Hunt for my first bike Ep 4 | Honda NX500 | Test Ride | Motorcycle POV | RAW Sound | CB500X

After passing my motorcycle full license in the UK I'm now on the hunt for my first motorcycle. I have many motorcycles in mind from modern classics to adventure bikes. Join me in my quest for my first bike.
Today, the Honda NX500 / CB500X. Is it as good a first Adventure bike as people say?
Bike: Honda NX500
Camera:DJI Osmo Action 3, helmet chin mounted.
Raw Exhaust Microphone: Zoom H1N
Helmet Mic: Purple Panda int Zoom H1N

[@murraycharters6102]

You’re killing it by lugging it. Can’t keep watching.

[@DeanArnold1066]

I’ve got the black NX500 with the comfort pack. I’ve done 600 miles on it and I love it. I’m 6ft 2 and find it perfect. I’ve spent many hours on the bike riding on motorways, A,B rides and it’s fine. Plenty of power and torque plus it sounds really nice with. Slight popping sound. It’s not going to rip your arms off but plenty powerful for me. Good video and I believe there is only two uk videos reviewing this bike so cheers.

[@get_to_the_lunchbox]

Thanks. Good to hear from an owner. Something really gelled with me on this bike. I felt so confident leaning it over in corners. Unfortunately I didn't get to try it on a dual carriageway or motorway so good to hear you've done it. I feel like it's a bike that likes to be revved through the entire range?

[@warrenr4]

I’ve got a CB500x. (Basically the same bike) Last summer I took it on a three month European (mostly Scandinavia) wild camping trip. I did motorways, back roads, forest roads, gravel tracks etc with road biased tyres and standard suspension no problems whatsoever. The best accessories, barkbusters and heated grips. I did over 13,000 miles it didn’t miss a beat. These bikes are uber reliable, easy to ride, 80+ mpg cheap to insure and maintain and just utterly brilliant. Look out for the service costs on any other bikes. Get ball park figures from the salesman and then double check them elsewhere. Reason I say this is I was looking at a triumph tiger 900, then I found out the valve clearance service was just short of £1000 ! Good luck with your search and have fun !! 🙂✌🏻

[@get_to_the_lunchbox]

Thanks for this you've basically described the trip I want to do. So that's very useful to me. Also good to know to check maintenance costs and intervals. I guess this is something I've overlooked.

[@Angel_EU34]

The Honda 500 parallel twin is famously utterly indestructible. And the bikes too, i know a guy with a 90's CB500 with 160,000 km on it that still has the factory clutch!

[@HondaWanderer]

I've had my CB500X for 3 weeks and love it so much

[@mickleblade]

Valve clearance on the is fiddly but OK. Honda have a nice trick where you don't need to remove the camshafts to change a shim. Definitely diy

[@rv6569]

You have water pump issue

[@Bandit-Iggy]

I rode the NX 500 yesterday, you done right bud congrats, its a very good bike, way better than last CB 500 X, and even better than the 750 Trans Alp, good choice buddy👍

[@get_to_the_lunchbox]

Ha, I haven't bought one yet. But I agree, if I had it would be a great choice.

[@fleetwoodbuoy7394]

I've had a 2014 CB500X and currently have a 2019 CB500X which I have had from new. The bike is comfy, versatile and economical, a great all rounder. I have done plenty of motorway miles and 300 mile + days without any problems. My previous bike was a 2007 VStrom 650 which is the comfiest bike I have ever owned, was a better tourer, nearly as economical and has far better headlights. The CB500X is a lot of bike for the money and you cant go far wrong. I have also had a T100 and whilst a lovely bike, it was really only ever a sunny Sunday afternoon bike. I did tour it but I hated getting all that chrome dirty and the tank is to small for serious miles in remote areas (150 at best) whilst the CB and Strom can easily do 300 miles plus to the tank. If you are going to tour you will be better served by a dedicated tourer or adventure bike. Best extras centre stand, heated grips, screen height adjuster and full luggage. Enjoy

[@get_to_the_lunchbox]

Great, I love stories like this. It really confirms how loved these bikes are. There must be a reason for it. I agree the T100 is not a tourer, definitely would probably only ever come out on sunny weekends!

[@dougsmith7580]

I realize you are shopping for a first motorcycle and so are new to the game but please pay more attention to your speed and RPM. You are doing the bike no favours by riding in 5th and 6th gears at low speeds. In time you will get the hang of it but a higher RPM will keep the bike where the engine needs to be to get you out of trouble. Free advice for what it’s worth. Of all the bikes you have on your list the NX may serve you best. It is already equipped with features that will be an additional cost. The NX will cruise at legal speed all day everyday, and assuming you are riding without a pillion passenger (and as a new rider please don’t carry a passenger) should be all you need. Make your mistakes on a bike that is lighter, dependable and more beginner friendly before deciding you need more power. It’s not so much the speed that kills as it is the uncontrollable acceleration. I’ve been riding for 58 years and this bike is one Im considering for a final ride. Good luck on your new adventure.

[@bikegeist]

Not a huge point, but this bike also looks good from our point of view watching on KZbin. There's a lot of the bike in view but still a lot of the scenery. I'm definitely not a fan of the sound, but if I were sensible, I'd have this on my list for my second bike.

[@dunstanhawk7367]

Enjoyed the video. I have a Triumph Speed Twin 1200 and thinking about adding one of these to my garage. Spent a week riding one (CB500X) with Canary Motorcycle Tours and really warmed to it.

[@get_to_the_lunchbox]

The more I think about it, the more I want one. Maybe I should look into renting one for a week too.

[@bondradman7353]

Similar situation to me! I bought a 2017 T120 Bonneville new and love it, but didn't like taking it on dirt. I was looking for a cheap second bike and bought a new 2020 CB500X. Great value, easy to ride, cheap to run. When I open my garage, I'm happy to jump on either bike.

[@honda116969]

I have the 2019 CB500X I think all these bikes '19-24 are pretty much the same unless you're a hardcore rider maybe you could tell a difference. The dash is totally fine & has everything you need + bike doesn't need traction control. It's a fun bike! I've had everything from the 2021 Africa twin adventure sport to the CRF250L rally now I'm in the middle with the 500x & I think it's the sweet spot, fast enough but not so heavy & cumbersome. I also weigh about 175 lb with gear. Feels good up to 75-80 mph

[@get_to_the_lunchbox]

I agree, the traction control on the NX seems a bit pointless. Although I do believe the 22 models onwards have better suspension.

[@HondaWanderer]

I wouldn't be labouring a new engine like that in 5th gear. Once its out of the break in period sure. But watch Fortnine's vid on the subject. Labouring it in 5th gear like you did is pretty bad. Oh and it is NOT 500CC, but 471 ;) As for customisation there is a plethora of parts you can get to customise a CB500X, but the NX500 being new some parts may not fit. I got a CB500X three weeks ago after doing tons and tons of research. It just ticked all the boxes and I've ridden 2000km already. It's also my first bike! Love it to bits.

[@get_to_the_lunchbox]

It's a demo bike. It's really up to the dealer to tell me how to ride it, and they just said enjoy yourself. I'm sure if they were that worried they would have told me. So, I'm interested why did you choose the CB500X over the NX500, because brand new, at least in the UK there's barely a difference in price?

[@HondaWanderer]

@@get_to_the_lunchbox the nx500 wasn't yet available here in Australia. I like the updates like new dash and traction control but I don't like the styling as much. Very happy with the bike!

[@HondaWanderer]

@@get_to_the_lunchbox and yeah for a demo bike not a big deal. But if you get one new it's best not to rev it too high but also not so low it's chugging, while breaking it in. Otherwise these are bulletproof engines

[@17405pop]

I agree there. You should never lugga-lug an engine like that whether it's run in or otherwise. Made this auld feller wince a bit. The upshifting needs a bit of practice as well. Not a bad video otherwise.

[@parf2665]

Did a 9.000 mile ,12 country European trip on v strom 1050 last summer. If I was to do it again, i would choose one of these. Economically, reliabile and plenty of go for everything maybe than the German autobahn. My v strom was too big and powerful (although 106hp!) for the roads you are likely to encounter. Check out Nick at biking travels. He has ridden most of Europe on a CB500X.

[@get_to_the_lunchbox]

Yes, I've seen his channel, it's good.

[@GaryFÓBrien]

Had the NC750X in 2017, DCT version. Try a DCT if you’re looking at long trips.

[@johndavy8801]

Great first ride video that was enjoyable to watch,I think you are the second person in the UK review this bike so well done sir.lm hoping to take out a demo bike when some become available in my area.

[@get_to_the_lunchbox]

Yeah, so I hear, that wasn't intentional. Thanks for your comments, I hope you enjoy it when you get out on one.

[@herbalthoughtbjorn]

Down shift man. Its not automatic. You are in 5th when u should be in 3rd.

[@get_to_the_lunchbox]

I'm testing the bike. Also I'll ride my way and you ride yours, how about that?

[@bohemianphotographer6843]

@@get_to_the_lunchboxriding the bike it’s not a matter of opinions my man ! Your way is wrong 😂! What about you learn how to ride before giving attitude to people !more than test riding you are torturing the poor bike

[@herbalthoughtbjorn]

Just learn to use the correct gears. U can hear the engine being annoyed at u.

[@slakk5093]

Guy is probably used to big capacity engines that don’t worry about lugging the engine in a high gear and low rpm. Obviously this bike doesn’t work that way

[@herbalthoughtbjorn]

@@slakk5093 maybe but he is buying his first bike

[@ianhalliwell8604]

Would i swop my big thumper GoldStar for this, well not really but then again I'm not using it to cross continent's or go off road. If i was, as a Honda fan boy I'd go for the NC750X DCT much more to my tastes, but each to their own.

[@jeffreymiichael1603]

buy a nx500 second hand for £2500 pounds id love to know where id be there tomorrow to get one theyve only just come out.

[@deanwelsh5702]

I’ve got a 20 plate cb500x sometimes I want a little bit more power . Apart from that I can’t think of a reason to get rid of it every time I’m tempted I think of the cost of running and how much it was to buy and my sensible brain won’t let me part with it. I could upgrade to the nx but what would be the point . I’ve actually had 2 cb500x s I had an 18 plate that to be fair was a bit cramped for my 6’2 frame . But from 2019 they seem much more roomy.

[@get_to_the_lunchbox]

After riding it now for a bit, so far 300 miles. I would have to agree with you.

[@clanky44]

I’m in a similar situation with similar taste in bikes. My issue is my height, I’m 6’2” (1.88m) with a 34” inseam and both the T100 and the NX feel a tad too cramped. I’ve also checked out the Motto Guzzi V7 Stone and though it looks nice, the lack of servicing in my area (Ontario, Canada) and it’s smallish size rules that out for me. What does fit me perfectly is the new Honda Transalp, but that’s an extra $3000 CDN and a tad too much power for my liking, but it does have ride modes in which you can neuter the throttle response as you get used to it. Edit: have you tried the Kawasaki W800?

[@get_to_the_lunchbox]

The W800 is not currently sold in the UK, or at least it's not listed on the UK website. Anyone is free to correct me on that. There are second-hand models around but they are not so easy to get a test-ride on. Yeah I found the V7 tiny and I'm 5'8". Sound like the Transalp would be suited to you. Or maybe the T7 or Tuareg.

[@Iamwhatiam76]

Skid plate and hand guard

[@GaryUnwin-u2x]

I imagine the wind resistance not being very good on this bike, is that correct?

[@hannesgottinger9284]

I love my V-Strom, was thinking about the CB500x too, but I would rather have a full A Bike instead of an A2.

[@get_to_the_lunchbox]

I do understand what you're saying, but really all it is is a label. If there was no such thing as an A2 license would you still be so concerned?

[@hannesgottinger9284]

@@get_to_the_lunchbox I guess! Like you, I searched for my first "big bike" after my 125, but with a lower budget. First I rode an 650 Transalp with 53hp, and I liked it. But immediately after that, I tried the V-Strom with 67hp, and I could really feel the difference in power. I think 60-80 hp might be the sweet spot, you can ride it rather ambitiously, without a big risk of making the rear tire slip or the bike wheelie a lot, and really use that power. I rode a faster inline 4 too, and it was incredibly fun, but I chose the V-Strom as an allrounder. Mind you, I live near the Austrian alps, lots of inclines nearby.

[@KhiemHuynhle]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@northernriderpov]

Hi mate, what made you choose this bike over the other ones you tested ?

[@get_to_the_lunchbox]

I have made videos about that. But in a nutshell I want to do some touring this year in Europe, As much as I love those bike the likes of the T100 and Interceptor are not he bikes for that so it needed to be an adventure style bike. On top of that I will do some gravel roads and my experience of that is nil so I didn't want a big adventure bike that would intimidate me on those surfaces. So the NX500 came out on top.

[@northernriderpov]

⁠@@get_to_the_lunchboxthanks for the reply mate! Between the T100 and the Interceptor, taking into account the price difference between both of them and the quality difference, which one would you have gone for if you had to choose between those two ?

[@get_to_the_lunchbox]

@@northernriderpov T100, no contest for me, it's worth the extra cost. Just feels like a more quality bike. Having said that, if you can get a bargain on an interceptor 2nd hand then you wouldn't be disappointed. It's also a great bike.

[@vinitha2679]

Down shift a little sooner pls

[@lohiiiith]

very well made video

[@get_to_the_lunchbox]

Thank you very much!

[@keremaydin9556]

whats the thin black glove brand under the actual gloves ? thanks

[@get_to_the_lunchbox]

They are Held Gore Infinium under gloves.

[@nuclear9977]

Pls buy this ❤

[@nilnul9295]

Does skid plate of CB500x also work for NX500?

[@get_to_the_lunchbox]

From what I see, the difference between the 2 bikes is a styling one apart from a few upgrades, like the TFT screen for example. So in my opinion the parts are interchangeable. But that's an opinion not any fact I know of. If I was to get one the only part that I would be concerned about not fitting would be a radiator guard and obviously crash bars

[@17405pop]

Yes. Just fitted one listed for Honds 500 X on my new NX

[@rv6569]

Does it vibrate at redline

[@get_to_the_lunchbox]

Not sure about redline, but I found it very smooth, in fact that's one of the first things that struck me. At faster speeds in 6th gear as mentioned in the video, there is some slight vibration but nothing terrible.

[@tkraft1442]

Im hunting CB650R :)

[@nilnul9295]

Sadly no quickshifter

[@ChrisSauer-oe5ve]

I think you can order OEM quick shifter.

[@nilnul9295]

No idea, my dealer says no option at the moment.😂

[@get_to_the_lunchbox]

I can't imagine there ever will be, it's a budget bike.