Honda CB500X - Dislikes + Budget Solutions (Bounce Can Buzz Racket)

[@deanwelsh5702]

I bought a 2020 model with 200 miles from new with Givi upper and lower crash bars Oxford heated grips, spot lamps givi pannier rack and top box plate and a a tank bagster and centre stand already fitted by the previous owner. I have fitted a brand new second had scorpion exhaust and link pipe £120 bargain sounds amazing . I’ve fitted a cheap wind deflector and I’m going to try a 16 tooth sprocket next. I wanted a 22 model but at the time the wait time was 6 months for delivery and the dealer offered to buy my Africa twin off me for more than I paid for it 2 years earlier so I decided to sell it . I didn’t fancy being without a bike for 6 months. So I bought the 2020 thinking that if I wanted a 22 model I could transfer all the extras onto the new bike and save a fortune on bits. But after living with it for 3 or four months I’ve decided to keep it as it’s a perfectly acceptable machine. I had the early model cb 500x but at 6,2 I found it to cramped. The 19 model onward is a much better bet if your taller than average. I don’t think I will ever sell this bike it’s actually that good and for the price why would I want to.

[@CodgerBiker]

You make a very good case. One which I am fully in agreement with. I had an Africa Twin also in the past, on balance I prefer the 500x. Only the Transalp could tempt me, but it uses inner-tubes and costs much more. So I am happy with what I have. 👍

[@warrenr4]

Totally agree with you about the screen. I bought a cheapo screen extender off Amazon. It solved the buffeting but I hated it because it was such a cheap and nasty piece of junk. Sure enough it fell apart within a few rides. I replaced it with a Puig and 4000 miles later it’s still doing a great job. As for the exhaust I like the standard. Not to everyone’s taste, but I couldn’t put up with the drone of an aftermarket on a 300+ mile day. As for the vibrations, my 2020 model has done 15000 miles and I hardly notice them anymore. Overall I totally love the bike. In the eighties and nineties I had a XL600 Paris Dakar, KLR600 and Africa Twin. The CB500x makes me feel like a kid again.

[@CodgerBiker]

Funnily enough my favourite bike in 80s was the XL500. This is more refined of course. I agree with the Puig, always suited me on other bikes. The cheap endcan is possibly quieter than the stock with the baffle in, louder without, easily swapped, but if you are happy then save the money. The bike has really grown on me too. 👍

[@mikethebikemt07tracer]

I have a Puig touring screen on my 500x with a built in adjustable wind deflector at the top. As the bike came with that screen fitted I can't do a comparison but it is very quiet with very little or even no buffeting through most of the speed range. Motorways are a dream with that screen and the 16 tooth front sprocket. Ride safe.

[@CodgerBiker]

Yes I’ve found Puig Touring screens suited me best in the past on other bikes. Probably my next choice, but not rushing so long as the spoiler lasts. 👍

[@simon2428]

Same bike here and yes I agree fully with you, I fitted a cheap screen extender and that solved my headache the same as you. End can is pants it’s far to quite it’s a job to hear the engine tone, it would be better louder as then you can hear the revs better on lower speed manoeuvres. No experience with decent quality shocks, I don’t find an issue with mine but then I’ve not much experience as I’ve been riding 5 years and I’m in my late 50’s so hard to detect with my experiences so far. Yes it does vibrate a little at times but I just got used to the sweet spots and tend to not hold above 70 as it can be slightly uncomfortable after a while, my one bar end fell off during a recent trip ! I’ve just dropped aftermarket into the standard weights. I’ve just done a 900 mile trip pushing on over 5 days and now racked up just over 3k on the bike and agree the bike has loosened up and is really going well. I’m very interested in your sprocket comments and I think that is a job I will be getting done at some point as I think my use is near the same as yours and it’s going to be an improvement for sure.

[@CodgerBiker]

Yes I think bottom line is it's a great bike, great value relative to the market. It's mainly just about getting it to suit me. It doesn't have to cost much. It's really grown on me and does all I need from a road bike. I think I noticed the rear shock because I also have a KTM 690 Enduro R which has much more sophisticated suspension. If not for that I'd probably have just slowed down on the roads where it stands out by comparison. The one take from that video, watching it back, is there is no hurry to change it. The basic bike is very good indeed. 👍

[@HondaWanderer]

Got the same end can, only cost me $130 AUD. It sounds great! Obviously it won't last as long as an expensive one but I'm on a budget. As for the oil, pretty sure Honda know what they're doing so I'm happy to do the Oil change as specified.

[@CodgerBiker]

It held up well. 👍

[@findingneutral]

Agree with all the points 💯. Luckily there's loads of options for our bike to tweak it all. Regarding noise... just sharing a small tip. The round cap cover that goes over the main steering nut get very loose from vibration and can make a bit if racket dancing around. Mine literally was so loose at 3k miles I'm surprised it just didn't pop out while riding. Someone shared they wrapped the plastic insert portion under the cap cover with plumbers tape then jam it back in. I did just that and it has not budged since. Just sharing.

[@CodgerBiker]

Another good tip. I shall check it out. Had similar on other bikes. Just coming up to 3k miles now. Cheers! 👍

[@findingneutral]

​@@CodgerBikerWanted to share this off topic bit as we mentioned each other's mileage. I had did the 600 and was holding out to 8k on my next oil change since that's what the manual says. It's been about 2 years worth of casual hardtop riding at mostly hot as hell temperatures since I live in Haides and all (Florida). Anyways, I was at 7,483 and it was really bugging me to change it a tad bit early. I checked the level glass once more and noted it had not burnt or consumed any oil, so 👍 on that. It was just GN4 oil and nothing fancy. It was pretty dark as expected. Then I checked my Gold Plug sump plug for any bits. It had minimal finite stuff on it. So two 👍👍's up there as that was a pretty long stint and moreso break-in use. I immediately noticed the engine was smoother on my first ride and switched gears even smoother. Just sharing the positive news.

[@CodgerBiker]

I'll change mine at 3000 miles as part of my personal 'break in' strategy then it'll be done again at annual service. After that annually. I think they advise it as annual oil change OR 8000 miles whichever comes first. But Hondas are hardy. Even so I always change more often than needed, just a lifelong habit. Glad it's okay 👍

[@kalamityken3416]

Hi Codger, I test rode the Honda CB500X and Tiger 850 Sport before making my decision. The Honda was £3K cheaper at the time but the noise from the screen put me off more than anything. I researched all the potential fixes and the Palmer Mounts (around £55) seemed to be favoured but I couldn't find a fix that was universally liked, all seemed to be a compromise in some way. By contrast the 850 Sport has a better screen (ask DrJ) and with my stumpy 29" legs I also found the seat height better on the Tiger. Add to that the extra 40BHP and it sealed the deal although I did like the lighter flick-ability of the Honda. If you find fixes to all your dislikes you will end up with a great bike with a fair saving over the 850 Sport which is now over £10K - EEK!!! Not sure about a noisier end can, I have been down that road with previous bikes and ended up putting them back to standard due to the additional noise but that's just me. It's also more expensive now than in the 80's where you just took the baffle out your 50cc 2 stroke moped to sound cool to impress the girls outside the chip shop (very classy). Kids today don't need to do that now as no one goes outside because they are all on twit face. As your lovely lady bought the bike for you in the first place you should have some pocket money left over to get Scarlett exactly as you want her - Enjoy 🏍🏍🏍

[@CodgerBiker]

Howdo Ken. Thing about screens is ten different people will have 10 different experiences. I don't think there is a generic solution, manufacturers compromise I guess. But it is a no brainer that adjustment allows for a lot of that, like the 850 has. Once set how it works for you then no need to change it. I do enjoy messing about with things though so I don't mind. The endcan just looks better, smaller and half the weight. With the baffle in it might be quieter than the OEM, easily removable for a bit more volume if required. Not bad for the price but took a bit of messing around to get it right. I'm happy with the bike. Only a Transalp with tubeless wheels could tempt me away 👍👍

[@kalamityken3416]

@@CodgerBiker As a matter of interest, how did you find the screen on the Transalp when you test rode it? Seems to get universal praise from the reviews I have read without being that adjustable. I suppose it depends on how much money was left in the budget for the screen once they had developed the rest of the bike.

[@CodgerBiker]

It was ok on that day, there was no wind, and those speeds. It didn't look to be adjustable. But, on what I felt that day, it seemed fine.

[@livesgas]

I'm fitting a Hagon to the 22x next week. 12k miles in and it wallows like pig. Hagon are £400 with the vat and delivery. Includes spring rate to the load / rider weight etc. British built and fully serviceable. Another quick mention, very little vibes now she's truly run in.

[@CodgerBiker]

Good choice. I looked at those too, excellent reputation. Let me know how it goes, will you make a video?

[@livesgas]

Never done a video before, but ill give it a go

[@CodgerBiker]

Looking forward to that. If you remember please let me know when you upload it 👍

[@user-jr1cs6ob3m]

I didn't notice if you have Upper Crash Bars. If you do and they are the kind that's 2 piece, they don't actually join together under the headlight. But they butt very close together. Wedge a piece of hard rubber in there were the almost meet. Force it in hard so it won't vibrate out, even add a touch of super glue. I did this to my 21 and that buzzy ness I'd almost none existent now. Piece of rubber still in there after 10,000 klm. Hello from Vancouver Island, Canada 🇨🇦

[@CodgerBiker]

Hello over there 👋. I do not have crash cars. Trying to keep it light for road use. Cheers for the tip though - appreciated 👍

[@johnwood4448]

Hi again. I agree with all the negatives you point out about the CB500X.The 16t I commented on in a previous video and is a great mod for road use.The rear shock isn't as bad for me but I weigh nearer 15st than 12 and I find after playing around with settings I found the factory setting is OK for me,though an after market one would be an improvement. The end can is HUGE and ugly,but because I'm tight I blow hot and cold on whether to fit RR Scorpion(which is the nicest one I've seen and heard) but baulk at spending £350 😮 . The OEM screen gave me terrible buffeting resulting in double vision over 45mph,so initially I fitted a Givi D1171ST screen which solved the problem but I broke it when I dropped the bike.After seeing a post on the CB500X forum I refitted the OEM with a deflector like the one in the video,hey presto no buffeting and it is much quieter than Givi! All that said with 25k miles on I absolutely love the CB500X,it does everything I want from a bike,light,flickable,fast enough for real world riding a bike more than the sum of it's parts,and as a 70 years old weakling I can pick it up on the occasion when it fell over😊. One other thing I don't like about the bike but it's the same with many modern bikes except RE is the lack of decent mudguard/fenders someone needs to tell modern motorcycle manufacturers that we don't all live in California!

[@CodgerBiker]

Once again I agree on all points. I had a 2 stone bag on the back going up to Scotland and the suspension behaved much better. Perhaps I should gain weight! Ha ha. I've tried 2 aftermarket screens but so far the OEM with cheap spoiler stands up well. I also wanted an (Arrow) expensive exhaust, but impossible to buy even at £400, so I found a budget one (well £200 ish), at half weight which seems ok. It was tricky with the centre stand which is why I have held back on the video. Still testing. I solved the mudguard issue on this bike as well as others I have had - see below. I don't understand why they want us to chuck road dirt all over the engine/headers. Keep on riding 👍 kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnmvn4p_jcxrqbM

[@johnwood4448]

@@CodgerBiker yes I saw the flap and fender extender videos,I have the same on the front and a Powerbronze rear hugger which TBH does a good job though the flap could be an aditional help and it isn't expensive. Thanks again for the channel most helpful😊

[@CodgerBiker]

Great stuff. Really helpful to know what works for other people. If possible I like to reduce weight, but keeping dirt out is also a consideration, as well as protecting against an off. Thanks for tips! 👍

[@johnwood4448]

Ok,the story about the off I had that broke the screen.I was run off the road by an on coming vehicle on a single track road,the driver had less than 30m before not pulled over into a passing place and carried on toward me without even moving to one side of the 2.9m wide road(his vehicle measuring 2.3m wide).I really thought it was going to be a head on as I didn't think he'd even seen me despit my white helmet and yellow hi-viz gillet on a white bike😐,so I was forced onto the narrow verge between his vehicle and a stone wall narrowly missing his large off side wing mirror with my shoulder,the gap between his van and the wall narrowed to almost nothing and I went down as I tried to get back onto the tarmac unable to stop in time even though i was only doing 20mph before being forced off. I won't go any further into it other than to say he admitted liability and the insurance have dealt with it. Anyway to cut a long one short my 2020 bike with 22k on the clock was written off as a result. I had to find a replacement and nearly went for a Transalp but,like you I didn't much like idea of tubed tyres and I really didn't need the extra power. I found a great deal on very late 2019 CB500X with 3k miles on,and the bike was dripping with extras,SWmotech lower engine bars like my written off bike,which BTW saved my right lower leg in the incident,front fender ext,rear R&G shock sock and rad guard,an Ermax hugger which wasn't very good so I fitted the Powerbronze one which I'd taken of the other bike,a centre stand(a must have IMO),a bigfoot on the sidstand and something I thought superflous as I don't ride off road,an SWmotech skid plate/sump guard which,though slightly ugly really does keep the front of the engine,sump and underside of the bike remarkably clean. Thanks to a tip on the CB500X forum I fitted the cheap wind deflector off Ebay,magic! I've now put a further 3k miles on the new bike since mid May and I'm quite happy again. As I'm not far away from where you live I may see you on the road sometime,keep safe.

[@CodgerBiker]

Lucky escape. It doesn't need speed to be dangerous, just stupidity. One thing about the 500x is I don't think it is very front on visible. Not that that was a factor in your incident, sounds like bloody mindedness. Since I fitted some very cheap spots (£20 the pair) fewer city cars pull out in front of me. Before this it was noticeable, compared even to my 690 R, which is narrow but has bright LED headlights with DRL. Of course there is a video on my channel. If you ever go to J&S keep an eye out. I go there most weeks, it'd be useful to compare notes. For the price you cannot beat a 500x 👍👍

[@MartyrDK]

Thanks for the video. Amasing area you were riding.

[@CodgerBiker]

Cheers. Stunning scenery up there. Weather great too. 👍

[@raydonson5957]

Yss for my transalp superb best 300 spent

[@CodgerBiker]

Great feedback, appreciated. 👍👍

[@michaelhutton3642]

Just a thought about the noise. There does seem to be a fair bit of turbulence from the mirrors.

[@CodgerBiker]

Fair point. I've tried changing them in the past for DoubleTake etc. But the spoiler sorts it on the cheap, at least for me 👍 I might try a ride with no spoiler and no mirrors one day...

[@michaelhutton3642]

@@CodgerBiker Thanks for the feedback. I'll have a go with the spoiler.

[@CodgerBiker]

I gave up trying to find the perfect screen solution. So many variables. I'll probably go Puig Touring one day, but for now this works fine, it's cheap and has some adjustment to try. 👍

[@CampbellZeroOne]

As informative as ever Codger. If you already have happiness in your life, you don't need a Ducati is what I gleaned from that 😂😂😂

[@CodgerBiker]

You can never have too much! 🤣👍

[@SM-eq1vr]

Purchased a YSS rear shock for my 2014 500x, the shock is excellent quality and transforms the bike, well worth the money 10 out of 10 👍

[@CodgerBiker]

Thank you for the feedback. That's what I was hoping to hear. Much appreciated 👍👍

[@ifindoubtbailout70]

Shame you don't want to spend the extra money on suspension 🤔The Rally-Raid level 2 kit makes it a much smoother ride on & off road, fully adjustable for different uses & loads😉with the extras I've put on my ride I don't now consider it a budget bike, but my perfect 50/50 machine🤣I wouldn't rush to scrap the grip puppies, I'm on my second set cus I did the same thing😉they do cut the vibrations.

[@CodgerBiker]

Hello. I also own a KTM 690 Enduro R so I do not need the Rally Raid suspension on the 500x. I’ll never take it offroad as the 690 is in another league on the trails. So something not too expensive, or I’ll live with it. No rush. I’ll be keeping both bikes for the foreseeable. Thanks for your input, I will look at all possibilities come the time 👍 I managed to remove the grip puppies in tact, today, so I can always restore them.

[@ighost2605]

Hi! Can you tell me what is the vertical distance from top of the peg to the seat ? (In mm). Thanks

[@CodgerBiker]

500mm give or take

[@ighost2605]

@@CodgerBiker Thanks! I thought so.

[@gillesderais3848]

The noise is annoying, ear plugs is one solution, or being deaf I guess. Anyone have experience with the Givi D1171S windscreen? 3 cm higher than the original, 88 euros here.

[@CodgerBiker]

The spoiler works for me. I believe the Givi has a speed limit on it?

[@gillesderais3848]

@@CodgerBiker Yes, 130 km/h, plus some other odd warnings (not putting it in the sun for fear of causing a fire ??!!). Not a good choice.

[@CodgerBiker]

If I get one, it'll be a Puig touring. No rush 👍

[@claretbuck1882]

Can looks good and sounds good to awesome bud Scotland is so beautiful 👌🏻

[@CodgerBiker]

Cheers! Yes it's something else up there. Makes riding locally seem a bit dull. 👍

[@michaelandersson1748]

About the muffler, is it a catalyst in the oem ?

[@CodgerBiker]

Not certain. It is heavy, but it looks like the actual Cat is before the endcan clamp.

[@ianmcintyre8989]

Hey codger do you rate the yss

[@CodgerBiker]

Better rebound damping than OEM. Not as good for offroad as Rally Raid, I would say. 👍