 82Likes
 |
|
27 Jun 2015
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 3
|
|
I am beginning to think that this bike is really the most underrated machine in existence! Its weight, fuel economy, price and now with the RR kit... I am 99% sold on it as being my purchase.
I did get to sit on one the other day and was pleasantly surprised. It feels and looks really good in person. The pictures don't do the bike justice imho. I just need to book a test drive! 
Would love to hear from folks who have actually gone long distance on it, including any intrepid RTW adventurers, so to speak. I know that your out there busy enjoying your X's but if you can spare a moment, I'd be appreciative. Not least of all because the bike has been out for so many years now.
|
29 Jun 2015
|
 |
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,822
|
|
It probably IS underrated ... probably among ADV travelers who have off road travel in mind. The only weak area I see on the bike is it's lack of off road ability ... it's ability to take a hammering over 1000 miles of wash board, plowing through deep sand/silt or getting through Rock mine fields litered with Baby head rocks.
I figure if that sort of riding beats the shite out of my well set up DR650 (a bike SUBSTANTIALLY lighter weight and better handling off road than the Honda in question) ... then seems logical it may cause the Honda rider (and the bike) problems riding such conditions.
But for mostly ON ROAD travel, or easy dirt roads (not tracks) ... it would make a spectacular travel bike.
|
20 Jul 2015
|
 |
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,814
|
|
After 2 years thinking it over, just found a cheap CB-X.
Plan to give it some RRP treatment.
More here.
First fill up shows promise for long-range desert travels…
|
20 Jul 2015
|
|
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,822
|
|
Good looking kit!
I'd love to hear how the kitted up bike performs out on the road, fully loaded.
Looks like the kit gives more (much needed) ground clearance with 19" front and longer forks/custom triple clamp. 
But is it enough? With a lot of weight on the bike, after market fuel tank, all bash guards in place ... seems like it may get a bit on the heavy side?
But I'm sure for most travel it will be good if terrain not too severe. Love the mild mannered motor. Honda are one of the best producing such "go forever" motors.
My DR650 was weighed on a certified industrial scale with Panniers, Wolfman duffel, tools, bash guards and 5 US gallons of fuel on board.
430 lbs. (195 kgs.) No featherweight and only 50 MPG ... but still rideable off road in deep Baja sand and rocky tracks.
|
21 Jul 2015
|
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,814
|
|
Well the X weighs 197kg fully wet which is a lot - but feels much lighter compared to the previous 222kg Versys. Must be a lower CoG and less of everything.
Needs a bashplate of course (RRP = 3.4kg) and all the usual travel paraphernalia but not a bigger tank IMO (OE = 17.5 they say) unless that mpg was a total fluke.
I agree 200kg on the trail is a realistic limit for an all-road travel bike, but looks like JMo managed her 12,000-mile back-to-back Trans Am (non-camping?) which is my sort of riding.
Tyre choice and rider skill would come in to it.
Seen this on adv? A CBR500R (same motor as X) in a CRF250L frame! 165 wet. 500 motor is only 8 kilos heavier (40/48kg).
|
21 Jul 2015
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Back into the hamster wheel again, in Oslo - Norway. Did a 5 year RTW trip/250 k kms, 2014-2019
Posts: 1,478
|
|
|
Agree with Chris here about the gastank size. I rode the 500x to 100 mpg and I wasnt exactly lean on the throttle all the time. And that means you will get 550 km out of one tank. Lets say 500 km to be sure. That will do for most overland distances and riders, Not many bikes can beat that with OE tank....
__________________
In the end everything will be fine. If its not fine its not the end....
|
31 Jul 2015
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Birmingham on Sea - England
Posts: 208
|
|
|
Don't be fooled
See it as a road bike which is what it is. My mate has one and loves it however just because Honda give it a beak and list it as a 'trendy' adventure bike it is still a road bike with road tyres small wheels and low ground clearance. There is a lot of pretty plastic in there too.
Im not going to suggest alternatives because it may be the perfect RTW bike for you. As always it comes down to what suits your own personal criteria and the biggest thing on my personal list is you've simply gotta really like the bike
__________________
have fun with your helmet!
|
2 Aug 2015
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
|
|
There are a couple of pictures of the rally raid adaptation of this particular bike in the site linked below (which also has feedback from some other riders/owners of the CB500).
http://www.adventurebikerider.com/fo...it=10&start=20
As posted by "that postie".
__________________
Dave
|
2 Aug 2015
|
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,814
|
|
|
|
26 Aug 2015
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: California
Posts: 871
|
|
Howdy all... just checking in - been rather busy these past couple of months as Chris has alluded to ;o)
Any questions about the all-road and trail worthiness of the CB500X with the Rally-Raid kit fitted, please ask away - I've just finished riding one over 12,500 miles - including a 1000 mile Iron-Butt, the whole of the Trans-America Trail and a week on the rocks in Moab.
Honestly, this bike is epic.
The KLR is dead, and so is the Transalp ;o)
I'll also be posting up a copy of my detailed ride report here on the HUBB shortly - in the meantime, a few photos that hopefully illustrate what I mean:
photo. Kane Creek Canyon, Moab UT.
photo. The TAT east of Monticello UT.
photo. Dead Horse Gulch nr. Salida CO.
photo. Pikes Peak, CO.
photo. TAT in Oregon.
photo. Lockhart Basin, Moab UT.
photo. Top of the World trail, Moab UT.
photo. Top of the World trail, Moab UT.
photo. Mengal Pass, Death Valley CA.
More soon,
Jenny x
Last edited by JMo (& piglet); 10 Dec 2015 at 16:34.
|
28 Aug 2015
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Lutterworth,Midlands, UK
Posts: 576
|
|
|
seems like a great all rounder, I wonder how long before Honda realise and put the price up?
The MT07 engine seems like it would make a great basis for a modern day super tenere, lightweight skinny and capable.
|
28 Aug 2015
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: California
Posts: 871
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by stuxtttr
seems like a great all rounder, I wonder how long before Honda realise and put the price up?
The MT07 engine seems like it would make a great basis for a modern day super tenere, lightweight skinny and capable.
|
Hi Stu - yes I agree, I've always felt the XT660Z Tenere is the best off-the-shelf adventure bike out there, and with that 700cc twin cylinder engine it would be even better... and they really wouldn't/shouldn't change all that much to be honest - perhaps a simpler/lighter exhaust system and a slightly lower seat height?
As you are probably aware, I have/had a good deal of experience with the 660Z - having bought one of the first ones when it came out in 2008, and certainly the XT was very much one of our benchmark bikes (along with the BMW F700GS) we used when drawing up the specification for the CB500X Adventure kit.
Having just completed a very similar trip on the CB that I did with the XT back in 2008/09, I can honestly say the CB (with the Rally-Raid kit fitted of course) was just as capable if not moreso on the Trans-Am Trail... and appreciably less intimidating on the more gnarly trails in Moab - primarily due to it's lower seat height, lower centre of gravity and shorter wheelbase.
It also destroys big road miles in a way only a multi-cylinder bike can, and is an absolute hoot on the twisty backroads too - it really is that good!
Jenny x
|
29 Aug 2015
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Idaho
Posts: 163
|
|
|
what is the price of such a conversion?
|
29 Aug 2015
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: California
Posts: 871
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by yokesman
what is the price of such a conversion?
|
Hi Yokesman - Rally-Raid have a dedicated website for the bike here: cb500xadventure - that explains the various options available.
Basically the full Adventure kit with the spoked wheels (17" rear, 19" front) and front and rear TracTive suspension is the level 3 kit.
In simple terms, if you had two grand in your pocket, you could afford a Big Mac meal on your way home ;o)
Jx
PS. Ah, I see you are in Idaho - Rally-Raid actually have partnered with Giant Loop as their US distributor for the Honda kit and associated accessories (to save North America on individual shipping and import duty costs etc.) - more info here: http://giantloopmoto.com/reserve-you...adventure-kit/ I believe the price is around $2800 USD all in.
|
29 Aug 2015
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Lutterworth,Midlands, UK
Posts: 576
|
|
|
with good used examples costing around 4k that means you can have a very useful bike for around 6k.
For this price the supsension and added components are of far better quality than that offered by Yamaha on the tenere, bmw on the gs and triumph on the tiger, with the latter two bikes costing a great deal more to boot.
with the fuel economy etc I'd say your getting a damn good bike with a lot of the off road agility only offered by maybe KTM or CCM and yet a much better bike for soaking up the road miles.
I can't really see what a larger adventure bike would offer for RTW riding other than more weight, cost and speed (in reality how fast do you travel in countries where road safety and conditions are far more risky than in the UK)
Last edited by stuxtttr; 29 Aug 2015 at 13:02.
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 3 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 3 guests)
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
Similar Threads
|
| Thread |
Thread Starter |
Forum |
Replies |
Last Post |
|
Honda CB500 RTW?
|
scott_walker_1 |
Honda Tech |
7 |
16 Dec 2013 08:17 |
|
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.
"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™ 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!
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.
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.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Linear Mode
