Honda CB500X

What model is it?

Honda CB500 X 2013

When did you buy it and how much did it cost ?

Bought in July 2013 for £4950

Good points ?

*Comes standard with an excellent refined Honda ABS system

*Good for taller riders (I'm 6.2" and its a very comfortable riding position)

*Twin engine has smooth straight line power that is easy to handle with a nice extra band at 6000RPM

*Cheap but not nasty! Most parts aren't cutting edge technology but all do their job, and well (so far)..

*Digital display with accurate MPG calculator and fuel gauge

*MPG is excellent! I have averaged between 60 to 70MPG

*Great for commuting

*Great for touring/day rides

*Lovely looking

*A decent amount of accessories and the bike has only been on sale for a few months. I have bought the GIVI mounting rack (1121FZ) and the GIVI E460. In the future I will be buying: GIVI pannier mounting rack and GIVI panniers. Genuine Honda: hand guards, taller windscreen and centre stand.

Companies like Aprovic and R&G have also brought out some accessories though I am sure there will be allot more aftermarket accessories when the bike has been out for 6 months to 1 year.

*All around good reviews on the internet:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/mot ... eview.html

http://www.visordown.com/road-tests-fir ... 22704.html

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/motorcyc ... CB500X.htm

Bad points ?

*I find buffeting occurs 60MPH +. As mentioned will be getting a taller windscreen in the future.

*No gear change indicator on display. This is not really much of an issue for me because I have never had a bike with this on so I can't miss it! Though I have heard complaints of this so thought it was worth mentioning.

*valve clearances need to be checked on the first service (600 miles) making for an expensive first service(http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/ ... nce-shock/)

*I believe the 471cc engine which is used for the whole new CB500 range is the first engine Honda have fully developed in Thailand. I have not read anything in reviews which suggests that this is a bad thing or that this makes it worse quality or less reliable than any other Honda bike.

*For long rides on motorways this bike would be a bit revvy at 70+ I would say. Though I will be touring the UK on this bike, I don't think I would ride on the continent with it.

Would you get another ?

No, I aim to keep this bike for a number of years to come, though I am inevitably aiming to work my way up to a Pan European ST1300 (or equivalent)

Any other comments ?

This was exactly the bike I was after; a Honda, well priced, adventure styling, good riding position, though it would not be for all riders, if you are looking for a bike of this size range then this bike is a good choice.

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Nice review mate.......

Why not head over to the newbies section and introduce yourself to the gang when you can......

Thanks Tango, will do

I have had my CB500X for about 5 weeks now and it's just had it's 600 mile service. Its the best all round bike I have owned in 10 years and 12 bikes, I traded in my FZ1S Fazer for it. I was worried about the lower bhp but I just love the bike, easy to ride and commuting 10 miles each way into Birmingham City centre I get 78mppg!!!

The only negative point I have is the standard exhaust is far too quiet so I fitted this IXIL Hyperlow silencer, now it has a nice rumble and pops when closing the throttle.

IXIL Video

http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=plcp&v=WtWfrZ4C4xA

nice exhaust, is that video with a baffle in? I had a Fuel exhaust in my old 1998 CB500S and that used to pop when slowing. though I must admit I do like the standard exhaust on the X. So how much did the first service set you back baggy? and also do you find that you get buffeting at 60+ or is that just me? also also have you got/do you want any other accessories for your X?

nice exhaust, is that video with a baffle in? I had a Fuel exhaust in my old 1998 CB500S and that used to pop when slowing. though I must admit I do like the standard exhaust on the X. So how much did the first service set you back baggy? and also do you find that you get buffeting at 60+ or is that just me? also also have you got/do you want any other accessories for your X?

The exhaust still has the baffles in mate.

The first service cost me £150 and it took them 5.5 hours so not a bad price and that was an approved Honda dealer I always use.

I have the exhaust, rim tape and the Honda hand guards so far and I am waiting delivery on the GIVI rack and top box which I ordered from a company in Italy on Wednesday and it should be here tomorrow, £35 cheaper than buying it from this country!!

I don't get buffeting above 60mph but I'm only 5ft 8in and I have my screen on its highest setting (the standard screen is adjustable) Honda do a taller screen but I'm not sure how much it costs, I'm sure other companies make cheaper alternatives.

Here's some photos of mine

I really like the look of these 500s, especially this adventure style, no one really has a bad word to say about them, for now. As with the new license regulations, I will now be restricted to A2 bikes, and this seems to fit everything I need. I just would like to know if they would be suitable for a smaller rider like myself?

Apart from the £300 bill on the first service. Need the valve clearances checked.

Yeah, according to that article on MCN, the next one won't be until 16k, and I still think it will still be cheap to run until then and it's definitely still great value for money.

Checked with my local Honda dealer. Missus is looking to do her test and really fancies one of them and the reply was yes it's due then.

I asked why would a brand new bike require them to be checked and was told that's what Honda recommended

Not really a good answer imv.

Needless to say if has put me off it

Most have them done at 8000 and then 16,000. This bike gets them done (at a lower rate than bikes which get it at 8000) at 600 and then 16,000 so it works out the same amount of times and you get the reduced rate at 600 miles so in allot of cases it actually works out cheaper? When i quizzed my dealer they said Honda want them checked at 600 as this is the first engine they have fully developed in Thailand.