HONDA CB500X PROBLEMS AND RELIABILITY | 60,000KM LONG TERM REVIEW |
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- Опубліковано 26 лип 2024
- A REVIEW OF THE PROBLEMS AND ISSUES I HAVE HAD OVER 60,000KMS ON MY 2020 HONDA CB500X
SUBSCRIBE: / @kenshapperttravelsthe...
A QUICK REVIEW OF THE RELIABILITY OF MY CB500X OVER 60,000KMS:
My Honda CB500X has been a great bike, but I have had a couple of major issues over the last 60,000kms.
#cb500x #hondacb500x #2020hondacb500x #HONDACB500X2023 #cb500xharga #cb500xreview #cb500xreliability #cb500xlongterm #cb500xadventure #cb500xproblems #KenShappert #BikeLife #Travel2022 #GlobalTravel #BikeTravel #MotorcycleTravel #Motorcycle - Авто та транспорт
I have 128.000km on my 2013 model and still going. I changed fuel pump at 120.000km and headlight bulb every couple of years. Nothing else and it’s been used and abused. A lot of fun bike.
Yeah it really is a fun bike. I’m glad to hear you got so many kms on it and it’s still going strong as I plan to use and abuse mine for a good bit more haha
good to hear ..mines a 2013 F model with 45k...no problems..what i would recommend is some switch cleaner sprayed in the handlebar switches made them feel like new
Thanks for the heads up buddy .I love in Milton was looking at buying there not no more ..right on Ken..
Haha, that’s funny. It’s too bad, it was really convenient for me there also. But the actual scenario was so much worse than I put it the video. Comedically so, but I cut out my rant 😉. I suppose you could buy anywhere, but I certainly would not advise servicing a motorcycle there
Great - thanks for the video. It's rare to hear the good and bad. Safe travels.
Thanks for watching and commenting! 🙏🏼
Thanks for the heads up with the issues you experienced. Safe travels.
Thanks, you too!
great..thanks for sharing with us CB500x'ers...always good to know what to look out for, especially if planning a big trip..will now keep a tool in my kit for the crown nut..thanks....
Enjoy your adventures! 🙏🏼
My 2014 is at 65000kms, been a great bike but just started with the front end clicking similar to your description - thanks for the clue!
Yeah it was a first for me and so very hard to diagnose (especially with the cap that prevents you from seeing the nut). Would be curious to know if that’s what it ended up being
Thanks for the transparent info. Both the good and bad. This is rare in this generation. Much appreciated.
🙏🏼
Thanks for the info and warnings
🙏🏼
Great review! Awesome to see how fast you are putting miles on.
Thanks Brian 🙏🏼. I’m a bit shocked myself when I look at the mileage lol
Great honest review. Hate crooked shops try to make you pay for something that was defective. Cant make dollar out of you
Thanks! Ah, I cut out my rant 😂, but the whole story was comically unbelievable. And maddening haha
Great review. I have the 2017 cb500x. The head steering bearings went at about 28K miles and water pump went at 56k miles, so did the swing arm linkage bearings. I ride everyday to work through all four seasons,on twisties, motorway and filtering through city traffic. I do the occasional trips, have never gone off-road much, not that you can with the bike anyway. With the linkage bearings I have also upgraded the suspension which completely transformed the handling of the bike. Should have done a lot sooner. I currently have 70K miles on the clock and have some electrical issues. The indicators aren’t working. In summary. It’s a great bike for what it is. Build to a budget. The engine and everything else is still running super smoothly. There is hardly any rust, despite the salt grit in the winter. I intend to ride the bike until it can’t be fixed anymore lol. Second hand bike prices are currently through the roof so repairing the bike to me makes a lot of sense. At least I know it’s well maintained and all the new parts should last long enough for another 50K miles or so. Erm fingers crossed. Lol
Hey Matthias 👋🏼, did your actual head bearing need replacing, or just tightening? Also, what did you use to upgrade the suspension? Cheers
The head steering bearings needed replacing according to the Honda dealer garage. Since then Im 40k miles wiser lol and learnt a little and perhaps all it needed was tightening. The garage I use now have re tightened the new one once and no issues.
The suspension upgrade is the Rally Raid cartridge emulators at the front. And the rear has a YSS rebound and compression with external preload adjuster. The front end is still plush but actually doesn’t dive too much during hard breaking and is way more compliant then the stock set up. Even better is the shock which I have set up slightly stiffer vs the front. Tinkered around with it a little and am very happy with it. Electrics are fixed now and off she goes again. Just love the little Honda
How hard was it to fix these things and what was the cost. Was the water pump actually accessable? Steering bearings are probably one of the more common things. Theyre a wear item after all
Thanks for the video. im going to buy new 500x, when our winter is over, now we have 40cm snow 😁 Greetings from Finland.
I don’t miss the snow hahaha. I think you’ll love it, great little bike and taken me halfway around the world ❤️ 🏍️ 💪
Great review very well made 👌
Thank you! 👍
I have the 2016 cb500f and no water pump issues yet. Good to know about the head bearing. The Honda dealer in Roseville ca is a real rip off. Very dishonest. Refused to return my deposit even after going through the Better Business Bureau. A lot of others have had issues also. Sorry to hear about yours. Perhaps you can send in your receipts to Honda headquarters since they were the ones you had contacted for approval. The local dealers are so bad I will never go back there again. Real stealers. Helpful video.
Yeah it’s disheartening when you find an OEM dealer that isn’t good, whether in pricing or service quality/care
Thanks Ken that was a great review ! I heard about the water pump issue also but so far mine appears to be ok .
Yeah it seems to be a manufacturing issue, they are either good or not. My first two went very quickly, less than 10,000kms each. The third has had no issues for 30,000kms. I’m just glad I finally got a good one! I forgot to put in the video, when I questioned the mechanic on how I could possibly have gone through two in less than 30k km unless there was a problem, he said “maybe the last one was installed wrong”, to which I replied, “you installed the last one” hahahah 😳
@@kenshapperttravelstheworld8845 😂
@@kenshapperttravelstheworld8845 that's gold. Would love to see his face filmed when you said that 😂
@@kenshapperttravelstheworld8845Such an informative video👍
I'm looking to buy one but totally put off now.
Do they have a seep hole on the water pump housing for indication of water/oil leak and how long can you run for before damaging the engine.
Great review. Im glad to hear the bike (aside from the 2 issues you mentioned) is working out for you! I don't know if you recall, but I did pick up my 2023 500X a couple of weeks ago and drove it 1800km across Newfoundland, and then Labrador over the course of a few days. What a great experience. I was a little sore given that it was the longest ride I have made up till now, but after maybe 20 minutes of rest, I was itching to hit the road again! Thanks again for the honest review. Our season is so short up this way that I would be surprised if I ever put the mileage on mine that you are seeing so I feel this bike may out live me haha. Ride safe!
I definitely remember. I’m glad you got the bike, and that sounds like an amazing ride!! Yeah, the short riding season up north is a bit of a bummer. I hope you enjoy your new bike, and have some adventures 😉
So Happy for you !!!
My steering top head tread came loose too after a crash. That feeling of loose front wheel was horrible but ok after re-tightening with a spanner wrench.
Yeah not a great feeling, especially if you don’t know what it is!! Hmmm, I did crash mine, but the problems didn’t manifest until 20,000kms later 🤔. I was unable to tighten mine myself as the lower flange nut needed tightening also and I didn’t have the “special” Honda tool
The same thing has happened to me on Yamahas and Triumphs in regards to the head tube bearings...
Interesting! From the feedback I’ve received there is potentially a bit of negligence on my part for not ensuring it was done on the 1,000 or 12,000km checks. But I’ve never had a brand new bike before, and didn’t know that was something that could happen!
thanks for sharing. 60k kms is already a good long mileage. the ones you shared, are very predictable and can easily be corrected. my concerns are more of the body frame, have you noticed any cracks?
Yeah I’ve put a good amount of mileage on, and some of it has been pretty rough on the bike. I haven’t noticed any cracks, yet. I haven’t gone over the whole bike, but the one point I do check is the weakest link, where the frame bolts to the engine as a stressed member. I also have the rally raid engine guard, I don’t know if that makes it more or less susceptible to cracking, but I understand if ridden hard that is the most likely point of failure 🤞🏻. You think the head nut bearing is fairly predictable? I was quite surprised. And you also need a special socket from Honda to tighten, it is not possible to do on your own unless you have that.
At 12,800km the steering head bearings and nut should have been inspected per section 3.3 of the factory service manual. Again every 12.8k. Now mine is a 2022 model but I’d venture to guess it’s the same for the earlier generation. I’ve owned 34 motorcycles with 13 being Honda. It’s uncommon for them to back out that far but it happens. Lack of maintenance isn’t a quality issue with your bike. As for the Tech saying it’s never happened. Ya, I had a tech tell me he’s never seen an Aprilia leak oil.
The only problem I’ve had is the rear brake caliper sucking in air. I think this is an issue with the caliper manufacturer because my older CB500F had the same caliper and did the same thing. I’d take the caliper off to change the rear tire. Block the pads open with a wedge and when I’d reinstall the caliper a few days later. I have air in the line. With the ABS module. It’s a pain to bleed. I’ve learned to keep the caliper off for as little time as possible to prevent the pistons from moving and allowing air in.
Other than that, the bike has been flawless.
Your right, the maintenance schedule is the same for the 2020. And I suppose that I would have to agree with you that a lack of maintenance isn’t a quality issue with the bike. I must take some culpability on the head-nut, as I did not ensure that it was checked. At the same time I was taking it into Honda dealerships for the services before I left Canada, it should have been done as part of the maintenance schedule (I should have checked and made sure/specifically asked and not just forked over money, lesson learned). I’ve only had about a quarter of the bikes you’ve had (first Honda) but I’ve never had a head nut back off so it was surprising. But I’ve also never owned a new bike so that could be part of it. And then the two water pumps going in less than two years was quite disappointing, as was the response I got. I love my little CB500X and think it’s an amazing (and reliable) little bike, but these were just some things I did not expect with Hondas vaunted reliability. I’ve had two Ducatis, and had less problems with them than my Honda! Good to know about the caliper; I didn’t notice anything the couple of times I’ve removed the caliper, but it doesn’t have the strongest brakes to begin with. Now you make me wonder if I’ve let air in hahaha
thankyou so much
Hope it was helpful and/or entertaining 👍
Thank you
Thank YOU
I mean the defects seem to be pretty particular to Your precise model of the bike. I don’t want to put in doubt Your experience: it is absolutely valid, however sometimes stuff like that happens, You can’t do much about it, since they were ready to pay for it, I believe it’s fine.
Yeah the water pump issue seems to be relatively widespread on the 500X’s, I haven’t researched the other 500s (R and F I believe?) but I assume they have the same issue as it’s the same motor. The head-bearing nut I thought was a one off, but have heard from a few ppl that had the same issue. I completely agree that stuff can and will happen with any motorcycle, especially given the mileage I am doing. And I really love my CB and think it’s a great bike. However, the water pump has been an issue since release, and imho it should have been addressed years ago (or an extended warranty/service action on that part). I was out of pocket for both the water-pump and steering nut in less than two years of ownership, (third water pump in under 2 years and 30,000kms) so I don’t know what you mean by they were ready to pay for it?
Thanks Ken. I own the 2020 one as well, since July 2020. i have about 55,000 km now and also have this click once in a while. nothing major but good to know now. As for the water pump, it was kind of "sweating" from the beginning, but nothing major, doesn't effect the oil and coolant level and have no signs of leaking on the concrete. A new pump was ordered under the warranty about two and a half years ago, but it is still waiting for me at the dealer's workshop as I started to maintain the bike by myself about a two years ago. It was a good reminder to get it and to replace it next service.
BTW did you have a recall for the ABS module?
Hey 👋🏼, you got a good few kms on it!! Yeah if your “click” is the steering nut, better to get it taken care of ASAP. I rode mine for quite a while like that, but if I had known the issue I definitely would have gotten it fixed ASAP. If you pop the cap off you can see if you can turn it by hand (mine could be 😬). Unfortunately you need some special tool/socket thing from Honda to actually tighten, so it isn’t something you can tighten at home 😔. Yeah, I’ve found that nobody cares about your bike like you do and if you have the ability/time/inclination to do stuff yourself your way better off, when possible. I hope you have a good dealer who will still install your part outside of the warranty period, even if it was ordered while in warranty. My dealer wouldn’t warranty the second pump (with around 20,000kms on it) because I was just out of the one year period and had “a million miles” on the bike…. When I asked how I could possibly need 3 water pumps in less than two years/30,000kms if there wasn’t a manufacturer problem that should be addressed, the mechanic replied that maybe the last one was installed incorrectly… He had installed it himself… LOL. I haven’t gotten any recalls at all that I’m aware of, but I haven’t been home in a while to check the mail 😅
@@kenshapperttravelstheworld8845 Yes, it is kind of annoying that something that shouldn't, go wrong and no one, that should, take responsibility for that. As for the recall, it was about 2-2.5 years ago. some of the ABS modules had to be replaced in the 2019-2020 models, depends on the serial number of the module.
Since I had a lot of free time (I had a bad accident 4.5 years ago with my 2017 cb500x), and after I bought the new one, a year after the accident, I worked in the dealer's workshop in return for free services and what ever I needed, include tires change and even 4 new tires for my kids GoKart. It is a Honda, Harley, KTM, Royal Enfield and Indian workshop, so not only I didn't pay for services and more, I had a free school and learned a lot about maintenance. Even though we didn't get along in a certain point, we're still in touch so I'm not worried about the water pump and anyway I just need to get it as I will replace it by my self. I'm a little jealous of you for being able to travel for so long.
Well I'd not be using that mechanic again. I see you have a rug on your seat. I bought a Seat Concept seat (foam and cover) goes on your seat pan.
Way nicer than stock, it dished out a bit more and wider. Also has no slop to it. Loving my 21, have 24000 klm, no issues.
Hello from Vancouver Island BC
👋🏼. Yeah the rug was a must hahaha. The stock seat just wasn’t comfortable enough for long journeys. I almost replaced the seat, but the cost, weight, and delay coupled with the fact that I wider seat isn’t quite as good for standing off-road made me go with the sheep rug. Sometimes I wish I got a (heated) seat 😉
put 80k kms on a 2013 in less than 3 years - great bike apart from putting chains and tyres in it never a problem have nc750x now but looking to buy a new big front wheel 500x
Nice! Glad to hear it was problem free for you. That’s a lot of kms in 3 years!! Yeah, the 19 front wheel makes this a really super all-rounder 👍
I had the head bearing issue at 16,000 miles. Was very slight and didn't get worse over time. Would cause head shake at high speeds. Took a while to figure out what it was
Hasn't been an issue again tho
Yeah a really strange one to diagnose if it’s never happened to you before. I knew something was wrong but couldn’t figure out for quite a few kilometres, and until I took the front end off/apart. I’ve now heard from quite a few people with this issue, a bit surprising tbh as I don’t really feel it’s acceptable. But as I understand it, it’s part of the 1,000km check/service that just doesn’t seem to be done in the Honda network. Glad it worked out for you!
I also have 2021 model. It had wobbled from day one at around 60-80km/h. The origibal yires where a piece of shit, deformed from the factory. And had a buzzing ataroinf 4500rpm. Honda dealears said is ok it does not make the buzz. I discovered that the buzzing was made by the counter nut from the head bearings. It gets loose. Even if the big nut is not. The original top bearing has plastic ball ring. I think that is one of the problem. Now i have changed the original bearings with all balls. And after two weeks i'm starting to head the buzzing. How it is getting loose, i don't know. I has safety ring too. . The threads are good. The nut with the plastic cover is not getting loose. Only the counter nut. On mine the water pump got oil at around 570km. It took me around a year to make hobda to change the pump. I'm not doing many km in a year, but I don't imagine I will have this kind of problems with this bike. And 4 bolts got longer. 2 from the engine mounts and two from the front calipper. I hope i will never have water pump problemes because i need to take out my crash bars and I don't know if the bolts will remain at the same lenght. :))
The point with head stem nut is that no workshop checks the bearing adjustment neither retorque stem nut nor engine mounts bolts at 1000km check. BTW - my waterpump also leaked with 22000 kms.
Ahhhh ok. I didn’t realize it was part of the 1,000km check. I really should have looked and made sure they did everything before handing over my money 🤦🏻♂️. The waterpump(s) were a disappointment, but not unexpected. The head stem nut was a head shaker for me. I actually talked to someone else that had the same issue on his cb500x.
@@kenshapperttravelstheworld8845 The stem nut problem happened to my former VStrom 650, same symptoms - vague handling, strange noise, etc. Apparently almost all workshops limit the scope of the 1000km check to oil and filter replacement and fluid levels check. The sad reality is that 99% of mechanics won't do the service with the same attention to details than you.
Yeah your right on both accounts. In my former life I worked in the car industry and knew some amazing and dedicated mechanics, but they were few and far between. The quality of mechanics gets worse the further south I get haha, but unfortunately I’m not set up to do all my own work on the bike on the road 😔
i have now 80000km the rear wheel bearing by 45000km and by 60000km lampda sonde,the ignition key its somtime a litle bit tricky,i drive the bike in thailand and all inspection i make self inkl valve clearance
I hope I don’t have any bearing issues in the next 10,000kms or so 😬
Hey Ken, great review! I have a 2021 model with 8,000kms. This spring I noticed a pool of coolant under mine after sitting over the winter. I brought it to a local Honda dealership and the mechanic told me that they’ve had some arrive from the factory with the same problem. He mentioned that the water pump had a mechanical seal and when the bike sits for an extended period it can start to leak. He topped up my coolant as it was down from the full mark. So far after 500 km I have had no leaks? 🤞🏻 I purchased the extended warranty and have until April 2024 so I’ve decided to wait and see if it will leak again. Really appreciate your feedback. Cheers!
Thanks Walt! Yeah my first one was leaking, but didn’t seem very bad and then kind of stopped. But as it was under warranty and still showing signs of the leak (coolant) they replaced it. If I wasn’t doing so many miles and going so far I could have left it to see what happened. I haven’t ever really let it sit for an extended period of time haha. The second one got progressively worse until it was leaking both oil and coolant 😳
@@kenshapperttravelstheworld8845 ok, thanks again for the feedback Ken and keep the adventures going! 👍🏻
Hey, I've got a 2021 CB500X (from new) with 23,000 km on it and I noticed the same type of leak. Took it to Honda dealership 2 days ago and the mechanic told me it's a known problem, just as you said. They said they will replace the water pump but also mentioned, that many times even after replacing it it starts leaking again. It's kind of annoying. I haven't had any other problems whatsoever.
Yeah it is a bit annoying, moreso that it’s still a problem. It doesn’t seem to catastrophically fail (for me, yet), but my first one and the replacement both leaked. The third one has been good for 50,000kms+
Greatly appreciate if you put the year of your bike see a lot of videos but no year they changed a little bit over the course of time not much but a little I’d like to know the year or I can’t support your video. Thank you.
Hey Scott, my bike is a 2020 model. Your right, it is more helpful to know the year of the bike, but I always forget when I’m filming, and by the time I realize while editing it is too late 🤦🏻♂️. But I do put it in the first line of the video description for people to know. They definitely do change/update slightly, but the vast majority of the mechanicals have stayed the same throughout the lifespan of the bike, so I think/hope the information is relevant to all the CB500x’s out there. Thanks for watching and commenting! 🙏🏼
Know what's funny about the water pump?
Voge 500 DS / 500 DSX, notoriously known to be a direct competitor to this motorcycle with a derived engine.
Guess what is the only thing that breaks on it fairly often?
Yup. Water pump. Same exact issue. Ready to bet it's exactly the same part, I wish someone pulled both of them out side by side!
That’s very interesting, I hadn’t known about that bike until your comment and I looked it up. I bet it is the same part. just seems strange to me that this has been a known problem for ~10 years, and there still has not been a fix
😮 sounds like a Honda defect that's interesting because if it's made in Japan I know they're not asleep at the wheel everything is checked triple checked I wonder where that motorbike was assembled anyway be safe out there
Made in Thailand I believe. And thank you! 🙏🏼
How I wish to see these reviews for the CF MOTO 450 MT after 60,000 km...
I’m sure someone will do one. If it makes it.. lol
Mine seems to be intermittent. Was leaking from water pump, now is not without repair.
Yeah my first one didn’t seem to leak very bad, and then stopped. But as it was under warranty they replaced it. If I wasn’t doing so many miles and going so far I would have left it to see what happened. The second one got progressively worse until it was leaking both oil and coolant 😳. At that point, with the journey I’m on, I had to do it for my peace of mind
does anybody know if the 2013 to 2018 models have the same issues with the water pump?
I only have experience on my 2020, but my understanding before purchasing the bike was that the water pump has been an issue from day 1 on these CB500 motors. Very surprising whatever the issue is isn’t sorted out by now
2:00 I have exactly the same problem with my 2022 cb500x
Ah wow, yeah it’s not a great feeling while riding that’s for sure! This is my first brand new bike, and someone made the point that it is part of the 1,000km service and should be checked regularly. So I’m not sure if this is a normal thing or not, but I’ve never had it happen before on any other bikes and it seemed crazy to me at the time
@@kenshapperttravelstheworld8845 This is 3 month old but my 250 rally says it's part of the 8K service also .
I had the gear position sensor go at about 20,000km’s but that was it until 80,000 on my 2013.
Then it was time to do the wheel and head bearings. The shock started to really bounce just before 100k kms. Valves didn’t need shimming until the 75,000km service.
Other than that just serviceable for me, currently at 114k kms
Yeah I suppose and machine/vehicle can have little faults or things go wrong, but overall it’s a great, reliable little machine 💪
Ken
Good review.
What model year is your bike?
Cheers Edward. Mine is a 2020
Hi, I am new to riding, I don't even have my license yet. I am looking at some bikes and it appears the CB500X (or any CB500 in general) will be the best for a beginner like me and what I intend to use the bike for - doing errands around town and some longer trips twice a month (around 250-300km round trip).
Do you reckon this bike would be good for me? Should I save up for a newer post-2019 model or I can do with the earlier ones from 2014? I am also quite heavy at 110kg and 1.77m tall, so I reckon a 500cc bike with more grunt and a low seat, like the CB500X, would be better compared to a 300cc or even a 400cc one. I also have to note that I am looking at bikes that conform to EU A2 License, which this bike fits into.
Cheers.
Ah cool, you should definitely make sure you get your license and a bike. Any bike is better than no bike 😉. Sooo, for your first bike I personally don’t think you need big/shiny/new. Better to get something your not afraid of dropping, and unless your planning any off pavement adventures I don’t see any reason to pay more for the 2019 or newer. The smaller front wheel on the others would probably even be more manageable. I’m normally a proponent of starting small, mastering that and then going up. But if height and weight dictate a 500 to start, lots of people have done it, and with even much larger bikes. I love my CB500X and think it’s an incredible bike for what I use it for, there is also a CB500F that may be more suitable for strictly on pavement riding (maybe lower? 🤔). You probably won’t be able to talk anyone into giving you a test-ride, but I’d suggest going and looking at/sitting on a couple different options before buying. It’s amazing how different bikes can feel even just sitting on them in the shop, I’ve had some bikes that on paper I thought would be perfect and after sitting on them realized I didn’t like it. Either way, a first bike is a first bike, you can always learn on it and realize what you like/don’t like want/don’t want and sell it and get another. The beauty of used bikes is if you don’t smash them or do a million kms they hold their value really well. Good luck!! 🤞🏻 👍
@@kenshapperttravelstheworld8845 Thank you for the compehensive reply!
Did the bearing become loose before or after Martin had the bike?
Hahahah. It was before Martin had the bike. He fixed that for me. But he also put on a clip master link after I asked for a river; it fell off two days later 🤦🏻♂️ . I noticed the head bearing (quite bad, didn’t know what it was) in Chicago and rode all the way back to Toronto before I figured out what it was 😬
Thanks for the heads up, I'll definitely check that head nut torque setting on my CB500X. Not surprised about the water pump, seems like a pretty common issue.
I wouldn’t worry too much about the head but, unless you get a weird feeling. I’ve never had that happen before, nor heard of it from anyone else (unless they’ve removed and reinstalled incorrectly). But yeah the water pump thing seems fairly common, contrary to what the Honda mechanic told me
How much does it cost
The water pump? I don’t recall, but it wasn’t cheap. A few hundred if installed at the dealer I believe
When you had to pay yourself, how much did the water pump replacement cost you with parts and labor?
Ah mate, I honestly don’t recall, it was quite a few months ago and I’ve had lots of other expenditures to stress about hahaha. I got it done in California, and I’m going to guess around $300-$350. It really is a guess though, sorry
Bought a 2021 with 7500km 2 month ago, has now 9000 on it. Always good to know what the common issues are with any bike.
Mental Note: Issue 1: Water Pump may leak, Issue 2: Head stock bearing nut may come loose, Issue 3: Coolant clamps may be loose.
Any other common issue anyone ???
rsm8
Enjoy the bike Joe, it’s a great little machine 👍
Scary.
Which part??
here we are in 2023 and they still have water pump issue.
In fairness, mine is a 2020 model, but it does seem to be an ongoing, recurring, long-term issue 😳
Coincidentally my current Yamaha had more problems than my Husqvarna (KTM made).
The KTM might need serious rebuilding after 50k kilometers and the Yam might not, but honestly, who rides a single bike for 50k kilometers?
You know your literally commenting on a video where I’ve ridden the bike well over 50,000kms and plan to keep going 🧐? Hahaha, point taken however, and your right; most people won’t ride a single Moto 50k kms, and any bike can have problems. Including the Japanese bikes 😭
@@kenshapperttravelstheworld8845 It‘s kinda stupid if I‘m honest because I bought my Yam with 3000km in July last year and now it has 29000km…😅
Nice! That’s a lot of riding mate. I was previously a Yamaha guy, loved my R6 and had zero issue with over 30,000kms of my own riding, bike had 56k when I sold it. I did nothing but oil changes and tires, not even chains or brakes needed in that time. As any bike can have problems, I think there is something to be said for the bike you know and ride, easier to realize problems and then own them haha
How long is the warranty on Hondas in Canada? In Europe it’s three years and mine was updated to five.
Ah it’s a joke, we only get a one year warranty here 🙄
Same in US. One year. But they will sell you the extended for a premium price. 😂
Always haha
Here in Europe I got 2 + 2 years warranty or 200k KMS for the 2023.
Incredible. Yeah I don’t know why we get shafted on the warranty side of things in Canada compared to other parts of the world, and not just with Honda or Motorcycles
Does anyone know of better than factory parts to replace honda parts?
If you are a little more specific on what parts exactly you want to replace with better than OEM you will be more likely to get the info your looking for. Cheers!
@@kenshapperttravelstheworld8845 water pump, steering head bearings/timken roller bearing kit.
@@kenshapperttravelstheworld8845 water and fuel pumps, timken roller bearing kit for steering head bearings, live in Calif so can't tinker very much if at all!
Is it possible it backed off when doing the rally raid conversion? Definitely strikes me as odd, they are torqued way down.
I have a 2013 I got with 18,000km on and put 10,000km on and am considering doing a level 1 RR conversion on while I wait to see if I want to get a new bike. Mine has been dead reliable other than the steering head bearings getting notched.
Yeah it’s an incredible bike, it’s taken every bit of abuse I’ve thrown at it. It is very strange the head nut backing off, but it couldn’t have been while doing the conversion. Because I have the 2020 it already came with the higher triple tree installed from factory, so I never went near it. Strange indeed, haven’t come across anyone else with the same issue, nor have I experienced it before. Honestly I love my bike, it can go anywhere and it satisfies everything I want from a bike; except my need for speed haha
@@kenshapperttravelstheworld8845 Ah ok, makes sense. I've been referencing the older model instructions. I'm no speed maniac but I'm definitely tempted towards getting something with a bit more oomph. Still practically speaking I don't need the power and it's been a great bike to learn street riding on and do some very light offroad. (one thing I wish it had was a 19" front wheel like the newer models)
@@kenshapperttravelstheworld8845 Definitely relate to the need for speed as I used to ride sportbikes. At 53 though, it's probably a good thing having a bike with a little less power. Plus, the CB500X is plenty of fun in the corners still and it pulls fine when you drop down a gear and ring its neck!
I'll likely buy a V-Strom 800de in a few years, unless perhaps Honda comes out with a comparable bike. Big Rock Moto absolutely loves the 800de and I fully trust his thorough reviews
You have 471 likes on a Honda CB500X video :D
I don’t know if that’s good or bad?? 🤔
@@kenshapperttravelstheworld8845 I mean, the 500X has parallel twin 471cc engine, so that was kind of symbolic :)
Ahhhh ok, I didn’t catch that hahaha
I have the 2015 model in italy. I've had the pump replaced in less than a few thousand km. It leaked from the 1st week. They pretended they didn't know of the issue eventually they replaced it. At 37k no more issues with this leak. Another problem i had was the gearbox that was clunking from day 1. Always need to adjust the revs not sceezing the clutch too much to change gear. Some times went to neutral from 2nd by itself....
Today on the motorway it got stuck on 3 and wouldn't go above. After a bit of fildling with the gears it managed to change but the gearbox is really finicky.
Anyone else with gearbox issues?
My gearbox can be a bit finicky at times, a bit clunky into 1st, a fair few false neutrals that clunk badly when you finally then put it in gear. Usually it’s very smooth, but the odd time when it acts up it’s quite clunky. Figured it was just the gearbox on the bike, not being a super sport like I’m used to. Hope it doesn’t ever get stuck like yours!
I just picked up a CL500. Different bike, but same engine and powertrain. The transmission on it is clunky and it consistently misses 3rd and 2nd when downshifting without double clutching. The dealer has been great so far. Put a call in to Honda and we are waiting on a solution (I've only had it a couple of days). Mine feels like it might be the shift ratchet mechanism, but I'm not a mechanic so that's just my amateur opinion.
Yeah mine started out super smooth, with the odd mis-shift. I’m getting more mis-shifts and clunkiness, the worst is the clunk after a false neutral when jamming in gear 😬. I’m hoping it doesn’t cause me any real problems as I get further south 🤞🏻
Sounds like clutch springs are too soft maybe and not fully engaging the slipper clutch. If heard of this problem on other bikes and putting slightly stiffer springs in the pack solved shift issues.
That’s interesting, and could be a possible fix; although something that should have been done from factory if needed. As I’m already over 60,000kms and on the road for the foreseeable future I’m just gonna keep jamming it into gear and hoping for the best 😬🙏🏼
The head bearing tip is gold. Thanks for sharing that. I have a 2021 with 8k miles and no water pump issues (knock on wood). Honda should just have a clause with these engine we all get free replacement water pumps for life since it's a known issue.... and to Martin of Ontario Honda.... dude, your a dick 🧐
Hahahaha. I’d sign that petition!!!
Well done for highlighting the poor customer service Shame on him
Ah it was actually so much worse, but I cut out my 10 minute rant because I sounded like a crazy person 😂
Had 40,000 miles on my 013 never a problem you had a terrible dealership experience
The dealership experience was horrid, and about 10x worse and more unbelievable than I put in the video 😬. Yeah seems like a great and reliable bike, some of us just get unlucky with the waterpump
It wasn’t tightened to specs it sounds like when assembled. Sounds like you took the bike to a crooked shop. Sad 😞
Yeah, I was a bit surprised about the bearing. I think the shop was more lazy and incompetent than outright crooked. Although I suppose the end result for me is the same 😢
Thank you for the information I will never buy one
Haha, well… That wasn’t exactly my intention, I love the bike and think it’s great (for what I’m doing). Any Moto can have problems, and especially customer service due to the way franchises work. But.. My intention WAS to provide information to prospective owners, and if that info makes you decide it isn’t the right bike for you then I guess it’s job accomplished and I’m glad I could provide insight. I do suspect that if you checked out many other reviews there are probably 10-1 or more positive to anything negative. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Haha, well… That wasn’t exactly my intention, I love the bike and think it’s great (for what I’m doing). Any Moto can have problems, and especially customer service due to the way franchises work. But.. My intention WAS to provide information to prospective owners, and if that info makes you decide it isn’t the right bike for you then I guess it’s job accomplished and I’m glad I could provide insight. I do suspect that if you checked out many other reviews there are probably 10-1 or more positive to anything negative. Thanks for watching and commenting!
I rode 25,000 km on my previous 2015 model and I've since ridden 23,000 km on its replacement, my current 2021 model, and I've not experienced either of these issues on either motorcycle. It's a brilliant motorcycle. Currently achieving 3.1L per 100 km.
60k that's amazing for a 500
Yeah she’s done quite well, will be at 100,000k before I know it I think
Is that miles or kilometers? With regular maintenance it should be capable of well over 100k miles.
5000km colour on both forkarms and engine starting to disapear....10.000km colour on engine nearly gone... 15000km forkseals starzed leaking.... 20.000km need a new chain soon... WTF HONDA???.. Really????
Im not sure what the colour on formarnos and engine disappearing refers to, but sounds like maybe the bike was washed/cleaned with something caustic/acidic? And maybe that could have affected the fork seals also? They should’t be leaking yet, I’ve done 70,000kms of some quite punishing roads and I think my seals are ok. At least they were until I typed that 😉. And no paint/coating flaking…Yeah the stock chain isn’t very good, they only last around 20,000kms before needing to be replaced. Go with something a little better, DID xring or something and it should last longer. Although I’m surprised how often I’m replacing chains (my bad chain maintenance habits probably have something to do with that)
So much for Japanese reliability. It is always KTM that get bashed for defects. Just buy the bike that suits you. All bikes have their niggles, pros, cons.
Yeah, I 100% agree with you. The “Japanese reliability” and availability of parts and mechanics is a big part of why I chose this bike, so it was slightly disappointing. But I’ve since had 30,000kms without problems, and I’m quite happy. Now that I typed that I see more problems in my future 😂😂🙏🏼
1 or 2 minor problems like this isn’t discrediting Japanese quality.
Yeah, I mean the bike could have blown up and I don’t think it would discredit Japanese reliability as a whole. But I also don’t believe that these were acceptable/expected problems. On my third water pump by 30,000kms is a 10,000kms per pump average, and I had to pay out of pocket to replace. Not acceptable for a known issue imo. And the head bearing could have been dangerous. I suppose that’s more down to not being checked at the recommended service by the tech, but still unexpected. I love the bike, it seems extremely reliable, but was slightly surprised by these things, with their reputation (I had less problems on both my Ducatis 😬). No other problems, yet haha
That's a very good point David. Unless you are looking at older bikes and you know you will find it hard to get parts, just go for it. Pick the ride that makes you smile the most!
@@kenshapperttravelstheworld8845that great to hear about the last 30KM being hassle free. I will keep my fingers crossed for you buddy! 😂
Ken, just found your channel. I am considering purchasing a 2023 CB500X. The problems you have encountered seem substantial to me. Most/all of the reviews of the bike are stellar, so seeing a chronic, persisting problem(s) is disturbing and makes me question the purchase. Two questions ... 1) knowing what you know and what you've had to deal with, would you buy this bike new again? I know you said you love the bike, but would the issues make you consider an alternative bike to invest in. 2) It's pricey, but would you recommend purchasing the extended warranty plan from Honda and for how long? Of course, I realize that it depends on miles/km ridden per year, etc. Based on comments here and other reviews, it surprises me that Honda has not stepped up and fixed this well documented issue(s). It puts their reputation for bullet proof bikes at risk in my opinion.
Those issues especially water pump are on the older models. I have a 2022 and they are a tad different. I'd say you don't have anything to worry about with a 2023. I really enjoy mine and imo the Honda warranty is a complete waste of money it does come with a one year free. Like I told the warranty guy hey I'm buying a Honda so I don't need a warranty. These things are work horses and so fun to ride you will enjoy it. The 2022 and up have ABS as well so the bike you are asking about is a little different than this one your fine.
The 2023 bike is a good buy....twin discs at the front and upgraded (USD) forks. Rumour has it that the water pump issue has also been sorted on the new model, which was introduced in 2022. Go for it - you won't regret it.
Hey. To make a king answer shorter, yes I would buy the bike again for this purpose, it is the perfect tool for the job. I’m actually more of a sport bike guy so this kind of bike and riding is fairly new to me, but for what I am doing the bike is perfect. The head bearing issue could be attributed to me, as it is part of the maintenance checks that were not done on my end. The waterpump thing was certainly a bit of a let down, if not a surprise. It seems to be an intermittent and not common (if also not uncommon) problem. There isn’t a manufacturer in the world that he put a bike out that’s never had an issue. It’s unfortunate that it’s the water pump, and it’s more than an isolated incident. But…. Otherwise the bike is extremely reliable, easy to work on with large service intervals, stellar fuel economy and much more going for it. If I was looking at this type of bike I would in no way let the water pump issue sway you, and also would still count reliability as a quality of this bike. For extended warranties, as someone who used to work in the car business, they are usually a waste of money and/or for the repair that it may cover it would be cheaper to just pay out of pocket. It’s more of a pay for piece of mind kind of thing, and how much is your piece of mind worth
A water pump is not a substantial problem.
That mechanic should be fired
I think he just needs to learn to listen and take some pride in assisting people. I won’t hold my breath
Micrometer.
?
Nope dti.
Absolutely ridiculous from the Mechanic, but thats how it is, there is hardly any ethical ones anymore.
Yeah it was quite annoying to be fair, but what are you gonna do I guess 🤷🏽
Mechanics hate warrentee work and a lot are dishonest theyll diagnose something for grandma that grandma didnt actually need
That mechanic has some psychological issues. Cheers!
🥴
Nothing is made in Japan any more :).
I knowwwww. As an aside, I previously worked for a Korean car company and it was interesting to see them follow the Japanese template, and increase the quality accordingly. I see so many Chinese brand cars and motos in Latin America, it makes me wonder if they will ever get the quality up to par. Some look really neat!
kawasaki is made Japan.
@@charpasandreas Kawasakis are made in Thailand same as Honda, Triumph, Ducati etc etc. I think the only company that still manufactures most of their bikes in Japan is Suzuki.
Sounds unreliable
Yeah to be honest I was quite disappointed with the water pump thing, although it was not unexpected as I had read about it first. The head nut was a head scratcher and definitely not great. But since then I’ve had zero problems and it’s been a great bike. Any bike can, and does, have problems, but I bought a Honda specifically to avoid any issues. Overall I’m happy, but Ill let people draw whatever conclusions they will 🙏🏼
@@kenshapperttravelstheworld8845 One week agi I picked up my third Honda a xl 750 Transalp.
First bike: cbf 600 SA. 108000 km no problems!
Second: VFR 1200 f 64000 km , no problems!
All I had to do was routine. I went to annual service, thats all.
Of course brakes or in case of the cbf chains had to be replaced like normal!
Interesting, I had an warrantee issue with my Africa Twin. Within three months my fork seals went. The front of the bike was covered in oil. The fork seals had to be replaced as well as the brake pads. The total bill came to almost $1,000 CAD. Honda would not cover any part of this.
And the fork seals were not under warranty?? I know we get a pretty bad warranty in Canada at only 1 year, but it’s unlimited kilometres. What, did they say you abused the bike or something?? Fairly disappointing from Honda to be fair
@@kenshapperttravelstheworld8845 No abuse they said fork seals aren’t covered.
Hope the guy goes out of business. A real lemon.
It certainly wasn’t the way things should have been dealt with, and I actually left out the worst parts of the story 😂🤣