Honda CB500X
Adventure bikes don’t have to be big, heavy and expensive, as Honda’s 47bhp dual-sport proves
What we said then It’s not often you ride a new bike for the first time and, before even getting on board, you know it’s going to be goodie. The CB500X is just such a bike. Not in a blow-your-socks-offrocket-up-your-bum type way, but in a more modest yet equally satisfying exceedingexpectations-and-damncheap-to-boot style.
The reason is simple: We already knew the CB500F and CBR500R were good and with the X having the same chassis, yet being more fashionably adventure bike styled with slightly longer legs, more versatility and all for exactly the same, bargain price. It was a bit of a no-brainer.
So, what does the X bring to the party? Well, more than you’d expect. The X proves a significant surprise in feeling a far more substantial machine from the first time you climb on and, when to taller riders, the F and R seemed a touch dinky, that’s a good thing.
It’s all down to the combined effect of those longer forks, higher bars and seat and longer wheelbase, of course, but it does conspire to give the X more of a ‘full-sized’ bike feel without compromising any of the 500’s novice-friendliness. Feet still fall flat on floor, everything still feels natural. When you do pull away, the easy flexibility and straight-line progressiveness of the purpose-built 471cc twin, combined with a light, predictable clutch and easygoing gearbox, make it one of the easiest to ride bikes. Though a doddle around town, the X still has enough pep to entertain and invigorate. Sure, there’s still only 47bhp but it’s all so accessible, so easy to ride, to thrash if needs be – and all with an accompanying exhaust gurgle – that pleasing fun truly can be had. OK so it’s never going to excite explosively or alarm, but that’s sorta the whole point, and it doesn’t mean it can’t be fun. Taken from launch report, MCN May 14, 2013 Honda’s Thai-made dual-sport machine has become something of an under-the-radar adventure tourer. Its relatively low weight, accessibility and easy power mean that it’s a great entry point into light off roading. Save for a couple of water pump and coolant leak problems on very early models, the CB500X is bulletproof. Build quality is extremely high considering the price and most examples are holding up well, but the fork legs are prone to corrosion. Although servicing can be on the pricey side, intervals are long (every 8000 miles), and the engine is super economical. The CB500X is exceptional value as new, but it’s possible to pick one up for £3200 with around 12,000 miles on the clock and a couple of owners on the logbook. Or you can get a zero-mile 2018 model for £4995. What’s it like now? Worthwhile additions The CB500X is fairly basic in stock trim, but for those who do have aspirations of hitting the trail, Brit company Rally Raid stock an impressive range of upgrades to turn the Honda into a proper adventure machine with bash plates, off-road footpegs, uprated suspension, larger front spoked wheel, fog lamps and more. For those happy to stick to tarmac, a larger more adjustable screen, handguards, heated grips and hard luggage are commonly found already fitted to used examples and make it perfect for solo touring or commuting.