Why did I buy a Honda CB500X

Why did I buy a Honda CB500X?
In this video I will explain why I bought the Honda CB500x and downsized from the 800cc Honda Crossrunner.
I took an honest look at my riding what features I really needed from a bike, it turns out I don't actually need very much. If it goes and stops that will just about do it.
Enjoy the video and listen to me explain why I chose this bike.
Thanks for watching and ride safe.

[@robluce6334]

The CB500X is a hard bike to beat. You made a good choice.

[@althescottishbiker]

Thanks for watching!

[@CalmBiker]

I'm on my second CB500X. Had a 2015 that got written off in an accident. Just got a 2021 to sit alongside my Z1000. They are excellent machines. Very comfortable, great handling, excellent mpg. They aren't the fastest but that just means a little extra planning for overtakes. I did over 900 miles in a day on the 2015 model and could have happily gone further.

[@althescottishbiker]

Thanks for watching. I am glad you’re ok after your accident. 900 miles in a day is an achievement! Ride safe.

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

"What do I realistically need my bike to do" Spot on Al. Like a lot of us I sadly do not ask myself that question very often when looking for my next bike. My heart usually rules my head. I am currently considering either changing my bike, or buying another one. Having asked myself that very question I have reached the conclusion that a less powerful, more usable, lighter, cheaper, easier to push around machine is the order of the day. So I'm down to four machines: The front runner is a Honda NC750X-DCT, otherwise a Honda BC500X, Kawasaki Versys 650, or a V-Strom 650....

[@althescottishbiker]

Thanks for watching. The NC750 DCT is a still a heavy machine. Good luck with whatever you decide!

[@dragoclarke9497]

Just traded in my Versys 650GT a few weeks ago, 4 years old, 38,000 trouble free miles. Took it down to Croatia and Bosnia last year, over 3000 miles in a couple of weeks, toured France, Belgium and Holland earlier this year, and Spain in September. If you get one you won't be disappointed.

[@papachis9535]

…..or a Transalp.

[@KeepItSimpleSailor]

Just bought a ‘23 in gunpowder black. Bloody good little bike, and good fun. Mine has to be a bit of a workhorse, and I’m confident it’ll do just fine.

[@althescottishbiker]

Thanks for watching. Its a great bike, back to basics but that is part of its appeal. Ride safe.

[@shanebradley5064]

Excellent video. This was exactly the my thought process when I dropped down from a Sprint ST1050, two years ago. I'm still delighted with the bike. You have a new Subscriber, in Cornwall.

[@althescottishbiker]

Thanks for watching. For me its a more relaxed ride now. Ride safe!

[@williamholiday468]

I just rode mine off the dealer’s lot this afternoon. Traded a two rear old Triumph Speed Twin for the cb. I know many would say that’s ridiculous, but my rationale is the same you described. The cb is not near as “refined” as the Triumph, but it is overall MUCH more fun to ride. Additionally, unlike the Triumph, the cb is quite versatile.

[@althescottishbiker]

Nice, enjoy the bike and ride safe. Thanks

[@ScottishSaorsa]

I love my cb500f, I would love the x myself for it's additional qualities, but I have gotten where I can cope on looser surfaces on the odd occasion I need to, so as my odometer creeps towards 30000 miles now (think I'm just under 28000) I still have no notion to change. I often see 99.9 mpg and mine does not go higher than that, but when my other half had his, it went much higher on occasion. Now he has gone for his upgrade, I thought I'd want to, but even on those times I look for another gear, I still can't consider anything else as the economy is amazing. And it goes more than quick enough to get me in trouble 😂 Happy riding Al... I hope you have many many happy miles to come 👍🏻

[@althescottishbiker]

Thanks for watching. I also sometime go looking for an extra gear. That’s my only criticism, 1st is useless and 6th is too short. Otherwise, it’s a fab wee bike. Ride safe!

[@andrewoh1663]

Great choice! The CB500 was on my shortlist when I bought my RE.

[@althescottishbiker]

Thanks for watching. I considered the Interceptor 650 but I decided I wanted the adventure style, the Himalayan just didn’t do it for me. Ride safe!

[@nelsdude]

I’ve had my 2023 500x since June. Love the versatility although I’m not riding offroad as much as with all my previous dual sports. It’s just simply a joy to ride & I have never gotten less than 82 mpg yet on a refill. It’s a keeper! Congrats on your purchase & have fun & be safe!

[@SHIDDYDRAHLS]

Thank you for making this video! I just bought an NX500 to replace my Tenere 700 and XSR700. The majority or the riding I do is on country single lane and dirt roads. The Tenere 700 is overkill for what I do and I only use a fraction of the power. Plus, the fuel range on the NX500 is WAY better!

[@althescottishbiker]

Good choice! Ride safe

[@1965Karmann]

I've had bigger bikes in the past then got married and broke off riding for a number of years. A couple of scooters later to build back up some NCD, and I had a similar conversation with myself. "What do I actually need out of a bike?" My riding is mostly A and B road commuting and with the state of the local roads a CB500X seemed to tick a lot of boxes. When I finally got to actually sit on one and take a test ride, the fit was perfect. It looks great and totally suits my "steady away" riding style while smoothing out any potholes along the way. Great little video, thanks 🏍

[@althescottishbiker]

Thanks for watching. It really is a great all rounder. It’s easy to fall into the trap of wanting the biggest and most powerful, nothing wrong with that but a smaller bike is sometimes the better option.

[@BMCMOTOUK]

Cracking bike Al. One of my mates has a CB500X and he loves it. It's great on fuel and does everything you need it to do. My CB650R will return high 60's mpg if ridden nice

[@althescottishbiker]

Totally agree 👍

[@ManilvaRS]

Getting a CB500X for my first bike, seems every review I watch people can’t praise them enough.

[@althescottishbiker]

Thanks for watching. I’m loving mine. It does everything well and is great value. Ride safe.

[@adriansmith2853]

I love my cb500x ive got the green hope to be coming upto Scotland from cheshire soon on it.

[@althescottishbiker]

Thanks for watching. It’s a great bike. Enjoy your trip when you get up. Ride safe

[@MauriceTarantulas]

Gotta love the MPG. Went for a Himalayan myself the Honda a close 2nd. (The Enfield garage is ten mins away).

[@althescottishbiker]

Thanks for watching. I considered a Himalayan but decided I need a bit more power than it has. Ride safe.

[@MauriceTarantulas]

@@althescottishbiker Understood!

[@johnj2766]

Good honest review I've recently sold my 23 year old honda x11 with 136 hp I got myself a honda cl 500 miss the power sometimes but like you I've got 35 years on the rd and the rds are so congested nowadays that you really have trouble using 46bhp if we are all honest with ourselves

[@althescottishbiker]

Thanks for watching. I was away a trip a few days ago and the bike performed perfectly. Power was enough. Ride safe:

[@greywolf9292]

It's a bike that makes a lot of sense, I very nearly bought one for towing behind the campervan and tootering around the countryside. If they'd had the newer more off road orientated version back then, I may well have pulled the trigger. I finally plumbed for the KTM 890 Adventure R for its more off road capabilities, only to discover that most gravel/green lanes in Scotland are Private roads 😣😩

[@althescottishbiker]

Thanks for watching! I was considering the KTM but I was put off by the stories about reliability issues. Maybe in a few years. Ride safe!

[@gprider1525]

Ditto, got mine at the beginning of the year after years of bigger bikes. Yorkshire, Lakes, Northumberland, Scotland

[@althescottishbiker]

Thanks for watching. Ride safe.

[@duanedibbley3500]

I have an Interceptor just now but looking at a 2021 cb500x, I think it’s a more reliable bike that I can safely put lots of miles on. Ride safe.

[@althescottishbiker]

Thanks for watching. I like the interceptor but not as a only bike

[@daddystu7046]

Went through the same pros and cons as you but I ended up with a used Yamaha Tracer 700. Deciding factors being the extra power (lovely engine) and pillion carying capacity.

[@althescottishbiker]

Thanks for watching. I’m a shortie so the Tenere was never an option. Ride safe

[@skydart60]

I agree with @robluce6334 the bike is pretty much unbeatable. So much so, this year I did the same as you only a few weeks ago dropped down from a BMW 1200 to the new NX500 which is basically an updated CB500X. Been excellent so far.

[@althescottishbiker]

Thanks for watching. Excellent choice. I like the TFT dash of the NX but I’m not see keen on the front end. Ride safe

[@davidphillips7255]

I would go for weekend rides in backcountry British Columbia on my V-Strom 1000 and it was awesome; but heading home to Vancouver in the southwest corner of Canada right on the border, was a total misery. Endless hours in stop and go gridlock with tall gearing and a big bike clutch. Everyone is trying to head to the same little patch of Canada and there are few options for traffic. That short first gear on the CB500 that everyone bitches about; proved to be awesome. I could roll along at 7 kph in low gear at idle, minimum clutch work needed. My 500F proved to be the perfect bike for the real world.

[@thepeakybiker]

Nice video mukka FairPlay to ya

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

Honda are just great bikes. The 500cc machines are just enough. I am sure that you are gonna be satisfied with the CB500x. Great video mate. Enjoyed it. Keep it up and drop by to check my content. You may like it.

[@althescottishbiker]

Thanks for watching. I will have a look at your channel. Ride safe.

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

@@althescottishbiker Thanks mate. Appreciate it.

[@ramsay892]

What phone mount you got on it buddy ,I was thinking the vibes would kill my iPhone 📱

[@althescottishbiker]

I replied to your comment on the other video. Thanks for watching. 👍

[@johndiehardmclean23]

Great vid Al mate & been tempted by the X model as I told you before! 👍😎 Without sounding like 1 of those other tight ar$ed Scots...I hate getting less than 200 miles out a tiny tank...So that's another of my many reasons for loving the smaller cc stuff! 🤣👍

[@svaralen]

I am a 52 years old beginner, and I consider to buy the cb500x as my first bike!! I think it will complete all my needs. Did you try with a pillion? I am 1,82cm high with 100kg weight, can be too much for the bike if I have a pillion? Lovely video, thanx and cheers from Serbia 🇷🇸 ride safe mate ✌️

[@althescottishbiker]

Thanks for watching. I don't ride with a pillion however the bike doesnt have lots of power. If you have a pillion often you will be changing gear often, especially on the hills. It is a great bike and I am sure you would be happy with it. Ride safe.

[@kevinf-b5065]

Did you get a decent discount seeing as it's a run out model?

[@althescottishbiker]

It was an ex demo bike. I got it before the new model was launched. I’m happy with the deal. Ride safe!

[@dinsdaleblue]

What kind of camera trickery is this? No way is that Scottish Weather.

[@althescottishbiker]

Thanks for watching. It was a rare dry day! 🤣