2022 Honda CB500X REVIEW: Budget-Friendly Adventure Motorcycle

#cb500x
Join me as we take a close look at the 2022 Honda CB500X, Honda's budget-friendly adventure bike. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the bike's performance, features, and overall value for adventure enthusiasts on a budget. Whether you're a seasoned rider or new to the adventure biking scene, our review provides valuable insights and firsthand experiences to help you make an informed decision. Don't miss out on this exciting review of the 2022 Honda CB500X.
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Norton Way Honda - www.nortonway....
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[@warrenr4]

I’ve got a 2020 model and I’m currently touring Europe with it. I’ve done 3500 trouble free miles. Am in Finland right now. The power is plenty for overtaking at over the speed limit. The off road capability is more than enough for getting to my wild camping spots. I’ve had the litre sports bikes and the ten ton adventure bikes, this bike is so easy to ride and relaxing. I love it.

[@blitzer25blitz62]

we have same model spec, but mine 2021. touring here across Borneo, both Malaysia and Indonesia side. the bike is AWESOME

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

I was in Completely Motorbikes a few days ago and trying out lots of machines with a view to adding a bike to my garage. I sat on the oh so popular BMW GS and was blown away by it, or, to be more precise, blown away by how heavy it is. It's no longer on my 'possible' list... After an hour or so (ok, way longer tbh) of trying out every bike that wasn't a sports bike, I reached the conclusion that these smaller capacity machines are the types to consider. As such I narrowed the search down to one of the following: Honda NC750X-DCT (the frontrunner) Honda CB500X Kawasaki Versys 650 Suzuki V-Strom 650 All very capable machines. I do like the DCT of the NC though, although many do not! Cheaper to buy and run, easier to lug around, more frugal, and less chance of losing my license....what's not to like?

[@nickclarkuk]

I sometimes wish for more power but it’s fun to thrash, it sounds great, amazing economy and comfort. I ride it through all weather, all year , salt , grime, ice . It is bullet proof .

[@will7947]

I recently downsized from a vfr 800. I enjoy the cb500x way more, light and flickable, all the power i need and the fuel consumption is insanely good

[@SuperchargedLlama]

Funnily enough I went the other order, via a DCT Africa Twin. I had the VFR800F but I reckon the sweet spot would be the 800X....but we you'll know, the insurance on the VFR's is eye watering in comparison. The thing that really amazes me is that I found the NC750X was a really nice "in between" bike. Which I was kinda shocked about.

[@will7947]

@SuperchargedLlama agree completely. Often thought if they made a 650/800 cb with around 90 bhp no-one would buy anything else! Trouble is I'd think you'd lose the low weight and amazing fuel consumption. Africa twin would be right up if street if wasn't a short arse 🤣 think the transalp might be the compromise I'm after....or possibly the 800 crossrunner

[@SuperchargedLlama]

@@will7947 if that Crossrunner had an Up AND down quickshifter I think I'd have it already! I know it's not possibly, like I know there won't be a DCT version ever, but that's the bike I'd like!

[@roviwoteap2375]

I too also downsized from a VFR800X to the 2019 500X. Much lighter and easier to man handle, and a lot cheaper to run. A good all round bike.

[@SuperchargedLlama]

@@roviwoteap2375 I wonder if the benefits of the 500X are heavily dependent on the sort of riding you're doing? I had a good chunk of motorway on mine and the gearing (as well as the lack of a 6th) wasn't enjoyable, even after changing the rear sprocket to get an extra tooth. But if you weren't having to do that every day... absolutely!

[@porter5877]

Owned 35 bikes from chops to R1s and if the footpegs weren't so bloody far back I'd say it was near perfect for me. It's got just enough to make it fun ,OK on easy off road trails , sits at 75mph on motorway no problem. Its a really versatile bike and now I'm boring.....

[@esssexboy]

That colour is definitely the nicest, I think everyone rants on about the Green being best but black is more cool

[@HondaWanderer]

nah, red all the way. Mine is red and black

[@davidmatthews3093]

I do a lot of off-road riding on my 500X and it’s never let me down. It never fails to impress me with its ability. It’s not an Enduro bike but it’s never claimed to be. It’s real strength for me is as a serious touring bike that can be relied to cover good distances on all sorts of road surfaces with incredible economy. My normal average is between low 80s to over 90 mpg and with the large tank that means a fantastic range. Let’s not forget either that it’s great value for money.

[@mikefarnden2893]

Great balanced review, I concur with all the points you made. I've had an Africa Twin for the last five years and absolutely loved it but the weight is becoming a problem for my old legs so I bought it a little brother. I've just come back from a 1700 mile trip to do a few days trail riding in the Alps so I think I can add some context to your comments. Firstly as you say it's not an off road bike, you can certainly take it off road as long as you keep the speed down, the rear shock in particular is not up to the job of keeping everything tidy over the whoops, although the bike's balance is generally very good on loose surfaces. The most limiting factor though is the cast wheels, I passed on one track that I know to be particularly rocky because a bent rim at 9000' on a tubeless wheel is not going to end well, the tyres were an absolute pig to change in the comfort of my garage with all the facilities let alone by the side of the road. On the road however I never felt the bike get unsettled while thrashing it around mountain passes and hairpin, I wouldn't have minded a bit more power , but then I wouldn't have averaged 83.4 mpg for the trip which I thought was outstanding. I'm 6'1" and find the bike comfortable after fitting 20mm risers and 40mm lower footpegs to improve the knee angle. The one area which is a genuine problem if you're tall is the unbearable wind noise, I don't normally ride with earplugs but even with earplugs in and the visor down in the sweltering heat it was only just bearable and I've had hearing issues since I got back. It's a great do anything bike, just adjust your expectations to it's actual specification and not your wishlist.

[@donweaver1600]

No cable adjustment on the risers

[@lukedenison9806]

I’ve got this bike, in green (best colour 😉) and it’s great. Just hit 600 miles. Really really happy with it. Doesn’t sound great stock, so getting a new exhaust in the coming weeks. Other than that, no complaints. Perfect daily/regular use bike

[@whatthefitt]

What new exhaust? 😎

[@lukedenison9806]

@@whatthefitt I’ve ordered a LeoVince LV-10 slip on. Should be coming later in the week and is just a couple of bolts to fit it. Listened to loads of audio clips of exhausts on YT as I’m not after anything obnoxious, and it should suit it really well 👍

[@davidmatthews3093]

I disagree about the sound, it has a great exhaust not when accelerating and the pops and burbles on the overrun are second to none.

[@KeepItSimpleSailor]

Got myself a 2023, and really enjoying it. I come from a dirt bike background, and with good technique the bike can be pushed surprisingly hard. It’s a bike that responds well to spirited riding, and yet totally predictable and controlled. Really good value for money.

[@BRMCaptChaos]

I'd take this over a GS anyday. Dropping a GS is serious business when off road, and for the sake of some tyres, this is easily as capable. Mechanical simplicity for the win.

[@Motovibes91]

This bike is perfect for a taller A2 rider who is a beginner. Won't end up cramped

[@Hazardous975]

About to go for a ride on my 500x :)

[@clacks78]

First time peak hour for me today on my 500x, 3 degrees(C) in Perth up the freeway and loved every minute. The only better feeling was coming home and lane filtering through the long line of stuck traffic!

[@17405pop]

Thanks for that....I've just ordered the NX version, (same thing, different tin) I've never even seen one up-close-and-personal. Just taken a chance after reading the bumf. I'm 77 and downsizing from a Tenere 700 which I've found absolutely beautiful to own and ride. It's under-utilised with me these days though and this looks like a viable option. I'm was hoping it wouldn't be too 'wimpy'. Your video goes a good way to ease my trepidation....I'm doing the swap next Friday!

[@TriumphLover]

You've done a right bit of kit on the Honda!🎉

[@BikesofRye]

Honda are going to run out of bikes to review at this rate!

[@terrysivewright8014]

A 16 tooth sprocket on the front transforms the 500x to a better bike for sealed roads, has a 15-tooth as standard.

[@davidmatthews3093]

And the 15 tooth standard sprocket suits the bikes character perfectly.

[@chrishart8548]

​@@davidmatthews309315T is probably just a compromise. 14T for off road 16T for only on road. Its just drops the rpm in top gear. Once you are moving 4th just becomes 5th. Just look at the rpm if you don't believe me.

[@esssexboy]

​@@davidmatthews3093I agree Keeping my gearing stock like the pull away as it is

[@markjenkins905]

Fit a 16T front sprocket to enjoy the bike even more. Lowers the RPM by 500 and makes each gear so much longer.

[@clacks78]

1st on the streets is my only complaint on my 500X. I've read the forums and KZbin and that's my next project. Met a guy that runs tours in Thailand on the 500X that went larger rear sprocket (starting in 2nd) but agreed that was no good for freeways.

[@davidmatthews3093]

And kills the character that makes the bike so special. They may be OK for boring fast roads but for anything else they’re no more than a fashion accessory that ruins the bike’s performance.

[@chrishart8548]

​@davidmatthews3093 what a 16T sprocket ? A fashion accessory?

[@markjenkins905]

@chrishart8548 16T is a bigger front sprocket, the bit there the chain goes around 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@chrishart8548]

@@markjenkins905 did you call it a fashion accessory though ?

[@alvarojoseborreror.6588]

Thank you! Beautiful bike. Tires are tube or tubeless?

[@monkeyintensity1]

Tubeless . Much easier to deal with punctures on the road than tubes type

[@johnfitzgerald4274]

Thank you.

[@arnoutvanwijk]

Two weeks ago you reviewed the Transalp. How do they compare for a 6ft+ rider, comfort and handling-wise?

[@Rad_Dad_Of_Many]

Do they have a fireblade you can review? 😊

[@Rav3nclaw43]

As a six foot two American can anyone tell me if this bike is too small for me. First bike I may end up getting. I am also just under 220lbs which is about 100kgs

[@raoulduke3770]

I would say you may need a taller seat and some bar risers. I’m 5’7” and the cockpit fits me very well.

[@postmodernjoe]

I am 6’5 and 240 lbs and I feel like there are no bikes for me

[@Rav3nclaw43]

@@postmodernjoe look into full size adventure bikes like the klr or the Africa twin. Seat heights of about 37"

[@Rav3nclaw43]

@@raoulduke3770 bar risers are a must have for me. As for the seat, good idea!

[@markostano5222]

I like your helmet! What is it exactly?

[@monkeyintensity1]

It's a device for protecting the head .😁

[@stephenwalsh8184]

🏍👍

[@leeinwis]

Slipper clutch means no engine braking , that's the downside.

[@TriumphLover]

I'd rather take the new Triumph Scrambler 400X off road before the Honda😂 ❤

[@BikesofRye]

Some say you're a Triumph fan boy? 😇

[@TriumphLover]

@@BikesofRye who me???? 😁

[@davidmatthews3093]

I’d rather the 500X anywhere than a Triumph 400 Scrambler. Well, except Starbucks perhaps.

[@kevinjackson7340]

They`re a good bike, but underpowered [in my worthless opinion].

[@PhilWare1]

I agree that 47hp is not much for a motorbike (now a days at least). But for road legal speeds it easily out accelerates most cars - the engine is revvy and far better that the headline 47hp figure. I've done many tours, including the NC500 and it keeps up with most bike on the twisties. Good fun and yet incredibly frugal.

[@mickmacman]

Are you able to de-restrict it?

[@markjenkins905]

​@mickmacman no, it's built for a A2 license so it max's out @ 47bhp

[@clacks78]

LAMS license in Australia (sounds like A2) means anything with a greater power to weight is illegal. Still a thrill to twist the throttle and going up into the twisties with my mate's street tripple and his riding group (liter bikes) is more than enough for a new rider.

[@blitzer25blitz62]

lesser hp in bigger cc bikes above mopeds is good for engine longevity, and the specified engine is proven bulletproof. its like if toyota made a motorcycle, power doesn't matter, durability is. though a bit disappointed here in Malaysia Honda should tweak the engine to gain more power as licence classification here is only cc capacity (beginner, B2:

[@the.communist]

Budget? 😂🤣🤣😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣😂😂🤣🤣😂🤣😂😂🤣😂😂

[@davidmatthews3093]

That word describes them perfectly.