Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Danielle Murdoch, riding to Uganda - Kenya border

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Danielle Murdoch,
riding to Uganda - Kenya border



Like Tree82Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 15 Jun 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire
Posts: 26
Honda CB500X - Serious consideration for a RTW machine?

Morning All

I was wondering what the audience of this forum thought about Honda's recent "Range" of CB500 machines. In particular the CB500X (The adventure styled version).

As an owner of an original CB500, I was interested to find out about these new vehicles and from what I have seen and read, they seem pretty impressive considering that they are only £5,000 brand new.

Would anyone consider taking one of these around the world? I have had a decent offer for my current CB500 (Which I was planning to do the trip on) so may "Upgrade" to one of the new CB500X's. I am aware it isn't a GS, or KTM adventure, but neither will it be for less than half the price and I think this could provide a real option for those of us who do not have £10,000+ handy and biceps the size of the world's strongest man to lift them!!!

Here are a couple of links for those who have not yet seen this particular bike:

CB500X | Adventure | Motorcycles | Honda (UK)
2013 CB500X Innovations - Honda Powersports

I would be interested in any views, thoughts and opinions.

Kind Regards

Scott
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 15 Jun 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 266
Your right about the price. Seems like good value and the options for round the world viable machines 500cc and below are not that good generally in my opinion.
And its a Honda!

No doubt we will pay double for it in Australia!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 15 Jun 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 1,731
I'm almost certain someone will take the 500X round the world soon enough. Cheap purchase price is a very big plus. That said (and I haven't ridden it yet) it appears to be fully biased towards paved roads, still an unknown, how well it would handle some more rough stuff. And it's not particularly light.

After I rode the NC700X I thought it's a nice bike in many ways, but I'll keep my V-Strom, especially for 2-up touring, it just felt more like a bike for riding solo. This one at least appears a bit similar.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 15 Jun 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 73
Substantially lighter than the Transalp, be about as good as any other middleweight.
Folks have done RTW on CT110s and R1s, this should go anywhere an R1 will go.

I'd cross shop the Vstrom and Versys.

Also check tire choices if you want something less street focused. Finding suitable replacements in other countries could be a problem.

I'd also consider setting up a CRF250L if you are staying away from freeways and want a current Honda.



Sent from my Android chinaphone, please excuse the spelling
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 15 Jun 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
I'm watching them as potential WeeStrom replacements in 18 months or so. I'm afraid the badge only brings back memories of Tippetts of Surbiton ripping me off on CB100N parts, so not a reason for me to buy but the spec looks right.

Andy
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 15 Jun 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: BC, sometimes
Posts: 578
I agree it would be a great contender:
- nice mid-size engine, good power and great economy; fine for one up
- excellent fuel economy
- tubeless tyres
- simple engine with FI
- good ergonomics
- ABS

The hardcore off roaders won't like it but for most RTWers who go one up, it should be up there for consideration IMHO.

V-strom 650 is a better bike - more power and better fuel economy and is tried and tested but also costs about 50% more.....
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 15 Jun 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by pecha72 View Post
After I rode the NC700X I thought it's a nice bike in many ways, but I'll keep my V-Strom, especially for 2-up touring, it just felt more like a bike for riding solo. This one at least appears a bit similar.
Sometimes, like now, it is hard to see where Honda are going with their range of bikes, and their marketing.
At the UK bike show, last November, this bike was squarely advertised for new riders (the "A2" licence holder, which I believe is a Europe wide qualification) yet it is very similar, not least in looks, to the NC700X, even down to the pricing.
But, 500cc or 700cc in capacity - there has to be a different riding experience in there, in some way or another?

It's a decent sized fuel tank at 17.2L though and it is in more or less the same price bracket as the BMW G650GS single cyl.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 16 Jun 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
Sorry, OT post:

UK bike marketing is run by 50-year olds who back in the day wouldn't buy a Fireblade until they made it over a litre. They like to think of everyone buying a new bike every year three years in the order 125, 600 sports, 1000 sports, 1000 sports tourer, 1500 cruiser, 1800 mega tourer with possibly a 600 tourer for the little woman and a few twist and goes for the kids along the way. The off years should be filled with buying jackets and colour matched bits that can be binned when yo sell the bike.

Muppets

Andy
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 16 Jun 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire
Posts: 26
Quote:
Originally Posted by pecha72 View Post
I'm almost certain someone will take the 500X round the world soon enough. Cheap purchase price is a very big plus. That said (and I haven't ridden it yet) it appears to be fully biased towards paved roads, still an unknown, how well it would handle some more rough stuff. And it's not particularly light.

After I rode the NC700X I thought it's a nice bike in many ways, but I'll keep my V-Strom, especially for 2-up touring, it just felt more like a bike for riding solo. This one at least appears a bit similar.
Hi pecha72

The purchase price certainly is a big (Well small!) selling point! It is a little biased towards paved roads as standard I agree, but there are quite a few optional accessories (http://www.honda.co.uk/motorcycles/_...ory/CB500X.pdf) that would transform it into a more off road capable machine. It will never be a true "off-roader" but should eat up the roads (Whether they are in a good state or bad) and will perform off-road when required.

As for two up, yes that will probably be pushing it, but riding 1 up with kit and equipment shouldn't be a problem.

Scott
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 16 Jun 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire
Posts: 26
Quote:
Originally Posted by docsherlock View Post
I agree it would be a great contender:
- nice mid-size engine, good power and great economy; fine for one up
- excellent fuel economy
- tubeless tyres
- simple engine with FI
- good ergonomics
- ABS

The hardcore off roaders won't like it but for most RTWers who go one up, it should be up there for consideration IMHO.

V-strom 650 is a better bike - more power and better fuel economy and is tried and tested but also costs about 50% more.....
Hi docsherlock

I am interested to hear why you think the V Storm is a "Better" bike. I wont argue the fact that the V Storm isn't a good bike, it is! But why better? The fuel economy (According to Honda at least) of the CB500X is actually far superior at 79.5mpg than the V Storm at ~55mpg. This would give a projected 300 mile tank range!

The V Storm does have more power 68bhp compared to the CB500X's 47bhp (A2 license limit). But the CB500X is lighter at 195kg compared to 215kg. Swings and roundabouts?

I guess my real question (Which will be individual to all riders I assume) is... What makes a "Better" bike.

Scott
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 16 Jun 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire
Posts: 26
Quote:
Originally Posted by tigershel View Post
Substantially lighter than the Transalp, be about as good as any other middleweight.
Folks have done RTW on CT110s and R1s, this should go anywhere an R1 will go.

I'd cross shop the Vstrom and Versys.

Also check tire choices if you want something less street focused. Finding suitable replacements in other countries could be a problem.

I'd also consider setting up a CRF250L if you are staying away from freeways and want a current Honda.



Sent from my Android chinaphone, please excuse the spelling
Hi tigershel

Do you have any suggestions for good off rod tyres matching these specifications?

Front:120/70-17 radial
Rear: 160/60-17 radial

I have spotted these "Continental TKC 80 Twinduro" but have had no previous experience with them.

Thanks

Scott
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 16 Jun 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire
Posts: 26
Quote:
Originally Posted by Threewheelbonnie View Post
Sorry, OT post:

UK bike marketing is run by 50-year olds who back in the day wouldn't buy a Fireblade until they made it over a litre. They like to think of everyone buying a new bike every year three years in the order 125, 600 sports, 1000 sports, 1000 sports tourer, 1500 cruiser, 1800 mega tourer with possibly a 600 tourer for the little woman and a few twist and goes for the kids along the way. The off years should be filled with buying jackets and colour matched bits that can be binned when yo sell the bike.

Muppets

Andy
Threewheelbonnie

Has the previous OT email worked its cathartic charm? I happen to agree with you entirely about the UK marketing of motorcycles. When I tell salesmen that I am only considering a 500 or 650cc machine through personal choice, their expression is like, why? We have much bigger (And therefore better?) bikes in the showroom! Ummm, sorry, but it doesn't work like that!

Anyhow, what is your view on the CB500X? I arranged a test ride this weekend, but it got cancelled as someone on a test ride before hand dropped it!

Scott
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 16 Jun 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire
Posts: 26
Quote:
Originally Posted by Walkabout View Post
Sometimes, like now, it is hard to see where Honda are going with their range of bikes, and their marketing.
At the UK bike show, last November, this bike was squarely advertised for new riders (the "A2" licence holder, which I believe is a Europe wide qualification) yet it is very similar, not least in looks, to the NC700X, even down to the pricing.
But, 500cc or 700cc in capacity - there has to be a different riding experience in there, in some way or another?

It's a decent sized fuel tank at 17.2L though and it is in more or less the same price bracket as the BMW G650GS single cyl.
Hi Walkabout

Good point, it is hard to see where Honda are trying to take this set of machines. With regards to the BMW comparison, that bike in the UK brand new is ~ £6,195.00 OTR, before any optional extras which immediately makes it £1250 more expensive.

Whether the BMW is worth that additional cost is another question though!

Scott
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 16 Jun 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by scott_walker_1 View Post
Hi Walkabout

Good point, it is hard to see where Honda are trying to take this set of machines. With regards to the BMW comparison, that bike in the UK brand new is ~ £6,195.00 OTR, before any optional extras which immediately makes it £1250 more expensive.

Whether the BMW is worth that additional cost is another question though!

Scott
Not really a comparison with the small GS - more a comment about the single cyl Vs twin consideration (lots of people like a single for it's simplicity, but, nowadays, Honda don't have one in the 600/650cc category).

Honda were making a big deal of the A2 licence at the last UK bike show; their whole stand was full of it. I guess that is a key difference for them in differentiating the 500 from their 700.

As for the dealers; sure they will want to sell a fireblade rather than a 500/700 any day of the week.

In the meantime, the GS list price has risen a tad, or my memory is failing (I had it in mind as retailing at about 5.5K which is what the F650GS single cost back in 2005 by the way).

ps There is one common factor between the singles and this particular twin - in the fuel economy that you mentioned earlier.
__________________
Dave

Last edited by Walkabout; 16 Jun 2013 at 16:20. Reason: ps added
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 16 Jun 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
My 2012 Weestrom (DL650X) is averaging 65 mpg with a confirmed high of 77 (next tank did 67, so it wasn't a bad reading). The Glee (Gladius engine) is supposed to be fractionally more efficient. I'm riding a mixture of motorway commutes restricted to 50-55 by tax cameras and UK/West European back roads. Tank range is practically about 280 as while the theory says 320 the flashing light joins the voices in your head and you go fill up with 18 litres not the full 22. I have nailed it half the length of the M62, fully loaded at illegal speeds and still couldn't get it to drop below 60 to the gallon. People getting 55 mpg aren't changing up soon enough IMHO.

I had a carbed F650 single and could get high 60's to low 80's mpg out of it. On the one tank BMW let me put through an F800 I got 76 mpg. Maybe I'm just a tight Yorkshireman but I wouldn't let the numbers put you off either way. All the modern 5-800's are way better than the 30-40 figures people are still reporting from 1000cc Vee's and the like.

47 HP is perfectly sufficient for two up and luggage. You only need the Wee's 67 for lazy gearchanges and breaking the speed limits. Having the option to autobahn cruise maybe does make the Wee/Glee superior? Wouldn't be a feature I'd really look for though.

TCK80's are decent all purpose rubber if memory serves. I last used them in about 2003-4 though.

Pity your ride got cancelled, I think this bike is a contender and wanted to hear how it went.

Andy
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
budget, cb500, cb500x, honda, rtw


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Honda CB500 RTW? scott_walker_1 Honda Tech 7 16 Dec 2013 08:17

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 05:29.