All Tests – Honda CB500X test: escape at a friendly price – More road than trail

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Honda CB500X test: escape at a friendly price

All Tests - Honda CB500X test: escape at a friendly price - More road than trail

The Honda CB500X, the latest addition to the CB 500 series relaunched in 2013, is the family’s trail-road alternative: more versatile than the CB500F and CBR500R, its range of 490 km and its price make it a well below motorcycle. all reports. Test.

More road than trail

So, can we hit the road and investigate the terminals with this CB500X? The answer is yes, no problem! Just keep in mind that its small 471 cc engine will not offer as many amenities as the V4 of the VFR1200 in this type of exercise..

On the other hand, the courage and bird’s appetite of this small in-line twin engine give rise to the desire for escapes. Certainly, its 47 horses trot more than they gallop, but two stops at "the watering hole" are enough for them to cross France right through. !

On the handlebars of the CB500X, the exercise is all the more obvious as its aesthetically successful fork crown receives a bubble adjustable in two positions with an Allen key. At the top, the bust and head of a pilot measuring just over 1.80m are relatively preserved. The protection is far from equaling the astounding capabilities of the most recent maxi-trails, like the R1200GS or the Explorer, but it is enough to "auto-route" to 130 km / h without too much turbulence..

On the last report at this pace, the engine runs at 6000 rpm, the speed from which its revivals are the most energetic. By insisting, it is possible to take it to the breaker at 186 km / h: not bad for a motorcycle of less than 50 hp accessible to new A2 licenses !

In the winding, the CB500X demonstrates skills common to F and R: easy to handle, docile and intuitive, it does justice to the reputation of ease that almost all Honda motorcycles can boast..

The bust is installed straight, the legs are relatively unfolded and the gaze dominates the horizon fairly well as is often the case on a motorcycle equipped with long-travel suspensions. Except that here, the X does not owe its height to its rear suspension: if the fork has a greater travel, the same is not true for the mono-shock absorber, identical to that which equips the other two. CB500.

This detail goes unnoticed at a peaceful pace on well coated straight lines, but when the tempo increases and the relief varies between climbs and descents, strong compressions and "cups", the lack of spring travel and its softness quickly induce problems of ground clearance, especially since the footrests are located very low.

Same causes, same consequences when exiting curves, where rigor is lacking during energetic revivals on crumpled asphalt. The only solution available to counter these phenomena: increase the preload of the rear shock absorber..

Adjusted to the third stock mark, the bike becomes much healthier and better balanced once the setting is in position "6", even if the feeling of the original tires – Pirelli Scorpion Trail – sometimes leaves you hungry for more. information return…

Braking is for its part very effective and progressive, even if the ABS is still triggered a little early. The gearbox also attracts no criticism, thanks to a selection that is both discreet and precise.

Not very demonstrative but voluntary, the engine goes down to 1,500 rpm without knocking and willingly accepts entries in the red zone at 8,700 rpm. Its modest power also encourages it to keep it in the towers to benefit from correct raises..

Verdict: the A2 trail ?

As successful and successful as the F and R versions, the CB500X adds a nice touch of versatility for riders who plan to carve (a little) the road, as long as they don’t demand too much protection and toughen up a suspension. rear unworthy of its trail-road vocation.

Displayed at € 5,990 (same price as the CB500R and € 400 more than the CB500F), it is economically attractive with fuel consumption to match. On the other hand, its small difference with the Honda NC700X (excluding promotional prices, only 700 euros separate them) may serve it well..

Especially since its "cousin", also compatible with the requirements of, offers two additional practical arguments: a "tank-box" capable of containing a helmet and braking not only ABS, but also coupled from the rear to the ‘before.

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