Test Honda CB500 X Adventure

A test of the Honda CB 500 X Adventure, the Rally Raid Products adventure conversation of this great bike

[@nordinwan]

I rode 25,000km on a CB500X from Kuala Lumpur to London passing through, Mynmar, India, Pakistan, Iran,Turkey. Problem? Nope ..just chain and tyre replacement. It's super reliable.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

That is a cracking trip on a very reliable bullet proof bike.

[@shmac96]

That is awesome! Good on ya mate!

[@szatanica1]

Nordinwan - did you ride on a stock bike with only the changes you mentioned or one of those upgreaded versions?

[@motoryzen]

You had to replace a chain after only 15.5 thousand miles? Good grief...did you never stop to clean and lube the chain? I know that can be some rough terrain, but damn man. (scratches chin). That seems a little early to have to replace a chain unless that chain got absolutely pummeled by big rocks and eventually a linkage broke and ya didn't have the proper tools and a back up one ready to replace the broken linkage with. Beyond that, I honestly haven't much room to talk.

[@fanfei8552]

Fantastic trip,keep riding mate.Good on ya

[@tatecraft1361]

This was the video I’ve been looking for after reading everyones “opinion” on the CB500X’s off-road shortcomings! Excellent!! 🎉

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Glad it was helpful!

[@osimnod]

Another excellent real-world review of an affordable bike that appears capable of doing what the vast majority of ADV riders will actually do. Glad to see the mid-weight offerings broadening. Go Honda!

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Yeah it's a good one and potentially great with some mods. Can't wait until we get ours, which unfortunately is a couple of months away.

[@blancolirio]

GREAT review! After 7000+ miles of hard adventuring on the RRP CB500X in all sorts of conditions, I agree with all of David's points on this review. "A capable SUV"- yes, it's like a little jeep on the trail and can really get you out of a tight spot! I've never owned a more capable 'all rounder' Adventure bike...and I've tried 'em all! Juan Nevada City, Ca.

[@tahoehiker]

Hey Juan I actually found your videos on this first and bought a cb500x because of it. Just starting upgrades now. Kinda sucks Rally Raid doesn't have a U.S distributor anymore.

[@Bashirachakzai]

Are 400x and cb500x the same or different

[@ripmax333]

put the CB500 series twin cyl engine on a CRF250L Frame! now that would be a serious middle weight adventure bike.

[@djurcinovski]

there is guy who did that. its crf500 look it up.

[@TheMotorman1981]

I'll drink to that

[@shahfacekillah]

I just picked up one of these. A 2014 model. This is my 5th bike I've owned and I can honestly say it's the best bike I've had.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Great hear of riders loving their bikes

[@jeffferguson7256]

pretty impressive really. Its a shame honda does not produce this version of the cb500 from the factory.

[@eddieg849]

I have a 2019 Honda cb500f she's a beast wouldn't trade her for the world😍

[@user-so8kx7uj2x]

If I had a cb500, I'd be pleased. I'd prefer cb500x, because fits better for me and my purposes. Although, I understand anyone who prefer cb500f. Both are great and you can keep them forever! If I buy the x, I hope I'll keep it forever

[@venton3]

You get a thumbs up for taking that bike down that gnarly trail. This is a cool bike, but I'd wager those modifications don't come cheap.

[@cagednm69]

$2900

[@ride4adventure]

cagednm69 can you publish a list of the parts?

[@pbayers]

Yeah, for the price of the bike plus the upgrades I don't see what makes it better than riding a DR650

[@tobyn7649]

@@pbayers The engine is super smooth...no chug at lower speeds and it is way better on the road. I believe a saw a comparison video to the DR650 on KZbin. I have the CB500X and I can not find any issues with the bike. Would I race it in a cross country race? No...but I ride it on trails and dirt roads and it comfortably carries me at 75 mph on the highway with zero vibration. The DR 650 is a great bike but I think the CB500X with the Rally Raid suspension is better for what I do.

[@pbayers]

@@tobyn7649 thanks for the response! Thats interesting

[@MyRandomLife247]

Have always had a soft spot for this bike. Although I only commute out of the entire 500 range I'd have this bike. It's just so comfortable and so easy to ride, it can just chew up the miles!

[@papajeff5486]

This is just what I needed, thank you. I will almost certainly never attempt such a difficult trail; but, it’s good to see this bike might take it on. Texas

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Glad it was helpful!

[@SirSpinalColumn]

0:48 Joel's bridge! That roadworks equipment is STILL there!

[@dustyrider244]

I have exactly the same bike with RR upgrade, only difference is that you can ride the fucker properly. Outstanding video and every time I am told I don't have an adventure bike I send this link, thanks mate, I am subscribed

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Thanks

[@losttheplotcolin]

When you jump over the log at 3 mins the kick stand is dropping down and touching the ground . you might want to upgrade the return spring. Love the videos.

[@tcagrierarslan5540]

Honda should be planning to use this bike's platform to create an Africa Twin Jr. :)

[@AldrinorTalnier]

+T Cagri Erarslan That's why there was a great outcry for an adventure kit for the Cb500x. I wouldn't be surprised if this Cb500x (With RallyRaid Stage 3) is more popular than their new 1000cc africa bike

[@antoniojmols]

The Africa Twin Jr already exist. Is the crf 250l Rallye :)

[@hoppo1000]

It's a halfica twin

[@krisdadabmetha1899]

I saw someone call this bike “Madagascar twin”

[@majorliferygbsm5102]

Your videos are so pleasant to watch and very professionally done.

[@spudmire66]

Great, informative well thought out and put together review. I hadn't heard of the CBX until I watched this vid!! Since then have looked into it a bit and am seriously considering swapping my Tenere as I find it a bit tall and top heavy. For those out there who may be in the same frame of mind the Level 3 Rally Raid kit delivered to your door will set you back approx. $4000 Aussie. Ouch...but you can pick up a good low km used ( ie last years model ) CB for around 5 grand add the kit and still be under 10g's. So around the same as a good used Tenere or a high km F800. Definitely worth a look. Thanks MAD for putting it out there.

[@krollpeter]

6 years ago I shipped my R1200GS from Singapore to Darwin, and rode some 6000 km to Perth. I do not believe at all I had any real advantage over the modified CB500X as a soloist. Except one thing: Two-up. I have since long a feeling that I should simplify my life - to get actually more.

[@brucesalt3518]

What a lovely review!! A well composed video...thank you!!

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Thumpermad]

I had a Fantastic dirt bike the TTR600R a little big for deep gully trails but perfect for singletrack beside the main fire trails (Wattagan mountains Central Coast) my issue was I couldn't turn it around if I needed to bug out of a too steep knarley trail but I love your work I'd hate to drop that beauty on the rocks 😉

[@philipiau4425]

gotta say... its not a demonstration of the 500, but your offroad riding prowess and even headedness!

[@sumanbhaskar1704]

I have honda stunner 125cc on 2009 & it's really pretty cool now 2018 I love my bike

[@javierf55]

Amazing. This video shows why this new CB 500 X got a big big X. It's a real dual purpose bike.

[@brianjones4972]

getting a 2020 model soon going to be making it similar to this for actual adventuring cant wait

[@mrgregpappas]

Hey I remember you from the Continental Drift vid you did way back! Glad to see you're still making videos! CD was inspiring and it seems like you have found yet another gem of a motorbike. Nice video.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

There's a heap more adventure on this channel.

[@tylersettlemire5364]

This video just set in stone and sold me on my decision. This is what I am getting. Great video 👍!!

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Good choice! a great little bike

[@munkkittaja]

just remember the mods ain't cheap if you need them

[@kimkelberg]

What a Dream bike setup 👍😊

[@nikos-giorgos]

Thank you!That's what i thought how the cb500x should be in the first place.Honda is too blind to see what people want. Now if you could do the same with the nc750x dct that would be something to drool over.A little more weight, but a little better fuel consumption more balanced chassis overall helmet storage that can be turned into a 20lt fuel tank,and most importandly made in japan...

[@MKrazzy1]

Very cool modification to the 500 and great video. My only knock on this is the comment "bigger bikes, above 800, would have a hard time doing this". Really no point in saying that because it takes away from what you have done with the 500 mod, which is really cool, but its completely not true. Not sure what bikes you're referring to, but my KTM 1190 wouldn't have a challenge with any of it.

[@chrisredfield3240]

The weight is near the same as a f800gs with the rally raid kit

[@slimjim7411]

The bikes he would be referring too would be pretty much anything but the $15,000+ KTM or the Honda Africa Twin. Which are both pretty much just giant enduro's.

[@fewe2.039]

I think the stock one, until 2019, ist nice for gravel roads. Nice to See that with some modifications it swapt into a real offroad bike.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

thank you

[@jackthemuss2493]

Cracking video boys. Great bike all round. I'm about to do my 50,000km review. I was looking for inspiration and I found it.

[@JoeJoeMoto]

Pretty flexible bike when you can do 100ks of single trail then commute home on the highway, let alone the Simpson trip it did!

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

+JoeJoe Moto Useful SUV. Competition for the V-Strom and for those that want a road oriented DR650

[@lurker-mq4fp]

Amazing bike. I love the look of that forest you were riding through. Looks a great laugh!

[@josemariapuyalcampo9520]

Honda...."the power of dreams"...great bikes for wonderful people...

[@dray8047]

I nearly bought this bike until I saw the Kawasaki Versys mk3. I'd love to see you explore the potential for the Versys the same as you've done for the honda!

[@chrisredfield3240]

It's already 217kg. They will only add to the weight with wire wheels and crash protection

[@MrEMann]

I like the drone taking a shadow selfie at the end. Nice review thanks.

[@rockybeach1]

Great video, that's off road riding at its finest!

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Thanks! 👍

[@den2ofoz]

This could be my upgrade bike in the near future. For 5'7" Seat height for me are just fine.

[@ThrillaPark]

Thanks for this review. I want this bike badly!!

[@famousmidnight]

Really nice review, sweet bike. Pretty interesting.

[@spudmire66]

Nice video Dave.( and the link to the hay river was awesome - good job. had the same weather when we went in fourbies a few years ago so good to see others coping it!!..ahh its all good yarn material ). Who would you recommend to do these mods here in Sydney?

[@overlandmotorcycletours4785]

Brilliant review! Thinking of trying one as my next tour hack

[@findingneutral]

Wow. What an awesome all around review. Reaffirms my purchase once more 😃👍

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Good choice!

[@allanw6103]

OMG. I cant believe its been over 2 years and no bike company has made a bike like this... well sort of. theres the suzuki vstrom 650xt. too big? and the kawasaki X300 versys. too small. the crf250 rally is underpowered but better off road. the 650xl... who knows, but i think there is a huge gap in this market. what an awesome conversion of the honda CB500x. Honda really needs to build an adventure version of this bike for us yanks across the pond. and if you like this bike as much as i do, write Honda and tell them to build it! they will come and it will sell more than the zuke and kawi I predict. thanks rally raid.

[@chrisredfield3240]

Honda can't afford to sell these at £8000 a piece for a 47hp 500

[@jasons44]

The cb500x along with the rally raid package is awesome but the rally raid price is very high

[@beejoutbush3322]

This vid has made up my mind. Thanks mate.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

thank you

[@bazzamow7031]

Every thing you said was true, but you have to spend a lot of extra money to get it

[@motoryzen]

hehe..MAD..tv I keep thinking back to the hyper skinny black UPS guy. Love those days...hilarious

[@irishrover63]

It's impressive for sure.

[@45club45]

Поржал на 1:50 в правой части маятника натяжка цепи через шайбы)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

[@user-wy5kd2kk3q]

А как надо?

[@garryscutcher]

Great to see our favourite bike stop at the start of this clip! Used to love riding up there from Hornsby for a coffee and to check out the bikes. Lovely staff too.

[@brendenvosper7772]

This engine in a CRF300 (ahem 500) with teh suspension sorted, that would be a sweet ride.

[@Clearanceman2]

I haven't had an offroad bike in a long time. But back in the day, lighter was better. Of course, we all had two strokes and they were just over 200 pounds. But even a 300 pound bike felt heavy off road. But I was trying to jump stuff too.

[@namelesssnitchy]

amazing that you put it through that dirt XD

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Yep and it did well

[@shogrran]

It fucking hurts when these review channels say "It's cheap" "cheap as chips" to the cb500x while I can't fucking afford to buy it.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

My best adventure ever was on a seond hand Bajaj 220. $500. Save up.

[@ripmax333]

low seat height and good sump protection, a recipe that sells good. why all these taller seat heights to gain ground clearance?...anyway what's the seat height of the rally raid version ?

[@clovishenriquelima]

05:09 LOL! Nice video guys as usual!

[@ratoneJR]

A DRZ400s might be an easier/better platform to start from. Tire upgrades might be all you need. But, I do like the Honda.

[@purana80]

So can you buy rally raid stuff in Australia?

[@aacc2622]

Great review!!

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Thanks!

[@sagaalternativa3835]

Se aqui no Brasil tivesse o mesmo preço dae com serteza eu teria uma Honda é Show de bola top todos os lançamentos e está cb 500 linda lind👏👏👏👏

[@Mrfish2015]

Good review, all tempting stuff seeing as I own a cb500x

[@stormperformance]

Impressive! Could be my next ride! And it is a Honda.

[@DiscoveryMotoADV]

How did you find the ergos while standing. I have heard the position of the pegs results in a pretty uncomfortable standing position forcing you pretty far forward. Its my only hesitation about this bike.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Definitely not. I thought it was good. I specifically talk about that issue when I'm seated on the bike. It's neutral.

[@DiscoveryMotoADV]

Great to hear and thanks for the feedback!

[@TheBikerScout]

Is there a Rally Raid or equivalent for the NC700X? Or is that bike just not worth trying on jeep trails?

[@clayderouin857]

skid plate totally leaves the header pipes vulnerable. is that a joke??

[@elliottg4984]

They're fairly out of the way.

[@TheChindoboi]

I'm sure rally raid know what they're doing... I thought Rocks typically hit the bottom of the bike? Given the headers are only exposed close to the front wheel it would seem that there's adequate protection.. Just my 2 cents.

[@mikexhotmail]

very very sharp and nice video. Thank you for sharing.

[@purana80]

It's still registered in NSW too. Someone still has this bike.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Yes

[@sleeper.simulant7327]

I’ve been looking at stock versions of these to commute to work and back due to fuel economy being very good

[@jornhelle661]

Hello,very nice bike ,have good ride! 👍from germany

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Hey, thanks!

[@Bolevarr]

I REALLY want one!

[@normanhughedicko4076]

Although it is low on horsepower,still a decent acceleration and good fuel economy

[@rojodogg]

for the price of over $10,000 us there are way better options. Price of the Rally Raid Products are over $4k alone.

[@swingset1969]

That's if you buy new, you can get a low-mile used CB500 in the $3-4k range if you shop around. You're not going to find much of anything in the $7-8k range that will match the versatility of this bike. Everything else is going to give something up to it (KLR gives up road comfort and engine longevity, Vstrom gives up offroad manners and ground clearance, 690 gives up reliability and a few thousand $$).

[@johnwayne4872]

How much are the cost of your transformation approximately ? From this experience would you rather had the honda or the ktm for your London to Sydney adventure travel ?

[@juanmolinamegustan7386]

Very good video, thanks. One question, just for offroad is it better this honda or the new bmw g310gs? thanks a lot.

[@Zzefrog]

impressed with that cb500. would like to see the same with a yamaha TW200 (i own a TW 125cc and would really like to see how the TW200 performs in those roads conditions)

[@vintageequipment3768]

well done in every way!

[@angrycamping]

Love the improvements. What's the smaller screen pls?

[@Clearanceman2]

I feel like if they did all this and just kept street tires, it would be better on the street than the original too. On the other hand, if you are going to ride places like that, you probably should get better off road tires.

[@joshuaspong7913]

How much is a full stage 3 kit delivered to Aus costing these days?

[@bobbybackmarker9665]

A cheap bike tarted up to spec with expensive mods. Kinda loses it's low price appeal doesn't it?

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

+Bobby Backmarker Tarted, hmm. Having spend a lot of time on it, ah nope! Neither do you hear that from other riders

[@swingset1969]

No, not really. Not if you can buy something in the price range of the completed project that matches it's capabilities, reliability, versatility...but what is there? Not much that doesn't give something up. Even a KLR kitted up for multi-state touring is going to be in the same ballpark, but have an engine lacking the power and longevity of the CB500. Especially true if you buy a CB500 used at a deal and then kit it up.

[@sleeper.simulant7327]

Bobby Backmarker a stock version of this bike would make a excellent economical daily commuter, been looking at a few myself recently, they are quite inexpensive used.

[@DragosDreamer1989]

I wish Honda would just offer this package out of the shop :| ... its just sad they (or almost any other manufacturer) don't

[@martyisabeliever]

I will help you in your quest to eliminate the horizontal hordes.

[@hoagiesherlin7732]

nice little runner but would it pull nugget

[@neilsalmon5900]

Honestly , who in their right mind would go down a mud track like that in the first place ? That would really be for a hardcore enduro bike , the Rally raid package is really good though if you have the extra money to spend but most will not be going on such a gnarly track like that .

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Ah......me.

[@giff74]

Great looking bike and I enjoyed the video!!! 50 frames per second? I'm not familiar with that. British thing?

[@poulhansen2415]

+giff74 . In eu we use Pal. And Pal is and old standart 50 hertz. And ntsc was or is 60 hertz.

[@ze-ce.cra_]

I'm about 173 cm and 78 kg , what touring bike would you recommend that has a nice light weight and not really tall seat height?

[@Leinetal_Rider]

Was für Räder sind drauf? Ich möchte mir auch Speichenräder drauf machen.

[@justgjt]

Is that upto 2 inches of travel or an extra 2 inches of travel for the rear shock ?

[@enduroforever4878]

Great Honda above all !

[@tharungowrappan4042]

I hv Honda 100cc ex5 1988 model.still using❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@p.istaker8862]

I honestly have taken my old R80 mono-lever down rocky slopes like that at the beginning. So yes, I would take a standard CB500X down there.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

The sump would be cracked in a second

[@p.istaker8862]

@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV Says a lot for a standard (Not "stock" After all, that is a flavouring enhancement used in cooking) road going motorcycle on road tyres. Only thing I have ever knocked off is a float bowl, which is easily re-clipped back into place.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

@@p.istaker8862 It's fuel injected. :)

[@p.istaker8862]

@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV I was referring to my R80.

[@mannytowny4980]

Great Bloke and great bike

[@polemonek]

5:05 hidden indian head in tree root on right :)

[@coryboyd7958]

How much did you spend for all the rally raid parts?

[@frankstocker5475]

Why? so many standard better moto bikes. Can you post the cost of all the mods?

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

go to Rally Raid Products website.

[@julianceballos8795]

Would this bike make a great replacement for an xr400? Thanks.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Nope.

[@dadge2500]

It might be a great bike the cost a little bit to get it there not to mention the front of the engine. It has been a few Hondas with broken engines because of the mounting point and the frame not a Honda hater but they give you a bike, which is decent Sell it semi cheaply to give you room to Taylor how you want to a lot of people like that. Some people don’t. Forces you to do your research for what you want to Taylor your bike sometimes expenses don’t work out so well.

[@johnscott9829]

I know this video is extremely old. But today in 2021 if you had to choose between the Honda CB500x and the KTM 390ADV for a smaller ADV bike which would you choose? I find the bigger bikes, even the Tenere way to heavy, but now a lot to choose from that will be lighter off road and still heavy enough to handle a few longer freeway sections. Thanks for your thoughts.

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

390.

[@Winterstick549]

I travel a lot in SE Asia and this bike would be so ideal. Honda dealers are all over SE Asia and the rest of the world. Many of these mods would be useful even if one never left the pavement or dirt roads. Lots of potential hazzards in Asia and gas is not cheap.