A voice from the Ghost of Christmas present: "Keep the Versys X300" and you already own it. Boost your attraction on the X300 by buying a couple of new pieces of jewelry for your Versys. Ride on !
I have cruised on Harleys went too fast on rockets and dumped dirt bikes..at 63 years old the verseys x300 is the perfect bike for this point and place in life..enjoy and keep up the awesome VIDEOS. MY MAN Q
You will never want more power on a gravel road on a Versys-X 300. A CB500X will be a little nicer on the motorway, but the Versys-X is 30 kg lighter. Lightness is your friend in the gravel.
Thanks for the vid. I've had an X300 for almost 3 years and still like it for a high mpg commuter and occasional fire road machine. Like you, I also wanted more power. After a year or so of research and reading I finally decided on a Suzuki Vstrom 650XT for a fun bike as well as a travel bike. I swap back and forth between the two, but I was very pleased with the performance and handling of the Vstrom. No wonder they still make it. I got a 2017 brand new in 2020, (left over dealer stock) at a deep discount. Only have 3,000 miles on it, but I would buy that bike again in a heartbeat!!! I take the X300 on a lot rougher Jeep trails than the Vstrom 650, but I do ride a LOT of gravel roads on the Vstrom and it does well. The handling and comfort of both bikes is impressive. Try one, it might be what you are looking for!
I did buy a VStrom 650 and loved it. My first thought was this is all the motorcycle I will ever need. Just does everything nicely. Then I got a deal on a Harley Pan America Special so the VStrom went towards that. Love the Pan America but I had no complaints on the VStrom.
Been doing a lot of research on the X300, seems like the smoothest bike (as far as vibrations go, had all the other suspects, DR DRZ KTM XRL) for light off road explorations. thanks
It is smooth. Low first gear is good for trail exploration. I actually like my Royal Enfield INT650 better for bombing down a dirt road, but I wouldn't take the RE on a trail.
I'm a year late to this, but as a fellow rider of the X300, I'm also thinking of moving on to a new bike. I love the X300 enough to put 11k miles on it, but that seat... lordy that seat just makes long trips painful 😫 I'm getting too old to put up with needless pain. The CB500X seat was super comfortable when I sat on one at the bike show, and the various videos I've watched demonstrates it's capable of being flogged around some pretty rough stuff, but... the weight is an issue. When I first looked at these bikes, ultimately the lower weight is what made me go with the X300. Now I'm wondering if it's time to go for comfort and hope for the best 😂
I had an Airhawk cushion on my X300. Those help, but I would also spend a lot of time fiddling with it trying to get it “just right.” As I recall I wasn’t too happy with the stick seat on my CB500X. The engine on the Honda is far more capable. It’s a good bike. Even with my $20,000 Harley Pan America I spend a lot of time fussing with the seat. I don’t know why, outside of $30,000 touring bikes, no one can give us a comfortable stock seat. If you love the bike, I would look to changing saddles, not the bike. If you’re just ready for a different bike, in many ways similar to the X300, but with a more capable motor, I can recommend the CB500X.
I found a Corbin seat (used) for my X300 ... and it was a game changer. (Even more so for my wife as a passenger!). If you have to buy new, they are even more spendy ... but cheaper than a new bike ! (of course, always fun to try new bikes too 😁😉)
I think comfort is extremely important. For many if not most of us, motorcycling is about the joy of riding. Tough to feel the joy when you’re in pain!
@@QuentinsMotoVlog Seat on the X300 - TOTALLY AGREE! But I did my own modification to the seat: (1) I bought a cheap MAD DOG brand ATV seat cover from Walmart. Then I cut some foam (about 1.5 inch) to put under the MAD DOG seat cover. Then I covered the whole seat with a Sit-n-Fly seat cover. I LOVE these things. Amazing air flow under your rear end and also very comfortable in that it adds softness. I have put the Sit-n-Fly seat covers on my Vstrom 650, my Versys X300 and I'm getting one for my 2011 Husaberg FE390 dirt bike (now street legal). And the Sit-n-Fly seat covers wear well and are CHEAP - $30! One of my best purchases for comfort. GREAT comments, guys! (BTW, I'm 74, so comfort is really important to enjoy riding. - GeezerWheels.
I see you're hunting the elusive unicorn. I say a 400 cc Kawi engine with 8 inch suspension and a seat height of 1.5 inch more. In the meantime, the x 300 is the best one. I find it to be the closest to a true dual sport of any bike. Dirt roads are a blast with 50/50 tires.
Hello Q. Most of the bikes that you mentioned are great bikes. But in my opinion, if you're gonna continue riding dirt, you should stick with the x300. None of them has the capability of handling dirt like x300. And the most important question for you is how much do they weight? I saw you could barely lift your x300 when you dropped it. Are you gonna be able to lift a heavier bike or is it going to be such a burden which will make you give up on dirt riding? Merry Christmas to you and your family.
The CB and the new Triumph are both 30kg heavier than the Versys. The Triumph is also a 17 inch front wheel. I have had a Tracer 700, Suzuki 650 Vstrom, and Versys 650. The little Versys beats them all off road. The Triumph has an incredible spec for the money - if I was not going off road it is the one I would have. It has 80bhp for a start!
Don't rule out Triumph. After owning a 2020 Rocket III and now a 2022 Speedmaster, the build quality is far superior to most bikes out there. We put over 16,000 miles on the RIII without a single issue. Just an awesome product.
I'm looking at Triumph, to be sure. I think they've gotten much better since the early 2000's. I am seriously considering the Tiger Sport 660 when they become available here. Thanks!
I'm thinking of trading my x300 too, been looking at the Suzuki Vstrom 650xt. I do like the latest KLR650, but it's not being imported to the UK at the moment for some reason.
Interesting about the KLRs. Our dealerships are full of them. I've watched the reviews and sat on one at the dealership. Just, not for me. As someone just commented, I want the unicorn bike. The KLR is a bit too much of a mule for me. And I just can't get excited about a V-Strom. I can't see the point of an adventure bike that is no good in the dirt. I think I'm Jones-ing for speed. Thanks for the comments!
Yes, I gather. And the Ducati Desert X is getting rave reviews. I recently bought a 2017 VStrom 650 and I am very happy with it. I’ve decided to stay on pavement and dirt roads and leave trail riding to my younger self. Thanks.
A good question. There really isn’t a lot of off-reading availability where I live-just some very dusty dirt roads. Plus, despite what I imagine, I’m just not that skinny seventeen year old kid anymore who spent hours upon hours riding the dirt trails in Utah. I’m really not that comfortable in the dirt anymore, and it’s me; it’s not the bike.
I agree. Eventually I got tired of wringing the bikes neck every time I wanted to go. I have a Svartpilen 401 now, that is a WHOLE different animal! Seeing the 401’s engine, I am very interested in the KTM 390 Adventure.
The CB500x is a more suitable upgrade than the Versys 650. I may do the same just for the same reason, just a little more power. Your bike would certainly get a good trade in value considering all the upgrades it came with.
Sorry to reply so late--just saw this comment. I had a HondaCB500X but it was a 2015 so it didn't have the larger front wheel. Power was good though. If I was going to consider another CB500x it would have to be the 2022; nothing earlier.
I'm also torn between the versys and the cb500, have not purchased either yet, have a honda goldwing I tour on and will keep, but looking to get on 1 of these, the honda is a little higher in seat height and I'm on the short side! The kawi fits me better but I've always been partial to honda, they just seem better
The 2022 or 2023 CB500X DOES NOT HAVE A COLOR TFT DASH!..I don't know where you heard that, but all the reviews are very disappointed in the reverse LCD dash (can't see it in the sunlight). I wish they'd put a better dash on the bike and then I'd really want one. Even a non-reverse LCD would be better than the reverse LCD. BTW, I also own a 2022 Versys X 300 and would like to have a V-strom 650 or the CB500X if they'd change that dash.
You’re right on all counts. I did go with a VStrom 650 for a while. Good bike. But then I went all out and traded it in on a 150 horsepower Harley Pan America. The PA is very capable. Not thrilled with the sound it makes, but it does everything well, including sailing down dirt roads comfortably at speed.
@@QuentinsMotoVlog Thanks for your reply. I haven't had a chance to sit on a CB500X nor a V-strom 650 yet. There are a lot of V-strom 650s for sale including used ones but nothing within 200 miles of me, but the CB-500X is impossible to find. I'm a little afraid the V-strom will be too tall for me with 32" inseam. It has a 33+" seat height and the CB500x has 32" so I know it would fit. There's a several things I like more about the Suzuki like more power, better long-distance comfort in the saddle, air temp gauge like my Moto Guzzi, center stand, analog tach, easy to see LCD screen, etc. But the CBX is about 30 pounds lighter and lower seat height and it's $2000 less expensive. Every review on the CBX said it has a very comfortable saddle except one review said "I really thought it was going to be a soft saddle until I rode it an hour and my butt started to hurt." He was disappointed in the saddle. I'm a skinny guy at 5'10" and 130 lbs so I don't have any cushion on my butt!!! It's hard to find a bike that I can stay in the saddle for two hours at a time without a lot of squirming around. So far only my Goldwing of many years ago did fit that bill and my Kawasaki Vulcan Nomad, and a couple Harleys.
8k rpm at 65? Thats nuts, seems it would buzz your brains out on the highway. I was thinking of a small bike to just have fun on fire roads but I don't know if I could handle the ride there.
Thanks for the comment. If you catch my latest videos, I did make a choice after a lot of agonizing. Looking at price, styling, the all-important motor, and the kind of riding I do locally, I bought a new, 2022, Royal Enfield INT650 Mark 2. And I love it!!
Wilmington's Pirate Ship Powersports gave me a written offer of $4,250 for a trade-in. Not bad. I bought it for $5,400 with 5,400 miles on it. It now has 9,800 miles. With the bash plate, levers, Madstad screen and Mitas tires, I put maybe $800-900 into it. Not even sure I want to sell it but we can talk!
@@bigyin.7710 No, I have not, and it's getting to be that time. According to the manual it should be done at 7,600 miles and again at 15,200. I bought the bike with 5,400 miles on it and it just turned over 10,000 miles yesterday, so it is time. I can tell you the engine sings beautifully so I would bet the clearances are fine, but I will have to do it soon. I just installed a new OEM air filter and another oil change is coming in a few days.
Here ar ethe handguards. amzn.to/3pzWdg1 They are very inexpensive, good for getting the wind off my hands and not much else. But I like them well enough.
I don't know why but the V-Stroms just do it for me. Motorcycles are to a large degree emotional and I just get nothing from the Stroms. But certainly a reasonable suggestion. Thanks!
![2022 / 2023 CB500X - HONDA has finally NAILED IT! [QuickTest#17]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/hL7-dxbJLfo/mqdefault.jpg)
A voice from the Ghost of Christmas present: "Keep the Versys X300" and you already own it. Boost your attraction on the X300 by buying a couple of new pieces of jewelry for your Versys. Ride on !
I have cruised on Harleys went too fast on rockets and dumped dirt bikes..at 63 years old the verseys x300 is the perfect bike for this point and place in life..enjoy and keep up the awesome VIDEOS. MY MAN Q
I'm considering both of these bikes and your video has shed new insight for me. Appreciate you posting this. SUBSCRIBED!
Thanks!
You will never want more power on a gravel road on a Versys-X 300. A CB500X will be a little nicer on the motorway, but the Versys-X is 30 kg lighter. Lightness is your friend in the gravel.
Good points. Thanks!
Thanks for the vid. I've had an X300 for almost 3 years and still like it for a high mpg commuter and occasional fire road machine. Like you, I also wanted more power. After a year or so of research and reading I finally decided on a Suzuki Vstrom 650XT for a fun bike as well as a travel bike. I swap back and forth between the two, but I was very pleased with the performance and handling of the Vstrom. No wonder they still make it. I got a 2017 brand new in 2020, (left over dealer stock) at a deep discount. Only have 3,000 miles on it, but I would buy that bike again in a heartbeat!!! I take the X300 on a lot rougher Jeep trails than the Vstrom 650, but I do ride a LOT of gravel roads on the Vstrom and it does well. The handling and comfort of both bikes is impressive. Try one, it might be what you are looking for!
Sounds like a great solution. Thanks!
I did buy a VStrom 650 and loved it. My first thought was this is all the motorcycle I will ever need. Just does everything nicely. Then I got a deal on a Harley Pan America Special so the VStrom went towards that. Love the Pan America but I had no complaints on the VStrom.
Dave Ramsey needs to speak to you about financing a hot-tub 😅
Been doing a lot of research on the X300, seems like the smoothest bike (as far as vibrations go, had all the other suspects, DR DRZ KTM XRL) for light off road explorations. thanks
It is smooth. Low first gear is good for trail exploration. I actually like my Royal Enfield INT650 better for bombing down a dirt road, but I wouldn't take the RE on a trail.
Versys X300 is overall better for me than CB500X ( i have been rent many different year models of them).
Just bought a 2022. I have class this month and can't wait to drive.
Nice!
I'm a year late to this, but as a fellow rider of the X300, I'm also thinking of moving on to a new bike. I love the X300 enough to put 11k miles on it, but that seat... lordy that seat just makes long trips painful 😫 I'm getting too old to put up with needless pain. The CB500X seat was super comfortable when I sat on one at the bike show, and the various videos I've watched demonstrates it's capable of being flogged around some pretty rough stuff, but... the weight is an issue. When I first looked at these bikes, ultimately the lower weight is what made me go with the X300. Now I'm wondering if it's time to go for comfort and hope for the best 😂
I had an Airhawk cushion on my X300. Those help, but I would also spend a lot of time fiddling with it trying to get it “just right.” As I recall I wasn’t too happy with the stick seat on my CB500X. The engine on the Honda is far more capable. It’s a good bike. Even with my $20,000 Harley Pan America I spend a lot of time fussing with the seat. I don’t know why, outside of $30,000 touring bikes, no one can give us a comfortable stock seat. If you love the bike, I would look to changing saddles, not the bike. If you’re just ready for a different bike, in many ways similar to the X300, but with a more capable motor, I can recommend the CB500X.
I found a Corbin seat (used) for my X300 ... and it was a game changer. (Even more so for my wife as a passenger!). If you have to buy new, they are even more spendy ... but cheaper than a new bike ! (of course, always fun to try new bikes too 😁😉)
I think comfort is extremely important. For many if not most of us, motorcycling is about the joy of riding. Tough to feel the joy when you’re in pain!
@@QuentinsMotoVlog Seat on the X300 - TOTALLY AGREE! But I did my own modification to the seat: (1) I bought a cheap MAD DOG brand ATV seat cover from Walmart. Then I cut some foam (about 1.5 inch) to put under the MAD DOG seat cover. Then I covered the whole seat with a Sit-n-Fly seat cover. I LOVE these things. Amazing air flow under your rear end and also very comfortable in that it adds softness. I have put the Sit-n-Fly seat covers on my Vstrom 650, my Versys X300 and I'm getting one for my 2011 Husaberg FE390 dirt bike (now street legal). And the Sit-n-Fly seat covers wear well and are CHEAP - $30! One of my best purchases for comfort. GREAT comments, guys! (BTW, I'm 74, so comfort is really
important to enjoy riding. - GeezerWheels.
I see you're hunting the elusive unicorn.
I say a 400 cc Kawi engine with 8 inch suspension and a seat height of 1.5 inch more.
In the meantime, the x 300 is the best one.
I find it to be the closest to a true dual sport of any bike.
Dirt roads are a blast with 50/50 tires.
I agree! I just can't beat the X300. But will my wife allow three motorcycles in the garage??
Love this guy! Great video. Super happy th hear I'm not the only one who loves little bikes and big bike. And dislikes Christmas.
Thanks! Much appreciated.
And PS: yes, Christmas sucks!
Hello Q. Most of the bikes that you mentioned are great bikes. But in my opinion, if you're gonna continue riding dirt, you should stick with the x300. None of them has the capability of handling dirt like x300. And the most important question for you is how much do they weight? I saw you could barely lift your x300 when you dropped it. Are you gonna be able to lift a heavier bike or is it going to be such a burden which will make you give up on dirt riding?
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Thank you! Yes! Weight! I want capability, light weight, highway travel, dirt! And I have it all except, speeeeeeeed!
The CB and the new Triumph are both 30kg heavier than the Versys. The Triumph is also a 17 inch front wheel. I have had a Tracer 700, Suzuki 650 Vstrom, and Versys 650. The little Versys beats them all off road. The Triumph has an incredible spec for the money - if I was not going off road it is the one I would have. It has 80bhp for a start!
Good stuff. That’s one of the questions: do I really go off-road that much? If not, why not a really fun street bike?
You already have the perfect bike. Maybe a fishing pole and small cooler..
Maybe, if I could fish from the back of a cigarette boat doing 85 knots!
Don't rule out Triumph. After owning a 2020 Rocket III and now a 2022 Speedmaster, the build quality is far superior to most bikes out there. We put over 16,000 miles on the RIII without a single issue. Just an awesome product.
I'm looking at Triumph, to be sure. I think they've gotten much better since the early 2000's. I am seriously considering the Tiger Sport 660 when they become available here. Thanks!
I'm thinking of trading my x300 too, been looking at the Suzuki Vstrom 650xt. I do like the latest KLR650, but it's not being imported to the UK at the moment for some reason.
Interesting about the KLRs. Our dealerships are full of them. I've watched the reviews and sat on one at the dealership. Just, not for me. As someone just commented, I want the unicorn bike. The KLR is a bit too much of a mule for me. And I just can't get excited about a V-Strom. I can't see the point of an adventure bike that is no good in the dirt. I think I'm Jones-ing for speed. Thanks for the comments!
The Aprilia Tuareg 660 is a nice option too.
Yes, I gather. And the Ducati Desert X is getting rave reviews. I recently bought a 2017 VStrom 650 and I am very happy with it. I’ve decided to stay on pavement and dirt roads and leave trail riding to my younger self. Thanks.
@@QuentinsMotoVlog I completely understand and I am actually having the same internal discussion at 48 yo lol.
RocketMan just did a very informative review on the 2022 CB500X.
I'll look for it, thanks!
You seem interested in offroad so why do with either of the bikes you mention, just go get a DR650 or an XR650L and be done with it.
A good question. There really isn’t a lot of off-reading availability where I live-just some very dusty dirt roads. Plus, despite what I imagine, I’m just not that skinny seventeen year old kid anymore who spent hours upon hours riding the dirt trails in Utah. I’m really not that comfortable in the dirt anymore, and it’s me; it’s not the bike.
Low end torque is crucial for the street.
I agree. Eventually I got tired of wringing the bikes neck every time I wanted to go. I have a Svartpilen 401 now, that is a WHOLE different animal! Seeing the 401’s engine, I am very interested in the KTM 390 Adventure.
The CB500x is a more suitable upgrade than the Versys 650. I may do the same just for the same reason, just a little more power. Your bike would certainly get a good trade in value considering all the upgrades it came with.
Sorry to reply so late--just saw this comment. I had a HondaCB500X but it was a 2015 so it didn't have the larger front wheel. Power was good though. If I was going to consider another CB500x it would have to be the 2022; nothing earlier.
The quest for the perfect motorcycle continues! I do the same. Just traded my versus X 300 for the Honda CB 500 X. 2021 model. No regrets.
I seriously considered going back to the CB500X. It's a very good bike. Enjoy!
I'm also torn between the versys and the cb500, have not purchased either yet, have a honda goldwing I tour on and will keep, but looking to get on 1 of these, the honda is a little higher in seat height and I'm on the short side! The kawi fits me better but I've always been partial to honda, they just seem better
witch one do you like more? out of the cb500 and the x300
The 2022 or 2023 CB500X DOES NOT HAVE A COLOR TFT DASH!..I don't know where you heard that, but all the reviews are very disappointed in the reverse LCD dash (can't see it in the sunlight). I wish they'd put a better dash on the bike and then I'd really want one. Even a non-reverse LCD would be better than the reverse LCD. BTW, I also own a 2022 Versys X 300 and would like to have a V-strom 650 or the CB500X if they'd change that dash.
You’re right on all counts. I did go with a VStrom 650 for a while. Good bike. But then I went all out and traded it in on a 150 horsepower Harley Pan America. The PA is very capable. Not thrilled with the sound it makes, but it does everything well, including sailing down dirt roads comfortably at speed.
@@QuentinsMotoVlog Thanks for your reply. I haven't had a chance to sit on a CB500X nor a V-strom 650 yet. There are a lot of V-strom 650s for sale including used ones but nothing within 200 miles of me, but the CB-500X is impossible to find. I'm a little afraid the V-strom will be too tall for me with 32" inseam. It has a 33+" seat height and the CB500x has 32" so I know it would fit. There's a several things I like more about the Suzuki like more power, better long-distance comfort in the saddle, air temp gauge like my Moto Guzzi, center stand, analog tach, easy to see LCD screen, etc. But the CBX is about 30 pounds lighter and lower seat height and it's $2000 less expensive. Every review on the CBX said it has a very comfortable saddle except one review said "I really thought it was going to be a soft saddle until I rode it an hour and my butt started to hurt." He was disappointed in the saddle. I'm a skinny guy at 5'10" and 130 lbs so I don't have any cushion on my butt!!! It's hard to find a bike that I can stay in the saddle for two hours at a time without a lot of squirming around. So far only my Goldwing of many years ago did fit that bill and my Kawasaki Vulcan Nomad, and a couple Harleys.
8k rpm at 65? Thats nuts, seems it would buzz your brains out on the highway. I was thinking of a small bike to just have fun on fire roads but I don't know if I could handle the ride there.
It’s fine but ultimately I traded it in for a bike with more engine.
Whent from cb500x 2015 to a vx300 2017. I think the vx is better in every way. Lighter. More comfy better looking more aftermarket gadgeta.
Can't argue with that!
Which has a better seating position for a taller person?
@@cliffbernsen438 versys
Keep the 300x or go all in with the Aprilia Tuareg 660.
Thanks for the comment. If you catch my latest videos, I did make a choice after a lot of agonizing. Looking at price, styling, the all-important motor, and the kind of riding I do locally, I bought a new, 2022, Royal Enfield INT650 Mark 2. And I love it!!
Let me know if or when you sell it I don't live too far I would buy it probably give you more than what the dealership would
Uh oh! That's both good news and bad! I'll keep that in mind. Thanks!
Wilmington's Pirate Ship Powersports gave me a written offer of $4,250 for a trade-in. Not bad. I bought it for $5,400 with 5,400 miles on it. It now has 9,800 miles. With the bash plate, levers, Madstad screen and Mitas tires, I put maybe $800-900 into it. Not even sure I want to sell it but we can talk!
@@QuentinsMotoVlog just wondering if you have had the valves checked/adjusted?
@@bigyin.7710 No, I have not, and it's getting to be that time. According to the manual it should be done at 7,600 miles and again at 15,200. I bought the bike with 5,400 miles on it and it just turned over 10,000 miles yesterday, so it is time. I can tell you the engine sings beautifully so I would bet the clearances are fine, but I will have to do it soon. I just installed a new OEM air filter and another oil change is coming in a few days.
Which handguards do you have on your bike?
Here ar ethe handguards. amzn.to/3pzWdg1 They are very inexpensive, good for getting the wind off my hands and not much else. But I like them well enough.
@@QuentinsMotoVlog exactly what I was looking for! Thanks!
the v-strom 650!
I don't know why but the V-Stroms just do it for me. Motorcycles are to a large degree emotional and I just get nothing from the Stroms. But certainly a reasonable suggestion. Thanks!