Can the cheap and cheerful Honda CB 500X ever hope to match its posh Transalp big brother?

Bought a used '14 CB500X as my first bike with no prior experience. Felt immediately at home when I sat on it. Riding it home scared me witless. Been riding it everywhere all summer and love it to bits. I'm a 52 year old forest gnome at almost 1,8 m and almost 140 kg. When I grow up I just might get Transalp, or not.

[@HondaWanderer]

Dude! I'm 52 but 6ft - also a new rider and I did a ton of research, decided on the 500x after narrowing down options (which included the 390 Adv) however I'm not well off so I'm trying to get financed. Cannot wait to get one, financed or if I have to wait by saving! She will be my first bike, ever! I want my first bike to be brand new as I've never owned a new vehicle in my life! And I feel like It's within reach!

[@davidmatthews3093]

The 500X is a great real world bike. I have never regretted downsizing from my ST1300 two years ago. My annual mileage has doubled, it’s a brilliant touring bike for my needs and then there’s the economy… It’s also a perfect bike for a spirited afternoon ride around my local lanes.

[@Mr7Poz]

The 500x is my first bike so I'm not an expert, but a long life of product consumption tells me that this is a special bike. I still lust for more power, but it's probably not necessary.

[@artemiobenbinen5978]

What is your height... Sir?

[@noelbowerman1562]

I did the exact same ,I occasionally miss the power of the 1300 ,bit overall it was a great decision down sizing to a cb500x

[@jerronimo6874]

You’ll be amazed when You change front sprocket to 16 tooth one. Much more usable torque on first and second gear with no power lose.

[@MarkKoolen]

That’s why I bought the Transalp 750 after my Cb500x. Missed the power of the cb650r. Now I have best of all worlds.

[@tristesskartoffel8677]

I have the Cb500x 23 and fore commuting to work (especially rush hour) and some weekend trips it does the job perfectly.

[@alfredocesarano757]

As I needed to get my first bike, initially I wanted to get myself a transalp, but I found it too bulky and intimidating. Finally my eyes went on this cb and I immediately got it and preferred it even over the new nx500. The aesthetics has no comparison, too beautiful. I love it and never regretted. I equipped it with central stand, hand guards, and crash bar. Looks amazing. And after watching this video I am more and more convinced I made the right choice.

[@VStrom2019]

Just bought a CB500x with only 104 miles on the clock, 24 plate. My other bike, V Strom1050XT is an amazing bike but jeez, the weight. The 500 felt like a pushbike taking it out of my garage which was brilliant. Only done 200 miles so far but very very impressed so far. No ride modes or traction control but my right hand fixes that. Very comfortable and fantastic suspension. Power surprised me, it is still a fun bike and has enough power for me.

[@lekkarides]

Absolutely love my 500x and having a blast travelling around South Africa off road and making videos about my adventures. No need for a big bike to have fun. Really. The 500 is all most people need. Well done boys for a Lekka review 🙂👍

[@billwelsh7489]

My 22500X is all the bike I need too! It keeps me from doing litre bike mistakes as I have to respect it's abilities. It is cheaper than the Transalp (insurance is lower too) and very economical to run. The fun factor is full on as well. Great bike

[@hwzeiler9726]

I want to get a CB500x so badly, as a first bike, but at the moment it just isn't possible. So until one day that becomes a reality, I'm going to watch your videos and live vicariously through you.

[@fixento]

Not taking away from a great bike that I totalled, my 22 CB500X, the comparison to the Transalp 750 follows. I sat on both bikes at the dealers, the TA has as low center of gravity as the CB even after I was told the fuel tank was full. The TA wet only weighs 20 lbs more. lt has almost twice the HP, and torque, higher gear range, a better balanced engine, higher ground clearance, larger and lighter wheels 21 front & 18 inch rear spoked wheels smooth out the bumps and holes on and off road, a longer wheelbase for easier ride on the road, preload on both front and rear suspension, five modes for traction, engine and engine braking, standard, rain, dirt, sport and user defined modes with ability to remove back wheel ABS, quick/blipper shift, comfortable seat and very little wind buffeting at freeway speeds. But the TA cost $2,800 more than the CB, has tube tires, much less gpm and range, muffler doesn't sound as good, seat is an inch higher, and accessories choices are limited. Is the TA a better bike on and off road than the CB, of course it is. The Africa Twin is a lot more bike than the Transalp 750, but it costs $4,500 more. The NX500, will be replacing the CB500X, more of name change because it's basically the same bike with new display and look. It's hard to review the bikes, both are fun and have advantage and disadvantages. I would have bought an African Twin, but at my age 80, I know I can't pick it up. I bought the TA because it's only 20 more lbs.heavier than CB that more than a few times I pick up.

[@Krishna0666]

Wow, on the bike being 80 old! You are real legend!

[@thelonewolf666]

riding a big adv bike at 80 is pure stupidity,

[@noelbowerman1562]

I have a 22 cb500x ,mate has the new Transalp ,I fit the cb500x like a glove ,sit on the Transalp ,you sit on top of it. I wouldn't swap .

[@ZiegfriedK]

I fitted Continental TKC80 tyres on my 22 CB500X. Amazing tyres both on and offroad. It improved its offroad handling a lot while also being excellent on sealed roads.

[@Wileylikethehawk]

My dad bought both of these this year. The 500 is a great little bike - but the Transalp is genuinely better. It’s a really excellent vehicle.

[@leeinwis]

Can I have the 500X than ?

[@pieterrossouw8596]

Well yeah it's almost twice price too. Is it twice the bike? doubtful

[@Zigtyr]

@@pieterrossouw8596 Twice the price? It's only 25% more expensive in the US.

[@pieterrossouw8596]

@@Zigtyr yes, US has a very consumer friendly market and high average income. In a straight conversation a new Transalp is ~11,500 USD whereas the CB500X is just over 6,000 USD. More importantly the average monthly salary is ~1500 USD here and ~5500 USD in America... so around here the CB500X is a way better deal.

[@Zigtyr]

@@pieterrossouw8596 Ahh, I understand, now. Thank you for the information. In that case, you are absolutely right that the CB/NX500 is, by far, a better value.

[@tommynikon2283]

68, been riding 44; no dirt experience. Or “Hardlys”. But…my credo has always been: Never ride something that you can’t pick up.

[@KeepItSimpleSailor]

The CBx is a significantly different bike. And I suggest it’s probably enough bike for most riders. Remember, it’s 80% about the rider, and the CBx definitely brings the rest 👍🏻 I come from a dirt bike background, and with a bash plate and some more aggressive tyres the CBx absolutely loves twin track. Ps if you’re going to review the off-road performance of bikes, at least learn to stand up on the bike. Have you actually done any dirt bike riding at all? 🙄

[@redminute6605]

Gatekeeping nerd.

[@jkmayhem]

Nope. I had a heavily modded 2022 cb500x. The transalp originally is better. And i have modded the transalp now. Suspension. Crashbars skidplate etc. Everything on the transalp is better. Size. Geometry. Wheelsize. It even feels easier to ride then the cb. Witch was the first thing i noticed when i picked it up in june. I just wth. When i started to ride the 400km home from the shop i bought it from. I tried basically everything on the market on that segment. The transalp is a fantastic do it all bike.

[@redminute6605]

The CBX is a small and affordable tourer, while the Transalp is an expensive adventure bike (adventure = off-roadish). No shite, the highly more expensive one is a better platform.

[@honda116969]

The nx500 is a cb500x btw... If you need to go fast and have a fast bike to be happy get the transalp but if you can just chill and enjoy the scenery the 500x= 👍👍

[@BdubbsVt]

The transalp IS the better bike. Hands down. Both great options.

[@Blinducho]

Very good video

[@canaldobragalda]

I have and love 500x. I'm ride Off Road

[@3GingerCats]

So the CB500X felt more washy... That could be totally fixed with 100/90-19 and 140/80-17 tyres that have better directional control on loose surfaces. but the happy medium which is good because they will still fit the same wheels and are very easy to find sizes would be the 110/80-19 and 150/70-17. the sizes fitted are obviously intended for road use and not off road use. but who settles for the factory fitted tyres... they are shyte no matter what brand of bike you get and need to be changed to suit the type of riding you do and how you ride it. Personally they tyres on my own bike are the scariest tyres I've ever ridden on. I just hope I have the sense to change them before they end up destroying the bike

[@noelbowerman1562]

Change the tyres on the CB500X to anakee adventures ,you'll loose the the washyness.

[@johngrigg8210]

Rather give me my Hero Eco 150 trail... cruises easily at 80 on almost any gravel road.... Best buy I've ever made😅

[@edwardfinn4141]

I never heard of a Hero motorcycle, until I read your comment. So I Wikipedia’d it and read up on the Hero.. I love it. Moving on, I’m riding a 500 x here in Newfoundland, Canada. Cheers!

[@gerhardreinecke3945]

Let's hope Honda brings the updated NX500 next year, it looks great especially in white.

[@Anders357]

The NX 500 has nothing new compared to 500x , its identical.

[@redminute6605]

⁠@@Anders357 it has the TFT, different lighting, the suspension (just tweaked) and low-rev elasticity improved on the CU. So it’s far from being the same.

[@Chrisbarberous2010]

I can’t believe they haven’t announced it for us yet, 😢

[@gerhardreinecke3945]

@@Chrisbarberous2010, I made an enquiry with Honda SA, they informed me that the NX500 is expected in the third quarter this year.

[@Anders357]

Short answer: No. Video=1 sec long. 500x is a toy. Transalp is like a comfy lower Tenere 700.

[@ronindude9640]

I am 6ft3 (192 cm) tall and rode a Transalp recently. It felt very cramped. Transalp is definitely not a tall man's bike. Honda could have made Transalp bigger, physcially. It is a small bike ! Why ?

[@tommimetsapuro5382]

This world is built around 180cm guys unfortunately. You have to go for the Africa Twin.

[@NPMTrialsVideo]

Maybe Honda thought not every one is 6ft 3in and decided to make a bike that appeals to the average-size rider? Seems like good business sense.

[@Isz2134]

Buy t7 😉

[@ronindude9640]

@@Isz2134 t7 seat looks so narrow that one would need an iron butt to ride on it, I think.

[@ktkace]

KOVE 450 : ｈｅｈ

[@andrewspangenberg]

Is Honda SA exercising tyranny of access on the motor journos of South Africa? The Transalp is completely and ridiculously over priced. You can get a BMW F850GS with cruise control, pro ride modes, a five year warranty and a centre stand for the same price. Without add ons, it's still a better bike in every metric and is still R17 000 cheaper. R209 999 is R210 000 by the way. If you compare pricing in the UK market it becomes apparent that this is a Honda SA situation. The evidence is clear in that you are seeing very few of these out on the roads and they have had a R10 000 cash back special on the first 50 units that has been running for a looong time. Seems people who are about to spend R210k are doing research and coming to the only logical conclusion. The Transalp makes no sense at this price point. And nobody is saying anything.

[@ricardovieira3385]

Here in Portugal it's 10600€ way cheaper than a Yamaha tenere 700

[@georgevangreunen4058]

Hi. Where do you find the F850GS at that price? I was tempted, but the price is from 257K with lots of * so presumably much more.

[@Patshes]

🆒😎🤘!

[@GiancarloBenzina]

So what, the budget will decide, both are heavy and useless off-road with their street engine, unless you trick it out. I mean off-road, don’t think some gravel side roads are off-road. Only noobs believe that. Those are done with standard street bikes, easily.

[@Weltbummler23]

Love how honda is effing around with micro adjustments to these bikes, not really changing anything and rebranding to sell, when kove comes around and changes the whole game with 800 adv rally. Bye bye transalp, what a joke now

[@paulvandervyver4223]

I like the KOVE 800X, it's seems like a great bike, but in all honesty, I think the Transalp will outlive it. The Japanese has been building bikes way longer than the Chinese. Curious as to what the price would be on the KOVE 800 once it's available in SA

[@Weltbummler23]

@@paulvandervyver4223 yeah i bet all the manufacturers are hoping these koves fall apart so they can continue making their heavy bikes. Otherwise theres a lot of work to do to lighten them up. Havent seen price on the kove yet…

[@johna6968]

​@@paulvandervyver4223Is the Transalp actually built in Japan?

[@pw9150]

It doesn’t have to & wait for the new NX 💪🏻😍🫶🏻