2020 Honda CB500X Review - Uncomplicated Adventuring

[@guywalkabout1914]

Actually, the wet weight of the CB500X is 196kg, and that's about 12kg lighter than the wet weight of the KTM 790 Adventure.

[@mancavemoto]

Closer to 7kg, but yes at the time of editing the video I couldn’t establish if the quoted Honda weight was wet or dry, so I got that wrong.

[@Roadghost88]

Still, 196kg is a hefty rig. I'm wondering why they couldn't drop 15kg off that. I hear Honda is working on new frames for several of their bikes to get the weight out. 500x is probably due for a renewal.

[@guywalkabout1914]

@@Roadghost88 If only Honda would put the CB500X engine in the CRF250L Rally. That could result in a bike with a wet weight of +- 170 kg, and would be, for my needs, the best bike ever.

[@rocketrollsvlogs7625]

You can literally buy 2 CB500X for one 790Adv.

[@andyostertag]

@@rocketrollsvlogs7625 agreed.. it's about contentment. Kind of like any partnership. The 500X suits most my needs fine. For the other needs of joy dirt and exploring back roads etc., My XR650L steps up to the plate. Between the two, I'm fulfilled.. The 500X could do what I get done on the XR.. but there's just something about the "pig" I love and cannot part with it

[@bill_4359]

It is always a good idea to have a picture of Noraly in your video. We all love her. Lately she has been riding 400 - 450 miles per day in Norway. She has my respect.

[@mancavemoto]

I look forward to each episode coming out, I love the way she keeps her positivity up, whatever challenge is thrown at her.

[@motoryzen]

DAmn right. She's gorgeous. SMoochable nose, cheeks, juicy lips and a GREAT calm balanced cute attitude...and a funny sounding youtube name. " itchy boots"

[@codycouch2467]

That's 400 or so kilometers per day , not miles, so actually 250 plus miles per day. Still impressive in those conditions. Go Noraly!

[@bill_4359]

She road 700 kilometers per day for 2 episodes. That is what I was referring to.

[@Pan1man4]

She is home safe now, going to miss her videos.

[@saddle8bag]

My favorite bike that Honda has produced in ages.

[@georgeharsin6292]

Have owned 10-12 bikes over the years and this 2019 CB 500X is probably my favorite. Perfect bike for back roads and highway with sweet spot between 40-70 MPH. Another bullet proof Honda.

[@mancavemoto]

Yep totally agree

[@droptuned83]

I have had a few in recent times including the VFR800X , and AfricaTwin DCT and this is my favourite of them all. Currently got a Triumph SpeedTwin but might switch back to one of these .

[@markmundy3435]

A low stressed Honda parallel-twin, you just know as long as you give it some new oil from time to time it WILL run for ever.

[@atastefortheroad4475]

100%

[@mancavemoto]

Yep

[@leereefable]

100% true

[@Ijusthopeitsquick]

That remains to be seen. How many of these have racked up huge mileages?

[@mancavemoto]

@@Ijusthopeitsquick Loads off them, the same motor has been used in the CB500 since 2013

[@cabforwardooo9983]

Thanks for the excellent review. I'm looking for my first bike now that I'm approaching 70, and this handsome bike looks like a contender!

[@mancavemoto]

No problem and I’m sure the CB500X will be up there

[@seanb1081]

I've owned my 2nd hand 2020 model since early 2022. I've taken it on big road trips here in Australia, the longest was 3,500 Kms. (2,175 miles) "Hogan" and I have also done a tone of local gravel road ridding and "He's" also my daily commute. The previous owner upgraded the original suspension with RallyRaid Lvl 2. Ie have also fitted it out with Mitas EO7+ tyres and It now handles just about any track or road that I want to explore. I've also fully kitted it out with the SHAD luggage system. In a week from now I'll be heading out on my annual 'Big Trip" A 1500KM (930 Mile) 6 Days - 5-night camping adventure. I have total faith in my 2020 CB500X, and that it will be my perfect adventure companion! I have ZERO regrets in buying a CB500X!

[@garmit61]

Looks like the perfect tourer to me. None of this overbloated over tech nonsense. The only thing missing is a kickstart.

[@RobinTorrekensTravelVlog]

Serious? Why would you need that? If you have an empty battery take a small starter-battery, I think it would not be possible to kickstart a 471cc bike.

[@600rrmike]

@@RobinTorrekensTravelVlog Quite easy to kick start a 500 twin . My first bike was a1952 BSA 500 single and that was difficult to kickstart. Pity CB500x has slipper clutch as it makes it impossible to bump start if the battery is flat.

[@RobinTorrekensTravelVlog]

@@600rrmike I didn't know about the slipper clutch disadvantage, thanks!

[@mmaaddict78]

@@600rrmike That’s not true at all. You can definitely bump start a bike with a slipper clutch.

[@richardahola692]

@@RobinTorrekensTravelVlog I like kickstarts. Most of the small bikes (110 & 150cc) have electric and kick and half of those have a dead battery. Batteries are expensive and don't live long. I rode a 650 Triumph fir many years that was kick only and my riding buddy still has his '67 Bonneville. I ride it more than he does because he has bad knees.

[@quentinjackson6015]

Thanks for a good review. I have a 2017 CB500X and it really is a versatile bike that makes an excellent and economical tourer - I average about 80mpg and find it very comfortable for an extended day in the saddle. My wife finds the pillion seat comfortable and the engine copes well with extra loads. If I did a lot of motorway miles then a bigger capacity machine might be the order of the day.....Apart from that the Honda offers simple and reliable biking pleasure. Cheers!

[@richfromlondon3254]

Are you tempted to upgrade to the 2019/2020 or still content with the 2017 model?

[@quentinjackson6015]

@@richfromlondon3254 For me the subtle improvements wouldn't justify the cost of changing. There is apparently a new smaller capacity Africa Twin in the pipeline which might be of interest to a few happy CB500X owners!

[@JohnSmith-zv8km]

When I see a bike like this and the one Itchy Boots rides I realise that it is much better than the Enfield offering and at a not too dissimilar price.

[@Dragonflywins]

In some markets there's a lot of a difference in price

[@metalsadman]

@@Dragonflywins 2k more dollars on average, yikes. but it's a honda with the reliability and more power than the re.

[@Dragonflywins]

@@metalsadman I am talking about 7k, honda products pay a lot of takes in my country

[@andyostertag]

Great all around bike. Fitted my 2017 with aluminum 35L hard panniers. Icing on the cake for errands and trips. Very content with it for it's uses for me and it's price. Great honest review of a great bike. Low maintenance, economical and Honda reliability. Ride Red

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks

[@robyn1690]

Another great review, the cb500x is a great bike used to own one. Traded it for a KTM 790 Adventure, I know many of you have views on the KTM 790 and I’ve gone into this purchase with my eyes open and time will tell. But I’m glad I made the change, the additional engine power, stopping power, suspension quality and versatility has already made a difference. 👍😁

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, and I’ve just changed my Tiger for a 790 Adventure

[@johnjohansen7190]

Great review! I will buy one.

[@geirkristiansen5289]

Thank you, just got one, love it... you sum it up perfeckly,

[@mrvoyagerm]

Nice bike, great that you mentioned Noraly. As a Canadian, I don't seem to mind you riding on the wrong side, but when a car comes toward you on the wrong side, Oh that gets my attention big time :) Great video, thanks for posting

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, but i'd just like to point out that you're on the wrong side of the road ;) Thanks for watching

[@mrvoyagerm]

@@mancavemoto Somehow I knew that was coming!

[@Banditmanuk]

A friend of mine rode one of these around the world. He did the Dalton Highway and this bike completed the epic trek with just routine servicing. He set off with two companions both riding much more expensive KTM adventure bikes, they both gave up the ghost mid trip.

[@drewmorg.]

What kind of KTM ? DIdn't the 790's get some insane amount of torture testing from the factory?

[@Banditmanuk]

@@drewmorg. The KTMs were a 790 and 1290 Adventure. Both suffered electrical issues losing the dash early in the trip. The 790 blew an engine oil seal in the middle of nowhere in Mongolia and the 1290 eventually had to be put on the same lorry to be taken to a KTM dealer in Ullaanbaatar.

[@sebastiangeorge7714]

Ready to race seams not to be the right Motto to cross Eurasia

[@OregunAdventure]

Loving my CBX! :)

[@mancavemoto]

I can see why

[@YorkshireTripper.]

I had one a few years back but sold it to put towards a house deposit now looking at getting another bike and i've toyed with duke 390, 690 and even a big scooter but think i am going to get another cb500x it does everything really well.

[@mancavemoto]

Its hard to fault it for a fun dependable ride

[@stephanematis]

Nice practical ride. In the running when I graduate up, especially since there are kits to crank up it's off-road/adventure capabilities.

[@mancavemoto]

Yes I was going to add in a piece about the Rally Raid kit, but it would have mead the video too long

[@harveyuu2606]

This is my goal bike for thr near future. Looks like a lot of fun! Thanks for the vid

[@mancavemoto]

It sure is, hope you get to pick one up soon.

[@motoryzen]

I've owned the 2019 cb500x since December 2019. It's still the same bike, but that gas mileage is rock solid compared to what I thought it would end up being. I changed out the front stock and rear sprockets ( 15tooth and 41 tooth) to 16t and 40t. Keeping the bike at 60 mph or less yields around 70mpg consistently ( 180 pound rider here btw gear and all) with tire pressure of 42 front, 45 rear. I too came from a rebel...the 2017 300 (286cc..basically a cruiser looking go kart on steroids xD ) and yeah.that seat was pathetic. honda KNEW better than to put such a shitty seat on that rebel. I replaced my stock mirrors on my cb500x with the same set up Norally from Itchy Boots has and what a perfect idea that's been. Dropped the bike many times and not a single time have I had to replace those mirrors. Of course I had sense enough to add a good engine crash bar/guard set too ( t-rex racing) with front axle sliders and an exhaust/right foot passenger peg slider with Barkbusters hand guards too.

[@per365]

Is the speedometer correct?

[@motoryzen]

@@per365 no..not until you connect/correct it with a SpeedoHealer unit. At 60mph real speed...the stock speedometer will show 54 or 55mph. The faster the speed..the slight larger than real speed difference becomes versus what that stock speedometer will show until then. This minor deal only occurs when you change the front sprocket. You can change our only the rear sprocket ID you want without loading real world speed accuracy if your stock speedometer since the speed sensor isn't connected, St least on the cb50px that is, to the rear wheel/sprocket in any way. Research the individual bike you're interested to confirm this though.

[@wokeupandsmellthecoffee214]

Hey Tony you just appeared on my YT, can’t believe I’ve missed all your reviews so I have some catching up to do and subbed you. Nice of you to give Noraly a mention, I’ve followed her for a few years now she’s like one of the family ! Ride safe

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks

[@GBPaddling]

Got the exact same bike, colour, year the lot. I always get above 80mpg, and am happy with almost everything about it. Did the front sprocket change, which transforms the bike for me, much more relaxed. If I could change anything, I would like a bigger screen, nothing drastic, just 50mm both ways, and a more comfy seat. An hour is ok, but I start feeling it after that. Everything else, ergonomics, gearchange, clutch, handling is absolutely beyond criticism, the only other thing is a few rust spots on the swingarm, gonna need to sort that as soon as it warms up a bit.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks for the info

[@CocoaBeachLiving]

Seems like a great bike to have around for emergency situations as well. Reliable, versatile, and decent performance 👌👍😎

[@mancavemoto]

Yep, it’s a bit of a do it all bike

[@ivanvalenti13]

my lovely motorcycle

[@brucer81]

Great review. You gotta love the Brits; "pulling your arms off", "eyeball sucking" and "easy on the bum". I was sitting on the fence but I continually receive so much positive feedback from CB500X owners and riders that it's getting more and more difficult to say no. As well as the overall Honda quality, fit and finish, the asking price for the bike is very difficult to pass on. Thank you and I have Subscribed.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Bruce, hopefully i can bring you some more eyeball sucking, arse rumbling and maybe even mutts nuts reviews! Thanks for the sub

[@flythenride]

Great no nonsense review! Thanks.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks for watching!

[@darylvaldez1664]

Thumbs up for the Noraly reference! :)

[@mancavemoto]

I couldn't not mention her whrn reviewing the CB500x

[@JohnDoe-xr5is]

I read comments about vibrations when riding the CB500X over 65-70mph. Any comments? I would never go over 70, but am concerned about vibrations. I have a 2018 Kawi Versys 650....but the CB500X was in the running, but there weren't any at local dealerships at the time. But for my NEXT bike...I'm still very interested in the CB500X. The Versys 650 at 65-70mph is almost like riding on air. Virtually no vibrations in the seat and handlebars...and just a small amount in the footpegs.

[@mancavemoto]

There’s a little bit of vibes through the bars, but I didn’t think it was anything problematical. No worse than many other bikes I’ve ridden, the Tiger 900 is worse

[@mohanchellaraj7467]

Bought cb500x a week ago, owned versys 650 ,2018 model previously. No doubt the latter is smooth to ride,but the clutch is hard and no slipper clutch. Basically, the bike is top heavy.still the head lights and indicators have conventional bulbs. Even Engine heat is felt at low speeds.

[@stepheneldridge6998]

Good review Tony, it's one of those great little gems and a brilliant all round bike. Rally Raid offer an upgrade that makes it a very competent ADV bike. Cheers, Steve

[@Geo_Okami]

I'm 90kg full gear, when pushing hard on default settings bike was bouncing all over the place..After changing rear preload to setting 4 of 5 ( 2 is default) and front setting to 1 groove ( 2 is default) bike is so much more stable, rock solid in bends, and most importantly it didn't lose any of comfort if you ride slowly

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks for the feedback

[@bsalvis]

Lucky enough to get your hands on this one. I tried to buy one for almost a year. None of the Honda dealers within 500 miles have any interest in carrying this or ordering one. Now I'm just hoping Kawasaki brings us a Versys 400 soon. If not it'll be bmw or ktm. Not sure why Honda refuses to make this available in some parts of the US.

[@markcollins5026]

Man, I just bought a new white 2020 versys X300 love it so far !

[@bsalvis]

@@markcollins5026 I have looked at the 300x and it is a nice bike for sure, but I want something that is little more comfortable for extended time at 70mph. If Kawasaki comes out with a 400 it might be just enough if priced right.

[@alanhamel3577]

@Brian Find a large dealer network and see if they can procure one for you. Even if you have to go out of state, it will be worth it. Trust me on this. I've owned Honda, Kawi, Yamaha, Suzuki and BMW. This CB500X is a good as anything I have ridden, for the price point.

[@richardcheatham9490]

Very nicely done. You touched on all the pertinent issues I was hoping to hear about. Ride safe, be well and I'll be coming back to this video again as my bike search progresses. Richard

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Richard

[@TheMrB]

A good balanced review. Nice work

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers

[@findingneutral]

Thanks for posting. Just bought a 2021 and this reaffirms my decision 🙂👍

[@mancavemoto]

👍

[@MrBoybergs]

Excellent, comprehensive review. Good job!

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks

[@richardmourdock2719]

Since Itchy Boots has been riding hers through northern Europe, you can expect sales to go up. If you doubt that, explain why Royal Enfield's sales went up 129% when she rode from India back to the Netherlands. Hope it is true as "Honda" is a Japanese word for "bullet-proof".

[@mancavemoto]

I’m sure it will, although as great as Noraly is, we might not be able to pin all 129% sales growth on her travels!

[@paxwallacejazz]

Itchy Boots right now during corona in Scandinavia etc.

[@snoorani1]

Thanks for sharing your honest and neutral views. They were great and helpful!

[@mancavemoto]

Glad it was helpful!

[@luvlife2786]

Great review. Have a 15 cb500x and I wish Honda would have put the gear indicator on that year. I know that they did put it on the 2019. I love the bike and am impressed with the gas mileage and power.

[@mancavemoto]

It’ll be interesting to see where they go with the bike. Hopefully they will make incremental developments and not change too much what is a successful model

[@transylvanianrider]

Very good review for a super motorbike ! 🤘🏻 Best regards from Romania !

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks

[@AutoDIY]

Why doesn't Honda make an off the shelf rally version of this bike? Upgraded suspension, spoke wheels, knobby tires. Seems like they would sell well for them.

[@mancavemoto]

Rally Raid do a nice conversion, maybe its something they'll consider going forward.

[@jeremythomas6980]

nice review cave man i have a black one of these and two larger bikes but the honda cb500x is my favorite .

[@mancavemoto]

It just does what it is supposed to do. Simple and effective

[@glideman]

Great review, thanks

[@tonimusgrave9530]

#itchyboots--great lady! Awesome rider and inspiration! Thanks for mentioning her and the fact that she rides a CB500X

[@michaellandis2144]

A truly excellent eval. Thanks!

[@BN1960]

Good review Quite fond of this sort of bike in a world where 200bhp & £22K+ bikes are the ones hogging the headlines

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers, yep I tend to agree. I don’t think you need any more than 100hp on an adventure bike (or any bike for that matter) unless you’re looking to win a dick swinging competition.

[@terryhaught9976]

Great review, and to add one thing, the fuel economy is very good.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Terry

[@johnwood4448]

A good honest ride revue,thank you I've had mine for 6months and due to the pandemic have only covered 1400miles on it.It's proving to be everything I wanted and more besides,as for fuel consumption,as a steady rider with only small motorway mileage I'm getting 90+mpg(imperial gallon).I'm very impressed with the bike with enough power on tap for 95% of riding situations,though it does vibrate a bit through the 'bars and pegs at motorway speeds,other than that I've no complaints whatsoever.Great Bike :0)

[@Strazz801]

Nice jacket ! Review coming soon I expect? Always felt like this bike would be enough if I didn't ride 2 up as much as I do, looks clean and simple.

[@mancavemoto]

Yes there will be a review soon. Yep two up, particularly with luggage would be tricky

[@outdoorquest3005]

A.K.A. Noraly's Ronin. ☺️

[@dazzer4220]

Nice review Tony. Can't go wrong with a honda engine as they are always bullet proof. I think it's an ideal first bike for A2 riders ....just wish they would fit hand guards, centre stand and crash bars as standard like benelli do on their comparable TRK 502x

[@chrishart8548]

Very easy to add those things. And maybe not everyone wants them anyway. Not like honda will throw them in for free

[@bradb2514]

Excellent review. Thanks!

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers

[@leojrbarcenas8813]

Very nice review! Subscribed!

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks for the sub!

[@ryanagate228]

Great review, a good watch 👍🏻

[@mancavemoto]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@thomaskall1421]

Hello Nice review, here is a small tips you can do to avoid the bad sound when recording on the bike. Record your own voice during your ride. Wright down your text later and record it ones more to the video and you get a excellent quality. More work but a better result in the end.

[@mancavemoto]

I do record voice overs on some reviews, despite a bit of peaking i didnt think was too bad though

[@PhilipKerry]

Nice review mate you've earned yourself a like and a sub :)

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers

[@declanconnolly3804]

Great review mate, I am looking to get into biking and look at this bike I think it perfect and a good all rounder, Cheers mate

[@mancavemoto]

No problem and thanks

[@malcolmbox3979]

Splendid, comprehensive and succinct review as always, Tony. Other reviewers have expressed concern about the visibility of the LCD dash - you didn't mention any worries about that, but it didn't look as though you had much glaring sunshine for this ride. Any comments re. the dash?

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks. The dash is obviously not as bright as a tft screen, but I had no issues reading the display at all.

[@motocrusader72]

I live in Japan and have the 400X, the 399cc version of this due to Japans tiered license system that limits mid-license riders (the entry level) to under 400cc. The 400X cranks out 45 HP, just a slight bit less. Not sure why they market a 500cc outside of Asia….if you know, please tell.

[@stever6447]

Thanks for a really great, straight forward informative vid on the 500X. I'm aiming to get one for next season and every video praises this bike, plus seeing people like Noraly travelling thousands of miles without issue! Thanks again, happy riding.

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers

[@ar15gator]

Loved the review, Thk u!

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks for watching!

[@kimhorton6109]

I’d love to add one of these to my garage but I can’t find one in Arkansas at a dealer. I really want to at least sit on one before I plunk down $7500. Looking in Louisiana now.

[@SsiolisP]

💗 this bike!

[@jmtel1]

Thanks for the review, helpful, Honda really needs to have a more off-road CB500X with spoke wheels, skid plate , higher level exhaust pipe and possibly a little more/ better suspension, like Rally Raid...... all the best

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers

[@tridentyyz]

Nice review. I think that Itchy Boots had recently switched out her tires and now has Pirelli's on her bike.

[@mancavemoto]

Yes MT60’s from memory

[@tridentyyz]

@@mancavemoto That sounds right. My Honda bike came with Bridgestone's as well, not that great for grip or tyre life. Thw Michelin's I have on now are a lot better.

[@karlosh9286]

I had a go on a 2019 version. I really wanted to get go on a CB500F (but that wasn't available). Yeah I thought it was pretty good, but as you say I found the steering slightly vague. Engine, gearbox and slipper clutch were all very good. I'm not keen on the inverted LCD. I had one of those on a CB125R. Can sometimes be a bit hard to see in bright sunlight. As I recall it has something like a 17.7 litre tank, does about somewhere around 80 MPG, so it has a very impressive range of around 300 miles.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks for the info

[@ThomasHope73]

Great lowdown, made me want one. 👍

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, thats nice to hear. I wasn’t sure if I’d like it as it easy to get spoilt with all the ‘bells & whistles’ on modern bikes. But its a fun dependable and reliable bike.

[@christopherwatts1833]

I have a couple of questions, #1 if your doing 70mph does it have enough oomph to get you out of trouble on the UK motorway. #2 what are you looking at to purchase with top box side panniers & crash bars. I really do like the look of the CB500X.

[@mancavemoto]

A1 - not a lot, but enough I would say A2 - It all depends of course in what you choose, but there are lots of options available which is good. The new NC750X looks like it might be a winner too

[@FoxtrotOscar9]

Good review pal. I'm on a CBF1000 and looking for something else. I mainly commute all year around and hardly get chance to tour these days. This seems a contender esp on economy. As you said, if just using a bike to a fraction of its capability, then I may well be on something like this!

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, I think its definitely worth a test ride, or maybe the NC750X as well?

[@FoxtrotOscar9]

@@mancavemoto agreed bud. Like the lazy idea of the NC750X DCT. Seen those reviews and ticks a lot of boxes for what I need a bike for at the mo.cheap enough I could get a naked for weekend fun. And note I said get a naked and not naked - that's dangerous 🤣

[@Jackdaw5]

I keep coming back to this one. I'm about to retire and want to get rid of my NT700V Deauville that I've been using for my long distance commute into London. Having tried a few alternatives, I still want a Honda but something a bit lighter and with a more accessible engine. I've ridden the older CB500, but this one seems bigger and more comfy having sat on it at the last bike show. Only problem is my pillion - would you say it's suitable for the occasional two-up trip?

[@mancavemoto]

I would think its OK for two up riding now and then.

[@noelleonard2498]

I would imagine this bike is very well refined, especially since Honda has been making the CB parallel twins since the sixties. The only thing I don't like is the shim valve adjustments, having to pull the cams to adjust the valves is kind of stupid

[@LynamUp10]

Epic 🔥🙌

[@grahamhiggins1]

Great review. I have a 2017 one, bought after the CBR650R and I actually prefer the 500X to be honest. It feels like the bike you’re least likely to run into a sticky situation on. I wish it had a bit more capacity but I tried the 750X and didn’t really like it.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, yes there are occasions where it would be good to have a bit more power. It will be interesting to see if the rumoured “650 Africa Twin’ does arrive and replaces this model?

[@grahamhiggins1]

@@mancavemoto And to be honest, I couldn’t imagine my 4cyl 650 engine in an adventure bike format, it’s just so angry and speed hungry. But a 850/900/950 twin smaller Honda, now that, I might trade the less comfortable CBR650R in for. I’m only 5’6” so it needs to be about 81cm seat height max. Really enjoying your videos, keep up the good work buddy.

[@drewmorg.]

If they could squeeze cruise control into this thing... just would be unbeatable.

[@kassiedreaneai7459]

For good cruise control you really need "fly by wire" instead of cable accelerator. Consider instead using a throttle lock to hold the accelerator where you want it; and adding also a wrist saver. I am very glad they have retained cable. Not a big fan of electronics but I do love the extra power; economy and cold start running of fuel injection. I am not a fan of shim valve adjustment though and if they had the NC750X in the right bike style I love I would now own one. Well they do have pretty much what I like in the Honda City Adventure 750 but due to a caveman government it will not likely ever be sold in our country and they make it too hard/costly to privately import one.

[@clifffawcett]

Nice review. Love this bike. I have a Honda CRF250L now and would like a bike that rides better on the road and will allow me to rider further more comfortably. Is that the Klim Kodiak Jacket you are wearing? Do you like it?

[@markcollins5026]

Man, I just traded in my 2017 crf250l for a 2020 kawasaki versys X300 !

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Cliff, yes this will be better for long haul stuff on the road. It is the Klim Kodak, I’ve been testing it for a few months now. It’s a great jacket, but a bit of a ‘different’ fit. The 3 layer Gore-Tex takes a bit of getting used to and you need to break it in

[@1990-t1j]

Not a bike I'd want, Tony, but you have to admit it's a good one. You see stacks of them in Thailand. I think of all the 471 cc Honda offerings, I like the 2020 Rebel best. It's got more low-down grunt, I'm led to believe. Just needs the seat made higher for me. Not that I want one.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Bud, yep there is no denying it’s a good solid dependable motorcycle

[@tijmenwobben]

Very nice review!! Thanks

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers

[@paulf2534]

Great review, best yet. How did you find the vibration over 65 mph?

[@mancavemoto]

no problems at all

[@keithprentice2100]

Great review Tony....This will be my wife’s first bike once she has passed her test👍🏻

[@nicktdm5703]

My wife has the f. Bar risers and a screen set it up as a halfway point between the f and x but with a seat height she can manage at 5ft4. Worth thinking about when a first bike.

[@sined613]

Belle essai de cette 500 cbx..👍👍

[@mancavemoto]

Merci beaucoup d'avoir regardé

[@tamasboday2044]

At 3:11 you mention that the 500 is heavier than the KTM 790 ADV, stating that the KTM is 189kg. My understanding that the 790ADV has a dry weight of 189Kg, and it's wet weight is over 200kgs with that 20L fuel tank, coolants and oils. Not that it would place the 500x in a completely different league, but let's compare apples to apples or curb weight of bikes to similar figures.

[@mancavemoto]

Yep, see my reply to the pinned comment

[@tamasboday2044]

You see, I was lousy just watching the video and reacted before checking the comments.

[@mancavemoto]

No worries, I was annoyed that I didn’t get it right in the first place!

[@Tommy-Atkins]

Hmmm...a 2 yr old Suzuki V Strom 650 with all the bells and whistles for the same price or this? 🤔

[@alanhamel3577]

Honda every time. 😊

[@chuan_bulat1946]

Is a balance for the 650cc is with 216kg,this 500cc is with 196kg.both bike should be design for comfort long ride.

[@creativesolution3]

And not a word on the low fuel consumption and relatively big tank, which gives you a range of up to 400 km (250 miles) and maybe even a bit more, and you will still have about 2 Liter (1/2 gallon) to spare.

[@mancavemoto]

True, but I covered pretty much everything else and these reviews are more about the riding experience than trotting out all the stats.

[@WRjockey]

Yeah, great bike. Sadly, stopped in to my local dealer today, only to find out that the motorcycle industry has been as badly affected by covid as everything else. Meaning, they barely have any bikes in stock. The supply chain has dried up. Can't order anything. So, my guess is that it might be a year or more before this bike is widely available again here in America. I'm thinking of getting into biking again after being away for many years, but....either I'll have to wait awhile, or be much less picky about which bike I buy.

[@mancavemoto]

Yep, it looks like its going to take a while for thigs to settle down

[@rocketrollsvlogs7625]

I've had mine for three years and have never once had a regret. Great gas mileage. Can handle highway speed, and can handle gravel roads. She's a wildcard and that's what an ADV is. You buy the bike. Upgrade the tires, hand guards, foot pegs, and maybe put some crash bars/skid plate. You ride her.

[@mancavemoto]

Exactly, well put

[@jeffferguson899]

I have an Africa twin and a crf250l. If I could only have one bike , this would be it

[@sebastiangrzyb9111]

Great and informative review, this one :) I like it a lot! Any vibration issues over, say, 110 km/h? Some reviewers say the bike is not really designed for highway speeds. A lot of vibration around 120 km/h. Can you confirm this? Safe trips! :)

[@mancavemoto]

No real issues with vibrations, its not the smoothest bike at motorway speeds, but I rode it back to Honda for a couple of hours and the only issue I had was the comfort

[@9706412739]

If you plan to do mostly highway riding, get street tires.

[@robertdetjen6104]

They should put it in a more offroad frame like a little Africa Twin. I like the CRF450L but this would make a better real world traveler. The HP is much better than my XR650L, and it's got the CRF450L beat on HP and torque. Sure the CRF would beat in a race - unless that race was 600 miles or more...

[@kiwiandyt123]

Another lovely review. So for general commuting, a bit of touring and some gravel road use - this or the KTM 390 Adventure?

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, and an interesting question. A tough call, I think the Honda is more comfortable with a more relaxed riding style. The KTM is a little more frantic being a single. But the KTM has more ‘kit’ and the tft screen is nice. I don’t know which one I’d pick! But for what you describe as it’s use, probably the Honda edges it?

[@Paulie44]

Good, honest review 👍 Which Klim suit is that, that you’re wearing?

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Paul, it’s the Kodiak touring suit I’ve been trying it out for a while for an upcoming review.

[@sweetcostarica]

MAJOR 2022 UPDATE NEWS! If Honda updated the 2021 CB500X, they really updated & actually made better the 2022 CB500 line. Today (Sept. 1st) Honda unveiled *_major_* improvements to it. A happy minor improvement to the 2022 CB500X is _much better color scheme compared to the 2021 (IMO).

[@Maggieismydog]

Very informative and enjoyable video, thank you. Have you ridden the KTM 390 Adventure or the Suzuki V-Strom 650? Be great to see how this compares in your opinion. Safe rides!

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, yes I’ve reviewed the KTM 390 Adventure kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6uTd353ZrufotU but not the V-Strom

[@Maggieismydog]

@@mancavemoto Thanks for the quick reply, another great vid on the KTM. Which would you buy and why?

[@mancavemoto]

A tough call, I may lean towards the KTM because of its weight, and it feels a little more perky. But having said that the Honda feels more like a ‘full sized’ bike and its got the honda build quality. Maybe the Honda and try and shed some weight? The Rally Raid kit for it looks awesome

[@jonr3891]

Yep. 2015 with RR kit: Very fun for a daily driver. Too heavy (for me) for singletrack /technical off road stuff. Overall though: 👍👍

[@ak-fr3mk]

Honda ❤️❤️

[@davidellis5964]

What about vibration through the handle bars ? Riders have been complaining about numb fingers on long distance travel.

[@mancavemoto]

I never had an issue with it

[@alanhamel3577]

Me also. I have the 2019 model, and the engine is smooth as butter. No vibes, no numbness. It's better than my Versys 650LT, which had noticeable vibe in the handgrips, and especially in the foot pegs.

[@samcompagnoni]

Ive definitely experienced numbness on my fingers and toes on my 2018 one from longer motorway rides, as did my pillion rider. Vibrations are something else.

[@alanhamel3577]

If you're riding this bike long distances at high speeds, then you're not using the motorcycle as it was designed to be used. This 500CC parallel twin engine motorcycle makes a good commuter, weekend back road cruiser or light off-road adventure machine. It was never intended for long range, high speed cruising. Used as intended, the engine vibes are fine. I regularly cruise on it between 55-65 mph for several hours on the weekends and do not experience excessive vibrations. If you want to ride two-up, on the highway..... buy a motorcycle intended for that purpose.

[@davidellis5964]

@@alanhamel3577 With todays technology vibrations that make you fingers go numb isn't good, although you are correct being only a 500cc engine this bike wasn't designed for high speed motorway travel. Although I have toured and done long journeys at reasonable motorways speeds 70 mph on older CB500 1997 model and never got a numbness to my fingers.

[@paulmorris3613]

A good sensible review based upon actual riding. It would be interesting, as it's meant to be an adventure bike, to mention, accessories and how it might handle fully loaded for travel. It obviously can do that but your version comes with no racks or places for luggage. Would it have made any difference if you had taken it for a motorway spin and checked its comfort from the angle of getting a monkeys rear.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, I only had it for two weeks from Honda and it didn’t come with any luggage so I wasn’t able to check that out. I did ride it on motorways during that time, I just didn’t film it. It had no problems and would thrum along all day long at 70-75mph without breaking a sweat. The seat remained comfy. The longest single run was 3 hours without getting off and although I did have some butt ache, that’s to be expected for that amount of time in the saddle

[@tweetchris46]

I've had mine since March and Absolutely love it, so much so my Fireblade hasn't had a look in

[@mancavemoto]

Nice!

[@paulcummins5231]

Would this bike suit a tall person.

[@Rob-on5tz]

Nice review, What's your thoughts on the new NC750X? Have you had the chance to review it yet? Cheers.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, I like the 750, I haven’t had a chance to ride one yet, but there is a ‘new’ version coming for 2021 that I hope to review

[@kuyajess1352]

nice review sir ride safe.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, you too

[@mjp_adventures7582]

Hia, really great review of the bike. I currently have a 2017 street twin which I love and occasionally take down dry off road tracks to good effect but have a really big trip planned for next year ( the America’s for 18 months !) Everyone says my bike isn’t up for it and I am now looking at the Honda CB500X or an older f750gs. I am quite a new rider (3 years now) and just 5ft 4 so seat height is a concern for me. I want something reasonably simple to maintain and look after and unintimidating, not super heavy. I am tempted for a new Honda with the lowering link rather than the lower but heavier BMW. What’s your thoughts? I am also watching Noraly aka Itchy and Amanda (flight of the magpie) and feeling super inspired to be on the road! Thanks again Jackie

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Jackie, I think the Honda would be a great choice. Simple and reliable, plus you could probably get spares easily wherever you go if needed. Noraly is an inspiration, but I’ve not seen Amanda so I’ll check that out . Thanks

[@rhonda-my_honda_cb500x3]

Bought my 2013 CB500X from a woman who was/is the same height as you, and she had a Roaring-ToyZ fully adjustable lowering link fitted in place of the original dog-bone link. It works an absolute treat! I'm planning on giving my 'RHonda' the Rally-Raid suspension+wheels upgrade treatment which with the stock dog-bone, raises the height a further 2". I hope to retain the adjustable link so I can maintain my comfortable seat height/riding position.