2021 Honda CB500X First Ride Review
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- Опубліковано 19 вер 2024
- Honda has updated it's small adventure touring motorcycle, the CB500X for 2021. More refined than ever, promising less vibration at any speed, we take it our for a first ride review.
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Probably one of the very few bikes out there that makes sense on so many levels.
@@TheRealYorkshireman Your point is .... ? :-)
@@TheRealYorkshireman lol, just messing with you.
@@TheRealYorkshireman I made a scent in an elevator recently.
No one called me a perfumier, the descriptions generally used shorter words, mostly with only 4 letters...
@@TheRealYorkshireman I thought you were quite erudite for a Yorkshireman. But you couldn't finish without calling me a Khan't. Your a true Northman...
I'm 68. I have an Africa Twin and I just sold my 250L and purchased the 500X. I loved the 250L but I ride with guys at least 15 years younger then me and I was doing things that I probably shouldn't. I love my AT but I got to say the 500X is a blast and will put a smile on your face. Now for that wind buffeting, the windscreen can be raised manually and with a Puig clip on deflector, it woks wonders.
good intro. I owened a 2019 version. I am 71 years old. love every minute on the bike. so far done only 3k km.
The bike I almost bought. I loved my 2014, but went for an Africa Twin this spring. I owned the 2014 for three years. I think the upgrades are great. It's a best value bike.
As I get into the 65 year plus range DOING a minor drop a new BMW and causing 7 thousand in damage is getting less appealing and bikes like this seem to make more sense
Right there with you. I ride a Triumph 1200 Explorer XCA, 64 years old, 30" inseam and feel like downsizing is definitely in my future.
Me too. I’m 68 years old and have returned to riding twice before. In my new foray I’m thinking below $€£ 5000 and under 500cc. Hopefully with enough ponies to get out of its own way.
@@AbdulAllahAbuDaoud I got a 2016 model with low kilometers and it is a great bike. Do more with less.
Yep, 61 y/o here, sold my busa in 2019 and picked up a cb500x. So satisfying having a bike that is comfortable and effortless to ride compared to the beast.
pro tip: you can watch series at flixzone. Been using them for watching loads of movies during the lockdown.
We recently purchased this for my wife, it is close to perfect for her. Be great if it had a distance to empty reading and traction control, otherwise it is an amazing motorcycle for the cost. Great vid as always, ride safe all!
I have owned a CB500X 2017 for 4 years & i have only 2 complaints: 1) first gear was way to short & 2) i would have love to have a 650cc engine instead of a 500cc. I have upgraded for a Tiger 900 GT; i love it.
17” was was tough off road
Next time I will go to Phuket I will swap from the 15T sprocket to a 16 T to make a first gear a bit longer on my 2018's 500X.
Easy solve, Suzuki DL650.
Where getting your motorcycle news is easier than having Dave as a pillion!😂😂😂
Today I ve bought that bike, it is amazing adventure motorcycle, I m soo excited
My CB500F does get jerky turkey syndrome in first on roundabouts. I love that fairing with that bar for mounting my GPS. Fortunately the lugs were still on the frame so I could mount an indispensable centre stand so I can oil,adjust the chain and check the back wheel for nasties. Power is more than adequate for around town, freeways. Vibration just isn’t an issue on this bike. I also added a Givi 56 litre top box- lockable for securely holding helmet,disc brake lock, waterproof pants, shopping. Great bikes,what sensible rider could ask for anything more? Yes fuel economy, weight are very good. Great value for money.
Why drive in 1 on roundabouts???
@@joachimfilms On small, tight round abouts you put it in second you run wide.
I love a big box. 52L on my DL650, a 56L on your CB5X must look positively gargantuan!
Try overlapping light throttle with rear brake in tight roundabouts to kerb "jerky turkey".
Upon straightening up, keep throttle and release brake. Pretty effective technique.
Fine review of your first impressions. Own this bike since just over a year, done 15000km so far, as my first bike. I’d add very low cost to own/run: 3.2l/100km, and about €130 for the 12,000km inspection. Windshield is useless as you mentioned: as soon as you go over 70km/h very heavy buffeting (179cm), but aftermarket solutions exist. Stock exhaust is indeed more than enough. I’ve not done night riding yet, I doubt the stock LED will suffice to do that safely. One person multi day trips should not be a problem, as soon as the borders open again of course. Perfect bike for me for everything except long motorway riding, dreaming of an RT for that...😎
Exactly what I wanted to say. I own one too, but next time I will put a 16 T sprocket to get a more usable first gear and reduce the rpm at higher speeds.
@@didierplouhinec4899 Does she have the 'erbs to pull the higher gearing? Me thinks not....
@@MrBenHaynes watch the video of the youtuber Chris Smith "best Honda CB 500X upgrade". of course the bike will lack a bit power but anybody who did it hasn't complained.
@@didierplouhinec4899 I've ridden a more powerful DL650 with the one tooth larger (16 tooth) countershaft sprocket. It did the bike no favours unless on very flat terrain.
@@MrBenHaynes I will see, easy to set back the 15T. thanks.
You might want to check the Maverick 500cc, same engine but with all the protection, double front disk, switchable ABS, spoked wheels and even 2 riding mode 😉, cheers from Bali mate !
Fancy the idea of one of these tbh. And noraly (itchy boots) has proven them to be capable touring machines
Is that so with soooo many people behind the scenes we don't get to see...Hmmmm
I have a brand new 2020 that just cracked 1700kms on it. As a new rider I love it, it's really allowing me to build confidence in all aspects of riding but I can see what people mean with the lack of power. I live in Canada and everything is far away lol, we don't have massive cities per se like Europe or even like the US so when you hit the highway, you notice the vibration at about 95km/hr and then you easily top off at 130km/hr for passing. But.... gas on this bike is stupid cheap even on premium, I get about 400kms a tank on it or average between 3.2L-3.5L/100km.
My ONLY complaint is the seat, hard AF and my ass does NOT appreciate it after 45mins of riding haha
@@MRGS48 please expand
@@maalmiksa7409 I cant...Already too fat...
Wonderfull bike, I can testify.
Agree on the side stand, totally disagree on the wonderfull display. If you want something to complain about, well, the saddle isn't the softest. Wonderfull bike, no electronic nonsense nor 100 hp in exces of what you actually need. A bashplate as standard would have been nice.
I would love one of these with DCT
Nc700x dct is similar
To all GS, Multi, KTM and juggernaut bike riders.do yourselves a favour.." ditch em." Get a CB 500X you won't regret it... a third of the price, no unnecessary complicated electronics. 85mpg... Ok it won't cruise at 90mph or pull your arms out of your sockets but it will keep up and exceed in real life riding situations. Brilliant fun to ride, on and off road. ( trails and gravel.) and easy to "pick up." ( how many ride your big bikes off road.? ) If you don't believe me just try one, I guarantee you won't be disappointed. ..ex Multistrada rider....
Says a lot, owner of mt07 and close to order cb500x. Seems perfect for me and my riding style. Minus is 47 hp, but to be complete fair, 95% of riding, 47 hp is enough.
A cheap wee screen extension makes a huge benefit for little effort. Oh, and a set of Michelin road 5's transforms the bike. !!
Looks like a good commuter bike
it is
The amount of reflection is a function of the time of day and to a lesser extent the differing angle of the sun in the origin of manufacture to the place where u are riding.
Great to see your reviews starting back up again. Now I can start asking about the motorcycles I’m interested in on my limited budget. First the Benelli Imperiale, yup it’s me! And the Royal Enfield Meteor as well as the new Sinnis which I think is a 350cc. Whaddaya say bro! Can you get your hands on any of these puppies or is it harder than getting Dave to wash his underwear?
For it’s intended purposes it’s perfect if riders need more off-road capability there are a multitude of kits for this. If you want better street performance you bought the wrong bike but for me commuting and occasional fire road it’s a perfect combination as is except for that anemic exhaust, loos weight and gain a bit of grunt with a Coffman shorty. Loose considerable weight
This is a great all round bike, not sure why people think it’s slow! But I guess it’s because they are comparing it to a super machine of some kind. The handling is fantastic, and that is coming from a Ducati rider.
Well, it sounded like you liked it. I think. Seems like the only true complaint you had was the dash display. Thanks for your time & effort, love your channel!!! Might want to give more of a conclusion say, how good it was for say the value. All I could tell was it apparently didn’t completely suck compared to your BMW.
I'm a nice person, I'm on a Honda ! 😆
Hi 2013 model started with 20,000 on the clock RTW trip of 30,000 miles never missed a beat still with me .Not over exiting but reliable to the end
A guy on fakebook cb500x group posted picture of his dash with 94k miles. I think he never opened engine if I remember.
@@oknevals Hi also have a 1991 VFR FL with 85.000 on the clock sounds and goes like new only changed starter relay and rectifier / engine just sings to me. Stay safe .
Loved this review. You ROCK! Looks like a good little bike:)
Love the reviews.
I like the past couple of reviews am 66 years old. Got a 2018 Africa Twin Adventure Sports and invested 9K in upgrades but was never comfortable riding the bike too top heavy. So sold it and just got a 2021 CB500X. Only one ride on country roads but really impressed with the lower weight and all around great handling. On US highways will it let me down? Not sure but I think it will work out ok and I will seek out less traveled roads instead of the highway when I can.
I learned one thing today I now know what it sounds like to have a caged Chihuahua that wants out. Seriously seems like a decent bike and I'm sure it has that Honda reliability.
Wow. Didn't know I liked this bike. You should do a walk around and give some glamor shots.
Full review in a few days.
The sound of the parallel twin with that firing phase is what kills it for me.
Too many bad memories of flogging little 250cc twins from my learner days, mainly Kawasaki models.
It needs a 270 degree firing phase AND an unrestricted (non-learner legal) version to float my boat. Almost there Honda.
You sound like an old crab but funny at the same time !!! A bike for an average person on a budget !!! Sharp insight on the bash plate ! I would not be upset getting a few scratches and dents considering the price. Beat it to hell and it will still show up for the next party ! Its a HONDA , it will outlive its OWNER !! MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN HONDA !!! USA
Nice review. Thanks!
I have self cancelling turn signals on my 1992 Yamaha XV 535 Virago. They self cancel after 200 m of riding. I really don't understand why the same kind of system can't be put on most of the modern small to medium sized machines.
NC750X or CB500X?
We have both. My wife has the NC750X DCT and I have the CB500X, both are fun. On the NC750X, it was harder to fix the buffeting issue than the CB500X. For the CB500X I just added a clip-on extension and it solved the problem. Whereas the NC750X took a few tries with different windshields. Ended up keeping the stock one on and putting a Madstad windshield right over it. So a double windshield. Really helped. The buffeting is a deal breaker for me. For my wife she prefers the DCT, less work especially for commuting, which she does a lot more than I do. The wind is not an issue in the city.
Cb500x
vloggers usually dont mention seat comfort. its kind of important to me
Had one for 5 years, definitely brakes are not enough for two up
Thank you for the first ride impression. I'm most curious about how my butt will feel after/during a 300-500 km day?
Hi is there anyway to a just the wind screen as there seen to be a lot of buffing
In Thailand you can get a higher windshield as cheap as 30USD or you can add a wind deflector . 2N rider shop in Nong Bua lamphu. Look the incredible low price of the accessories on their facebook page.
@@didierplouhinec4899 Thank you i will look into it
Keith, the clip-on extension does the trick.
Welcome to Long Way Home everybody, where getting your motorcycle news is almost as easy as your gopro helmet mount is long...
Just picked mine up 6 weeks ago. Same colour as your one also. You mention the jerkiness, I find it’s more so when cruising as I find it difficult to maintain a set speed. It tends to jump around 1 or 2 km from the desired speed. No centre stand is my main negative. Ordered one when I ordered the bike but has only just arrived after 10 weeks.
All chain final drive touring bike should have a centre stand. The difference to maintenance is night and day!
Love the machine in theory. Im riding a 2020 Africa Twin Adv. Sports at the moment so I would like to know how you fit on the bike (and how tall your are)? Im 1,90m and I suspect that bike would be too small for me, even the V85TT felt tiny. Lovely machine tho!
No problem for my 186 m. Drives 3 hours non stop without discomfort.
@@joachimfilms same here.i am 1.89 and it's my first bike. Feel some discomfort after 2 hours of riding in my knees ( but I have long legs) and my but a bit. But it's a great starter bike to build confidence.
Thanks for the video !! You will laugh about muy question. If I change from my Vfr 1200f to this , will I be very disappointed for the lack of power ? Mostly commuting and city usage. Thanks
Nonetheless its looking really good... Simple and to the point..
They need to revamp this to be the mini Africa twin already.
If you owned this perky do-it-all, where would you mostly ride it?
I would donate it to Dave so he can go crash...🤣🤣🤣
City. But Honda has a much, much better model for that.
And I have it. 😉
In the same places I ride my fantastic VFR 800 Crossrunner. Why did Honda drop that bike? Nuts.
I'd give it to my daughter and then I'd go jump on a bike that has some character. You didn't tell us how YOU FELT on the bike. You usually do. ;)
S
Everywhere I'd consider going on a non-trail bike.
This or KTM 390 ADV for commuting and weekend adventure? That’s the question :)
Or the 490, when it finally arrives:)
Depends on the amount of oil you want to leak :)
@@joachimfilms LOL
Ktm 390 adventure is pure joy to ride also. Some features are definately better but the honda is a touch more comfortable at longer distances.
Good job!
How tall are you? I'm looking forward to the next episode! :-)
1.8m. 5’11”
@@LongWayHome Ok.Thank you! :-)
@@LongWayHome can Dave see over your head when on pillion or do you make him peek around the side?
How long a can you sit in the seat before you lose feeling?
Did stevie wonder choose the colour and $10,050 Aus.
Did you find the gear pedal was ok? Looks a bit small for boots.
How does is compare to the Suzuki VStrom 650XT? I know the prices and the tech specs. The VStrom 650XT seems to be hard to find these days in showrooms and for testrides. Which would be better as a first bike? I know the V-Strom is more powerful but also heavier by about 20 kg and has 1cm less ground clearance. You could add spoked wheels on the cb500x but you might end up to the same prince as the vstrom 650xt which already has them stock.
Spokes are overrated. Nothing wrong with cast alloy rims for a bike of this ilk.
Should I buy this over the g310gs?
Yes of course you will get a parallel twin 471cc with 48hp instead a single cylinder 310cc and 34 hp. Same price and very reliable...much more than an Indian BMW.
@@didierplouhinec4899 I love the Honda but it’s just so boring and utilitarian. Very Corolla.
@Kattrap I’m off to Varna tomorrow to order my 310 Beemer, thanx for the tip. I got the blue and red, it should arrive in about 2 months. Super excited.
Micky Mouse horn...indeed. That's what you get nowadays. I will exchange the one on my little 500cc for my old Yam XT one...which is not a Micky Mouse. Otherwise, for some reason I hated the old Honda CB500X. It looked ugly to me. But for some reason, I really like this new model...looks great. I am curious how it does a bit more long-term and if you still are okay with it after that weekend.
Would it be comfortable to ride for a 6’4” guy (me)?
So after seeing your RT review and now this I can safely say if the bike had a soft ride and a good sounding exhaust it is a good bike.
Where does Dave ride? In your pocket?
Yeah, what I want to know is ... when you're out there riding around, what's Dave doing at home all by himself?
S
@@TheRealYorkshireman Yes, yes, Dave probably needs all sorts of special care. They keep sticks and bananas and such away from him but ...
look there, a cute little rabbit in that cave over there!
@@TheRealYorkshireman Yes, of course! The Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch! 'Tis one of the sacred relics Brother Dave
~Maynard sire ...
yes of course Brother Maynard carries with him! Brother Dave!
~Maynard.
What? Yes, yes ... Brother Maynard, bring up the Holy Hand Grenade!
S
@@TheRealYorkshireman Not to change the subject,
but I _did_ come here to have an argument.
...
@@TheRealYorkshireman ...
yes I did.
@@TheRealYorkshireman ... and now the adventures of Dave, an ordinary guy haunted by an imaginary _eastern European_ with very little hair ...
The important question is whether you can carry all your braai stuff and your beers with you.
What size front wheel?
19"
I have a 2017 and am entreating to take it on a 5 day, 1700 miles trip thru the Rocky Mountains. Based mom your experience with this model, would you? Thanks
dont hesitate. I owned a 2017 until this year and rode it around N/E USA and Canada including the Labrador Highway and the bike never missed a beat. To be fair, I added the Rally Raid suspension kit and that did make a huge difference in ride quality
@@ricdoedens3431 thanks man. Appreciate the feedback
Now go review the XADV 2021
So no pillion for trips outside de city or anything long distances
I would say not. There are other more suitable bikes for this.
Extra luggage weight??? WTF, we've all seen you playing in the snow on your BMW. How could the average rider put more weight on a bike big boy? ( Just taking the piss: love your channel)!
:))))) the snow episodes were when I was an entire person fatter :D
Are you sure the damping was soft? Could there be ANOTHER reason???
why can't we have the silver model in Europe, Honda? Why does South America get the best colour scheme?
Please get rid of the red subframe for next years models and dress it up nicer and I'll get one.
You should rob a bank on that bike--it'd get a lot of views...Blame it on Dave.
I've owned a 2017 CB500X for almost 40k miles. It's not what I hoped for in terms of a cheap adventure bike.
- terrible off road compared to every other adventure/dual sport. Absolute bottom tier.
- too much $ needed to make it worthy
- commuter bike with fire road capabilities. Big whoop. I want a 300l rally or T7 for what I put into mine.
Dave no offense, but your review felt purchased.
I hear ya WFR, can't believe the amount of cash thrown into some of these (Rally Raid esp.) to make it dirt worthy.
Makes me cry. Need to appreciate it for what it is with some light modding for personalisation.
Sounds like you want a dirt bike
It ain't trying to be an Africa twin
Bet it promises a lot, but fails miserable for anything other than city riding (CB = City Bike).
This is a motorcycle I wouldn't take on a long journey. And off-road... It goes where others go, but that suspension/tyres combo...
And how are the brakes now? The older model was... Let's just say I have no death wishes, but I did pick my balls off the ground on the first turn.
I have done a month tour on the cb500x (new rider) through Europe. From Belgium to Czechoslovakia and to Spain and back. It's perfectly adequate and doesn't break the bank concerning fuel consumption. One thing my next bike must have though is cruise control. It does lack in the tech department. It's perfect for a starter bike. As a seasoned rider, I would go for the Africa twin.
@@henrietn You can do whatever you want with it. It will go most places where you want to take it. That doesn't mean it's the "to go for" option for anything, it isn't.
Give it some more seats under your @$$ and you'll understand what I said.
@@TheRealYorkshireman My ass/balls are perfectly fine. Thank you for the advice anyways.
@@TheRealYorkshireman You a funny man, Yorky. I fancy some puddin'.
That's good for a 500 yes.. normally you need to be into 650 territory for a complain free 100 kph zone
The CB5X runs same road speed for engine revs as the more powerful DL650.
Even though the CB weights 20kg less, surely that's not enough to offset the lower power output for decent hill holding ability.
@@MrBenHaynes both are no Dr650 on the off road trails. 😂
@@kevinnashskitchen3517 Likewise the DR is no CBX or DL on the road. Your point is?
Please sound the horn I need a laugh
I did, then I cried a little :(
If only it had spoked wheels...