Excellent detailed and well produced review.!! I ride 95% on road with my 2018 CB500X, and found the OEM dunlop tyres ( made in thailand) to be rubbish in the wet.Stuck a set of Michelin road fives on and the handling of the bike has been totally transformed both in the wet and dry. I am now a very happy chappie and average 80 mpg.
Obviously both bikes don’t aim to the same level. But, it’s good to see from the owner experience how far/close (in off road terms) is the Honda CB500X after the Rally Raid upgrade from the Yamaha Tenere 700 Rally edition. Both of them are great bikes. Thanks!
Just bought a used 2014 RR....these videos helped a lot with the decision. T7’s are almost unattainable now since they’re new to market in the USA. New to ADV and this should be a great starter bike and used prices make it a real bargain for capability.
Excellent detailed review Sven, super helpful! As a short lady rider who does more road than off road I am going with the Honda, more comfortable and perfectly fine for my gentle riding style 🤗 I had been looking at the Himalayan but have now swerved to the Honda with a lower seat and custom built up boots for an extra inch of leg length 😆
Sven, Thank you so much. We been waiting for this review since you bought the Tenere. Lot's of good information. Tenere better off-road but maybe the honda better handling on-road !! Cheers 👍
Hi Sven, of course I'm going to see the next videos as well. After riding a BMW R1100GS back in the 90s I simply felt in love with the Ténéré 700 RallyEdition and bought it. My 2nd candidate, a BMW F850 GS Adventure, didn't made it as well as any other bike. I'll continue to consume your channel and asked my dealer to install a 95 Nm rear spring to fit to my weight, based on a lot of great information and reviews like you are doing. Greetings from 🇩🇪 and safe rides, Bernd
Very useful video, each detail reviewed and compared that's perfect. I chose the Honda because offroad had become an exception for me and I have another more specialized bike for harder offroad use.
Exactly the comparison I’ve been looking for. I’m still trying to decide but, leaning towards the Honda RR. I’m 60 now and broke my right arm pretty badly last August, it’s probably never going to be the same. I’m fearful the T700 will lead to the temptation to go fast off-road. Thanks Sven!
Thanks! I expected the weight difference to be greater for some reason. After a year of ownership it will be interesting to get your feedback on the two bikes.
@@ronboe6325 not just that. The cbx500 is better on the road seat is wider much less top heavy. If someone never went off road the T7 would make no sense to own.
Beautiful the two machines !. I prefer the Yamaha, I see it more complete and stronger. I was struck by the Honda spoke rims that did not come from the factory. Where did you get them? Comparative video gram, very complete and detailed. I have a criticism: the video has no translation options! Everything else very good !. Greetings from Santa Fe, Argentina !. I just subscribed!
Just a fantastic, thorough and well-presented review, Swen, and I especially appreciated the chart you created toward the end. No matter which one a person ends up with, he or she will have an excellent bike, and I sure love that Tenere (although probably bigger than what I need). I love the CB 500 x, but at least in its stock form on the show room floor, the bent knee angle might be a problem for me--I know the Rally Raid upgrades might make the bike a bit taller which would lead to a more comfortable riding position, and I believe the Seat Comforts seat for the 500x helps, also. I am 185.42 cm tall, 81 kg in weight, and I have a 86 cm inseam. At 59, with a bit of an achey right knee, bent knee riding would not work for long! I sat on a KTM 390 Adventure yesterday, and that was better than the 500x, although the seat on the KTM was hard and had sharp edges, so the Honda wins on seat comfort. I don't know about KTM's reliability vs a Honda, but the KTM is also quite a bit lighter by 21.3 kg, so that was nice, too. So many good bikes to choose from and both the 500x and Tenere are great choices. Stay healthy and ride safe!
Thanks, the Rally Raid upgrade does not help knee angel, you will have to buy a higher seat or lower the pegs to help that. I was hoping for someone to make lower pegs which is sturdy enough for off roading (where all your weight may be placed on one peg at a time). A lower peg would also make the CB500X better to ride while standing. I have seen some lower pegs in the market but reportedly seems not to be sturdy enough to carry your weight in rough off road conditions.
My second view of this very thorough review, thank you. Now I’m wondering what you would make of the new Triumph Tiger 900 - the Rally Pro for you I’d guess. But why would you want to change from the Tenere?
Great comparison 👏 video with all the relevant info well done 👍Your bikes look nice and clean maybe you could show us your cleaning procedure.Idea for a video 👍
As always a Very Precise and Detailed Review Sven. So do you own Both bikes now ?. If ever i want Detailed reviews i head over to see what you have to talk about. Have you ever done a review if your Counties best Alcohol , now that would be a winner if you do a n online drinking session with Sven . Well keep on doing what your doing because its BRILLIANT.
Wow, I didn’t expect the price difference to be that large. A benefit for me is that I own another bike that has the same engine as the CB500X, so I have the tools already.
The CB stands for city bike. Where as the XT stands for Extra Trail . So they are really 2 very different bikes from the beginning. Alot of modifications are needed for the Honda.
Thnx for your information about the t 700, for many years i drove xt 500 and xt 600 and the latest 5 years a xt 660 which i want to keep for the short rides and because its 1 cilinder. I hope the set for lowering the bike wille be enough , its suite for the xt 660 for me. I am 172 cm . Acording to the documentation the seat hight is the same , xt 660 and t 700. This because i realy like the original rally seat with yamaha on it. Also the blue color is super.
Hi Sven, I love your videos! I know you switched back to the CB500x! I need your advice :-). I am 183 cm and 100kg and I have a 2014 CB500x , I was going to rally raid it to level 3 and then realised with costs etc, it might be better for me to just get a Tenere 700 XC. With my height and weight, do you think I should stick with CB500x and upgrade it or move for T700? Thanks!
If you are able to lift the Tenere and you are going to do some off road I would choose the Tenere 700. Maybe you could find a used one ? No need to pimp the Tenere a lot, probably only change the rear spring to suit your weight. It is too weak for you.
Brilliant. Thank you Sven for this detailed comparison. I was debating on whether to upgrade my current Honda CB500X 2017 or sell it and get the T7. I think I will stick to upgrading the Honda now as I can't see myself doing any high technical stuff. I just want to be able to go off road when the situations arises. The only worry is now: Might my Honda that already has 41K on the clock be too old for the upgrade? Is it worth it? (The bike has never had any problems. Engine still ticking like on day one! :) ) Maybe sell this one and get a newer model and do the upgrade then.
41k is nothing :-) It will run and run and run. If you only occasionally goes off road I would stick to the CB500X unless you feel you need more power on the paved roads.
Sven, excellent video! I’ve been hoping that you would do a comparison of these two bikes. I own a 2019 Rally-Raid CB500x level 2. I noticed also that you have the Mitas E07 tires on the Honda, how would you rate them vs the TKC80’s?
The Mitas is great everywhere except where it is muddy. TKC-80 is better in muddy conditions, has better grip on wet tarmac but has not as good longevity as the Mitas.
Hei Sven! Jeg liker videoene dine, veldig nyttig innhold🤓. Jeg skal kjøpe selv Honda CB500x 2022 modell og det skal være min første motorsykel🤗. Jeg lurte på om hvor fant du Rally Ride skid plate og Barkbuster håndbeskytter i Norge? Der er viktig å beskytte ny motorsykel siden jeg har lite erfaring😆 Med vennlig hilsen Jovica
Hi , i tried the tenere but i found that , my right leg was always tutching the clutch / enginge , and that is a deal breaker for me , Imagine the heat on that right leg when going though lets say africa , and i found the build quaily bad , bolts sticking out on top of tank , and the seat hmm not a fan , and the dogbone under the engine didt get alot of beeting when getting stuck on a log/stone .. tenere are way overpriced here in Denmark but its a beautifull bike
I have not noticed that issue with the clutch cover as any problem, bolts sticking out is about taste, does not bother me at all. I think it is a bit too early to judge the build quality, where the most important is corrosion or parts breaking. The engine is very reliable we know. The ground clearance is very good and I doubt traversing lodges will be something I do very often or something of an issue. What about the seat you mention...not a fan? Why ? What bike would you recommend ?
@@thetubelesschannel there is already some corrosion reports on the spokes on the wheels , .. its always a matter of taste on bikes , but here in Denmark, the tenere are so overpriced and not Worth the Money IMO. And I find that the the CB 500x would be a Better choice with rally raid installed .. but still its a individuel.. the tenere are beautifull but the right leg against the engine are no go for me .. i would prefer the CB 500x .
@@chris-s its surprises me that the Tenere is so overpriced in Denmark, in Norway it is considered as a "cheap" bike, a lot bike for the money. Same as the CB500X. Corrosion of the spokes is of course bad, I will have them on my special watch list in the future :-) Cb500X is a great choice, a bike I was very happy with. Great quality.
Hey Sven, thanks for the video! What would be the best around the world bike from your perspective - CB500x or T7? and how better is T7's suspension compared to RR CB500x? is it marginally better or significantly better?
For world around I would ride the CB500X....better fuel range, lighter, probably easier to get serviced...the T7 suspension has longer travel and the fork is a lot better..(USD). CB has a conventional fork (cheaper)
Thanks much Sven......very helpful and timely indeed. One question: given the Honda’s lesser ground clearance, have you noticed a significant difference in bottoming out the suspension between the stock set up and the subsequent Rally Raid system when off road?
I didnt ride the bike hard offroad before I upgraded the suspension. But I have never bottomed out the upgraded one. And have done some very bumpy tracks with it.
*Outstanding video* , Sven! Thorough and clear comparison of the two bikes, both modified as an enthusiast (with the cash) would modify them, and the bottom-line cost of the 2 bikes after those modifications. It makes me wonder why there are no power mod kits offered (that I know of) for the CB500X in the after-market. Maybe Honda will launch a mini Africa Twin next year?
Thanks, there are rumors about a 800 cc Africa Twin as you may know. Probably Honda is looking to Yamaha success with the T7, I only hope they dont hype it for three long years as Yamaha did. And I want a lighter bike than the T7 and CB500X. Max 170 kg :-)
@@thetubelesschannel - Yes! A lighter bike with the same handling and travel potential. I can't imagine such a bike coming from a Big 4 Japanese manufacturer, though. Maybe KTM?
Thank you Sven. Intuitively i thought they would be your conclusions. As much as i like the CB500X, if you could only have one bike for where you live and ride i think the Yamaha suits you better. Cheers.
Sven, i`m contemplating doing a riding tour of Norway and lofoten this summer. Can you suggest some companies that rent motorcycles in Sweden and Norway as I would be coming from the U.S.? Please feel free to answer in Norwegian if easier . . . My wife speaks both (Swede who lived and worked in Oslo for 15 yrs). Tx
Hi, sorry I cannot recommend any of them as I have not heard any feedback from any costumers. I dont know about any specific either just google "motorcycle rental Norway" and you will find some who might help you :-)
Thank you Sven, very good information, I am trying to decide between a Honda CB500X or a NC750X, do you have any experience with the NC750X?. Your English is very good by the way. Gary from Australia.
I sold the VFR800 after 19yrs and bought a second hand CB500R, the 500X has similar on road performance to the R and F. I now have an NC750X it is better as a commuter bike, everyday bike and touring bike on road. The 500X has longer range by about 70 klms and the 500X is an Adventure Bike. The 750X is about $1800 more (Australian Dollars). If you want an adventure bike the 500X. The 750 is the better choice for anything else. If the cost is the main factor get the 500X.
@@tonyross5799 Thanks Tony, I see now Honda has stopped importing the NC750. Not enough sales. There are only a few new ones in stock. The new 2021 CB500X is now arriving. Not sure now which to get??? Maybe a 2nd hand NC750X is the way to go. Thanks for your input. Gary.
Hi Sven! I had F800gs and in this year I switched to cb500x. The cb suspension I found bad, esoecially the rear (the seat). F8 was excellent. You say in the vídeo that the cb is more comfortable Than teneré, but you changed the cb suspension set. question: did this change give Much more confort to the cb? I Think teneré should be more comfortable than cb, because the suspension course and the proposal.
The suspension upgrade was done to improve handling offroad...not for comfort. The comfort is much related to seat, windscreen, reach to controls and handlebars, knee angle and things like that. I think the CB was a bit more comfortable while seated but not when standing. But the new suspension also made the CB a bit more comfortable than it was before upgrading, thats a bonus.
Where did you get the brake and ABS discs for the 2nd set of wheels and do you by any chance remember the part numbers? I'm considering getting these myself.
Hi Sven, I am currently in Laos and rented a CB 500X...I really enjoy the bike! I have a T7 as well that O was supposed to drive to Asia so it's game overm now thinking to go to South America with my son and 2 CB500X...what would you recommend to do on the bike before leaving? Lighter exhaust, lithium battery...anything else? What about luggages? Hard cases or soft ones? Thabks for yr help and advices. Cheers
I would go for all things making your bike and luggage as light weight as possible. Soft luggage, lithium battery, lighter exhaust is good ideas. Tires with great longevity...and also good for gravel. You will probably hit some gravel roads :-) Tire puncture repair kit....air compressor/pump.
@@thetubelesschannel super! Thanks Sven, really appreciated 👍 would you have any recommend brand and models for luggages, battery, exhaust and tyres? What about bike protection for engine and fragile exposed parts? Tak!
I think you will get some ideas here: ua-cam.com/play/PLedv7y5AwppxwtW7EK6ZYKd75jbSj16EN.html If you want it really light, go for the Giant Loop Coyote or the Great Basin bag. Scorpion Serket Pro muffler, Shido LTZ8V battery, Rally Raid Products engine guard and Mitas E07 tyre. For a long ride through the wilderness the engine guard plus some decent hand guards like the Barkbusters is enough. Adding more protection also adds weight and is not needed. Expect a lot of scratches to the bike ;-) The plastic is replaceable.
Very nice review Mr Olsen! Might I ask what your height is? I'm around 1.7m and I'm fearing that the Tenere is too high for me especially at red lights.
I am motorcycle begginer . I thinking just about two bikes Cb500x and T700. What do you think Is better for me ? Buy Cb500x or T700 reduce on 35kw and when I got some skill open IT on full Power ? Thanks for answers
Tenere is more more better and you have all from factory. CB 500x from factory is a bit low cost bike...Tenere is the best choice when U compare price and value what U get.
I am thinking it depends on what you will use your bike for. If you want to do a lot offroad I would choose the Tenere and "open it" to full power later. But just remember it is a tall bike with the weight higher up than the Honda...if you are short, the Honda is a better beginners bike.
@@jakubkrejsek1622 yes the Honda is low cost but build quality and finish is superior. I would say a bit better than the Yamaha (which also is a "low cost" bike to be competitive in its market segment)
I see you have what appears to be the Yamaha tool box mounted to the skid plate. There seems to be little info on this part other than a photo on the Yamaha accessory parts list. Can you comment on its usefullness and design. The standard underseat toolkit here in Canada is quite small and this toolbox seems quite large in comparison
Yes I have already moved the OEM toolkit from under the seat to the toolbox plus the Motion Pro Trail Tool Kit. Still a lot space for other tools. Maybe the thinner OEM tubes or at least one of them will fit in addition. Going to use heavy duty tubes in my next tires, and save the OEM thinner ones for backup. I think it will be useful. It is designed to be flush with skid plate at its bottom, but it protrudes forward. No problem other than the looks of it. It is lockable and made very solid.
@@thetubelesschannel - Then your wife must buy your clothes! :-) As for Té-né-ré, it's *three syllables* , and pasting the word "Ténéré" into Forvo[dot]com gives the correct French pronunciation
Handling on road is about equally good, the Honda slightly better when it comes to seated comfort agility and turn radius. But if most of your commuting is on higher speed roads I would go for the Tenere.
Sven Olsen thanks a lot Sven that's really insightful! Interesting to know the Yamaha can keep up in terms of agility! By the way, in my experience my cb500x can cruise at 6,000rpm at 130kph and normally that's how I travel long distances. However I heard that the Yamaha has really short gearing so what is a comfortable cruising speed for the tenere, and I wonder if the rpms are lower at those speeds?
@@KimCruz1 just been out on a stretch where it safe to do a short test. At 130 kph (on the GPS, 140 on the speedo) the rpm of The Tenere is about 6200. Not very buzzy taken into account its a 2-cylinder bike.
No I did not want the 16 teeth front sprocket as the gearing would be better for highway but not for off-road. An other disadvantage would be that the speedometer would show incorrect values and that the 16 teeth sprocket would made very little clearance between chain at front sprocket and the surrounding metal. Many switched to 16 teeth has went back to 15.
How did you come to the conclusion that the Tenere’s rear spring was to soft for you? Just reading other peoples opinions online or did you actually come to the conclusion yourself, and if so, in what kind of riding did you notice it was too soft?
UA-cam is wonderful, there is some great videos explaining the suspension of The Tenere where suspension experts concludes that the rear spring is to weak. Reason for me to watch them is that I wasn't happy with the rear, too hard over the smaller bumps. The explanation is that the bike sags so much over the weak spring that it works in the harder part of the linkage construction (progressiveness is built in to it that's why they use a linear spring not a progressive one). So a harder spring makes the suspension work in the upper stroke of the shock. After the change the bike is noticeable better.
@@thetubelesschannel - "...the linkage construction (progressiveness is built in to it that's why they use a linear spring not a progressive one)." Excellent point-out! I had never read of this before. Thanks for the engineering detail, Sven.
Useless to compare these two bikes. Try each and buy the one that you like. The T7 will be better than the Honda most of the time. There is some tuning and customization to do on each bike to adapt it to you and your use.
Agree one should try both before buying, but it may not easy to find a CB500X 2019 with full Rally Raid kit. I think that's why many has asked for a comparison.
![CB500X vs Tenere 700 - should I swap my Honda for the Yamaha? [QuickTest#2]](/img/n.gif)
Excellent detailed and well produced review.!! I ride 95% on road with my 2018 CB500X, and found the OEM dunlop tyres ( made in thailand) to be rubbish in the wet.Stuck a set of Michelin road fives on and the handling of the bike has been totally transformed both in the wet and dry. I am now a very happy chappie and average 80 mpg.
Michelin Road 5 is great tires !
I prefer the Yamaha because is better to ride on-off road and the engine is very strong. Greettings from Brazil.
isso
For my own needs I feel I would be quite happy with the Honda. Lower, comfier seat, and plenty of motor for my own needs, plus very efficient
Obviously both bikes don’t aim to the same level. But, it’s good to see from the owner experience how far/close (in off road terms) is the Honda CB500X after the Rally Raid upgrade from the Yamaha Tenere 700 Rally edition. Both of them are great bikes. Thanks!
Thanks man.. it was a good comparison... I'm happy I just bought myself a 500x..
Great comparison, I already have CB500X as my first bike. Inspired to upgrade for off-road use!
Thanks, it is great for off-road with better suspension and tires.
@@thetubelesschannel Jag hörde att 2022 modellen har ett bättre stötdämpare. Räcker det med det eller?
Just bought a used 2014 RR....these videos helped a lot with the decision. T7’s are almost unattainable now since they’re new to market in the USA. New to ADV and this should be a great starter bike and used prices make it a real bargain for capability.
Great choice...then you may also have some money left for some upgrades to adopt the bike for you exact needs :-) Happy riding.
Very nice comparison, I would choose the Tenere without a doubt, nice to see the differences.
Thank you Mr.Olsen as always a very informative video.I do own a standard cb 500 x 2019 model.
Great bike ! Thanks
Excellent detailed review Sven, super helpful! As a short lady rider who does more road than off road I am going with the Honda, more comfortable and perfectly fine for my gentle riding style 🤗 I had been looking at the Himalayan but have now swerved to the Honda with a lower seat and custom built up boots for an extra inch of leg length 😆
Thanks a lot. You have done a great choice, I loved my CB500X and the OEM bike suits lower riders better than the OEM Tenere.
Sven, Thank you so much.
We been waiting for this review since you bought the Tenere. Lot's of good information. Tenere better off-road but maybe the honda better handling on-road !!
Cheers 👍
I was waiting for it too. Thanks Sven!
Thanks and cheers :-) Glad you liked it!
Thanks :-)
Hi Sven, of course I'm going to see the next videos as well. After riding a BMW R1100GS back in the 90s I simply felt in love with the Ténéré 700 RallyEdition and bought it. My 2nd candidate, a BMW F850 GS Adventure, didn't made it as well as any other bike. I'll continue to consume your channel and asked my dealer to install a 95 Nm rear spring to fit to my weight, based on a lot of great information and reviews like you are doing. Greetings from 🇩🇪 and safe rides, Bernd
Cheers from Norway !
Very useful video, each detail reviewed and compared that's perfect.
I chose the Honda because offroad had become an exception for me and I have another more specialized bike for harder offroad use.
Thanks :-)
You did a great comparison ! Details,, Im really enjoy it !!
Stay Safe and Stay Healthy. Best wishes to you
from Cambodia
Thanks a lot and best wishes from me
This is my favorite UA-cam subscription!
Thank you for a great comparison video.
Thanks :-)
great video again, sven.Good valuable points.
Thanks
Thank You for Your comparison, thats great and very clear for people like me that english is third language.
Thanks for the feedback :-) Non native English speakers have to speak slower and that is probably better for other non natives :-)
Presented a very good analysis and explained each topic very well
Wonderfully detailed comparison, thank you for this Sven!
Thanks for watching :-)
Exactly the comparison I’ve been looking for. I’m still trying to decide but, leaning towards the Honda RR. I’m 60 now and broke my right arm pretty badly last August, it’s probably never going to be the same. I’m fearful the T700 will lead to the temptation to go fast off-road. Thanks Sven!
Yes the Yamaha is quite inviting offroad. It could lead you into tricky stuff if you dont hold back :-) The CB500X is more relaxed, lighter and lower.
Thanks! I expected the weight difference to be greater for some reason. After a year of ownership it will be interesting to get your feedback on the two bikes.
Well it's only around 5kg difference that's around 1/2 tank of fuel. If not even less. Would anyone notice that ?
@@chrishart8548 And it turns out to be a big difference - he sold the Tenere and bought back the CB500X.
@@ronboe6325 not just that. The cbx500 is better on the road seat is wider much less top heavy. If someone never went off road the T7 would make no sense to own.
Great, detailed comparison, Sven....thank you 🙏🏻😊
Veryyy good comparaison. Probably the first real one. Thanks !
Thanks :-)
Beautiful the two machines !. I prefer the Yamaha, I see it more complete and stronger. I was struck by the Honda spoke rims that did not come from the factory. Where did you get them? Comparative video gram, very complete and detailed. I have a criticism: the video has no translation options! Everything else very good !. Greetings from Santa Fe, Argentina !. I just subscribed!
Thanks, the spoked wheels for the Honda was bought from Rally Raid Products in UK
the Cb 500 x is my new bike. I'm having a great time. it has many advantages and very few defects. great little bike
Is it little? Are u sure?
I like this bikes both! I wanted to buy honda cb500x because lower price, but I dreaming about tenere 700 already 3 years😂
Follow you heart :-)
Interesting comparison, well done. My opinion is, that both are great. One cannot go wrong, really.
Agree !
Brilliant work again👏 very comprehensive review of those awesome bikes. Please keep the videos coming ☺️
Thanks :-)
Good informative video with practical information, no nonsense,enjoyed watching thanks .
Thanks :-)
Great comparison between the 2 bikes, either bike should suit most riders though the Honda is more easy on the wallet with the same excessories added.
Thanks
Great vid sven.i get my t700 rally edition in September from UK
Congrats :-)
Just a fantastic, thorough and well-presented review, Swen, and I especially appreciated the chart you created toward the end. No matter which one a person ends up with, he or she will have an excellent bike, and I sure love that Tenere (although probably bigger than what I need). I love the CB 500 x, but at least in its stock form on the show room floor, the bent knee angle might be a problem for me--I know the Rally Raid upgrades might make the bike a bit taller which would lead to a more comfortable riding position, and I believe the Seat Comforts seat for the 500x helps, also. I am 185.42 cm tall, 81 kg in weight, and I have a 86 cm inseam. At 59, with a bit of an achey right knee, bent knee riding would not work for long! I sat on a KTM 390 Adventure yesterday, and that was better than the 500x, although the seat on the KTM was hard and had sharp edges, so the Honda wins on seat comfort. I don't know about KTM's reliability vs a Honda, but the KTM is also quite a bit lighter by 21.3 kg, so that was nice, too. So many good bikes to choose from and both the 500x and Tenere are great choices. Stay healthy and ride safe!
Thanks, the Rally Raid upgrade does not help knee angel, you will have to buy a higher seat or lower the pegs to help that. I was hoping for someone to make lower pegs which is sturdy enough for off roading (where all your weight may be placed on one peg at a time). A lower peg would also make the CB500X better to ride while standing. I have seen some lower pegs in the market but reportedly seems not to be sturdy enough to carry your weight in rough off road conditions.
@@thetubelesschannel Thank you, Sven, for taking the time to respond--good advice!
My second view of this very thorough review, thank you. Now I’m wondering what you would make of the new Triumph Tiger 900 - the Rally Pro for you I’d guess. But why would you want to change from the Tenere?
Would love to try the new Tiger 900 Rally Pro :-) It has received very positive feedback.
Thank you Mr Olsen very informative video. My preference goes to the T-nérr but both are amazing machines
Thanks :-)
What an excellent comparison Sven! Many thanks!!
Thanks :-)
Great comparison 👏 video with all the relevant info well done 👍Your bikes look nice and clean maybe you could show us your cleaning procedure.Idea for a video 👍
Thanks, I may post a "cleaning" video. But the secret is simply to wash often...
Very nicely done. I found this video very informative and helpful. .... A big thumbs up. :-)
Thanks
As always a Very Precise and Detailed Review Sven.
So do you own Both bikes now ?.
If ever i want Detailed reviews i head over to see what you have to talk about.
Have you ever done a review if your Counties best Alcohol , now that would be a winner if you do a n online drinking session with Sven .
Well keep on doing what your doing because its BRILLIANT.
Thank you very much :-) I prefer the local brewed beer from a lot different places. Not an easy job to select the best one :-)
I don't think I would ever find a place that the Honda will not be great enough for my riding capability 👍
Same here :-)
Wow, I didn’t expect the price difference to be that large. A benefit for me is that I own another bike that has the same engine as the CB500X, so I have the tools already.
Great engine in those bikes !
🇳🇴👏🏁😊 great video. Bravo bravissimo, Sven.
Takk :-)
Thanks, Sven. Nice work. Richard
The CB stands for city bike. Where as the XT stands for Extra Trail . So they are really 2 very different bikes from the beginning. Alot of modifications are needed for the Honda.
That is correct...and also the other way....
Thnx for your information about the t 700, for many years i drove xt 500 and xt 600 and the latest 5 years a xt 660 which i want to keep for the short rides and because its 1 cilinder. I hope the set for lowering the bike wille be enough , its suite for the xt 660 for me. I am 172 cm . Acording to the documentation the seat hight is the same , xt 660 and t 700. This because i realy like the original rally seat with yamaha on it. Also the blue color is super.
The Rally seat looks very nice but it was sadly to high for me. Now my friend is enjoying it, he has just long enough legs to enjoy :-)
Hi Sven, I love your videos! I know you switched back to the CB500x! I need your advice :-). I am 183 cm and 100kg and I have a 2014 CB500x , I was going to rally raid it to level 3 and then realised with costs etc, it might be better for me to just get a Tenere 700 XC.
With my height and weight, do you think I should stick with CB500x and upgrade it or move for T700? Thanks!
If you are able to lift the Tenere and you are going to do some off road I would choose the Tenere 700. Maybe you could find a used one ? No need to pimp the Tenere a lot, probably only change the rear spring to suit your weight. It is too weak for you.
Brilliant. Thank you Sven for this detailed comparison. I was debating on whether to upgrade my current Honda CB500X 2017 or sell it and get the T7. I think I will stick to upgrading the Honda now as I can't see myself doing any high technical stuff. I just want to be able to go off road when the situations arises. The only worry is now: Might my Honda that already has 41K on the clock be too old for the upgrade? Is it worth it? (The bike has never had any problems. Engine still ticking like on day one! :) ) Maybe sell this one and get a newer model and do the upgrade then.
41k is nothing :-) It will run and run and run. If you only occasionally goes off road I would stick to the CB500X unless you feel you need more power on the paved roads.
totally agree
Thank you for this comparison review.
New subscriber!
Thanks :-)
What a great informative video, thank u!
Thanks for ur feedback :-)
Sven, excellent video! I’ve been hoping that you would do a comparison of these two bikes. I own a 2019 Rally-Raid CB500x level 2. I noticed also that you have the Mitas E07 tires on the Honda, how would you rate them vs the TKC80’s?
The Mitas is great everywhere except where it is muddy. TKC-80 is better in muddy conditions, has better grip on wet tarmac but has not as good longevity as the Mitas.
Hei Sven! Jeg liker videoene dine, veldig nyttig innhold🤓. Jeg skal kjøpe selv Honda CB500x 2022 modell og det skal være min første motorsykel🤗. Jeg lurte på om hvor fant du Rally Ride skid plate og Barkbuster håndbeskytter i Norge? Der er viktig å beskytte ny motorsykel siden jeg har lite erfaring😆
Med vennlig hilsen
Jovica
Hei jeg fant ikke i Norge men hos produsenten i UK. Rally Raid Products. Lykke til med ny 22 modell og takk for at du ser videoene mine ! Sven
@@thetubelesschannel Takk skal du ha Sven😊👍
Hi , i tried the tenere but i found that , my right leg was always tutching the clutch / enginge , and that is a deal breaker for me , Imagine the heat on that right leg when going though lets say africa , and i found the build quaily bad , bolts sticking out on top of tank , and the seat hmm not a fan , and the dogbone under the engine didt get alot of beeting when getting stuck on a log/stone .. tenere are way overpriced here in Denmark but its a beautifull bike
I have not noticed that issue with the clutch cover as any problem, bolts sticking out is about taste, does not bother me at all. I think it is a bit too early to judge the build quality, where the most important is corrosion or parts breaking. The engine is very reliable we know. The ground clearance is very good and I doubt traversing lodges will be something I do very often or something of an issue. What about the seat you mention...not a fan? Why ? What bike would you recommend ?
@@thetubelesschannel there is already some corrosion reports on the spokes on the wheels , .. its always a matter of taste on bikes , but here in Denmark, the tenere are so overpriced and not Worth the Money IMO. And I find that the the CB 500x would be a Better choice with rally raid installed .. but still its a individuel.. the tenere are beautifull but the right leg against the engine are no go for me .. i would prefer the CB 500x .
@@chris-s its surprises me that the Tenere is so overpriced in Denmark, in Norway it is considered as a "cheap" bike, a lot bike for the money. Same as the CB500X. Corrosion of the spokes is of course bad, I will have them on my special watch list in the future :-) Cb500X is a great choice, a bike I was very happy with. Great quality.
@@thetubelesschannel t700 in philippines is at USD 12.6k srp, 2021 cb500x 7.5k, huge disparity :(.
An excellent video thank you and take care
Thanks :-)
Thanks mstr Sven
Hello Sven, my t 700 rally will be delivered in okt,
Excellent comparison! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Thanks :-)
I would love to see what you could do with a DR650 and a $12,000 USD Budget. 😂 Not sure if the DR is sold there however. Great video!
:-) nor it is not sold here :-(
The Yamaha is the more superior bike. Riding it feels like it has 90hp not mid 70s
That's down to the low weight. With a lighter rider it's faster than a ktm790. 74hp 205kg vs 94hp 213kg
Excellent video
Ótima explicação parabéns pelo vídeo
Está em que país ?
Holanda
Hey Sven, thanks for the video! What would be the best around the world bike from your perspective - CB500x or T7? and how better is T7's suspension compared to RR CB500x? is it marginally better or significantly better?
For world around I would ride the CB500X....better fuel range, lighter, probably easier to get serviced...the T7 suspension has longer travel and the fork is a lot better..(USD). CB has a conventional fork (cheaper)
Thanks much Sven......very helpful and timely indeed.
One question: given the Honda’s lesser ground clearance, have you noticed a significant difference in bottoming out the suspension between the stock set up and the subsequent Rally Raid system when off road?
I didnt ride the bike hard offroad before I upgraded the suspension. But I have never bottomed out the upgraded one. And have done some very bumpy tracks with it.
@@thetubelesschannel
Thank you.
Sven, what mounting bar do you have for the auxiliary lights on the CBX?
No mounting bar at all.....they use GoPro adhesive mounts :-)
*Outstanding video* , Sven! Thorough and clear comparison of the two bikes,
both modified as an enthusiast (with the cash) would modify them, and the
bottom-line cost of the 2 bikes after those modifications. It makes me wonder
why there are no power mod kits offered (that I know of) for the CB500X in the
after-market. Maybe Honda will launch a mini Africa Twin next year?
Thanks, there are rumors about a 800 cc Africa Twin as you may know. Probably Honda is looking to Yamaha success with the T7, I only hope they dont hype it for three long years as Yamaha did. And I want a lighter bike than the T7 and CB500X. Max 170 kg :-)
@@thetubelesschannel - Yes! A lighter bike with the same handling and travel potential. I can't imagine such a bike coming from a Big 4 Japanese manufacturer, though. Maybe KTM?
@Black March - I didn't know that. What besides the fuel tank is titanium?
Thank you Sven. Intuitively i thought they would be your conclusions. As much as i like the CB500X, if you could only have one bike for where you live and ride i think the Yamaha suits you better. Cheers.
Cheers :-)
Sven, i`m contemplating doing a riding tour of Norway and lofoten this summer. Can you suggest some companies that rent motorcycles in Sweden and Norway as I would be coming from the U.S.? Please feel free to answer in Norwegian if easier . . . My wife speaks both (Swede who lived and worked in Oslo for 15 yrs). Tx
Hi, sorry I cannot recommend any of them as I have not heard any feedback from any costumers. I dont know about any specific either just google "motorcycle rental Norway" and you will find some who might help you :-)
Thank you!
Thank you Sven, very good information, I am trying to decide between a Honda CB500X or a NC750X, do you have any experience with the NC750X?. Your English is very good by the way. Gary from Australia.
Sorry I dont have any experience with the NC750X, just ridden it once.
I sold the VFR800 after 19yrs and bought a second hand CB500R, the 500X has similar on road performance to the R and F. I now have an NC750X it is better as a commuter bike, everyday bike and touring bike on road. The 500X has longer range by about 70 klms and the 500X is an Adventure Bike. The 750X is about $1800 more (Australian Dollars). If you want an adventure bike the 500X. The 750 is the better choice for anything else. If the cost is the main factor get the 500X.
@@tonyross5799 Thanks Tony, I see now Honda has stopped importing the NC750. Not enough sales. There are only a few new ones in stock. The new 2021 CB500X is now arriving. Not sure now which to get??? Maybe a 2nd hand NC750X is the way to go. Thanks for your input. Gary.
@@junyfulton4406 Thanks, maybe the 850 Africa Twin is coming.
Thx !
Thanks :-)
Nice video, well done! Let me know what is your inseam?
72 cm
@@thetubelesschannel Thank you!
Was this guy in the original Indiana Jones in the bar scene?
Its a secret :-)
@@thetubelesschannel Great comeback. Loved the video
High, both bikes are looking good. Kindly Fiete
Agree :-)
Very good.
Hei Sven
Question about Norwegian prices. Is the price for Cb500x with rallye raid mods equal to standard tenere 700?
No the Tenere was about 15% more expensive
Sven why have you decided to have both the T700 and the 500X? Is the T7 just a better all round bike to need to keep only that one and not both?
Hi I sold the CB500X to my brother and he is very happy with it as I was. Expect to be at least that happy with the T7.
Hi Sven! I had F800gs and in this year I switched to cb500x. The cb suspension I found bad, esoecially the rear (the seat). F8 was excellent. You say in the vídeo that the cb is more comfortable Than teneré, but you changed the cb suspension set. question: did this change give Much more confort to the cb? I Think teneré should be more comfortable than cb, because the suspension course and the proposal.
The suspension upgrade was done to improve handling offroad...not for comfort. The comfort is much related to seat, windscreen, reach to controls and handlebars, knee angle and things like that. I think the CB was a bit more comfortable while seated but not when standing. But the new suspension also made the CB a bit more comfortable than it was before upgrading, thats a bonus.
Where did you get the brake and ABS discs for the 2nd set of wheels and do you by any chance remember the part numbers? I'm considering getting these myself.
partzilla.com just select you model there and you will find the parts
@@thetubelesschannel Thanks!
I noticed you didn't add any body protection onto the Honda.. is that still going to be possible with the Rally Raid products installed?
I think that the Rally Raid engine guard was enough for this bike...(and bark busters)
Hi Sven, great video again. How the Honda engine can give more power than stock?
Change exhaust, a slip on will give about 1-2 hp but most important lower weight.
@@thetubelesschannel and a lithium battery.
@@robertlandy9414 yes:-)
As duas são bonitas.
Mas a Ténéré roba a cena.
the honda is cheaper but once you add all those mods on the honda will probably be at the same price as the T7 no? if so might as well get the t7
Overall the Honda came out cheaper about $3500 That without all the mods I did to the T7.
It looks like you have a sidestand extender on the honda. What brand is it? Does it work well?
It is part of the Rally Raid level II kit. Rally Raid Products
Hi Sven, I am currently in Laos and rented a CB 500X...I really enjoy the bike! I have a T7 as well that O was supposed to drive to Asia so it's game overm now thinking to go to South America with my son and 2 CB500X...what would you recommend to do on the bike before leaving? Lighter exhaust, lithium battery...anything else? What about luggages? Hard cases or soft ones? Thabks for yr help and advices. Cheers
I would go for all things making your bike and luggage as light weight as possible. Soft luggage, lithium battery, lighter exhaust is good ideas. Tires with great longevity...and also good for gravel. You will probably hit some gravel roads :-) Tire puncture repair kit....air compressor/pump.
@@thetubelesschannel super! Thanks Sven, really appreciated 👍 would you have any recommend brand and models for luggages, battery, exhaust and tyres? What about bike protection for engine and fragile exposed parts? Tak!
I think you will get some ideas here: ua-cam.com/play/PLedv7y5AwppxwtW7EK6ZYKd75jbSj16EN.html
If you want it really light, go for the Giant Loop Coyote or the Great Basin bag. Scorpion Serket Pro muffler, Shido LTZ8V battery, Rally Raid Products engine guard and Mitas E07 tyre. For a long ride through the wilderness the engine guard plus some decent hand guards like the Barkbusters is enough. Adding more protection also adds weight and is not needed. Expect a lot of scratches to the bike ;-) The plastic is replaceable.
@@thetubelesschannel thanks Sven, highly appreciated. i will keep you posted with the outcome...tak
Very nice review Mr Olsen! Might I ask what your height is? I'm around 1.7m and I'm fearing that the Tenere is too high for me especially at red lights.
I am 178 cm...not flatfooted with the low seat....its a high bike
I am motorcycle begginer . I thinking just about two bikes Cb500x and T700. What do you think Is better for me ? Buy Cb500x or T700 reduce on 35kw and when I got some skill open IT on full Power ?
Thanks for answers
Tenere is more more better and you have all from factory. CB 500x from factory is a bit low cost bike...Tenere is the best choice when U compare price and value what U get.
I am thinking it depends on what you will use your bike for. If you want to do a lot offroad I would choose the Tenere and "open it" to full power later. But just remember it is a tall bike with the weight higher up than the Honda...if you are short, the Honda is a better beginners bike.
@@jakubkrejsek1622 yes the Honda is low cost but build quality and finish is superior. I would say a bit better than the Yamaha (which also is a "low cost" bike to be competitive in its market segment)
I see you have what appears to be the Yamaha tool box mounted to the skid plate. There seems to be little info on this part other than a photo on the Yamaha accessory parts list. Can you comment on its usefullness and design.
The standard underseat toolkit here in Canada is quite small and this toolbox seems quite large in comparison
Yes I have already moved the OEM toolkit from under the seat to the toolbox plus the Motion Pro Trail Tool Kit. Still a lot space for other tools. Maybe the thinner OEM tubes or at least one of them will fit in addition. Going to use heavy duty tubes in my next tires, and save the OEM thinner ones for backup. I think it will be useful. It is designed to be flush with skid plate at its bottom, but it protrudes forward. No problem other than the looks of it. It is lockable and made very solid.
sven, what's your inseam length?
for your knowlege you have to pronounce the last letter of tenerE
Not measured inseam length sorry. The pronounce of Tenere is as you say. But in the heat.... :-)
@@thetubelesschannel - Then your wife must buy your clothes! :-)
As for Té-né-ré, it's *three syllables* , and pasting the word "Ténéré"
into Forvo[dot]com gives the correct French pronunciation
Goodday , Thanks for this video , What bike would be beter for A pillion ?
Greetings from Holland .
I think the Honda has a better seat but the Tenere may feel a bit more "roomy". If you have a beautiful girl on the backseat I would go for the Honda.
Thanks for the video! How do the bikes compare in terms of handling on road and commuting?
Handling on road is about equally good, the Honda slightly better when it comes to seated comfort agility and turn radius. But if most of your commuting is on higher speed roads I would go for the Tenere.
Sven Olsen thanks a lot Sven that's really insightful! Interesting to know the Yamaha can keep up in terms of agility! By the way, in my experience my cb500x can cruise at 6,000rpm at 130kph and normally that's how I travel long distances. However I heard that the Yamaha has really short gearing so what is a comfortable cruising speed for the tenere, and I wonder if the rpms are lower at those speeds?
@@KimCruz1 I will note rpms next time but it feels more relaxed than the CB500X.
Sven Olsen thanks Sven!
@@KimCruz1 just been out on a stretch where it safe to do a short test. At 130 kph (on the GPS, 140 on the speedo) the rpm of The Tenere is about 6200. Not very buzzy taken into account its a 2-cylinder bike.
Did you ever test a 16 tooth front chain sprocket on the honda ? i think you should enjoy the difference 👍
No I did not want the 16 teeth front sprocket as the gearing would be better for highway but not for off-road. An other disadvantage would be that the speedometer would show incorrect values and that the 16 teeth sprocket would made very little clearance between chain at front sprocket and the surrounding metal. Many switched to 16 teeth has went back to 15.
I think the rally seat would be equal to honda seat
Yes but too high for me.
The Honda it's actualy made as a A2 bike and has 200 cc less displacement.
Yes, and it just *begs for modification* ! :-)
Good
😎
😎😎😎
1.25x playback speed. Thank me later.
Im not in a hurry ;-)
What years
How did you come to the conclusion that the Tenere’s rear spring was to soft for you? Just reading other peoples opinions online or did you actually come to the conclusion yourself, and if so, in what kind of riding did you notice it was too soft?
UA-cam is wonderful, there is some great videos explaining the suspension of The Tenere where suspension experts concludes that the rear spring is to weak. Reason for me to watch them is that I wasn't happy with the rear, too hard over the smaller bumps. The explanation is that the bike sags so much over the weak spring that it works in the harder part of the linkage construction (progressiveness is built in to it that's why they use a linear spring not a progressive one). So a harder spring makes the suspension work in the upper stroke of the shock. After the change the bike is noticeable better.
@@thetubelesschannel - "...the linkage construction (progressiveness is built in to it that's why they use a linear spring not a progressive one)." Excellent point-out! I had never read of this before. Thanks for the engineering detail, Sven.
And the question is which one do you like better?
Regards from Berlin ;-)
I think both bikes is great but prefer the Tenere for my type riding :-)
Next video will be 500X vs Tenere 1200....
Is it possible to get more power out of the cbx?
A bit with an aftermarket muffler...thats the easiest way and you also reduce some weight.
ECU, Airfilter & Exhaust
Useless to compare these two bikes. Try each and buy the one that you like. The T7 will be better than the Honda most of the time. There is some tuning and customization to do on each bike to adapt it to you and your use.
Agree one should try both before buying, but it may not easy to find a CB500X 2019 with full Rally Raid kit. I think that's why many has asked for a comparison.