Yes, this bike was super fun to ride. With suspension and a skid plate... this bike will easily go anywhere!

Thanks for watching and I’m happy it put a smile on our face. Have you seen the Hard Split video?

Frank S thanks for watching! Re: this video... I really liked this bike. Totally underrated! Yes, the channel has done well this past year. I’ve got some really fun videos in the works. Thanks for your support. - Kyle

It is a great bike!

Totally agree! WAY easier to ride off-road than any of my big bikes! Well... except the 950 Super Enduro but that is in a league of its own. It really is a do it all bike... the CB500X. Thanks for your feedback! - Kyle

Congrats!!! You will love the bike! Yeah, I do like “seeing if the hype” is warranted and don’t tend to “believe all of the marketing bullet points” until I’ve had a chance to put it to the test. Honda killed with this bike!

John Serrano The AX41 tires are awesome! The bike is super fun and very versatile! I really like it.

The CB500X is a force to be reckoned with for sure!

HUGE differences! You will love the CB500X! Check out these two videos of the same trials... CB500X Hard Splits kzfaq.info/get/bejne/npiadLefz6jTY58.html vs the Africa Twin Hard Splits kzfaq.info/get/bejne/obulnqefxsvNqpc.html The struggle on the AT is real compared to the CB. So much lighter and more flickable. Thanks for watching! - Kyle

Great Bike! Buy mine it's for sale also selling the Givi mounting hardware brackets and luggage (side cases and top case) from my 2014 CB500X. View my ad and contact info on craigslist Boise, Idaho and also CycleTrader. Also selling a givi tall windshield and givi handguards. email nperronedube@micron.com

i am 5 ft 8 sat on this bike and it feel super comfy and it was easy to maneuver

I hear ya mate, I’m also 5 7” but I’m 220 pound, all brawn no brain you might say. Man, the Africa twin would be a beast at 115 pound. I must admit my dream bike is the Yamaha tenere 700. What a bike!!! But because of my provisional licence here in Australia I’m only allowed 650cc at most 😢

I just sold my 2018 Africa Twin Adventure Sports. 9K in aftermarket but at the end of the day just too heavy for me to move around and felt like I would drop it at every stop. Just got a 2021 CB500X. Only a couple of rides so far but what a difference so easy to ride and to move around. Comfortable and I have already added a bunch of stuff to the bike. Plan on just light offroad so waiting on the decision to get the RR upgrade.

Very valid issues / suggestions! I was unaware at the time and this bike had neither installed. Protection really needs to be FRAME mounted!

david ball I imagine!!! That’d be my #1 upgrade.

Kim Cruz Thanks for your Real World feedback! Yes, probably Euro 4... and the fact that power delivery was smoother out. Suspension on any bike will help it feel much better than a factory bike. The 17” vs. 19” front on hardpack dirt / gravel roads will be about the same. The 17” will for sure feel more grounded on the pavement. Thanks for Watching and for taking the time to comment. - Kyle

Great feedback! I agree! I loved this bike! It is sooooo fun and bulletproof!

Totally!

PistolPete63 Thanks for Watching Pete!

Totally agreed!

Thanks! It was fun!

Thanks for watching! Yes... I agree that the R1200GSA is challenging. I had a 2008 model that I put nearly 100k on before selling it. Great bike, but heavy and I had to do a lot of convincing to get it to go where other bikes “wanted to go.”

@@manybikes Have you rode the Himmy Kyle? :)

norton.rider No, I haven’t.... but I would like to!

Sweet! Good for your and Congrats! Glad you like the the vids and thanks for watching.

May I ask how much you paid for it?

@@karlfonner7589 10,250 on the road in Australia

Nice!

This is the Cleghorn area on the 15 between Wrightwood and Lake Arrowhead. Amazing land... Your set-up sounds awesome!

Looking to get on in March!

I would love to... but the Honda Press fleet is not available at the moment.

Hi turbofan67, What suspension kit did you go for? does it make the bike better on road? Cheers, Michael.

@@Planet_Wax Just the basic shock on the rear, progressive springs and valve emulators on the front. Has made the bike noticeably more stable. I did drill out the std damper rods in the forks so that the new valves would do their job during high speed compression.

It really is a bitchin' machine! It really does all of it really well. I'd love to see / feel this bike a little opened up. Air Intake, exhaust, and a new map... I bet it would rip!

I recently rode one with the Progressive set-up and it was HUGE over stock! I was impressed.

It was! Love that trail. I have run it on my 2008 R1200GSA, KTM 1190 ADV but this CB500X was WAY easier to ride out there!

Trekky Delirium TOTALLY!!! This would be amazing!!!

The Africa Twin 800 might be what you are looking for. It wont have the power of the 650 though, I believe that one is a 4 cylinder. The 800 is based off the NC750 engine.

Tenny80 I have seen some renderings of a DR650 that look sweet! My name is 1st on the list for the new Yamaha T7... that bike should be really neat too. I sure hope that some of these middle weight Adv bikes can have prices around $8k. That’d be great!

@@manybikes THAT! Would be a nice price. Most ADV bikes are pricey but probably half the ADV crowd are the budget minded type. Heck for the price of a ADV bike, I could buy 2 bikes lol. The ADV crowd is a small yet greatly diverse community for the manufacturer to have to build a bike for.

With how KTM finds power from their engines, the 490 Adventure will likely be the bike you are looking for. Just have to wait a couple years... :( Hopefully, it will be good enough to encourage competition from other manufacturers.

It’s a great place to ride here!!!

Awesome story! I totally agree the CB500x is “just enough” for all types of riding. There is noting it “can’t do” and most things it does really well. Nice choice. Enjoy!

@@manybikes Being totally honest, the thing that decided it for me was the PERFECT way the machine fits my physical structure. I've told several people the bike feels like Honda Measured me, and built the machine JUST for me!

Thanks for watching! Yes... I have a T7 on order and have access to a 2020 Africa Twin Adventure Sports model... There will be reviews coming! Subscribe to stay tuned for the release of these future episodes. Cheers - Kyle

Right on! For Sure WAY more manageable than the GS!

anna massey well thanks for coming along!!!

Awesome thank you! Yeah... Covid19 ... They fired the entire video team as it was a "nice to have" not a necessity. Off to bigger and better... I appreciate your support and will continue to share my passion for ADV motorcycles here on my channel. Thanks for watching! - Kyle

I’d like to ride it for sure!

Thanks for watching! It’s a super fun little bike.

Ratchet Rocket it’s such a fun bike! I really enjoyed it!

Okay... for off-road use the CB500X is a much lighter feeling bad easier bike ride ride and maneuver. The F750GS is a better on-road bike as it does handle the higher highway speeds with just a little more ease. The F750GS is bigger... and longer so if you plan to ride 2-up it’d be my recommendation. There isn’t much upgrade you can do to the F750GS to make it “more off-road oriented” where as the Rally Raid options for the CB500X are nothing short of amazing. The NC750X is a great bike too, much more power over the 500... but will not be as easy to ride off-road if you go that route. Hope this helps!!!! Oh, I too love Honda motorcycles. I’ve owned a 1978 CX500, 1998 XT1100C, 2003 VTX1300 and a three GoldWing’s. I’ve ridden a dozen more on longterm loans... 3 Africa Twins, CB500X, half a dozen dirt bikes, the Grom and the Monkey. Ride safe out there!

It is a fantastic machine!!!

@@manybikes yes it's a great bike

Awesome, thank you! You will have a BLAST! I was averaging 55 mpg ... and I rode it full pinned open most places. (poor bike!) Love this little machine. Thanks for watching! - Kyle

Both! I have ridden both on some great trips. The V-strom is "bigger feeling" and has better suspension from the get-go. The CB500X felt like it was "better all around" and for sure off road. Can't go wrong with either... but I would lean towards the CB if it were me and my riding style. - Kyle

I appreciate that! Thanks for watching! - Kyle

Thanks for watching!

Love it!!!

For sure! I’d love to demo a 2022 and rip it on the same trails.

Yes, absolutely! I am 5' 9" tall with a 32" inseam and I weigh in at just over 200 lbs. This suspension might be perfect for you. A re-valve is a great inexpensive way to get the most out of the stock suspension. Maybe even just a tad heavier oil in the forks might do the trick. You will love it! Cheers, Kyle

Thanks for your inquiry Gregory. I have spend a good deal of time on the CB500X and I have converted my 390 Duke into an ADV bike... I have some videos I have not yet had the time to edit together with some pretty hard core off-road action on the Duke. I have also been riding the 390 back and forth from Los Angels, CA to Phoenix, AZ... 375 each direction. It handles the freeway just fine at 80 to 85 mph all-day-long. I do like the feel of the KTM better for off-road as the Honda feels a little top heavy in comparison. Overall reliably of the Honda will be better... it is smoother on the highway and is a little less cramped. That being said the motor in the KTM is more fun and I find it a little easier to ride off road than the Honda. Both will serve you well... just a matter of preference.

Rob Defire great feedback / suggestion! I’ll get working that type of video. I like it. - Kyle

The CB500X eats road miles at 80 mph like a big ADV bike... unlike the other two crf250 and crf450l. They are fantastic trail hoppers... but not good for the long haul.

@@manybikes now to convince the wife that i can trade my touring bike for one

Didier Plouhinec COVID-19 sucks! I lost my Full Time job on the 19th... horrible! The NCX750 motor will make a GREAT platform for a mini-Africa Twin, that’s for sure! I’m looking forward to it!

@@manybikesso sorry to read you lost your job. Hope this crisis willn't last too long. We keep our fingers crossed.

Didier Plouhinec Fingers crosses!!!

Good luck! (Wink Wink) The Super T is a fantastic machine... That is for sure!

You should! You will love it!

Thanks for watching! 30 psi in the front and 28 in the rear. Yes, super sucky to loose a job you love and that you think is super productive, despite the bosses impressions. Oh well, carry on!!!

Super similar bikes but the Vstrom feels A LOT heavier! Both need suspension re-valve to be “good” off road.

Its a fantastic bike!

Rally Raid makes wheels as does another company for WAY LESS.... I'll have to dig it up for you. The CB is WAY lighter than the AT or at least it feels that way. I could never hop the front wheel manually on the AT, but on the CB it was easy. I think it also has to do with the bent knee on the CB where as I struggle with the height of the AT. If you don't want to "Go FAST" the CB (in my opinion) is a better bike for what you are looking to do. Cheers, Kyle

@@manybikes Thx for the reply. If you find that wheel source let me know. I'll keep lookin see if I can find it, they really are a must for this bike.

They are Klim boots.

@@manybikes many thanks

Sounds like a great option for you. I really like this bike, it’s size and weight make it so easy to ride! Did you see my Hard Split video? Super capable machine!

Happy to be of assistance. Yes, I’ve heard lots of discussion about the buzz too... but I didn’t experience it. If you see the bars when I’m on the highway and lift a hand, they don’t seem to be buzzing and that’s when I notice it the most on other bikes. Now... I am on knobby tires instead of road tires... so maybe the tire vibe was making me think it was smooth... but I don’t think so!

@@manybikes nice one, appreciate the reply. I'm going to sort a test ride when in for a service next

The bike is sold either with or without ABS but on this model it’s not switchable. It would be a really nice feature. On road I love ABS but it’s not my friend off-road... unless slaying a fire road ;)

The 2019 USA model has the front signals as running and turn signals. Came that way...

You can purchase these Honda parts and just run the 1 extra running light wire to a hot switched wire on your bike: 33450-MKP-A01 Turn Signal L. FR And 33400-MKP-A01 Turn Signal R. FR

@@manybikes Thank you, so your version has three cables? do you think i can change my arrows by putting an extra cable? then the extra cable must be connected directly under the panel to give direct current or do I have to put another switch?

I was running 30 psi.

@@manybikes and the tyre measures, can you give ,please?

Bridgestone AX41 tires. They work amazingly!

Duane B I’m 195 lbs. The suspension is soft on purpose... so it rides super smooth on the highway. Off road taxes it a bit, but it’s an easy fix.

It is comfortable at any speed. It’s the OEM or Stock Honda screen on the 2019 CB500x

I think Honda has a heavier rear spring and you can valve the front forks / add heavier oil. Next step is aftermarket.

The CB500X will be the better bike all around. I own a 390 and would trade it for the Honda ;) the KTM is faster and the motor is more “fun” but the Honda is more reliable and better suited for long distance Adv travel.

Thanks. I had a 2013 CB500X and loved it. Switched to Versys 650, but too heavy and top heavy for fire roads.

@@manybikes what tires you using on the cb500x?

I was running the 170 series tire on this bike. If I had it go do again I would put the 150 series on the bike instead. It is much lighter and the bike would handle better I think... Thanks for watching. - Kyle

@@manybikes do you think that the Dunlop Trailmax mission is a good tyre for this bike? To do on road during week and some off road até the weekend? Or do you think that a 80/20 tyre would be better,like the Michelin Anakee? Adventure? I think it would be a good idea, making another vídeo, with different tyres 80/20 and 50/50 on this bike. Your videos are very good and you explain só well , thanks mate. Greetings from Portugal, have good rides. In Portugal we say : good turns (twisties)

@@ruihenriques574 I prefer the TrailMax Mission as it is a 50/50 tire. The Anakee Adv just isn’t aggressive enough for my taste. Check this out! Dunlop Trailmax Mission 50/50 Adventure Tire * KTM 790 Adv R vs. Honda CB500X kzfaq.info/get/bejne/q7uDmrV2qN-xZIU.html

@@manybikes i ve just seen your vídeo with the CB with Ax41 and don't know wich tyre do i have to choose. Dunlop Trailmax mission or the Bridgestone Battlax Ax41 . Oh fuc....

@@ruihenriques574 Ha! Ha! The AX41 is my favorite... only lasts me 2k mikes. The Mission 6k Miles. The AX41 feels like a sport bike tire, super flexible sidewalls. The Mission has stiffer sidewalls and does not have the same feedback. Both are great though.

Mark Levy Nice! How would you describe the difference in feeling of riding each bike? I’m curious to hear what you have to say... Thanks for watching. - Kyle

Kyle Bradshaw simply very different! The AT you feel you sit on it rather than in it and as a result you don’t feel as one or engaged in the bike. The AT is not as “supple” as the NC which is great in the twisties. The low end torque of the NC is it’s trump card being able to pull in 3rd gear from 15 mph up to 70mph without any fuss. For highways the AT is better as there is more wind protection, however get a bigger screen for the NC, problem solved. The other reason for changing, and this was probably the main reason was my AT had the DCT gear box and I always found it was in the wrong gear regardless of the Sport mode I would use and you constantly had to flip around with the paddles. In a sprint from the lights, awesome as the acceleration and seamless gear changes could not be beaten, however I have opted for a manual for my NC750X which is nearly as easy as the CB500X. If you ride a lot on highways and then go off road the Africa Twin is a fantastic machine, however if you just ride on the road, it’s weight, size and handling as it feels top heavy and personally believe there are more user friendly Adventure style bikes - hence the reason for going for the NC750X. Plus, the spoke wheels are are a pain in the butt to clean!!!

Yes!

Bridgestone AX41 in a 110/80-19 front and a 150/70-17 in the rear

Yes, just swap in the USA Honda front turns and wire the running light wire to a hot switches source. The Honda Part Numbers are here: 33450-MKP-A01 Turn Signal L. FR And 33400-MKP-A01 Turn Signal R. FR

@@manybikes thank you for the help 😎😎 at last someone who can help me getting there 😄😄 besides that..i bought my cb last june 2019 and i love her so much..in 2 weeks on vacations, i did 7000km "wandering around" 😅😅 its gonna be difficult to have a better experience 🤔

No, but It’s the same bike as the 2019 and I’ve got lots of footage on that bike.

I would for sure go with a 2019 or 2020 model due to the HUGE differences over the 2018 model. I would then put a skid plate, suspension re-valve for my weight and riding style and handguards on it. Those three upgrades... Dialed! I have seen a lightly used 2019 for sale $6500 ... WHAT? Smoking deal. Great bike! Thanks for watching. - Kyle

Kyle Bradshaw nice. Thanks for the input. Btw, seeing as the difficulty spotting the rocks, how upgradable is the LED front lamp compared to the pre-2018? Are you stuck with the Honda LED?

It’s a neat machine!

Mike Malabanan Well, when it comes to price, reliablity & maintenance costs... the CB500X is the clear winner. But... the KTM 790 has its suspension dialed, is WAY faster and is just more “ready to adventure” than the Honda. I like speed and if price wasn’t a question, I’d go the KTM. If on a budget, looking for the “best value” I’d totally pick the CB500X. My 2 cents. - Kyle

@@manybikes thank you, am also looking at the BMW GS 750.

Yes better adjustable suspensions (+ front inverted forks) & tubeless spoked wheels.

Yes! Better suspension and this bike would be hitting it out of the park!

Kyle Bradshaw I have 1200GS but the missus might need to look for a step up in a years time so could be an option.

I have the 2021 version and I’m riding mostly gravel and some unmaintained roads and gentle trails. Do you have any suggestions for suspension upgrades? Thanks

John Braman nope... 2019, 2020 and 2021 are all identical.

@@manybikes then we wait for 2022 version

Alfred Ho I haven’t been told the changes for 2022 as of yet. I’d like to see a rally version if the 500!

81 cm on the 2018 and 83 cm on the 2019.

Take a look at the 8:21 mark of this video... you will see a detailed breakdown of the two seats and the seat heights: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ldVzn8lhz5_MZWg.html

I’d love to... but don’t have access to a Himalayan.

Oregon Motorcycle That’s fun!

Actually, it's only 2cc short of a full pint. One pint = 473 cc. This looks like a fantastic bike, I just purchased a 2019 CB500X and picking it up in two days.

Sorry! Working on a solution... Each bike is so different I need different solution for each!

170/70-17

@@manybikes The reason I ask is because the Dunlop Trailmax Missions don't come in the OEM size of 160/60-17, so I was wondering if I could mount a 170/60. But you guys actually mounted a 170/70. Wow! Any loss of power at all?

Brian Ford The Honda CB500X has a 471cc twin-cylinder engine which offers easy-to-access power and plenty of torque.

@@manybikes yeah that kills it lol! I failed marketing classes.

Brian Ford Ha! Ha! Can me and my boy come ride with you guys and we can collaborate with a social distancing video?

@@manybikes sounds great! We're down.

Thanks for your opinion, but I totally disagree. For what it is... ( the 2019 version ) other than suspension and a skid plate, it is Good to Go! Way Way less expansive than a Twin! I rocked this little bike and it took it without issue. It is a great little bike or those short in stature, just starting out... or on a budget. I really like it! Just my 2 cents... - Kyle

@@manybikes "For what it is... ( the 2019 version ) other than suspension and a skid plate," You just proved my point. The Rally Raid upgrade is directed at the suspension of the bike (for the most part). To bring it up to par with what honda should have done in the first place. So your throwing another 3K to get the bike where it should be, as you admitted in your quote. In 2019 Honda "changed" the CB 500X for a reason,,, to supposedly make it MORE of a ADV bike. All they did was change a few graphics, a taller front wheel (what it should have in the first place) and something with the clutch to make it easier to squeeze. The bike is a fine bike, with Honda quality, but its not a ADV bike off the show room floor. The stock tires tells you that. Again its a fine bike for what it is, But why would another company (RR) make upgraded parts to get it what it was advertised as?

@@mrspookydog The CB500x is around 50% the price of the Africa Twin. You can upgrade it via rally raid for anything between $1 to 3000 depending on your desired spec. At the end you will have a bike just as capable as an African Twin, and yet far lighter/smaller and easier to handle. If you started with a cheaper 2nd hand CB500x then even better.

R P I’m out of work due to Covid. Chaparral Motorsports or Mountain Motorsports would be the two companies I work with.

Well this is a HOT topic. 1st question I have is why? Tubes work. I carry a tube with me even when running tubeless so I can "get home" if I cant fix the tire cut / get it to re-bead. Anyhow... you silicone or epoxy your spoke nipples in the drop center of the rim. When dry you put some 3M tape over them to double seal the spokes. Fit your tire... and ride! Pretty simple but the do fail over time.

@@manybikes thanks. That is very useful.

No. When you tube monetizes... the company advertising chooses the video that it play on ... What are you seeing? Something crazy?

@@manybikes No just a Biden AD

Awesome! Man... I bet that was an epic trip! I’ll check you your channel right now!

Yes Sir!

Jordan Rumsey that Apex jacket from KLIM is one of my favorites!

Sorry! Thanks for trying.

The Africa Twin or any of the other ADV bikes are at least 100 pounds heavier! This making it feel light as compared to other bikes in its segment. The Vstrom 650 is much less capable and is 70 lbs heavier. This the comment.

@@manybikes I understand that. it's kind of insane how big adv bikes are getting across the board. it's unfortunate the "small" bikes are down on power and heavy. I'd love a small light bike that still has decent power. Seems like all the efforts at weight reduction are saved for the street bikes...

vespers_ FORSURE!!! I’d love a Honda 250 Rally but it is over 300 lbs has zero horsepower. Miserable to ride on the street and deadly on the highway. Even off road you’ve got to pick your lines / trails carefully so the bike has enough power to make it. We have some hill climbs around here that completely overshadow the motor on that bike. It’s SAD really.