Honda CB500X Bike Overview
The Honda CB500X is good value for money (around £5000) for what you get – and you really get a lot. It is a really versatile bike, but still great in terms of manageability and agility. With this bike, you’ll also get excellent ergonomics, controls and performance. It looks good too with a slick silver finish, which always helps!
The X has a tubular steel diamond frame, with 20mm longer forks. Steering can seem a little less sharp than you’d like, but it isn’t a major problem. It has an upright riding position and feels quite roomy and comfortable to ride. It also provides good weather protection and if you plan to take pillions, this bike won’t let you down.
The engine on this bike is an 8v 35kw/A2 licence optimized twin, which delivers a fairly decent economy. It feels accessible, easy to ride, and to push hard if you need to.
This bike has a modular approach to its build – whereby different models share a majority of parts, such as a rolling chassis. Despite this, quality still seems to be high, as you would expect from Honda bikes.
Despite the low price tag for what you get, the parts look high spec. Nothing looks too basic, even though in some places it is. A great bike overall, a bit of fun and easy to ride, the CB500X won’t disappoint.
Honda CB500X Bike Spec
- Top speed125mph
- Weight196kg
- Capacity471cc
- Average fuel consumption67mpg
- Seat height810mm
- EngineDOHC, 8v
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Owner Reviews
Pros
The ride is comfortable and smooth. Lovely looking bike that receives a good look from passers by. Ideal bike for upgrading when done an a2.
Cons
The lcd screen lights up the helmet when riding at night and I the rain so if it could be dimmed would be ideal. But this is very minor doesn't take away from the bike at all.
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Nice seating position not hunched over
Lovely looking bike that only improves as you add more
Brakes could be dual disc's but the singles work just fine with the weight be relatively low
Smooth even feels stable in the wet.
As powerful as a 500cc can be. Maybe might get more speed by changing the sprocket but would loose out on the pull away power.
Being 21 and just got my A2 insurance was obviously quite high. Fuel it cost me £13 to fill the tank with super unleaded. That usually lasts me about 5 days commuting every day
Pros
Reliable will do anything.
Cons
Weight. My 1973 CL350 is 25% lighter.
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Seat is comfortable but the aerodynamics are a mess. Tip: remove the windscreen, forget angles and deflectors. The pillion seat is useless for adults.
It's a Honda.
The brakes are good. The OE Dunlop tyres were awful in the wet, probably as bad as the Pneumats MZ gave away in the 80's. Binned at 200 miles and fitted with Heidenau K60's.
Suspension is budget but adequate. Off road it is a total lump.
The 2019 on engine is not as sweet as the earlier one. Bunged up with stuff to get St. Greta off your back it is not as rev happy or willing but still a good motor.
Petrol, insurance and an oil filter every 8000 miles.
Pros
Fuel efficiency and comfort. Space to add all the accessories
Cons
More places to anchor soft luggage without clips
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Extra comfy with the memory foam seat for adventures and touring
It's Honda... enough said
Great discs with abs
Light, nimble and user friendly handling.
a2 friendly.
excellent running costs
Pros
Economic, reliability, effective.
Cons
A smidge more top end.
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Seat is adequate for pillion but bike could do with a bit more power for the more regular sized pillion.
Touch wood but it's never broken down nearly 100k miles and it's never skipped a beat. Regular maintenance and checks help this.
Good brakes I've had better but they do what is required and regular checks help to maintain their effectiveness
Rides well lightweight and corners well for an adventure style bike.
Not super powered but efficient and economic.
Most Cost effective bike I've owned I commute 500 miles a week.
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An easy bike to control. Nippy when necessary. Easy to reach the floor when stopping for anyone of average height. Standard suspension has its limits on corners, but is adequate. All in all a fun bike.
Honda twin engine is known to be bullet proof. Not the most powerful but quite agile.
Honda quality is good. It is obvious that most parts are budget quality, but the cost of a new bike is reasonable compared to other makes. So far no breakdowns.
Pros
Reliability, acceleration. As the cost of a bike licence continues to climb, the A2 CB500X offers plenty of power for not much buck, an eager engine will see you clear of any car queue and with a high level of maneouverability, you'll never have an excuse for being late.
Cons
The gear box is a little slow, but then its not a sports bike, small detail forget i even mentioned it!
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More grip vicar? Well with the CB500X if not found the limit yet! Smooth and reassuring you always feel in control.
It's a 471cc motor so it won't rip your arms off, but it'll certainly try! Keep the revs up and it will keep accelerating.
How does 306 miles from a tank of petrol sound? So for roughly £21 you're getting over 70mpg, thats cheap motoring!
This is one of the first Thailand built Hondas, but the build quality and mechanical reliability has been first class, as a Honda should be.
More stop than you'd expect from the single pot front disc, and with ABS it'll keep you upright.
Pros
The CB500X is a true do it all bike. It is a pleasure to commute on, very comfortable over longer distances and while carrying extra weight. It is also loads on fun out in the country, it had bags of grip and confidence building stability. I’d highly reccomend it. The newer model (2016 onwards) is well worth the extra money as the wind protection is much improved and the led lighting makes it perfect for twilight and night riding. All in all it’s a great package.
Cons
The front mudguard is a little short at the rear so the engine block and exhausts can suffer a fair coating of dirt but easily solved with a fender extender. The Matt finish paint is also a bit of a marmite feature. I love the finish and think it looks great but it does certainly need a little extra care and attention.
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The adjustable suspension makes it really easy to tune the ride. As standard it’s very good even on bumpy British roads. It can be a little clunky over speed bumps and bigger bumps but is otherwise a great ride.
The engine does a good job of holding balance between economy and power. It’s perfectly comfortable cruising on the motorway and through stop start city commuting with plenty of power for overtakes and filtering. The bike responds really well to a bit more pushing when out for a more spirited ride although a more experienced rider my find it’s limits sooner than me.
The bikes economy is staggering. Even with spirited riding it returns better economy than my hybrid car and when road carefully it can maintain a consistent 80+ mpg.
I’ve been really impressed it’s the build. All the panels fit together nicely and the wiring is neat and well sealed. The presence of accessory sockets in key places in the bike it a great addition and so far I’ve not had a single issue.
The brakes are really responsive, sharp, powerful with a good degree of feedback. It’s good to know abs is there although I’m yet to need it. The brakes remain strong even in the wet giving lots of confidence for all weather riding.
Pros
Fantastic motorbike for all round biking, can't fault it. Will continue to go on forever and ever.
Cons
Brained break lines
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Great smooth ride, fantastic power delivery and power always there. Corners like a dream but can be a bit light in the front end.
Engine is a little dark horse, considering it's suitable for the A2 license. Delivers great power, most of the power is down low as it's mainly a commuter style bike but can raise the revs and off you go.
Brained break lines
Fantastically well made, great Honda quality as always can't find a fault and now as of 2016 they have included a hinged fuel cap can't go wrong.
Brakes are good, with a single disc on the front and nisin calipers can't go wrong. Could use braided lines thought to give that extra bite.
Pros
Had big 900's in the past but never had so much fun or had a bike that can do it all before like this one does. Love this bike and will be keeping this one! It's a fantastic all round bike which will happily take you round the continent, to the local cafe or ensure you make it to work or back on at the end of the day.
Cons
I'd like more feedback information, outside air temperature and gear selected display
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It is a bit soft which is great for motorway miles but lacks feel on the twisties.
It is a 500cc parallel twin. It's not for racing from corner to corner but great fuel economy for a relaxed trip abroad or daily commuting
I'd like more feedback information, outside air temperature and gear selected display
It's a Honda, found no issues yet (2013 model)
Single side brakes on from a rear with ABS on the front. Can be spongy and a rear lack of feel in adverse weather.
Pros
A great bike at a good price, gets you where you want to go, very reliable. The riding position is great.
Cons
Windshield needs to be a bit better for wind buffering.
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Great ride, very smooth when changing gears, corners very well
It is a 500cc so it's not a rocket ship but very punchy
Windshield needs to be a bit better for wind buffering.
Always starts on the button, no problems what so ever, great build from Honda
Brakes very good, front ABS which is important
Pros
Cheap to insure Cheap to run Ideal first bike She puts a smile on my face and gives me freedom
Cons
Could do with a little more go in her but I luv her
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Could do with a little more go in her but I luv her