The 500X is a great choice. A friend did a round the world trip on one with a few minor mods. Don't blame you for not wanting to be an early adopter. I was daft enough to buy one of the first Ducati Multistrada 1200S back in 2011..... what a nightmare. Rode a CB500X for a week on the island of Madeira, great bike.

Picking my CB500X up Monday! Looking forward to seeing many more 500X videos!

22 or 23? I got a new 22 last year. I rode through Denmark, Germany, France, Belgium, and a big chunk of southern Norway. This bike grows on you. Like it right away? You'll love it by the end of the season.

Smart man and great video. So tired of all these KZfaqrs trying to convince their fans to buy the Transalp as a off-road bike. I would choose the CB500x all day over the TA. It’s literally the same size and really I don’t drive over 130kms an hour for more then sort burst so I don’t need any more power. The CB500x is the hidden gem in the Honda lineup. Cheers!

1.9 m and 110 kg, old rider. Got 500x. To small for me? Maybe. But is very confortable. Is a simple bike. Low mpg. Reliable. Good value for money. 6500 euros brand new. The price difference for transalp is not justified.

Hello Mr. Codger, I enjoyed your light hearted reflections. My next bike will be a Honda CB 500X for your reasons and also, I do not need all those modes etc. My rain, sport, gravel modes are in my right wrist. Ride smooth and aside from ABS, what else do you need. Good review and it made my day with a smile. Nova Scotia, Canada

Great video, I loved the sleeping KTM bit, keeping it light hearted always goes down well. I have a couple of mates who ride the 500x both love em and they keep up with the rest of us most of the time and return fantastic fuel figures so what's not to like 👍

I personally agree with you about not wanting a tubed tyre. At my age, I also want to keep the weight down where possible.

My first bike was a tubed tire, i bought it in ignorance but when I learned of the dangers of a quick front tire deflation at highway speeds i changed to tubeless and have never looked back.

Totally agree with you on the tubed tyre issue, was really looking forward to the Transalp , but the tyres are a deal breaker.😡😡😡

Agree 100% on NO TUBES, they suck...well they blow. I have a cb500x 2019 and love it as much now as the day I got it, 63 y/old and had many bikes but this may be my favorite.

VFR 1200X Crosstourer DCT has it all… The Power Of Dreams ❤️

I have a similar problem to that you described as, after an unfortunate accident on my old 650 version last year, I had been waiting in anticipation for the release of the new 750 TransAlp, only to realise that it really is more a road touring model much like the CB500X despite the 21" front (a halfway house some may say), so I agree what's the point having tubed tyres? Sure the engine sounds like it has the goods, but that's about all it really has over little brother, and is that alone worth paying the extra? Also, anything 180+ kg is too heavy for proper offroad imo, that rules out even so-called 'mid weight' Adv bikes like the Tuareg, T7, TransAlp, CB500X, 790/890 Adv, for my level of rider skill at least. I have an old KLX400R for offroad (though would love a 690 Enduro R), so the solution is to have a second bike to ride on road 80-90% of the time, with the ability to hit occasional gravel roads when needed. I'm seriously considering a CB500X - cheapish, developed, and proven reliable. Sounds like your analysis got you to the same place! Cheers from New Zealand 🇳🇿

Here where we are the Transalp is 43% more expensive than the CB500x.

I hope you're right. I'm downsizing from a T7 to a Honda 500 NX this coming Friday!

I have a CB500X. The minute the Transalp is in the US I will trade in my VStrom 1050XT for it. I’ll have the 500X and the TA…best of both worlds.

I have a a 2022 CB500X which i am absolutely delighted with having had an Africa Twin then the NC750X. The CB500X is the best of the 3 in my opinion. Like you, after 2 punctures on my AT i vowed never to have a bike again with tubed tyres - what a pain!! - so Honda, unless you use tubeless tyres on the Transalp it will never be on my list in the future.

Fully agree, for me inner tube is a dealbreaker

I got one this year, I love it.

I converted my rear T700 wheels to tubeless ( professionally done bt BartFactory in Italy). Removing and changing rear inner tubes on the road is a pia..

You’re dead right about “early adoption”. The CB500X is about as good as it’s going to get now after the Beta testing period. That took 3 iterations. For me it’s the same choice, but I’m going to wait for the Transalp inevitable fettling to go through.

Have you looked at the Japanese “Outex” tubeless conversion kits? Expensive at about £120 - much cheaper than tubeless spoked wheels

The CB500x is without doubt value for money!

I test drove the CB500X and I loved everything on this bike except the lack of power full loaded on highway. I didn't proceed to buy it, waiting for Transalp 750 test drive and then comes the verdict. But I guess Transalp 750 stands between CB500X and Africa Twin and if this statement will verified, sorry mate I'll go for the Transalp.

Haha! I phoned my quantum mechanic about a service. She said I’ve already done it next year.

Cracking choice bud 👌🏻

You can fit a tubeless kit. I've run them on dirt bikes. They work great.

I just bought a Tenere, but was sorely tempted by the 690. Sleep tight Wolfgang!

The box is for pushbikes not motorbikes... Naughty.... That's a beautiful bike

Have you changed the front sprocket to a 16 ? Nice video man. Greetings from a Londoner in Oz full time.

Sorry but I could not stand how far back the foot pegs are on the CB500X. My knees would be screaming in 30 minutes.

converting those tube wheel set are quite easy nowadays, there's a lot of options available, or if you are willing to spend some more, you can easily replace those wheelset with real tubeless spoked wheel set from KKE Racing

Great ride along and commentary. Excellent points re: not being a test subject for new engines. Bummer about the battery. I'd gone and looked as well. I've asked a few folks with substantial mileage how their water pumps have held up. Most said still on the original. One guy unfortunately must have got a bad universe day CB500x. His pump failed early on. Then the replacement failed even sooner. He researched it and said they claim the place that makes the pumps for Honda has issues getting the internal impeller 100% straight or true. It eventually gets wonky then it leaks. Sad Honda just doesn't redesign that bit?!? But, there's worse flaws out there as you pointed out on other more expensive bikes.

I run a 650 Vstrom as my everyday bike and a CRF300L Rally for most of my trail riding, I don't run mouses yet but opted for HD tubes with clamps for lowish tyre pressures.

Must say I've had plug kits but never used one. Last puncture I had on my CB500F (tubeless tyres) I had fixed at a dealer - removed a long thin black nail. Really need to get someone to do a demonstration like how to adjust your chain- I've had 2 BMW'S and an XLV750 Honda. Once you've had a shaft drive bike,they're the only thing that make sense- like tubeless tyres.

Nice combo, makes lot of sense! Always loved the 690, but a bit tall for me. I believe the sm model is only 890 cm, which should be ok for a 31 inch inseam. But then the 17 inch front wheel, will compromise off road ventures.

I think you can very easily convert tubed to tubeless wheels, no need to buy new wheels.

Just recognised Higher road Hunts Cross then Halewood. I'm from that area !

These inner tubes really are rubbish, especially since otherwise very road-oriented bikes don’t really have any use for the things. Me, I’m a tall fellow (6’5”) so big adventure-style bikes are my versions of a tourer. I just want transverse the alps on two wheels, why do I need inner tubes for that? Silliness, especially since there are lots of spoked tubeless wheels out there if people want the style.

oko tyre sealant liquid does work on tubed tyres but plugging is the best.my suzuki has spokes that do no penetrate the rim so no tubes.a great idea.tubes ,just something else to worry about and carry spares

In your opinion, what is the best tyre plugger you have come across. I know the feeling of new to the market bikes, sometimes you feel like the manufacturers test mule! They all do it, once bitten twice shy. Just picked up a Husky 701, so far apart from not being able to find neutral so go, hopefully it, or I will get the green light. 👍

Hello Codger, can you tell me what screen extender you are using and are you happy with it ? Cheers Woz

I'm with you too. tires on a dirt bike okay. But on basically a street bike it would be a PIA. Riding an older 2015 CB500X now but want to get a dual sport also. But I don't really want two bikes. Might split the difference and get a DR 650. Unfortunately it'll have tube tires also, but at least it's 100 lb lighter than the transalp

The only bike I will replace my CB500X for is the CB600/650X with the same simplicity of the 500, minimum electronic systems and a bit bigger fuel tank. Unfortunately Honda doesn't have such bike...

Great video. informative..I'd like to ask, I've heard the 500x has vibration issues. I'm riding the 500f & that is pretty good. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Ta..👍

Was the Suzuki V-Strom 650 one of your considerations before you chose the Honda ?( non spoked wheel version!)…..

Hello, Coger! What is your opinion of the colove500? Why no Tuareg?

Where are you from mr codger would you consider a cb500x meet up. I would turn up if you fancy it.

How can you get an explosive blowout on a tubed tyre? A puncture possibly but a blow out on the motorway? Anyway RAC, Green flag and the AA can help you there.

The Transalp is arguably overpowered. I would sacrifice 10hp for 10kg less and thats without even considering price.

If they put the 750 engine in the CB500X & upgrade the suspension?

Id take the cb500x / 690 combo over the transalp that’s for sure.

Oh how did we ever manage before tubeless tyres on bikes were a thing ? 😂😂😂 let's face it the 500x is a great little bike but the Transalp is in a different league and saying that tubed tyres are a deal breaker in this day and age is just tosh . . Get over it for gods sake 😂

That is a big mistake man - go and test ride transalp 750 and you will be heartbroken that you took CBX500. That power, handling and comfort of transalp 750 is fuckin dope - honda did an amazing job

Tubed rims, NEVER for me plug inflate and go, versus ugggh taking the wheel of and repair/replace a tube, give me tubeless any day.

Unlucky Codger. But at least the lottery win meant that you didn't have to buy a new battery and put it on a shelf for 6 months before you could use it 😂

Plug n Go is the way.

HI I HAVE A 650 ninja ,when honda put a tft on the cb500x then i will get one ,i bit off remorse with the ninja but still a great bike for the money , may in 2024 honda will update the cbx fingers crossed

cb500x and new transalp is night and day difference, cb500x is kind of a mild learner friendly little bike good for commuting. I have ridden one, i had tenere 700 at that time and i found it so small, im 180cm and about 90kg on a good day. to me it was like my friends duke 390, just kind of bike someone would buy as first bike for a season.

Longest red light ever!

4:10 :).

Transalp is basically an NC750X without all the NC good features.

Hi Codger, Kalamitous here to inform you that you have discovered zen,ying & yang plus Newton’s third law. That of equal and opposite with your £30 which is the only way to live in the 21st Century. You see Greta bangs on about saving the planet, being carbon neutral and all that. But my mate Dave Doom has personalised this and taken it to another level. He now does silly things like cycling 100 miles in a day but he always makes sure he is calorie neutral. In other words whatever calories he burns off have to go back in to keep the balance. Something you and DrJ can aspire to now that you have made a start with the £30. Life begins at 60 😂😂😂