HONDA CB500X Motorway review

HONDA CB500X Motorway review. Can Honda CB handle motorways.
If you like the video please consider subscribing.
Link with me on Instagram @shiftupadventure
/ shiftupadventure
Link with me on Facebook @shiftupadventure
/ shiftupadventure
I use following cameras and equipment to create and edit my moto Vlogs:
Davinci Resolve 16 (Adobe Premiere Pro)
GoPro MAX 360 camera
GoPro Hero 8 Black helmet camera
GoPro Hero 7 Black camera
GoPro Hero Session
Panasonic Lumix G85 for static video shots
GoPro Tripod and GoPro remote to control cameras
Various GoPro and RAM mounts
Sony Lavalier microphone for in helmet audio
Rode VIDEOMICPRO on camera for general use
Rode windshield for wind noise
Set of Neewer and PolarPro ND filters
My motorcycles:
BMW R1200GS Triple Black
Honda CB500X

[@louvega8414]

Excellent video! Focuses entirely on what the topic promises, well done!

[@shiftupadventure]

Cheers, thanks, glad you like it 👍👋

[@newbierider3553]

Great video once again!! Normal youtubers dont show this kind of "real" pratical things. Small but important stuff that only owners know. Thanks a lot!

[@shiftupadventure]

Thanks. Yep, that's it. Cheers 👋👍

[@J2Wlz]

Thanks for your review! However, my experience is different with this bike. My CB500X from 2020 does 130km/h absolutely fine on the highway, at least compared to my previous bike BMW R1100GS. Despite higher engine RPM Honda vibrates much less, leading to a more comfortable ride. The bike also remains stable and controllable at this speed.

[@bradb2514]

Thank you so much for this comprehensive motorway test. This was VERY well done and quite informative. It’s helpful to know the strengths and limitations of a bike in real world settings. I really appreciate the effort! Cheers from the USA.

[@shiftupadventure]

Thanks Brad, glad you like it 👍👋 Cheers

[@user-jr1cs6ob3m]

Thank you from Canada. Only a few highways here are 120 most are 110. I love this bike and want to get one. You've helped me decide. I'd go with a front sprocket change just to drop the rapm at 120 by 500 revs.

[@shiftupadventure]

Thank you, glad it was useful. 👍 Just bare in mind, with sprocket change you'll have wrong speed readings on the dashboard. 👋

[@tahoehiker]

You will lose a lot of acceleration and passing power. I really don't think it's worth it. I've gone all the way across Wyoming at 80mph with a 48 tooth rear sprocket and the stock 15 tooth front. The motor is very happy at higher revs.

[@davidroberts7490]

@@tahoehiker i think you mean a 38 tooth rear sprocket

[@zyonsdream]

I bought the CB500F for my son to learn on. I’m 240lbs and I have no problem cruising at 80mph on the highway. It’s a small displacement twin. It’s going to buzz a little. The engine is more than capable for long highways stints

[@shiftupadventure]

Thanks for sharing your experience👍👋

[@danebrewer10]

Ultimately its the wind that gets to you rather than the speed you can ride, 6 hours on motorways at 65mph/110kph on my 500x is more than adequate to get where you're going imo, also going up one tooth on the front sprocket is a great idea

[@ronaldvanveen7666]

Excellent vidio , it answered my 1 of my main concerns regarding speed major highways.thanks

[@shiftupadventure]

Thanks, glad it helped, cheers 👍👋

[@shashimenon1000]

Good honest and practical video. Really relevant information. I agree. Thank you.

[@joeschmoe1301]

47 horsepower should be PLENTY horsepower. The problem is with the 15 tooth front sprocket. If you go on the C500X forum, a lot owners pull the 15 and install a 16. The Suzuki V Strom 650 has the same problem. They swap out the front sprocket on those too. And, that is almost a "standard procedure" for the Kawasaki KLR 650.

[@shiftupadventure]

My speed readings will be out of sync, don't like that otherwise I'd consider this upgrade. 👍👋

[@CJ3B1]

Top notch Video quality and content there a big 👍 from India. I ride a smaller single cylinder KTM Duke 390. After experiencing engine screaming and vibes over 120 kmph on my bike I've added POLYTRON engine oil additive and believe me, it's made the engine much quieter as well as reduced the vibrations significantly. I recommend you to try POLYTRON engine oil additive with your next oil change. You'll love it.

[@davestraight8219]

yes. it is. rode mine from england to norway via denmark and sweden :)

[@ljoelmchanley3676]

Personally I detest any extended highway riding over 60 mph on any bike, I much prefer back-roads at 45mph to 60 mph so I can relax and enjoy the scenery. If I don't have the time to travel 45 to 55ish mph then I will just take the car or van. That being said if you must travel 130 kph on two wheels then do yourself a favor and get a 85hp+ comfortable bike with good wind protection because the cb500x is like a fish out of water on the highway.

[@shiftupadventure]

If one needs to ride motorways every time for few hours or more yeah higher cc bike would be much better. For occasional rides no issues with CB500X 👍👋

[@belkentoRides]

Totally agree with you. The CB500X is not for that speed. It is kind of frustrating on the highways✌️

[@shiftupadventure]

Yeah, doable but not enjoyable 👍👋

[@ricinphx]

Finally! This is the video I have been waiting for. Other reviews came sort of close. Your video is the best in helping me decide my next bike. I ride Phoenix to Los Angeles on occasion . I can’t avoid the I-10 freeway. Thank you so much, you have a new subscriber. I wish you great riding and safety.

[@drewmorg.]

You need 2005 1200 RT with cruise control. $5000 USD. I live in So Cal and see these bikes pop up all the time used.

[@HunterPhantom]

Thank you for this honest super video

[@listairgin]

Very honest review! Thank you very much.

[@shiftupadventure]

Thank you 👍👍👋

[@kevinnashskitchen3517]

I would go up a notch and get the V-Strom 650 or even the KTM 790 Adventure S. Not mess around with a 500cc. I hate to say but for long Adventure rides you won't be happy spending under 10k USD.👍 Great video

[@shiftupadventure]

Thanks, 500cc and customized works great, I'm thinking to even go smaller on 300cc or something. 👍👋

[@GBPaddling]

I did the front sprocket upgrade, and it is a different bike. Much more relaxed and less vibration.

[@bertbirge3617]

Rode mine 4400 miles trip.. Will go as far as you want to go, just stay to back roads and around 60 mph and enjoy for as long as you want.

[@Rusonekox9]

I have heard that changing the sprockets to a 16t front 39 on the back helps with this issue. Of course is only 475cc.

[@toby621]

speed limit in australia is 100kmh 110 max so good for us

[@shiftupadventure]

Hehe, yeah no probs for that 👋👍

[@jasonshortphd]

I own the CMX500 (Same engine), but I think the transmission must be geared differently. I am also blown around by wind really easily. My bike becomes really buzzy above about 55 mph. I will look at grip puppies to see if they help me as well.

[@shiftupadventure]

Could be. I decided not to touch gearing for now because my speed readings on the dash will be wrong and bike will lose some torque on low revs, regarding wind blasts, yeah lighter bikes have that issue not much we can do, but on CB500X is manageable, for example my GS don't have that issue at all but that's +230kg bike, regarding grip puppies I can only recommend them, they've sorted out an issue with vibrations for me, for the price I think well worth. They'll go on my every bike in future. Maybe good windscreen, a little wider and slightly tilted can help you move the wind away? Cheers 👍👋

[@terryhaught9976]

Great informative video, how good is the Givi windscreen, the stock screen on my 500x is barely adequate.

[@shiftupadventure]

Thanks Terry, Givi is good, but not excellent. I have a video in pipeline for next week about Givi windscreen. Stay tuned 👍

[@svenbezi7135]

Great video, subscribed! I can’t wait for mine to come in about 3 months! Do you recommend any windscreen for a 190 cm tall guy? Also for grip puppies did you order from eBay?

[@shiftupadventure]

Yes, grip puppies are from eBay. For 190cm wind will be a factor, all 3rd party windscreens are about the same height it's possible you'll need an extension as well hard to say. I've purchased a Givi windscreen because it's tall enough and a little wider than stock. 👍👋

[@MG-Loves-Crypto]

Thank you very much for your honest review. I am currently doing my A license and I am considering this bike as my first machine before going for the bigger powered machines. Just like you i am not a big fan of driving on highway speeds and much rather stay out of autobahns. I was hoping to ask, on highways especially during overtaking manouvers , does the cb500x feel confident enough? For someone starting as a new rider what add ons would you suggest on the motorcycle?

[@shiftupadventure]

Yes, overtaking and stability are not an issue at all even on higher speeds, and I'd say this is a perfect bike to start with. It has enough power but not intimidating, linear pull and up right riding position. It's perfectly balanced in terms of weight and power, I was under strong side winds and bike just kept the line without issues. Regarding upgrades I'd recommend as must have, larger windscreen, hand guards and lower crash bars. If you'll ride long distances some soft seat cover (I have sheep skin), and if you're in colder place, heated grips. Hope that helps. 👍👋

[@juliankraker1893]

I have also a Honda CB 500 X with the standard wind shield. Mine finishes 15 kph easily. The fastest speed I have drove are 160 kph.

[@williampeiper292]

I got the 2018 CbX and i am not agree with you, my bike can ride 130km/h perfectly, max speed about 170km/h, and is quite confortable for long distances, there are more confortables bikes yes, biger engine bikes, but this bike is quite good for travel, i am 1:75 high and not have any bufetting problems with the stok windshield, little vibbe yes over 6500rpm but very light. Very reliable bike and good cuality construction.

[@giovanniceruti2271]

Hi I saw few video about your travel in honda 500x. Very interesting. So do you advice this bike for medium distance? 500km or not? On 120 or 130km/h? Thank you

[@JohnDoe-xr5is]

I have a 2023 model. The only real complaint (or something I would change) is 6th gear....it's too short. At about 115 kph, the engine is screaming at about 6000 rpm. And while it may be able to keep that going all day, it just seems too high. Honda should have just made 6th gear taller. Get the rpms down to about 4500-5000.

[@ljack383]

Good review

[@rayverN17yo]

I really dont get the consumption you are reporting. I am actually getting aprox 4,5 -5,0 ltr/100 km traveling on highways at 130-140 km/h on my 2018 model.

[@7777joe]

Super video imam cb500x 2019 i zanima me na autoputu 120 km oko 6000 okretaja duze vrijeme dali je stetno za masinu ili moze to podnijet konkretno autocestom od Njemačke prema Hrvatskoj havala i veliki pozdrav

[@Geo_Okami]

Pozdrav, ponosni vlasnik istog modela ovdje..Nema nikakve stete, to su razumni okretaji za ovu masinu i inace ljudi koji putuju jako duge dionice koriste istu taktiku bez obzira na kubikazu i konjazu, 6 brzina i drzat okretaje na pola od maksimalnog broja, netko ce moci ici 160 komfortno netko 120 ovisno o motoru. Ako imas na umu da su duga putovanja maraton a ne utrka onda sa ovom Hondicom mozes i na kraj svijeta...Slazem sa svime sta je receno u videu, nije bas najbolji i najkomforniji za autoceste, dosta je lagan motor pa te mogu iznenaditi naleti vjetra koji su vise izrazeni nego inace al jednom kad se naucis sve postaje stvar navike i ne vidis problem vise..Znao sam voziti po najvecoj Senjskoj buri jadranskom magistralom i dok se nisam priiviknuo moram priznat bilo je dosta neugodno, al poslije je bila samo stvar navike..Ono sta sam primjetio na svom motoru sta se tice vibracija na cijelom motoru ima dosta vezano i uz gume, tvornicke gume su dobre gume al su dosta brujile po autocestama i asfaltu, kad sam se prebacio na sport turing gume ( Pirreli Angel GT) vibracije i voznja je postala mnogo ugodnija a samim time i vibracije kao da su postale manje izraženije, iako sam ja tip koji nema velik problema sa vibracijama ostao sam ugodno iznenadjen sta druga guma moze napravit motoru

[@7777joe]

@@Geo_Okami Hvala na konkretnom i opsirnom odgovoru 😀👍

[@shiftupadventure]

Hvala 👍 za to nikakav problem za CB500X sto se tice masine i opterecenja. Uzmi u obzir vjetar, vibracije i to da ruka mora stalno bit na gasu - nema tempomata. Ako ces se vecinom vozit po autoputu 650cc ce mozda biti bolji izbor. Hvala i sretno s izborom 👍

[@shiftupadventure]

@@Geo_Okami zanimljivo, hvala za info! 👍👋

[@LEAMAS-75]

Hello! Great video! My weight is 85 kg - is that a problem in the mountains with luggage?

[@shiftupadventure]

Hi, thanks! Not at all 👍 it pulls linearly throughout all gears (I'm 90ish kg + 5-7kg of luggage).

[@EpicAdamMotovlogs]

I currently ride a suzuki gsf600 naked motorcycle & find it very comfortable but not good on the motorway. Im now thinking about getting the Honda cb500x or vrf800

[@shiftupadventure]

Hope review cleared some doubts 😁👋👍

[@johndavidwolf4239]

What exactly about it do you find "not so good on the motorway? You said it was "naked" does that mean you currently do not have wind screen, and if not can you fit even an aftermarket windscreen? If it is engine noise and/or vibration at high speeds, then consider changing sprockets. If it suspension and handling, and you have adjusted as best you can, then consider a different bike.

[@TotoTortoiseNFriends]

4 cylinder vs 2 cylinder which is better for touring

[@shiftupadventure]

Hi, it depends on type of touring. For asphalt roads 4c is a little less vibrating so it would be better. For mixed terrains better twin. I'm touring with twins because I don't want to be limited by type of terrain. Good luck with choice 👍

[@NoName-rt7ic]

Pozdrav imam jednu takvu hondu kupio sam ju u Viktor moto sport,i apsulutno se slažem sa stime sto ste rekli,ja sam cak razmisljo stavljati veći lančanik naprijed radi smanjenja obrtaja samim time i ušteda goriva.

[@shiftupadventure]

I ja sam razmisljao o tome, ali sam ostao nekako pri tome da je Honda izbalansirala optimalno brzine i za sada odustao od izmjene. Pozdrav 👋👍

[@arismous8586]

Hello between 300cc scooter or this bike i need motorway but i have a2 license what speed love this bike?

[@shiftupadventure]

This bike loves speeds up to 120km/h, above it's doable but not enjoyable 😁👍👋

[@arismous8586]

@@shiftupadventure 120 km/h its smooth?

[@sailajams4643]

Did you try the 16T front sprocket !!

[@shiftupadventure]

Nope, I actually like how gearing is set up. Is the lost in lower rpms noticable while accelerating?

[@didierplouhinec4899]

@@shiftupadventure from what I saw on Chris Smith's video "Best Honda CB 500X upgrade" and the comments you get a decrease of 6% RPM when you swap from the 15 to the 16 T sprocket. 15/16= 0,9375 example: 4900 RPM at 60 MPH (96,5 km/h) with the 15 T sprocket gives 4900 x 0,9375 = 4593 RPM with the 16T sprocket . Reduction of 307 RPM. My 500X is actually in Thailand, and I hope to be back at Phuket next july to install the 16 T sprocket and so my best friend will do. By checking the RPM at different usual speeds you can calculate what will be the decrease of RPM. In fact the 16 T will give you more usable first and second gears than with the 15 T, and if speed is not your goal i'm sure you will like the 16 T. When cruising at 110 km/h on a highway you will enjoy the decrease of 350 RPM and subsequently more kilometers per liter of gasoline and less engine wear. Please check Chris Smith video and read the comments. If you can have a GPS you will aslo be able to check the difference of speed between the speedo and the GPS. 12oclocklabs sells a speedo calibrator if needed. I also have bought it but I will need help to fit it on my CB 500 X. Wishing you to do the modifications and to watch a nice video about the subject after. The idea of POLYTRON oil additive is another good project too, especially for my best friend who hates the vibrations... I also have offered him a pair of Grip Puppies and he said it makes a really more confortable ride.

[@lovejoyquiambao5561]

What year model is this bike?

[@shiftupadventure]

Honda CB500XA 2020 model

[@lovejoyquiambao5561]

Thanks. Do you think the 2021 model makes any difference from 2020 in terms of engine power/performance?

[@Scott-ri2ek]

Where is that filmed

[@shiftupadventure]

South Croatia 👍

[@pave_waywiz8869]

Come on even my 2017 Honda CBR250R is able to do 150M/H on Highways may be the rider doesn't know how to ride....

[@drewmorg.]

How hard is it to twist throttle and go 130 kmh which he shows in the video? It is not a matter of skill, it's a matter of enjoyment.

[@hornet224]

130 kph on a extra smooth highway is scary. Marginal at best. It ain't a sport touring MC.

[@shiftupadventure]

I wasn't that bad 👍👍👋

[@keirokeiro1976]

115 is fast enough forme