2016 Honda CB500X Video Review
- Thread starter nick949
- Start date
Steve T
Well-Known Member
Nice work Nick 
As an owner of a 2020 model of this bike I can agree with all that you said in your commentary. About the only thing I could add would be in relation to the bikes "off piste" abilities.
Having taken this little machine over graded forest trails and the occasional lumpier section of dirt, my thoughts are that its OK on the former but the later requires the bike to be raised at least another inch. I made & fitted a sump guard and because of the large catalytic converter under the engine, the guard hangs a lot lower than I'd like. Its low mounted position has led to some rock/metal interface encounters that I really wasn't expecting. All this on a newer model that has an extra inch of ground clearance over the original 500X due to its 19" front wheel and raised rear ride height!
I was hoping to take the CB south this year and clatter about the Yorkshire Dales trails on it. Seems like the only good thing to come out of the C19 lock-down is the fact that I only rode the bike off piste up here and found its limitations. If I'd have tried Dodd Fell on it, the story would have had a much diferent end . . . probably
I can and have compared the 500X directly with my 1998 600 Transalp because to my simple mind they each represent the bottom of Hondas dual use range of bikes for their respective periods. The afore mentioned ground clearance issue for lumpier sections of non tar riding outings is not one that the Alp shares - 21" front and MUCH longer suspension = plenty of ground clearance.
Add to that the sensory difference when riding the Alp (V-twin engine) compared to the 500X (parralell twin engine) and, for me at least, the Alp is a keeper.
I can compare the 500X engine to another bike in my garage with the same engine configuration - BMs F800GS, and for me, when comparing one to the other, the F8GS engine has a sound and a "feel" about it that the 500X engines doesn't.
All the above are, of course, subjective observations based on my use & ownership, others may have a different "feel" for their 500X. Me though - I've just put the 500X up for sale on Gumtree.
Just my ramblings.
Steve T
As an owner of a 2020 model of this bike I can agree with all that you said in your commentary. About the only thing I could add would be in relation to the bikes "off piste" abilities.
Having taken this little machine over graded forest trails and the occasional lumpier section of dirt, my thoughts are that its OK on the former but the later requires the bike to be raised at least another inch. I made & fitted a sump guard and because of the large catalytic converter under the engine, the guard hangs a lot lower than I'd like. Its low mounted position has led to some rock/metal interface encounters that I really wasn't expecting. All this on a newer model that has an extra inch of ground clearance over the original 500X due to its 19" front wheel and raised rear ride height!
I was hoping to take the CB south this year and clatter about the Yorkshire Dales trails on it. Seems like the only good thing to come out of the C19 lock-down is the fact that I only rode the bike off piste up here and found its limitations. If I'd have tried Dodd Fell on it, the story would have had a much diferent end . . . probably
I can and have compared the 500X directly with my 1998 600 Transalp because to my simple mind they each represent the bottom of Hondas dual use range of bikes for their respective periods. The afore mentioned ground clearance issue for lumpier sections of non tar riding outings is not one that the Alp shares - 21" front and MUCH longer suspension = plenty of ground clearance.
Add to that the sensory difference when riding the Alp (V-twin engine) compared to the 500X (parralell twin engine) and, for me at least, the Alp is a keeper.
I can compare the 500X engine to another bike in my garage with the same engine configuration - BMs F800GS, and for me, when comparing one to the other, the F8GS engine has a sound and a "feel" about it that the 500X engines doesn't.
All the above are, of course, subjective observations based on my use & ownership, others may have a different "feel" for their 500X. Me though - I've just put the 500X up for sale on Gumtree.
Just my ramblings.
Steve T
Rubberchicken
Well-Known Member
There is the Rally Raid kit, ofcourse... If you want to make it no longer a cheap & cheerful bike.
Philwhiskeydrinker
Well-Known Member
So Steve, reading between the lines, you think it's a bit boring or lacks character then?
I occasionally ponder these when in reality I should un- bury and blow the cobwebs off the Transalp & get it back on the road....
Sent from my SM-A320FL using Tapatalk
I occasionally ponder these when in reality I should un- bury and blow the cobwebs off the Transalp & get it back on the road....
Sent from my SM-A320FL using Tapatalk
nick949
Well-Known Member
You'll notice I didn't delve into such issues as character as I was borrowing the bike from a friend. To be perfectly honest, while I found the CB500x very capable and pleasant to ride, it was lacking that magic ingredient.
Nick
I've only ever had a 500X as a loan bike while my Tranny was being serviced. Capable, and usefully lighter than the Tranny, but a bit, well, 'white goods' if you see what I mean. It's an appliance rather than a bike.
The NC700 (never tried the 750) did at least have a little bit of character to it. The 500, not so much (or at all... ).
In my view, anyway.
The NC700 (never tried the 750) did at least have a little bit of character to it. The 500, not so much (or at all... ).
In my view, anyway.