bikes of an equivalent sized engine to see whats what. New stuff is fuel injected aswell,carbs are not as efficient,even electronic ignition over points would make a difference aswell id imagine.

I brought a 2023 in gunpowder black Matt. Love the finish of it feels quality. So far left it stock I actually like it that way although I do intend to fit knuckle guards and a centre stand. A real joy to ride and feels fast to me certainly no slouch.

@DSR1YT

9 ай бұрын

Good choice in colour, we get carried away sometimes when looking at buying new bikes with all their tech, HP and high price tag. we sometimes forget to check out some of the lower tier bikes because they are just as fun as the big bikes but usually half the price tag. Enjoy the 500x mate.

Love my 2022 green one, ex ST1300 owner so it is not necessarily a bike for newbies. Rode my first bike at 10 & am now 76. For me it does everything & I find the brakes OK. Paid £6900 for mine so a bargain I reckon.

@DSR1YT

11 ай бұрын

a bargain indeed mate. Ride safe.

Good video, you forgot to mention the ABS system though. Two thumbs up.

@DSR1YT

9 ай бұрын

Not quite sure what I missed out about the ABS? All bikes past 2016 have to have ABS by law in the UK and its not cornering ABS, this is why I didn't mention anything to do with it :)

Excellente vidéo, je suis allé l'essayer cette après midi et j'en tire les mêmes conclusions que toi, il est parfait pour moi, maniable, pas trop puissant, ça évite de se faire des frayeurs et il est confortable. Je vais le commander en noir avec le top case et la béquille centrale. Je t'ai écris en français car je ne suis pas très doué avec la langue de shakespeare😄, j'espère que tu pourras traduire. Je m'abonne et longue vie à ta chaine

@DSR1YT

10 ай бұрын

Google translate has done you well Thierry :). Thanks for subbing and nice to see you in the comments section. Good choice with this bike, enjoy it and ride safe.

Had one of these for just over a year. It certainly is a competent commuter bike and frugal with it. It's just so mind boggling boring. Hoping to get rid of it very soon. Good first bike though or commuting duties. Tom mention the screen, it does keep the weather off. But it's the lack of wind blast which makes it dull too.

@DSR1YT

11 ай бұрын

Can’t have it all 🤣. What’s next on the cards ?

@jimmyjam8795

11 ай бұрын

Wouldn't mind Yamaha xsr900, but if Royal Enfield sort themselves out and launch Himalayan 450cc and Scrambler (Sherpa) 650 and I test ride them and they are good as my Interceptor was, I'll order both.

I have a 2023 model. I bought a windscreen extender. Worth every penny. And the only negative I have to say about the bike is it's low gearing. At least 6th gear should be a LOT taller. 70mph is almost 6000rpm....the engine is screaming.

@DSR1YT

8 ай бұрын

A small issue for a decent priced bike I recon.

This is my point exactly with these smaller less powerful bikes.i find you use them more often and have more fun on them.taking my sdr out is fun,but a calculated thing.whereas my drz i will ride in any conditions.for me i think the future is smaller more useable stuff.i know you wont agree but i watched lamb chops review on the ktm smt890 and that looks like hell of a tool.not the 1st good review ive heard either. Good review mate,considering there isnt much to talk about!👍

@DSR1YT

11 ай бұрын

I actually do agree mate 😁. We have litre + bikes with over 200bhp which in reality we only need to use the 1st gear because they go motorway speeds. Most of us won’t get the most out of these bikes unless on track, which most people won’t do. There is certainly something to be said about having a smaller engine, using all of its capabilities and still keeping your licence at the end of the ride. If I had friends who lived close by and we all hand Honda Groms (125cc) we’d probably end up having more fun than others on big bikes. Just my 10 pence 🤣.

@mart7798

11 ай бұрын

@@DSR1YT if you had friends full stop you mean!🤣

@DSR1YT

11 ай бұрын

Rude. I thought we were pen pals. Clearly I was mistaken.

@mart7798

11 ай бұрын

@@DSR1YT cor,i remember pen pals from back in the day!i think we're brothers from another mother!thats much bettrr!🤣

@DSR1YT

11 ай бұрын

So, not sister from another mister?

I was looking at these a couple of years back along with the KTM 390 Adv. In the end I bought a barely used Tracer 7

@DSR1YT

10 ай бұрын

The tracer 7 still going strong ?

@StonkerOnTheRoad

10 ай бұрын

@@DSR1YT Yep, still have it. I have been to Portugal and Romania on it since too.

@DSR1YT

10 ай бұрын

@@StonkerOnTheRoad Great effort, hopefully next year will be the time for me to start going abroad on the bike, for now ive got to put up with Wales :)

@StonkerOnTheRoad

10 ай бұрын

Great when it's not raining. I have just bought a Tiger 1200 too!

@DSR1YT

10 ай бұрын

@@StonkerOnTheRoad again a great choice, ive just tested the 1200 rally pro and GT explorer. Rally pro video is out and im just working on the GT explorer video as we speak. 🤙

That’s the first time I’ve ever heard anybody complain about the brakes.

@DSR1YT

11 ай бұрын

So, because you’ve not heard anyone complain about them it negates my complaint about them?

Mate of mine has this and got an exhaust that dropped 2kg off the bike and looks way nicer

@DSR1YT

10 ай бұрын

Making it an even better bike 🤙🤙

What? Do poms really measure fuel consumption as "miles per litre"???!!! I thought I was mixed up because I have a 30 litre tank, get about 550kms per tank (ie: metric) yet I measure fuel consumption in mpg (imperial). Don't ask me why -- just do. However, you guys add a whole new level! 😄😄😄😄 Great review of a good, honest bike.

@mart7798

11 ай бұрын

We measure in miles per gallon as far as i was aware.

@DSR1YT

11 ай бұрын

I like to keep people on their toes. Make sure they are taking it all in properly 😁. On Hondas website they give the fuel consumption in km per litre. Easy to convert over 🤣.

@DSR1YT

11 ай бұрын

Zoes told me off for crossing over between mpg and kmpl 😁

@couttsy222

11 ай бұрын

@@DSR1YT All good -- I'm bilingual, can speak in mpg or l/100km (Australia's weird standard) or even km/l but you had me going at 7:25 with miles per litre!!! 🤣😂🤣

@flippy66

11 ай бұрын

What's more "honest" about this bike than any other? Curious what you mean by an object being "honest".

Looks like you have the screen at the lowest setting? Englishbikerdan described the throttle as snatchy, but I suspected that was his technique 🤣

@DSR1YT

11 ай бұрын

I tried the screen on different heights to see how it was. Maybe Dan has very aggressive wrist action :)

@the.communist

11 ай бұрын

Throttle is snatchy in 1st gear

@DSR1YT

11 ай бұрын

Each to their own.

@jimmyjam8795

11 ай бұрын

Throttle is not snatch at all, maybe mine is just different!

@findingneutral

11 ай бұрын

​@@the.communistSame here 💯. I've got a 21 and its always snatched. A buddy bought a 2022 with a claimed remap for more smoothness in the throttle... but nope, still snatchy. Quick edit... the bit of throttle snatch by no means is a dig against this great bike. There are worse problems out there on other bikes. And really, who cares if I'm not out doing low speed maneuvers, which I'm not. Coming up on 8k and 2 years absolutely trouble-free ownership.

A butty off mine rides the 2018 version it’s his second bike it goes really well came back to south Wales from Birmingham he went up the old roads it will cruise at 70 no problem and he get 80 + on average to the gallon ,what more do you need it’s practical lightweight reliable, bit lighter than his big Yamaha cruiser that’s 1800 or 1900 cc and very heavy

@flippy66

11 ай бұрын

Do you mean "buddy of"?

@DSR1YT

11 ай бұрын

Indeed, this will tick many boxes for riders out there. We don’t always need big CC bikes to have fun :)

@martinhughes9769

11 ай бұрын

@flippy5118 , No its Butty , in Wales it's Butty not the American turm buddy 😉

@DSR1YT

11 ай бұрын

Ah the old welsh making up their own words again aye :)

@martinhughes9769

11 ай бұрын

@DSR1YT don't think so Boyo

hows the throttle? Some of the smaller Hondas tend to suffer from a on-off throttle due to the mapping... is this another one of those bikes?

@DSR1YT

11 ай бұрын

No issues with the throttle on this model.

@adam346

11 ай бұрын

@@slein82 very nice. I got a bead on one and I am contemplating picking it up as a sort of "every-day" bike.

@DSR1YT

11 ай бұрын

You honestly can’t go wrong with this as a simple easy bike to ride that you know will have great reliability.

I get 200 miles range on my ktm duke fully loaded with camping kit 65 mpg there’s no need to have a big bike if you are touring you are mainly looking at the vistas anyway

@DSR1YT

11 ай бұрын

It’s not always about having the newest shiny toy to have fun on. Sometimes it’s the older or smaller bikes that give us the most fun.

@jimmyjam8795

11 ай бұрын

If my CB500X only doing 65mpg,I would assume it was leaking fuel or had a blocked air filter. 😂

@3:20 why would you weave the bike in the outside lane, with an oncoming car too, when there’s nothing in the inside lane?

@DSR1YT

11 ай бұрын

I’ve stayed in my lane without crossing any lines. Whether there is a car coming towards me or not I’ve not put myself or anyone in any danger. Clearly you don’t know the road like I do, the left lane is to go left only just up ahead and the right lane is to go straight and right. So I needed to be in the right lane.

@davidmatthews3093

11 ай бұрын

@@DSR1YTYou weren’t being considerate towards the car driver at all!

@jimmyjam8795

11 ай бұрын

I ride all year round, cars drivers are a real issue. So I say who cares what drivers think.

It makes the Hornet look even better value.

@DSR1YT

11 ай бұрын

I’m yet to ride the hornet. Zoe managed to do the review the other month. I’ll make sure I get on it and see how it compares. 🤙

@flippy66

11 ай бұрын

That implies that this costs too much. They're both good value, but have very different intentions. Value isn't only based on power.

@davidmatthews3093

11 ай бұрын

But it’s not. They’re two very different bikes. The Hornet lacks so much that the 500X offers.

@jimmyjam8795

11 ай бұрын

Don't forget that the new Hornet is on its release price. Its bound to increase like they all do.

and CBR 500R.

@DSR1YT

6 ай бұрын

My back can’t handle sports bike anymore, ill stick with the CB500x for now 😀

This seems like the perfect bike until you see that for 10 quid a month extra on pcp which is what everyone does now gets you the transalp so you may as well have that instead 👍

@DSR1YT

11 ай бұрын

When you put it like that i know which one id go for. But if you can’t afford that £10 extra this is a great choice for an easy bike to ride.

@jimmyjam8795

11 ай бұрын

All depends if you want a bike you can thrash to death and still get 90 mpg, or one that you can't.

@chrishart8548

9 ай бұрын

That's why pcp is such an awful idea. Obviously the final payment to keep the transalp will be much more. But if giving it back fill your boots... is the Africa twin another £10 a month on top of the transalp?

To me, 199kgs is a heavy bike.

@DSR1YT

11 ай бұрын

When thinking about some of the other bikes I review, HD Road Glide at 380kgs, this bike is pretty light. Weight is subjective. You’ll find it heavy but I find it light. 🤷🏻‍♂️😁

@chrishart8548

9 ай бұрын

It is but the cb500x really doesn't feel that heavy. It's very low even someone 5'7 can easily reach the floor. And it's very narrow vs a lot of adventure bikes.

7000 pounds 471cc bike cheap?🤔

@DSR1YT

11 ай бұрын

Again, when looking at the market and seeing what’s out there. There’s road bikes going for £28,000 and I can do the same speed and probably have 85% the same amount of fun on this bike over the £28k bike.

@jimmyjam8795

11 ай бұрын

It's a lot of bike for that money.

The "trick" of making motorcycle videos, is simply to learn to talk WITHOUT hand gestures. Should you find a police car following, you would get stopped for driving without due care!! This image is not good for new riders. HANDS on handlebars, that is why the bike has handle bars!! Ride safely, no swerving no hands waving like a windmill!

@mart7798

8 ай бұрын

Thats abit harsh!for all you know he may have an affliction that means he cant control his arms.shouldnt mock the afflicted,thats just rude!

@DSR1YT

8 ай бұрын

I talk with my hands, you're welcome to move past that fact. Ive yet to be pulled over for moving my hands, so I'll carry on thank you. Im not a riding instructor, im not asking people to do as I do, they'll decide for themselves how they ride. Do you still drive with your hands at the 10 & 2 position and pass the steering wheel through your hands? I doubt it. If I dont swerve how can I test out the 'flickability; of a bike to report back to you guys??

@mart7798

8 ай бұрын

@@DSR1YT thanks for taking the risks mate,so i dont have to.appreciate that!👍

@DSR1YT

8 ай бұрын

You stay safe mate. 😁🤙

All you need to know is the CB500X will be replaced by the NX500 in January 2024.

@DSR1YT

8 ай бұрын

Naughty 😁

@johndavy8801

7 ай бұрын

Could be some price reductions on the outgoing 2013 bikes in the showrooms if you not bothered about the latest trick.

@leeinwis

3 ай бұрын

See Steve , JohnD knows what's up .@@johndavy8801