I rode 25,000km on a CB500X from Kuala Lumpur to London passing through, Mynmar, India, Pakistan, Iran,Turkey. Problem? Nope ..just chain and tyre replacement. It's super reliable.
You had to replace a chain after only 15.5 thousand miles? Good grief...did you never stop to clean and lube the chain? I know that can be some rough terrain, but damn man. (scratches chin). That seems a little early to have to replace a chain unless that chain got absolutely pummeled by big rocks and eventually a linkage broke and ya didn't have the proper tools and a back up one ready to replace the broken linkage with. Beyond that, I honestly haven't much room to talk.
Another excellent real-world review of an affordable bike that appears capable of doing what the vast majority of ADV riders will actually do. Glad to see the mid-weight offerings broadening. Go Honda!
This is just what I needed, thank you. I will almost certainly never attempt such a difficult trail; but, it’s good to see this bike might take it on. Texas
Have always had a soft spot for this bike. Although I only commute out of the entire 500 range I'd have this bike. It's just so comfortable and so easy to ride, it can just chew up the miles!
Great, informative well thought out and put together review. I hadn't heard of the CBX until I watched this vid!! Since then have looked into it a bit and am seriously considering swapping my Tenere as I find it a bit tall and top heavy. For those out there who may be in the same frame of mind the Level 3 Rally Raid kit delivered to your door will set you back approx. $4000 Aussie. Ouch...but you can pick up a good low km used ( ie last years model ) CB for around 5 grand add the kit and still be under 10g's. So around the same as a good used Tenere or a high km F800. Definitely worth a look. Thanks MAD for putting it out there.
I had a Fantastic dirt bike the TTR600R a little big for deep gully trails but perfect for singletrack beside the main fire trails (Wattagan mountains Central Coast) my issue was I couldn't turn it around if I needed to bug out of a too steep knarley trail but I love your work I'd hate to drop that beauty on the rocks 😉
If I had a cb500, I'd be pleased. I'd prefer cb500x, because fits better for me and my purposes. Although, I understand anyone who prefer cb500f. Both are great and you can keep them forever! If I buy the x, I hope I'll keep it forever
When you jump over the log at 3 mins the kick stand is dropping down and touching the ground . you might want to upgrade the return spring. Love the videos.
GREAT review! After 7000+ miles of hard adventuring on the RRP CB500X in all sorts of conditions, I agree with all of David's points on this review. "A capable SUV"- yes, it's like a little jeep on the trail and can really get you out of a tight spot! I've never owned a more capable 'all rounder' Adventure bike...and I've tried 'em all! Juan Nevada City, Ca.
Hey Juan I actually found your videos on this first and bought a cb500x because of it. Just starting upgrades now. Kinda sucks Rally Raid doesn't have a U.S distributor anymore.
@@pbayers The engine is super smooth...no chug at lower speeds and it is way better on the road. I believe a saw a comparison video to the DR650 on CZcams. I have the CB500X and I can not find any issues with the bike. Would I race it in a cross country race? No...but I ride it on trails and dirt roads and it comfortably carries me at 75 mph on the highway with zero vibration. The DR 650 is a great bike but I think the CB500X with the Rally Raid suspension is better for what I do.
Hey I remember you from the Continental Drift vid you did way back! Glad to see you're still making videos! CD was inspiring and it seems like you have found yet another gem of a motorbike. Nice video.
Nice video Dave.( and the link to the hay river was awesome - good job. had the same weather when we went in fourbies a few years ago so good to see others coping it!!..ahh its all good yarn material ). Who would you recommend to do these mods here in Sydney?
How much are the cost of your transformation approximately ? From this experience would you rather had the honda or the ktm for your London to Sydney adventure travel ?
low seat height and good sump protection, a recipe that sells good. why all these taller seat heights to gain ground clearance?...anyway what's the seat height of the rally raid version ?
6 years ago I shipped my R1200GS from Singapore to Darwin, and rode some 6000 km to Perth. I do not believe at all I had any real advantage over the modified CB500X as a soloist. Except one thing: Two-up. I have since long a feeling that I should simplify my life - to get actually more.
I have exactly the same bike with RR upgrade, only difference is that you can ride the fucker properly. Outstanding video and every time I am told I don't have an adventure bike I send this link, thanks mate, I am subscribed
impressed with that cb500. would like to see the same with a yamaha TW200 (i own a TW 125cc and would really like to see how the TW200 performs in those roads conditions)
I know this might sound like a "Why would you bother?" question, but could the Adventure mods covered in the vid bolt straight to the CB500F? (roadster, non-faired version)
I know this video is extremely old. But today in 2021 if you had to choose between the Honda CB500x and the KTM 390ADV for a smaller ADV bike which would you choose? I find the bigger bikes, even the Tenere way to heavy, but now a lot to choose from that will be lighter off road and still heavy enough to handle a few longer freeway sections. Thanks for your thoughts.
I haven't had an offroad bike in a long time. But back in the day, lighter was better. Of course, we all had two strokes and they were just over 200 pounds. But even a 300 pound bike felt heavy off road. But I was trying to jump stuff too.
+T Cagri Erarslan That's why there was a great outcry for an adventure kit for the Cb500x. I wouldn't be surprised if this Cb500x (With RallyRaid Stage 3) is more popular than their new 1000cc africa bike
How did you find the ergos while standing. I have heard the position of the pegs results in a pretty uncomfortable standing position forcing you pretty far forward. Its my only hesitation about this bike.
Great to see our favourite bike stop at the start of this clip! Used to love riding up there from Hornsby for a coffee and to check out the bikes. Lovely staff too.
I nearly bought this bike until I saw the Kawasaki Versys mk3. I'd love to see you explore the potential for the Versys the same as you've done for the honda!
Thank you very much for the excellent reviews. A request if I could? Could you do a compare vid on the mid cc bikes? The xtz660, the kawi klr please? These bikes haven't changed much so you don't have to show the brand new ones..how they stack up to each other and the Honda would be very nice to know. Thank you.
I rode 25,000km on a CB500X from Kuala Lumpur to London passing through, Mynmar, India, Pakistan, Iran,Turkey. Problem? Nope ..just chain and tyre replacement. It's super reliable.
That is a cracking trip on a very reliable bullet proof bike.
That is awesome! Good on ya mate!
Nordinwan - did you ride on a stock bike with only the changes you mentioned or one of those upgreaded versions?
You had to replace a chain after only 15.5 thousand miles? Good grief...did you never stop to clean and lube the chain? I know that can be some rough terrain, but damn man. (scratches chin). That seems a little early to have to replace a chain unless that chain got absolutely pummeled by big rocks and eventually a linkage broke and ya didn't have the proper tools and a back up one ready to replace the broken linkage with. Beyond that, I honestly haven't much room to talk.
Fantastic trip,keep riding mate.Good on ya
Another excellent real-world review of an affordable bike that appears capable of doing what the vast majority of ADV riders will actually do. Glad to see the mid-weight offerings broadening. Go Honda!
Yeah it's a good one and potentially great with some mods. Can't wait until we get ours, which unfortunately is a couple of months away.
This was the video I’ve been looking for after reading everyones “opinion” on the CB500X’s off-road shortcomings!
Excellent!! 🎉
Glad it was helpful!
pretty impressive really. Its a shame honda does not produce this version of the cb500 from the factory.
This is just what I needed, thank you. I will almost certainly never attempt such a difficult trail; but, it’s good to see this bike might take it on. Texas
Glad it was helpful!
Your videos are so pleasant to watch and very professionally done.
put the CB500 series twin cyl engine on a CRF250L Frame! now that would be a serious middle weight adventure bike.
there is guy who did that. its crf500 look it up.
I'll drink to that
Have always had a soft spot for this bike. Although I only commute out of the entire 500 range I'd have this bike. It's just so comfortable and so easy to ride, it can just chew up the miles!
Amazing bike. I love the look of that forest you were riding through. Looks a great laugh!
I like the drone taking a shadow selfie at the end. Nice review thanks.
Thanks for this review. I want this bike badly!!
Great, informative well thought out and put together review. I hadn't heard of the CBX until I watched this vid!! Since then have looked into it a bit and am seriously considering swapping my Tenere as I find it a bit tall and top heavy. For those out there who may be in the same frame of mind the Level 3 Rally Raid kit delivered to your door will set you back approx. $4000 Aussie. Ouch...but you can pick up a good low km used ( ie last years model ) CB for around 5 grand add the kit and still be under 10g's. So around the same as a good used Tenere or a high km F800. Definitely worth a look. Thanks MAD for putting it out there.
I had a Fantastic dirt bike the TTR600R a little big for deep gully trails but perfect for singletrack beside the main fire trails (Wattagan mountains Central Coast) my issue was I couldn't turn it around if I needed to bug out of a too steep knarley trail but I love your work I'd hate to drop that beauty on the rocks 😉
Cracking video boys. Great bike all round. I'm about to do my 50,000km review. I was looking for inspiration and I found it.
I have a 2019 Honda cb500f she's a beast wouldn't trade her for the world😍
If I had a cb500, I'd be pleased. I'd prefer cb500x, because fits better for me and my purposes. Although, I understand anyone who prefer cb500f. Both are great and you can keep them forever! If I buy the x, I hope I'll keep it forever
I have honda stunner 125cc on 2009 & it's really pretty cool now 2018 I love my bike
I just picked up one of these. A 2014 model.
This is my 5th bike I've owned and I can honestly say it's the best bike I've had.
Great hear of riders loving their bikes
0:48 Joel's bridge! That roadworks equipment is STILL there!
When you jump over the log at 3 mins the kick stand is dropping down and touching the ground . you might want to upgrade the return spring.
Love the videos.
GREAT review!
After 7000+ miles of hard adventuring on the RRP CB500X in all sorts of conditions, I agree with all of David's points on this review.
"A capable SUV"- yes, it's like a little jeep on the trail and can really get you out of a tight spot!
I've never owned a more capable 'all rounder' Adventure bike...and I've tried 'em all!
Juan
Nevada City, Ca.
Hey Juan I actually found your videos on this first and bought a cb500x because of it. Just starting upgrades now. Kinda sucks Rally Raid doesn't have a U.S distributor anymore.
Are 400x and cb500x the same or different
You get a thumbs up for taking that bike down that gnarly trail. This is a cool bike, but I'd wager those modifications don't come cheap.
$2900
cagednm69 can you publish a list of the parts?
Yeah, for the price of the bike plus the upgrades I don't see what makes it better than riding a DR650
@@pbayers The engine is super smooth...no chug at lower speeds and it is way better on the road. I believe a saw a comparison video to the DR650 on CZcams. I have the CB500X and I can not find any issues with the bike. Would I race it in a cross country race? No...but I ride it on trails and dirt roads and it comfortably carries me at 75 mph on the highway with zero vibration. The DR 650 is a great bike but I think the CB500X with the Rally Raid suspension is better for what I do.
@@tobyn7649 thanks for the response! Thats interesting
What a lovely review!! A well composed video...thank you!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Hey I remember you from the Continental Drift vid you did way back! Glad to see you're still making videos! CD was inspiring and it seems like you have found yet another gem of a motorbike. Nice video.
There's a heap more adventure on this channel.
What a Dream bike setup 👍😊
This video just set in stone and sold me on my decision. This is what I am getting. Great video 👍!!
Good choice! a great little bike
just remember the mods ain't cheap if you need them
Good review, all tempting stuff seeing as I own a cb500x
Really nice review, sweet bike. Pretty interesting.
getting a 2020 model soon going to be making it similar to this for actual adventuring cant wait
very very sharp and nice video. Thank you for sharing.
Nice video Dave.( and the link to the hay river was awesome - good job. had the same weather when we went in fourbies a few years ago so good to see others coping it!!..ahh its all good yarn material ). Who would you recommend to do these mods here in Sydney?
Very good video, thanks. One question, just for offroad is it better this honda or the new bmw g310gs? thanks a lot.
Se aqui no Brasil tivesse o mesmo preço dae com serteza eu teria uma Honda é Show de bola top todos os lançamentos e está cb 500 linda lind👏👏👏👏
This vid has made up my mind. Thanks mate.
thank you
How much are the cost of your transformation approximately ? From this experience would you rather had the honda or the ktm for your London to Sydney adventure travel ?
How much is a full stage 3 kit delivered to Aus costing these days?
I’ve been looking at stock versions of these to commute to work and back due to fuel economy being very good
I'm about 173 cm and 78 kg , what touring bike would you recommend that has a nice light weight and not really tall seat height?
Wow. What an awesome all around review. Reaffirms my purchase once more 😃👍
Good choice!
I think the stock one, until 2019, ist nice for gravel roads. Nice to See that with some modifications it swapt into a real offroad bike.
thank you
It's impressive for sure.
Is there a Rally Raid or equivalent for the NC700X? Or is that bike just not worth trying on jeep trails?
Love the improvements. What's the smaller screen pls?
Is that upto 2 inches of travel or an extra 2 inches of travel for the rear shock ?
Amazing. This video shows why this new CB 500 X got a big big X. It's a real dual purpose bike.
I REALLY want one!
05:09 LOL! Nice video guys as usual!
low seat height and good sump protection, a recipe that sells good. why all these taller seat heights to gain ground clearance?...anyway what's the seat height of the rally raid version ?
hehe..MAD..tv I keep thinking back to the hyper skinny black UPS guy. Love those days...hilarious
6 years ago I shipped my R1200GS from Singapore to Darwin, and rode some 6000 km to Perth. I do not believe at all I had any real advantage over the modified CB500X as a soloist. Except one thing: Two-up. I have since long a feeling that I should simplify my life - to get actually more.
How much did you spend for all the rally raid parts?
So can you buy rally raid stuff in Australia?
nice little runner but would it pull nugget
Would this bike be suited for 6'4" 94kg riders ?
Could it cross the Simpson ?
This could be my upgrade bike in the near future. For 5'7" Seat height for me are just fine.
great bike great review, wouldnt mind one here in NZ
well done in every way!
Olá, uma pergunta rápida: este modelo é próprio para condutor com 1.93 cm ?
Great review!!
Thanks!
Can these products work on the 700x/750x?
What is The reference os those tires for off road??
Que legal gostei tanto que deu até vontade de ter uma assim.
I have exactly the same bike with RR upgrade, only difference is that you can ride the fucker properly. Outstanding video and every time I am told I don't have an adventure bike I send this link, thanks mate, I am subscribed
Thanks
so is all the work they did to the bike aftermarket?
Impressive! Could be my next ride! And it is a Honda.
impressed with that cb500.
would like to see the same with a yamaha TW200 (i own a TW 125cc and would really like to see how the TW200 performs in those roads conditions)
I know this might sound like a "Why would you bother?" question, but could the Adventure mods covered in the vid bolt straight to the CB500F? (roadster, non-faired version)
+MarxOutThere Some do
Honda...."the power of dreams"...great bikes for wonderful people...
gotta say... its not a demonstration of the 500, but your offroad riding prowess and even headedness!
Was für Räder sind drauf? Ich möchte mir auch Speichenräder drauf machen.
I know this video is extremely old. But today in 2021 if you had to choose between the Honda CB500x and the KTM 390ADV for a smaller ADV bike which would you choose? I find the bigger bikes, even the Tenere way to heavy, but now a lot to choose from that will be lighter off road and still heavy enough to handle a few longer freeway sections. Thanks for your thoughts.
390.
The pneu is with or less câmara ?
now i need a link or something for the adventure parts for this model... specially the rims.
Pretty flexible bike when you can do 100ks of single trail then commute home on the highway, let alone the Simpson trip it did!
+JoeJoe Moto Useful SUV. Competition for the V-Strom and for those that want a road oriented DR650
Brilliant review! Thinking of trying one as my next tour hack
I haven't had an offroad bike in a long time. But back in the day, lighter was better. Of course, we all had two strokes and they were just over 200 pounds. But even a 300 pound bike felt heavy off road. But I was trying to jump stuff too.
Good job !
Great video, that's off road riding at its finest!
Thanks! 👍
The cb500x along with the rally raid package is awesome but the rally raid price is very high
Great Bloke and great bike
Honda should be planning to use this bike's platform to create an Africa Twin Jr. :)
+T Cagri Erarslan That's why there was a great outcry for an adventure kit for the Cb500x. I wouldn't be surprised if this Cb500x (With RallyRaid Stage 3) is more popular than their new 1000cc africa bike
The Africa Twin Jr already exist. Is the crf 250l Rallye :)
It's a halfica twin
I saw someone call this bike “Madagascar twin”
How did you find the ergos while standing. I have heard the position of the pegs results in a pretty uncomfortable standing position forcing you pretty far forward. Its my only hesitation about this bike.
Definitely not. I thought it was good. I specifically talk about that issue when I'm seated on the bike. It's neutral.
Great to hear and thanks for the feedback!
Would this bike make a great replacement for an xr400? Thanks.
Nope.
Could you tell me wher can I get interior of the fork and wher can I find proper rear shock for my versys 300 x?
sorry no
thanks for such a great video ....can u tell me please if ABS is switchable to this model or on 2017 at least ?
No, it's nor
what about the ABS? was it disconnected with the Rally Raid kit?
ABSm left alone. There is comment 9n the video about that.
Hello,very nice bike ,have good ride!
👍from germany
Hey, thanks!
How much it coasts to buy this mods?
What's the price in Australia?
Great to see our favourite bike stop at the start of this clip! Used to love riding up there from Hornsby for a coffee and to check out the bikes. Lovely staff too.
Great Honda above all !
Terbaik & good .TQ...Honda......
I nearly bought this bike until I saw the Kawasaki Versys mk3. I'd love to see you explore the potential for the Versys the same as you've done for the honda!
It's already 217kg. They will only add to the weight with wire wheels and crash protection
good work
Great looking bike and I enjoyed the video!!!
50 frames per second? I'm not familiar with that. British thing?
+giff74 . In eu we use Pal. And Pal is and old standart 50 hertz. And ntsc was or is 60 hertz.
Although it is low on horsepower,still a decent acceleration and good fuel economy
Thank you very much for the excellent reviews. A request if I could? Could you do a compare vid on the mid cc bikes? The xtz660, the kawi klr please? These bikes haven't changed much so you don't have to show the brand new ones..how they stack up to each other and the Honda would be very nice to know. Thank you.
+Luc Laviolette Unfortunately, I don't have time. Net project is filming Chris Birch and then after that the mighty 2015 BMW1200 GS
+Motorcycle Adv Looking forward to see them!
amazing that you put it through that dirt XD
Yep and it did well
What bike will be the most fun and versatile, the cb500x, or the KTM 390 adv?
both good
Does it need valve adjustment? If so, at what mileage?
Have no idea
This motorcycle or Tenere for the slow off-road ? I am 176 cm tall.
It vibrates more then the Tenere ?
not a fair comparison.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV Same mass, 2 cylinders...
Thank you.