Honda CB 500 X test

Menus

• The legend has become an everyday adventurer
• Discovery
• In the saddle
• In the city
• Motorway and expressways
• Departmental
• Part-cycle
• Braking
• Comfort and duo
• Practical aspects and accessories
• Consumption
• Conclusion
• Colors:

The legend has become an everyday adventurer

After the 700 sisters (NC S, NC X and Integra), the Hamamatsu firm is adapting its common platform recipe to its entry-level medium-displacement range. CB 500 F and R opened this new cadet ball, not without nostalgia. The surname CB 500 evoking, in fact, a small popular legend, reputed to be a fun and reliable utility for many bikers. Appeared in 1993, later declined in a streamlined S version, the mischievous little roadster had become an icon with its engine given for 300,000 km and reduced maintenance to a minimum. Disappeared in 2003 it returns for 2004 in CBF 500, integrating a number of elements of the CB 600 F. However, for the novelties 2013 the purpose is different. If the mechanical endurance is given for identical, its engine, entirely new, offers a more reasoned face. Indeed, the European reform of the motorcycle license offers a new space to be conquered for machines adapted to this market. Designed for the requirements of the A2, the CB 500 respect the specificities of contained power and, polymorphic, approach the segment in its most dynamic forms. After the roadster and sports versions, an economical machine now typed trail was essential. Particularly popular with consumers, this genre is once again very popular. The CB 5OO X even claims to make the most of a growing market on its own and increase its importance. For us the pocket adventure begins around Barcelona, ​​whose valleys with varied curves will be our wild canyons for a day..

Discovery

Targeting a wide audience and the winged brand’s leading product, the CB 500 X, resulting from a concept initiated by the 700 X Crossrunner, however, wants to be rewarding. It takes as a model the top of the range of its Crossover line: the 1200 Crosstourer. Impossible indeed to deny its stylistic origins with this cousin. A real pygmalion, an obvious reference for the 500, the big Honda trail serves to promote the little one, undeniably giving it a qualitative image. But this mimicry stops at the overall design. Engine, chassis, target consumers … the ambitions are very different.

The little one borrows a number of features from her model. Starting with its front face whose tapered optics, topped with a short adjustable bubble, is highlighted by a small beak and seems to fit into the top of the sides. Their angular curves and sharp lines frame a 17.3-liter tank and receive long, stylish scoops, making the machine look more virile. Finally, long stylized side covers dynamically dress and hide the internal elements. One-piece, rappelling offroad, the seat is generous. On either side, the passenger will find two large grab handles incorporating four lugs for attaching straps. Nicely sheathed, the rear buckle fixes its tubular steel structures on a diamond frame of the same type.

The latter supports the new twin cylinder at four points, making it actively participate in the rigidity of the assembly. Common to the range already presented, its modern guts therefore share the same elements and characteristics. For some, the choices stem from the sporty CBR 600 RR. To reduce friction, engineers chose roller and piston rockers with grooved skirts, which more effectively trap the oil film. The 180 ° timing also requires a balance shaft to eliminate vibration. To optimize performance, the supply is via rectilinear air ducts and a partitioned air box, improving filling. And the general compactness of the crankcase is based on a crankshaft, primary and secondary shaft configuration, also borrowed from sports cars. With its bore / stroke ratio of 67 x 66.8 mm, the square boiler favors revs without downtime. Its 471 cm3 double camshaft and eight valves develop 46.9 hp (35 kW) at 8,500 rpm, the maximum values ​​authorized for A2 license holders. It is also the limit where the breaker intervenes. Remarkably finished, featuring two-tone plates, the unit rests in the massive aluminum and plastic case of its shoe. This presentation strengthens the machine, combining its aesthetics with strength and elegance. Characteristic shared by its unique chrome side silencer, at the dark end in which two-in-one collectors throw the burnt gases.

Attention to detail is found on the brake discs with "petal" frets. Mono-element both at the front and at the rear, the 320 mm of the first are clamped by a two-piston caliper, the second, 240 mm, by a single piston. Note that ABS comes standard for added safety and in anticipation of future standards requiring its presence. Less flattering, the massive hydraulic hose is conspicuous.

With an aesthetic shrouded in all-road references, the CB 500 X stands out from its sisters by a fork with a higher travel of 20 units, or 140 mm. With an unchanged diameter of 41 mm, its tubes devoid of adjustments plunge into satin black sheaths. Also more open than on the other models, the caster angle of 26.5 ° (+1) favors increased stability. The rear handset offers a simple preload adjustment in nine positions modulating the movements of a basic rectangular section swing arm. More qualitative, the 17-inch multi-spoke cast aluminum rims are dressed in Pirelli Scorpion Trail wraps of 120 and 160 mm.

In the saddle

On this point also the CB 500 X differs from the F and R. The seat, comfortable, culminates at 810 mm (+20) but, the machine being thin, does not affect its accessibility at least one meter seventy-five. In addition, the flexion of the legs is reduced, improving the comfort of older children. Likewise, its wide handlebars are higher but still fall under the hands without having to raise the arms. Handlebars, top yokes and saddles are also adorned with a flattering satin black coating.
Overhanging them, the counter unit is entirely digital and amber in color. It includes a tachometer, a segment tachometer, an odometer and including 2 partial, a watch as well as the fuel level. The average and instantaneous consumption will also be displayed successively, by pressing a button on the instrument panel. Finally, the switch incorporates the HISS (Honda Intelligent Security System) immobilizer and the right stalk features a large warning button.

The reality of an entry-level machine is remembered via the unsheathed fork shaft, leaving the inside of the fairings visible. Likewise, the levers are not adjustable in spacing. Sheathed rider and passenger footrests are also a featureless design. Mainly manufactured in Thailand, some parts of the CB 500 X admit production at controlled costs. However, the whole constitutes a particularly rewarding machine..

In the city

More subdued than its carburetor counterpart, the voice of the new unit nevertheless recalls certain accents in spite of standards having muffled typical vocalizations. At a standstill, the revs are much more lively, proving modern technology. Flexibility is also improving. Now more attractive, the parallel twin is smoother at low revs, improving urban evolutions. Voluntary, it energizes travel and, although less sparkling than the old block, remains alive. In addition, if the gearbox is a little dry, it remains precise and the reports lock perfectly..

In good Honda, the X also shows great qualities of balance at very low speed. In traffic, the small wading bird is placed with the eye and the tips of the gloves: a glance, a light pressure on its generous hanger…. the trail 500 takes you where you want. Finally, its contained weight (195 kg) and a very advantageous turning radius make it an ally of cities. But also fields.

Motorway and expressways

Delivering little vibration at legal speed, the twin-cylinder rotates wisely at 6,500 revolutions / minute, ready to show a little more aggressiveness. Without ostentation. Capable of peak at about 185 m / h, and at the breaker, the unit emits only moderate enthusiasm to seek these values. At this rate, the course does not suffer in any way but the machine remains sensitive to movements.

Returned to 130, we appreciate a geometry caring for the comfort of the pilot in the absence of protection to air flow. The small bubble, adjustable by means of tools, serves more style than efficiency, unless you tilt the bust excessively forward. The deflection is much better than on a roadster but far from optimal. On the other hand, legs and feet benefit from a superior treatment, appreciable in bad weather..
Equipped with correct general skills for these fast journeys, the CB 500 X will easily leave the wide endless tracks to its elder Crosstourer, preferring to slip on the secondary network..

Departmental

The road adventure can begin. The Honda boiler clearly prefers to be kept in the towers. Not very demonstrative under 5,000 rpm, it then shows more energy and becomes furious towards its maximum speed. For optimum efficiency, it will be maintained between 6 and 8,500 revolutions, thus benefiting from the maximum torque of 4.3 da.Nm at 7,000 revolutions / minute. Without being overwhelming, the raises are then sufficient to overcome moving obstacles in a short time or to exit a curve effectively. In the very tight shell, we will sometimes pest against a gearbox staging a long hair between the second and third report.

At a good pace, the Spanish turns set a tempo for the less rapid, punctuated by incessant changes of angle. The latter demonstrate a general flexibility of the suspensions. Not really damaging to handling, and only sensitive to incongruous gaits, this damping little braked and coupled with a large fork travel is detrimental to mass transfers. A certain latency is felt in tight turns approached at (too) high speed. Likewise, the machine dives clearly forward during sustained braking..

The advantage of this treatment is to show healthy behavior on all occasions. Pushed into these entrenchments, the CB 500 X is in no way disunited. Originally at the third notch, the preload, once reduced to seventh out of nine, somewhat limits the movements of the chassis. Progressive, enduring, the brakes hardly call for criticism. Their very decent power could be a little more marked on the greatest decelerations. Finally, the pneumatic mounting contributes to the agility of the machine and provides a satisfactory grip, easily accepting incursions out of bitumen..

Part-cycle

Rigid frame, specific geometry (upper wheelbase, caster angle), greater suspension travel…. the CB 500 X plays real pocket trails. Healthy for any occasion, the little adventurer could offer a fork that is a little less flexible.

Braking

The large single-disc front allows very good management of decelerations. On the angle, the grip of the lever neither straightens nor locks the direction. Only the hardest braking would require more power. ABS is only triggered when needed, front and rear. The latter is very present and effectively assists the clamp of the steering gear.

Comfort and duo

Welcoming, the CB 500 X is suitable for most sizes. The duo will be pleasant in comfort but less in dynamic performance. The reminders will then be timid and overtaking will require anticipation.

Practical aspects and accessories

No less than 17 items are already available. We will mention a high screen kit at 145 €, a set of handguards for 129 €, a 35 liter top box at 119 € and its package and plate holder support at 328 €.

Consumption

Announced at 3.7 L / 100 Km and close to the then record values ​​of the NC 700 X, the appetite of the 500 is very reduced. And its more demonstrative engine. The values ​​recorded during our test, carried out at speeds far removed from the protocols, gave 4.5 l on average. Barely a liter more than the theoretical minimum values…. Associated with an "adventurer" tank containing 1.6 liters more than the other CBs, the autonomy can thus be established, at best, over 450 km..

Conclusion

Endearing and easy, the CB 500 X combines the good points. Effective both in style and dynamics, the latest CB has a number of qualities capable of appealing to everyday bikers in search of versatility. Its comfortable geometry and increased element protection are its most obvious weapons. As economical as her sisters, she will be more pleasant in the face of everyday pangs..
With this urban adventurer opus, Honda is therefore likely to be full. Indeed, the NC 700 X ABS from the manufacturer of Hamamatsu won first place in sales, ahead of the roadster of the same range. It’s a safe bet that the 500 will do the same. Priced at € 5,990, it only asks for € 400 more than the F. But also less than € 600 than the 700, its probable best enemy. More fun, the half liter is also more pleasant to manage on a daily basis, and without the optional robotic box, equipping the block of the NC. However, the latter opposes him an integrated trunk and a higher torque. The fight will be tough.
In a higher range, the Kawasaki Versys 650 ABS opposes a finish and much superior dynamic capacities. Just like its price. At € 7,399, however, it remains the performance asset of the trail midsize segment..
Reasonable but efficient, affordable but rewarding, the CB 500 X is a machine that many bikers will take into consideration. Whether they are young drivers, back to the handlebars or even leaving their car in the garage for the week, this Honda is designed for them. Backpacker with multiple uses, it will ensure the right balance between pleasure and reason in their daily lives. With her, the adventure is at the end of the street.

Strong points

• Rewarding presentation
• ABS as standard
• Global finish
• Economic and living engine

Weak points

• Fork a soft hair
• Very small space under the saddle
• Readability of perfectible instruments

Competitors: Kawasaki Versys 650, Suzuki DL 650, Yamaha FZ6 Fazer

Honda CB 500 X technical sheet

Colors:

Pearl Himalayas White (White)
Candy Ruby Red (Red)
Graphite Black (Black)

User reactions and testimonials on the
motorcycle guide

See also the full test on the same basis of the Honda CB 500

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