Honda CB500X: Detailed Specs, Review, and Performance

The Honda CB500X is equipped with a wet multi-plate assist & slipper clutch, ensuring smooth and light clutch operation. The rider can also shift gears with ease without stalling or causing the drivetrain to jerk. The assist & slipper clutch, together with a six-speed gearbox and O-ring-sealed chain drive, make the Honda CB500X rev faster and ride smoothly around corners and on straight roads.

The new-generation Honda CB500X has a stronger stopping power compared to the previous versions (2021 and before) thanks to the 296 mm dual-disc brake assembly installed on the front wheel. The standard dual-channel ABS, along with the Nissin calipers, also adds to the stopping power of this motorcycle to ensure safe rides.

The Honda CB500X is one of the exceptionally reasonable hybrid experience bikes with various performance benefits, including adaptability, moderate design, top-class fabricate, and hybrid elements.

The Honda CB500X is versatile enough to be used as a standard motorcycle for daily commutes, light touring, city traveling, highway riding, and even off-roading to a certain extent.

Another remarkable performance aspect of the Honda CB500X crossover motorbike is its fuel economy. You will be dazzled to know that this motorbike has one of the lowest fuel consumptions among modern bikes. Despite being used for multiple purposes, this motorcycle ensures a fuel mileage of 67.27 mpg.

The stock windscreen is adequately tall to ensure that the wind does not distract the rider during the ride. You can adjust the windscreen to either a high or low position depending on your preferences. The downside of this mechanically adjustable windscreen is that it is not easily adjustable during the ride, as is common in most modern ADV bikes. You will need an Allen key to adjust the height of the windscreen.

You can search the whole middleweight adventure bikes category but you will not find a more competent, affordable, and useful adventure bike than the Honda CB500X. It is a one-of-a-kind motorbike with the best value for the money. You can own it without breaking the bank at only $7,299. On top of the low price, low maintenance requirements make it an easy-to-operate motorcycle.

Though the Honda CB500X primarily falls into the adventure motorbike category with a dual nature, it has more inclination towards a standard road bike with better on-roading performance. The 7.1 inches of ground clearance is not ideal and may be unsafe for the engine parts if you are planning to go for extreme off-roading.

The tires are relatively smooth, and the wheel travel provided by the suspensions falls short of a superior off-road performance. However, considering its low price range and impressive performance figures, the Honda CB500X makes an ideal city commuter.

The Honda CB500X only has ABS as a standard high-tech safety feature. To keep the cost on the lower side, the design of this motorbike has been simplified. Though there is no traction control, ride-by-wire, or riding modes, it does not compromise on the build, ride quality, sturdiness, and feel.

Even though the Showa front forks and the Pro Link® back single spring are average, the general insight of riding this bike is agreeable. The front wheel travel of 149.86 mm and the back wheel travel of 134.62 mm make it a refined on-road motorbike. Notwithstanding, with these specs and on-street-oriented parts, you will find it challenging to take this bike out for an adventurous rough terrain ride.

The Honda CB500X guarantees an upstanding riding position and enhanced control and mobility because of its normal seat and wide handlebar situating. This bike is a decent choice for urban transportation in view of its ergonomics. The two-piece saddle has a reachable seat level and is well cushioned. The 180.34 mm ground clearance is one of the lowest in the adventure bike categories, resulting in poor off-road performance.

Being a mid-weight ADV bike, the Honda CB500X may not be a tough contender with regards to the specs sheet. Notwithstanding, on the ground, the Honda CB500X is shockingly nimble, with the capacity to pace up quicker at around 8,000-9,000 rpm. The responsiveness is very clear even with a slight twist of the throttle. The refined power and quick throttle response make the Honda CB500X a flexible bike, making riding simpler on various surfaces. This agility of this motorbike also gives you the confidence to surpass vehicles in front with ease.

One of the most incredible things about the Honda CB500X is its ability to remain stable in any situation while turning corners at a moderate pace. You can unhesitatingly ride at a moderate pace on twisty roads without worrying about tumbling off.

In the motorcycle community, the Honda CB500X is nicknamed the "Baby Africa Twin" in view of entry-level highlights and basic build. Nevertheless, this motorcycle boasts flawless quality and finish and can match any intermediate-level adventure bike in terms of build quality and looks, despite its basic character and performance. With its huge front wheel and upside-down forks, the front end rises tall. It has a muscular front-end appearance due to its bulkier gas tank.

The 471 cc parallel-twin engine with a 180° crankshaft angle generates a reasonable amount of thrust to push the motorcycle steadily. The power figures are relatively low when compared with notable adventure bikes. However, compared to entry-level ADV bikes, it revs faster and is more agile in its category. The rate at which this motorcycle picks the acceleration makes it quite responsive and fun to ride. The engine delivers a horsepower of 34.5 kW at 8,600 rpm and a 31.7 lb-ft at 6,500 rpm.

The Honda CB500X is one of the most budget-friendly adventure-style motorcycles with reliable performance that is more geared towards on-roading. This motorbike may not be the most fun and fast in the crossover adventure bike category, but considering the price tag, it does not compromise on looks, on-road performance, and durability. The Honda CB500X is an ideal basic motorcycle with only ABS as a tech feature. However, the dual front discs, bulbous gas tank, two-position adjustable windscreen, comfortable seat, grab rails, and tall upside-down suspension make it a desirable entry-level motorbike. The Honda CB500X is a good choice for city traveling due to its better on-road performance. Even if you are an intermediate rider, you will enjoy the readily available power and the way this bike accelerates.

Despite being a simple crossover adventure bike, you can transform the Honda CB500X into a more capable adventure tourer by installing luggage options, including tank bags, duffel/tail bags, backpacks, and accessories & organizers available at Viking Bags’ online store.