Honda CBR500X

[FurthurOnTheFly]

In my now year long quest to purchase a new motorcycle, I came across the new line of Honda CB500's, which include the R (Sport) the F (Naked/Hooligan) and the X (Adventure). I thought it would make a great economical adventure bike for any new rider or even anyone looking for the reliability of a japanese bike but maybe with a few more features than a thumper. Reviews so far are very good for this line with people reporting up to 70 mpg.

I made my way to the Honda dealer last weekend while on vacation and had the opportunity to sit on all three bikes. All were very comfortable and the fit and finish was good. Overall I was impressed. Sadly I had no riding gear with me so I couldn't go for a test spin, but I plan to in the very near future. :bike_rider:

 

[Cabrito]

They do get some good reviews. I've been mildly interested in the NC700X for a commuter.

I like the looks of the Honda's and the MPG's are fantastic.

 

[KlausVanWinkle]

The CB500X seems like a great bike that'll bring a lot of new people to adventure (mostly street) riding. I'd like one as a commuter.

I'm torn between ditching my Ruckus commuter for either the XR650L I've always wanted or the CBR2505 I used to own. The CB500X seems like it'd split the difference well. And don't get my wrong, it's a good price, but it's too bad I could buy both the XR and CBR for the price of a new CB500X.

 

[FurthurOnTheFly]

The CB500X seems like a great bike that'll bring a lot of new people to adventure (mostly street) riding. I'd like one as a commuter.

I'm torn between ditching my Ruckus commuter for either the XR650L I've always wanted or the CBR2505 I used to own. The CB500X seems like it'd split the difference well. And don't get my wrong, it's a good price, but it's too bad I could buy both the XR and CBR for the price of a new CB500X.

Its funny, because that logic is what got me looking in to the 500's. I was thinking about getting into a Triumph Street Triple, or a Ducati Monster, or a Honda CB1100, but then I decided that for the same price, I could get a 500 and a classic cb750 cafe racer, which is what I really want. I'm looking to get into a Ruckus too, but thats strictly for a toy!:coffeedrink:

 

[MarcFJ60]

The only issue I have with the CBR500x is that it is more an "adventured-styled" bike than an adventure bike. The suspension has very little travel and not much differentiates it from the other CB500s other than bodywork. I'm sure it is more than adequate for the offroad that 95% of people ride, i.e. gravel/forest roads. But most road bikes will handle gravel and forest roads just fine too. My point being, since it is essentially a road bike, I'd rather ride the CB500F which I find better looking anyway. But beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and the slightly more upright seating position of the X may feel better than the F for most people. I am curious as to what the extra 1/2" of travel on the X gets you on real world roads. Riding DS bikes has given me an appreciation for their suspension on crappy asphalt.

Speaking of the NC700X: When reading about the specs on the bike (power and weight), I really didn't see the point compared to something like the newer DL650. But after sitting on one at a local dealership, I was surprised by how light it felt. I didn't get to ride it but would have like to. I get the feeling it is one of those bikes where the specs don't do it justice. Lots of cool utilitarian features too.