How to build the Rally Raid CB500X

[@a.bergantini4129]

This video, without the background music, perfection!

[@markphipps8655]

Hey Rally RAID, since your engine guard mounted to the center stand holes; you should incorporate a short tubular socket on the right side of the engine guard to accept a removable right side side-stand that works in concert with the jiffy stand to form a temporary center stand function while repairing tires! The auxiliary stand could double as a breaker bar or as a muffler guard attached to your right soft Panier Rack.

[@ukjeeper]

Soon to be taking my X from 1 to 2. Parts are already paid for, just waiting on a date to ride up to the workshop.

[@WalkerKlondyke]

Costs as much as the bike, itself! You better really know that you’re serious about ADV riding, AND you better really love your CB500X.

[@luizz_k]

Lol right? Just get a different bike at that point. Although it looks very pretty, that you can't deny!

[@patrikas22]

@Archer Brody Whoa! Took roughly 20 minutes and you're full of it!

[@guzzidelgado]

How much does it cost?

[@robertboucher8265]

wish I could get Adam Mitchinson to convert my Honda cb500x to rally raid ,Greg your so lucky.

[@adventurespec]

Yup I'm a lucky chap!

[@2litrepeter.]

I like it. If it was mine I would redo the lower engine protection/bash plate to provide more protection for the exhaust headers so I could ride over fallen trees and deep holes without caving them in. I would want the rear muffler a lot higher and with a more horizontal exit so I can cross deeper water without fear of stalling and sucking in water. Along with that would be air intake mods for the same reason. I would also have a higher mounted front mud guard because if you’ve seen how sticky mud can jam things up and ruin your day I would want as much clearance as possible.

[@saddle8bag]

A spring stores energy. A damper dissipates energy. The friction of the oil being forced thru a hole or shims converts the energy imparted to the spring into heat so you don't hit a bump and bounce up and down until you get off.

[@marthinusvorster]

Question regarding the tyres. Great post and love the way it was planned and put together. Quickly scanned through comments to see if anybody else asked the question, but could not see anything. I'm after the sizes for 19-inch front and 17-inch rear MotoZ tyres mentioned. I opted for tubed version. Keen on doing the same. Thanks, Martin.

[@adventurespec]

You should be able to find the info you are after here - www.adventure-spec.com/default/motoz-tractionator-adventure-bundle.html

[@trekkydelirium-vroom5821]

Great video; thanks; if Rally Raid would lower their prices : i would do it as i own a CB500X 2017. But actually it’s to much expensive for Canadians : we have to add : shipping, taxes & import fees; & selling prices are also to much expensive with money change rate... By the way : the new CB500X is awesome: great upgrades Honda. But i still dream of a new CB650X adventure or a smaller Africa Twin 700cc.

[@blancolirio]

Good work gentlemen! Good to see Adam in front of the camera. Juan - Nevada City, Ca.

[@rallyraidproducts1927]

You da man Juan!

[@petergoddard1960]

Superb work, Greg and a welcome compliment on the full build process which is only available previously via Juan Browne's videos, supplemented by appearances from Jenny Morgan. It's a sound decision to complement a pure off road bike with a true 50/50 capable machine like this. For not much more money than a brand new CB500X, the combination of a decent second hand example and the full stage 2 kit really afford you a very capable travel bike. I for one cannot wait to see how the AS luggage works with the racks.

[@adventurespec]

Thanks. I'm looking forward to getting it out on the trails :-)

[@walkerskii]

Excellent video thank you

[@BIG-K]

Thanks for this very comprehensive and helpful coverage. Excellent stuff 👍

[@jackrabbit8703]

Thanks so much. Wish a bit more detail on the removal of the ignition barrel....when I start my build it may make more sense in terms of size of torx to use......Thanks for the information.

[@LightInnDmountain]

I learned so much thank you guys, amazing motorcycle mechanic engineer professional and a excellent teacher manners and tips. I’m sold lol, piece by piece $$$😅

[@Adventurous_noob]

Great job guys! The cb500x should be an adventure bike - that’s for sure. But having seen the price of 2 rims and just one rear shock (2000+ quid) I doubted the justification of the while idea… provided that a good and powerful 205kg all-road bike already exists for the money (T7).

[@adventurespec]

Definitely! Fantastic bike

[@petertaylor2148]

Yes I think it is good 👍. It's a shame that motor can't be developed to deliver more power/ torque.. l really like the bikes .. l just don't like having to ride the 500x up around 4500 to 8500 rpms All the time.. People only consider this type of modification because the bloody manufacturers will not build the bikes we want 😒.. Here's hoping though 🙏🏼

[@MonoLake02]

Thanks for the great vid. I have been considering this kit and you may have convinced me to dump my 690 enduro beast for the much more civilized cb500x - I really did not bond with my 690 because it’s not very smooth on the road, it’s noisy and the gear ratios are strange. I think I wouldn’t spend much more than I could get for my 690 if I find a good second hand bike. Thanks again...

[@timothybroga1704]

Wow my 690 must be much different than yours.

[@sylvesterhiemstra4002]

Love the detailed video guys many thanks. Next time have a good rest after a 48 hour build and you might come over a bit more enthusiastic lol

[@rallyraidproducts1927]

We both would have loved to have a sleep before we did the interview, but after 5 days total ( 3 days trail riding ) we were running out of time before we had to hand Greg back to his patient family. He went on to ride 4.5 hours back in the rain too!

[@sylvesterhiemstra4002]

RALLY RAID PRODUCTS oh no lol

[@chrislogboy]

Ha they look like they are dozing off

[@worldslocal9172]

Thanks for the detailed video.... Looking to buy honda cb500x, and add rally raid kit..... 💕 From INDIA

[@geofferyrobertson6608]

would have thought you would of replaced the steering neck bearings with Tapered Bearings , a much better option than the rubbish they fit them with at the factory when new , its a wonder they don't use the Tapered Bearing in the first place

[@stefanhansen5882]

Very interesting, but 48 hours sounds costly if you cannot do it yourself. Two men working for 32 hours (48 minus sleep) is 64 working hours. That's maybe $2,000 in labor costs, making this (awesome) bike a lot more expensive. :/

[@adventurespec]

Hi Stefan, yes we created this from our perspective so things would change if you weren't doing it yourself

[@stefanhansen5882]

@@adventurespec I don't understand. But if I am not mistaken then this bike ends up costing more than a Ténéré. How does it compare to this bike?

[@adventurespec]

Hi@@stefanhansen5882 you would need to run your own quote gathering exercise, we can't give a blanket cost I'm afraid

[@Wabbit1961]

So front suspension-wise you use longer progressive springs with a short spacer and you opt for using emulators. Why not a full Race Tech or Ohlins cartridge replacement? If it was my bike I'd cut that mod down a bit since I wouldn't be 50/50 on/off road with the bike. I'd keep my stock rims. I'd change suspension in the rear but I'd leave the front alone with the exception of heavier weight fork oil and progressive springs. I'd leave the bike height alone so I wouldn't need a new side stand. Definitely buy the pan guard and upper and lower crash bars. That's about it. If I were going to change the slip-on I'd opt for something cheap on eBay because if I drop the bike I'd rather pay $125 for a new muffler rather than $800-$900! Or I'd wait till or if that happened to the stock muffler THEN buy the cheap eBay muffler. Luggage-wise, Hepco Becker make what's called the C-Bow side case system. Very light, sturdy, and surprisingly relatively cheap with multiple bag style options. I've low-sided a bike with those on and the semi firm bags cushioned the hit while taking damage to a zipper. The rack suffered no damage. The bag was $134 and insurance replaced it.

[@pcbiker2995]

I would spend all that time and money in riding. The CB500X is already a great bike and ready for adventure. If you want to rally with a lightweight bike just buy a motocross.

[@superstarr34]

might just be me, but much prefer the look of the bike without the front fairing, this is giving me scrambler or cafe racer ideas lol

[@szymonchalupka]

Looking at the total cost of this upgrade - why not get Tenere 700 instead with much better offroad capability?

[@milanstepanek4185]

T7 wasnt even a thing when RR started making conversion kits for the CB (years ago). Also CB will still have better fuel economy+range I guess but otherwise you're right.

[@jmo2752]

If you fit these kits to a brand new CB500X, then yes, it would be similar money to the new Yamaha Tenere 700 (although the Honda has it's own attributes), but you can also pick up a secondhand CB500X for $3000 these days, which makes it a very affordable alternative even once you've fitted the full Rally-Raid kit.

[@davidmatthews3093]

From what I’ve read the Tenere 700 needs money spending on it too.

[@notanymore9471]

Maybe I understood him wrong but he seemed to be confusing a pre load adjustment with a dampener adjustment which they are two different things. A pre load adjustment on a spring doesn’t change the characteristics of oil flow internally on the shock which is how an adjustment on shock dampener has to work. Alas maybe I’m confused.

[@jbtcajun5260]

When will the suspension kit for 22/23 be comming out?

[@mrgregpappas]

Hey, could you guys do a short video on the tools needed for this conversation? It would help in prep before tackling the job.

[@jmnov9034]

The problème with rally raid is not the quality but thé Price who are too expensive about my Honda CB 500x 2014 if i want to upgrade it's most 3000€ and then it's more simple and advantageous to change model motorbike

[@gobear83]

Does the fuel injection accept the new exhaust with any mods ?.... really plug and play?

[@jmo2752]

Yes, the exhaust is a straight swap - the EFi is fine. Only if you opened the air-box and used a freer-flowing filter would you need to alter the fuel/air mixture with a Power-Commander or similar.

[@Wabbit1961]

I disagree. Even if you change the air filter to a high flow there's no need for a PC. You're ECU has range enough to handle the slight variance. If you flash your ECU, then you block off the PAIRS, get rid of the O2 sensor and there you go. Flashing the ECU is about $250 and you don't need a PC. The PC costs about double and is a PITA to adjust properly and takes MULTIPLE tries to get it right. That's why it's a pain in the ass.

[@rocketrollsvlogs7625]

Great video

[@todddavis240]

Why didn't you let us hear the exhaust? Very frustrating guys....means nothing to me unless I hear it

[@MnBicycleCommuter]

Can you elaborate on the ignition barrel removal. You use a torx bit, is that what was said? I have a RR Level 2 kit ordered and will need to do this.

[@TheMarky26]

Whats the price on this kit?

[@senses6891]

What spring did you chose the 110 standard or the 120 hard. My weigh goes from 170 to 180 lbs and I want to carry panniers and luggage for additional 50 to 60 lbs. which would you recommend

[@adventurespec]

Why not drop www.rally-raidproducts.co.uk/ an email - they will help you with this info

[@Davidlouis3]

Good video

[@mrgregpappas]

Thanks for sharing. I had a suspicion that you'd be after a CB after the last video where you rode the RR 310 and RR CB500.

[@pmay222]

You guys are soon to be toast. . The xt700 tenere yam is due out in july 2019 🎯

[@rallyraidproducts1927]

We will be collecting our t7 very soon! Exciting Toast

[@jdubflylo]

@@rallyraidproducts1927 Are you guys intending to support mods on the Yam T7?

[@rallyraidproducts1927]

@@jdubflylo no it doesn't need much, just some amazing suspension

[@karlfonner7589]

Or, Honda can just bring back the Trans-Alp,And make it a Yamaha killer

[@stanlaw7534]

Very informative video, and very useful/helpful indeed, thank you very much. Now I have got a very simple question: if I buy a brand new CB500X in France (where I live), can I come over to Rally-Raid UK in the UK and have it converted by you to the same specs as those of this video? And how much would you charge for this operation if at all possible (I am talking of the labour, without the cost of the level 2 conversion kit) ? Many thanks in advance.

[@rallyraidproducts1927]

We sure can Stan, drop us an email to [e-mail]

[@deneithahernandez4517]

Awesome video guys, question can this be done on a 2013 as well?

[@Hugo_Alex]

plus 1 vote for the adjustable footpegs. Will buy when available.

[@guitaristinseattle]

How much in USD?

[@paulwanless4102]

Hi Greg what tyres did you put on .

[@veljkovukovic1584]

Awesome I love this Mood

[@williamcushion3623]

Are there any plans to make luggage racks to fit with the Scorpion high pipe?

[@jmo2752]

No, the exhaust link pipe is in the way of the forward mounting location on the right hand side. However, you can easily use a rack-less bag like the Giant Loop Coyote or Great Basin with the high level exhaust if you want to carry luggage - it works very well on the CB500X.

[@porbangyai8797]

I​ Thailand my like​ cb500x😁😁

[@GaryLordsWayMinistry]

Needs crash bars for the cooling system and foot pegs in it as well for cruising. Also how much was this kit, minus labor?

[@googlelimp9834]

just for the wheel rims and suspension is £2700 Around £300 plus labour plus the other bits plus the bike to buy you can buy an Africa twin for tha6t hahaha

[@doctormaddix2143]

Whats the total investment for all the parts?

[@alrightdave6135]

DoctorMaddix rally raid website

[@Pays2Win]

Unless you find an amazing deal on the bike, I’d probably just put the money into a higher quality rig instead of building a platform around an under power 500…JS

[@chrishart8548]

All the parts are too expensive. 1 rally raid wheel cost more than a Chinese bike.

[@Pays2Win]

@@chrishart8548 fact, it’s going to cost 2k to upgrade it. Joyous can buy a Yamaha T700 at that price.

[@martinfisker7438]

9:00 Please correct the man if he's wrong, this is sort of an educational video... You don't make the bike softer by turning the preload knob, you just lower the bike - the springrate is the same

[@rallyraidproducts1927]

You are correct, the spring rate stays the same however the reduced preload means less effort is required to compress the spring resulting in a softer feeling ride

[@martinfisker7438]

You get the same feeling when hitting a bump anyways, that is unless you bottom out the suspension.

[@chrishart8548]

@@martinfisker7438 correct all pre load does is set the movement between being locked out (full preload) effectively no suspension. And bottoming out.

[@armadilllo]

music is very annoying

[@sirjolly81]

Cool little bike. But those tiny front forks ruin the whole look and they will always be limited in performance. But i tend to try and jump of everything I see when running around on my 690.

[@thekaizer666]

rally raid the yamaha niken!! :D

[@Rob-hx6on]

Would liked to have watched this but for the fkn music.

[@suhas2591]

😍👌🏻👍🏻

[@PerEspenLarsen]

Talk talk talk.. 🥱

[@Checkyoursix77]

Why? Expensive and mediocre...

[@larmaribangofficial7992]

Your video is pathetic the reason behind Conversion video is very less. You talk too much. Useless interview each other. There is no one shot video from start to end conversion to spoke wheels A to Z. Not helpful video.

[@jmo2752]

There is also a PDF of set-by-step fitting instructions (with photos) for the individual elements on the respective pages of the Rally-Raid website.