Nice! Thanks for watching.

I completely understand! Sometimes I miss being able to break every legal speed limit in first gear, but realistically that kind of power is completely unnecessary and unusable on the street. The power the CB500 makes for it’s size along with its smooth delivery and reliability make for a surprisingly beguiling experience, even with 1/3 the power I’m used to! I sprung for the rally raid upgrade, I will be putting it on and doing an update video. Thanks for watching!

Congrats, I honestly couldn’t think of a better bike for a new/old rider returning; have fun and be safe!

You'll love it.

Thank you, and right back at ya! Yes, it’s a great little bike. Now if only the snow would clear up..

Congratulations Jack, what a great first bike! I’m sure the first few days were a challenge, it only gets easier and easier until it all comes naturally. And when you drop it don’t worry, just pick it back up and ride on; you can’t ride motorcycles without falling off at some point

Hey Charles, I liked your RAV4/Tacoma comparison lol. I think your insights are pretty spot-on, a 60/40 IS pretty good, and maybe more what I am going for; as a longtime sport bike guy I’m not really looking to do gnarly single track or jumping haha. But if I wanted to go to Ushuaia/Tuktoyaktuk/RTW and explore off the beaten track along the way (my idea of “go anywhere”), then I think this bike makes a great contender. You should watch the videos of Jmo taking her Rally Raid CB500X to Moab if you haven’t already. Thanks for watching and commenting!

Thank you for your kind words! Ah, I’m jealous that you OR your wife get to ride right now, we have a few more months of snow here in Canada before I will be able to ride and test out all the new parts I am putting on. I will definitely do another video showing the build and results. Have fun!

Thanks Walt! Yeah it’s a gem, I’m actually surprised how much I am enjoying it. Did quite a few mods to get it going off-road and they have made a huge difference also

@@kenshapperttravelstheworld8845 I see in your 2nd video that you have Handguards installed. Where did you purchase them? I’m in Ontario (Port Credit) as well. Cheers

I am going to give you a long answer to a short question lol. I got mine shipped from Europe with some other parts, shipping would be crazy on their own. I had to get a generic (not model specific) set that needed modification as I also changed the handlebars. If you just want weather protection, the Honda OEM ones would work, and be simple to bolt on. If you want any sort of physical protection of the bars and levers, I would settle for nothing less than a Barkbuster 2 point mount. BHG-081 is for 2019< CB500x I believe. They seem to be back-ordered everywhere. If doing yourself, please note that the stock bar-end weights don’t actually unscrew, they have a clip that holds them in. Lots of info/pics in the forum to avoid wasted time trying to unscrew (I know from experience)

​@@kenshapperttravelstheworld8845 Wow! Thanks for all the info Ken.. I have a 2021 and will purchase the "Barkbusters 2 point mount" as I want protection. I took note about the clips. (nothing like tapping into the experience of others). I'll order direct from Europe if need be. Thanks again and happy riding in the great weather we're having. Cheers Walt

Cheers Robert!

I definitely do plan on changing the oil and filter more frequently, but what a testament to the reliability of this motor that the recommended interval is 12,000km. Thanks for watching!

@@kenshapperttravelstheworld8845 12,000km (7500 miles) I would not go that long. Oil is cheap, engines are expensive. Motorcycle have wet clutches...dirty oil will help wear out a clutch.

I completely agree and plan to do my oil changes around 6,000km. Although it may be a bit of a marketing thing I still think it is amazing that the recommended interval is 12,000km. By comparison, my last bike needed the timing belts changed and valve lash done every 12,000kms!

Yes, I got different pegs that I think will give me both more grip and space. I am going to put on a set of bark busters, I believe I will then not be able to put bar ends in but it may serve the same purpose. I will update now that the weather is warming up. Thanks!

How do you find the Givi windscreen? I got one and haven’t tried it yet, it looks MASSIVE... Yes, you make a very good point about the Tenere, and one I had to consider. Once again it comes down to compromise. The Tenere is probably an even better compromise in some respects; more power for highway, more ground clearance for off-road while only 20lbs more, etc. The CB500x is considerably cheaper, but may end up costing the same or more than a Tenere doing rims, suspension etc. However, if I were to be overlanding (RTW or any cross-continent other than North America), this bike with the slightly smaller frame, slightly better fuel range, more comfortable seat and the much wider distribution of Honda vs Yamaha dealerships worldwide (not to mention the CB500 has been sold in just about every market worldwide for almost a decade) would make the CB500X my choice again. I do see the argument for the Tenere, and I am sure if I bought one I would have been equally happy! Maybe I will be able to get my hands one one and do a comparison 🤔

​@@kenshapperttravelstheworld8845 I'm 5.8 and was getting all the wind redirected in my forehead with the stock windscreen (not really any difference between the low/high position). The D1171ST is, as you mentioned, very massive and was not sure at first regarding the final look. I have it in the lower position and that gives me 11cm more than the stock in its high position. The result is perfect for me, big improvement, I can ride with my inner sun visor only if I want. Another thing to mention is the additional width of that windscreen, in the low position, it might interfere with your handguard. I went with the Givi which matches the shape and allow a full lock (and lock position).

@@pascalbelanger4858 Is the Givi easy to install?

@@simonf.2504 Yes, super easy, direct bolt compatible.

Ken/Pascal, it’s interesting to read your comments and all very valid. I think it’s great that riders have the option of a CB500x with rally raid upgrades or a Yamaha T7. Adventure riding tends to require some kind of compromise and usually the type of adventure will play a significant part in that decision. You guys sharing your feedback and experiences, helps us all, thanks!

Thanks for watching!

Congrats on your new one! Ya the windscreen isn’t ideal, for now I’ve just taken it off and that seems to work best. The stock one is too low, I got a larger Givi and it is absolutely massive and still doesn’t remove the buffeting completely, while being too tall for my liking off road. I’d say just leave it off completely, but for longer trips/rain you probably want something. I have an idea and will update once tested. Thanks for watching!

I too found the Givi to tall. Just cut 2 in. off but won't get to try it out till spring.

Good man Terry, will do before I ride again this season as well as add a few farkles. Cheers!

Thank you! The wind is the one complaint I have with the bike (if there is a screen on), with all my previous bikes I was either above the wind or tucked below the screen so never really experienced buffeting before. I will definitely be getting a screen extension to try, as buying the worlds largest windscreen didn’t solve the issue lol. Seriously, wait till you see how big this Givi screen is. Thanks again, will update with a video. Cheers

Dondle2 is exactly correct! I ordered a cheap extension for my windscreen from Amazon for my cb500x and it eliminated all buffeting.

Cheers mate, you were 100% spot-on; completely eliminated wind and buffeting for 1/4 the cost of the GIVI that didn’t work

I think the CB500X is a great little bike and will work perfectly for what I have in mind, but as I say if you are going to pick just one bike it will almost always be a compromise. For the vibration I think it depends on your experience and what your using the bike for. For you, coming from a thumper I suspect the vibrations wouldn’t have been an issue. Me coming from sportbikes, it was enough to give me pause. I am not planning on eating up highway miles and would not have chosen this bike if I was, although it does give me the ability to do so if I choose. But really, if it has two wheels you made the right choice; enjoy your Versys!

Nice!

Thanks for watching!

Congratulations! I’m jealous because the road to Tofino on Van island is one of the most fun I’ve driven (car), I would love to ride it and also explore some back roads; lucky guy!

@@kenshapperttravelstheworld8845 also ad to tour list. The road from Campbell River to Gold River. Hint, have lunch at Gold River golf course, way better that the pub in town. More adventure. Goldriver to Tahsis is a stone road.

Yes, for two up touring it would just be to small; enjoy your new Tiger! I have a few options for the windscreen and have gotten several more suggestions, I will probably make a video on that and update as I’ve had a few people ask. Thanks for watching!

It’s finally warming up here in Canada so I am hoping to be able to get it out of storage and start modifying it to make it mine soon. Thanks for watching!

It’s not perfect, but I’m really enjoying it and happy with my choice 😊

Enjoy, whichever you choose. Thank you for watching and your kind words!

Thanks for the comment, and for watching close enough to see the tire rotation marker! Lol. I got it from the dealer the way it is, but will definitely check it out. Cheers!

@@kenshapperttravelstheworld8845 Looks to be fitted correctly to me. The arrow is pointing in the direction of travel. I thought the same until you zoomed out and I realised which way the bike was.

Cheers for the watch and comment

Ah the Piaggio mp3; a few years ago I rented one for a week and took it around Cuba, what an interesting little machine! Yes, value for money the 500x is bang-on. Unless speed is a motivating factor for you, and it is a valid motivating factor lol, then I bet the CB would be perfect for you. Don’t worry about the clutch, you could do it with your pinky!

@@kenshapperttravelstheworld8845 I am so tempted just need enough work in to afford it!

P.S The Mp3 is great and I do really love it..if I could afford 2 bikes I would have both!!

Thank you so much!

Nice, be safe out there!

Stay tuned! I have the bike all apart, getting supplies is proving to be more difficult than expected during COVID

Haha, thanks Jabari. It’s the Klim Latitude, I’m quite happy with it

I think the main thing is to decide what the main use of the bike is for. If you are in North America and/or are doing mainly or a lot of highway, the vstrom may be the way to go. I live in Canada, but realized that I find highways boring and would rather take the scenic way, and wanted to try and do more “adventure” riding. After riding both I found the vstrom just that little bit bigger, heavier and therefore harder to maneuver off (and on road), and it was also not vibration free. I was 90% set on vstrom, but speaking to more and more people who have done the kind of riding I want to do one day (adventure/overland) they said smaller is better, and kept repeating it. I now believe that they were correct. The clincher was the fuel economy, Honda reliability and the fact that I could get a brand new one with no questions about prior usage for the same price as a few years old v storm. They both seem like great bikes and I am sure you will have a ton of fun no matter what! I would suggest riding both first if you can, that will reduce or eliminate buyers remorse. Figure out what the job is, then pick the right tool for that job lol. Good luck, and thanks for watching!

It depends, 45 lbs overweight compared to what? Compared to a GS 310, yeah. Compared to a V Storm 650, no. This kind of bike is by its very nature (in my opinion) a compromise. I would say it depends on what you are planning to use the bike for, and what you are willing to compromise on. If you plan on doing mostly dirt single/double track, there are probably better machines, same with if you only wanted to eat up highway miles. I want to be able to do both, but mostly everything else in-between, with minimal inconvenience and maximum enjoyment. I will let you know how that goes once I’m loaded up with luggage and all the farkles you mentioned lol. It is also a multi-cylinder which is going to add a little bit of weight, but was a must for me. Thanks for watching!

yes but you would probably add all of the above to any bike so relatively speaking its no different. This bike is sooooooo easy to manoeuvre........

I am not sure that I really want to change the sprocket size, but it’s an idea. Cheers

Yes I found the shifter a bit too close to the pegs for my liking. No problems downshifting, but getting under the shifter for up shifts when standing up is extremely awkward. There is an adjustment rod (“Johnson” rod I believe?) that you can twist to adjust the shifter lever up or down, I am going to try that and possibly a slightly lower and wider set of pegs, will let you know!

Hey Wayne, I am sorry I am not sure what year and where the red and white was available. I wanted black, it also happened to be the only colour available when I purchased it. I am sure you will enjoy the bike, thanks for watching!

A year later and this is still a funny comment to me 😂

I can’t help you there unfortunately as I did not ride the NC750. It was a little bit bigger and more road oriented than I was looking for, I wanted a bike that with a little bit of modification could be taken just about anywhere. For me personally I don’t think the NC750 is that. But, if you are spending all of your time on pavement... I would suggest riding them both if you can, that’s the best way to decide!

Hi, I've tested cb500x and NC750X year ago, to be honest NC750X is a wonderful bike, but when I tested cb500x after NC750X I was way more into cb500x, didn't noticed any power advantage of NC750X either, which was my biggest concern..Cb500x It's way more balanced, more fun to ride and 19 inch front wheel makes a huge difference on bumpy roads, it's lighter, more lively engine, more versatile, you can transform bike for proper off road or you can leave it as it is..13k km in a year not a single issue, avg fuel consumption 3.3l, absolutely gem of the bike. There are only two downsides of this bike, first it's oem windscreen, it makes buffeting but you can get taller aftermarket one or just a clip-on to solve this issue..And second thing, you can't get enough of riding this thing it's so comfy to ride, I've ride 6 hours in a stretch without any fatigue only pulled on gas station to pick up an ice cream coz this thing is fuel wizardry by Honda

@@Geo_Okami is the CB500X ok for longer trips? Am planning a trip across scandinavia in summer (if covid permits). I really cant decide between the cb500x and the nc750x for this.

@@Rrrrrrricky56789 Both bikes are amazing, but still even with new NC750X out I would again choose CB500X..This bike is gem for long motorcycles trips, but again this is only my opinion and my preferences. Feel free to ask anything🙏

@@Geo_Okami I’m really not looking for speed. Most of my time will probably be spent on paved roads. I’ve heard people complaining about vibration in de hand bars at certain speeds. Is that an issue you’re having?

That is interesting. I suppose it is possible that some of these bikes have a predictable vibration around 5,000rpm and some don’t, however given the documentation on this “characteristic” I suspect that it is more a matter of what ones previous experience, expectations and thus perceptions are; versus another persons. Maybe I’m wrong.

Ken Shappert Another channel "Rocket Man" also experienced these vibrations on his Honda CB500 X so much so that he sold it. However he did like the Honda very much. Nice review thank you.

I also own a 2013 and don't notice any vibrations, but like Ken said, it might depend on expectations. This is my first bike, so I don't have much to compare. Btw, I'm also from Ontario, so interesting to find another active 500X rider from here :)

Thanks!

Welcome to the club! Yes there are definitely some harmonic vibrations around 5,000rpm/ (100km/h 5th gear) and as a smaller lighter bike some vibrations as you increase over 110km/h. I think it’s personal preference; in the past the vibration would definitely have stopped me from buying this bike, but I realized that as much as I love speed I find highways boring so I don’t plan on doing hour after hour of 100/h+, but I can if I need/want to. Vstrom vibration was not nearly as pronounced, but happened more throughout the power range on the one I rode, and was less understandable. It is also a bit heavier and physically bigger, which hurts the off pavement performance. If you plan on doing mostly highway and very little off pavement, maybe something bigger would be better? BUT, I am an advocate of start small and master it, then move up. If you are used to a 125cc, don’t jump on a 700; get a 500 for a year, ride the wheels off it and then if you outgrow it sell and trade-up. It’s a Honda, it holds its value haha. Stay safe!

@@kenshapperttravelstheworld8845 i want everyday 35. On highway and roadtrips on every road highway back roads .

@@arismous8586 well if I was only going on highways and (paved) back-roads with little to no dirt roads, I probably would have gone for a different bike. Like life, it’s always a compromise. You only live once, my suggestion would be to buy it and ride the wheels off for a year, then when you get your A license maybe you love and keep it and maybe you trade up to something bigger with little out of pocket expense and loads more experience!

@@kenshapperttravelstheworld8845 im between cb and some scooter because they dont have vibrations on 120 km because i do everyday 35 km on highway for my work

@@arismous8586 listen to your gut instinct, you can always change it after

Hahaha, it was actually an empty parking lot but halfway through a delivery truck and in and started backing up; I didn’t realize the camera caught it until it was done. The first video was definitely a learning experience, thanks for watching and commenting!

MSRP is around $8,000 in Canada. Thanks for watching!

Well, I should be grateful that you were so enthralled by my commentary that you found the music distracting! It was definitely a learning experience attempting to make my first “proper” video, with lots of room for improvement going forward. Thanks for watching!

Your right, from the point of view that any vehicle with a internal combustion motor is going to have some sort of vibration when the engine is running. That is not what other owners nor myself are referring to; there are pronounced vibrations when pushing the bike, especially around 5,000-5,500 rpm, that are considerably worse that most (but not all) of the other bikes I have owned and ridden. This is an inherent problem, to differing degrees, in smaller motors asked to work hard. It was not enough for me to pass on such a wonderful little machine, but a potential new owner should be aware. Thank you so much for the comment and view!

Just bought a 2022... solved the buffeting...took the screen off...

Unfortunately I haven’t been able to ride since I made the review as it is snowing in Canada, so the best option I found so far is to remove it and that works great. There are a few other options, once the weather warms up I will go through all the options I tried. Someone here just recommended a screen extension, that seems like the most promising candidate.

I had a 2017 And loved everything about it except for the wind buffeting it was so bad that I ended up selling the bike. It was unrideable .It seems completely crazy that Honda could not get this right.

Yeah, honestly I understand completely about the buffeting. I guess it’s hard for an OEM because you have such a range of body builds and heights, I think if I was a few inches shorter it would be fine as the stock screen seems to hit me mid-visor. Luckily coming from sport bikes I am used to having essentially no windscreen (unless tucked in) so removing it solved the issue satisfactorily for me riding around on a nice day. For longer distance touring with the potential for inclement weather a windscreen would be a must and I get why you couldn’t deal with it, unfortunate but understandable. I am confident (hopeful??) that with a little bit of fiddling I can find an acceptable solution.