Rain and Snow, Gravel and Mud: Honda CB500X Off Road Test Ride and First Impressions
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- čas přidán 6. 08. 2024
- The Honda CB500x is an entry-level adventure motorcycle that always seems to appear on lists of the best adventure bikes for beginners, but can this low cost, twin cylinder adventure motorcycle really hack it off road? Can you take the Honda CB500X off road into difficult conditions? In this video, we'll put the CB500X off road performance to the test on gravel roads, a muddy ATV trail, and through the rain and snow on a quest to determine just how well the Honda CB500 X does in the types of typical off road conditions that owners of a smaller displacement adventure bike are likely to get into.
This is not a full Honda CB500X off road review, rather this is an extended test ride and first impressions video where I take the bike through interesting terrain and see if it really has low quality performance to match its low price tag.
I'm pleased to report that the Honda CB500 X exceeded my expectations. I wasn't expecting greatness when taking the 500 X off road, but what I got was better than I thought even possible. Particularly impressive was the CB500X suspension, which was light years better than I thought it would be.
Watch the full 500X off road test to see me take this sweet little bike through the mud, snow, rain, and on miles of gravel roads.
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Chapters:
00:00 Honda CB500X Off Road Test Intro
02:08 CB500X Wet Forest Pavement Riding
05:15 Honda CB500X Hill Climb on Gravel Road
07:38 Honda CB500X Logging Roads Riding
09:20 Honda CB500X ATV Trail Riding
11:50 Honda CB500X Ride to Mountaintop
12:59 Honda CB500X in the Snow
15:46 Final Honda CB500X Off Road Impressions
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I have had my 2022 since may and I love it more than I thought I would. The first mod I ordered after the first ride was lowered wide off-road pegs (knight designs), so standing up is now perfect for me (I'm 5'7") without bar risers. I also installed a pyramid-plastics front fender extender, radiator guard and rear flap to protect the rear shock from mud and debris. I'd say the lower wide pegs and fender extender are a must. The suspension on the 2022 has been improved over previous years: Honda installed a spacer in the rear shock to make it more stiff, but the front forks are completely new upside down units and are a bit stiffer. I get between 75-80 mpg. I initially wanted a tenere but after sitting on one I realized I was too short and it was too top heavy. The benefit of the tubeless is huge (I grew up riding enduro and motocross bikes so have done my time changing tubes). The cast wheels are appropriate for the bike as any rough off-roading that would possibly break a wheel, well, one would not be taking this bike on that terrain anyways...
20:12 we bought two CB500X bikes in 2021. We’ve put Mitas E07 on front and back of both bikes, T-REX bash plates, heated grips and crash bars, added a 12volt plug, an AREO seat cover and flasher electronics in the brake harness, and added hwy lights to the crash bars with their own on/off switch, BarBuster hand guards and panniers as well. We love the bikes and their capabilities are just what we were looking for having come from 1700cc cruisers and living in Colorado.
A step down while enjoying a step up to different roads and riding styles.
We really love these bikes!!!!
What did you think of the tires? How did they do on wet pavement, mud, dirt, gravel?
Hello,
Since we live in Colorado these tires work very well as a set but, the front tire is kind of a pusher and a lighter knobby would be my preference. The tires are heavy and stick to the payment and corners very well. We’re not hard core riders on payment or dirt so I say they work very well and they are wearing (out) very slowly.
As a brand new rider that bought a 2020 as their first bike, I really appreciate this content. It's inspiring to see you ride it and it makes me feel confirmed that you are enjoying it. Even if you have complaints, I hear them as critiques. 👍 DotR
My 500X is so modified it kinda doesn't count anymore lol. As a platform, it is a cool place to start. Get some tires and a few guards and it'll do just fine. If you want to kit your ride out Rally Raid will completely change the feel of the machine.
Yup. Love my rally raid 500x
What a fun ride-along. I completely forgot we were reviewing a bike and just enjoyed the ride. Seems like a cool bike. Tell your brother thanks for the loaner!!!
I'd echo your comment.
The CB500x is the most underrated adv bike out there! Great vid!
Such a great video, really enjoyed it. I have a highly modified 1200X and your test route is what most adventure riders have access to.
What I love about your channel is, it’s all about real world riders. Great review..
Can't wait for more CB500X content! I'm shopping the new model and gear actually.
Thanks for sharing!
i have a cb 500x and everyday i feel confident to take it anywhere.Thanks for this video!
Ive done 14,000miles on my 2022 500x. I changed the tires, pegs, bash plate and rode it fully loaded from Scotland to Morocco and back. 100% agree with everything said in this video, except I'm 5'7" and dont need risers to stand. I love my bike!
Thanks for your review. I’m pretty sure I’m going to get one of these. I’m older and had a bike a long time ago and think this bike will suit me perfectly. Thanks again!
Wow! What an amazing video. Entertaining while being realistic and credible without boring with obvious tips and comments. I was seriously thinking to buy this bike before and your story gave me the last push. I've had several 50 cc adventure bikes since I was 14 living in the countryside. When I started to work in the '80 I bought and changed several bikes like Africa Twin, Suzuki Djebel and Yamaha XT 550. Over the last 10 years I had BMW 1150 ADV and then the monster 1200 GS LC ADV which I considered the "total bike" since a few months ago. But I'm wondering to choose a lighter life, including lighter toys and commitments. I don't need a 270 kg adv. bike because I'm not a globe trotter nor I'll be in the future. I wish to drive a light, simple but performing bike, whose weight must not exceed 200kgs and the Honda CB 500 X perfectly fits my needs, both rational and emotional. You know what? I had almost all the big brands bikes but never had a Honda. It's time to have one! Thanks for sharing your genuine emotions, a rare approach in a world of super expert drivers and video makers. really appreciated. I'll follow you for sure. Ciao, Mario
Hey thanks for watching and enjoy your new bike!
Thanks for that commentary about getting a bike suited to one's abilities. I always feel a need to apologize for my Himalayan, but I'm nowhere near outriding that bike's abilities. And it's really pretty good!
Best of luck cleaning up the 500x, friend!
Yeah the CB500x is better than most people give it credit for. Wife has a 2022 model with the new forks/brakes and it's great, got some new pegs, a rally raid skid plate and barkbusters. Gunna throw on some new tires soon.
Thanks so much, you have had me de-evaluate my first time purchase of an “adventure “ bike. At age 74 sold my street bike and have been looking at mid size adventure bikes, possibly the Transalp. After talking to a friend and watching this (I have no dirt riding experience) I am going to look at the CB500X. I think it is a much better place for me to start.
Thank you, I was very interested in getting this CB500X and thoughts on it for off road riding.
What a great video, let alone a review with common sence. Thanks'
Sweet. Just video I've been waiting for. I wouldn't have taken my vstrom 650 on the trail. Thanks for sharing .
Great review, After 40 years without riding a motorcycle, I bought my 500x in November 2021, in July 2022 I made my first and only trip (for the moment) alone and in a tent, from Los Angeles CA. to Prudho Bay AK. I drive on sunny days, with rain and with a little snow water. I didn't have any kind of problem in the 10,000 miles I did with my beautiful 500x. After telling you this, I think I can say that the 500x Honda is an ADV bike.
Great video keep up the good work im really liking the new green cb500x matches my honda Rincon 4 wheeler 😆
Nice video. It's mainly about the rider and reality. A regular rider can go a lot of places on the CBX and have a fabulous time. Some buy the best ADV and can barely ride to Starbucks to show it off. I love watching enduro pros on the Africa Twin and Tenere, they make me and my 250xc look like a beginner.
When I got my 500X, the first thing I did was get a set of Knight Design, LLC footpegs. They lower and move the pegs slightly forward and that makes a world of difference. They make the standing and sitting position so much more comfortable. I highly recommend them.
Love your content!
I have this same bike and just embraced it's on-road mannerisms. I put sport touring tires on it and it's a great bike for zipping around the neighborhood as well as long days in the saddle (once I replaced the seat with a more comfortable one). It also has huge range and just sips fuel. I have the large size Tusk panniers on mine and can still get over 60MPG on the highway and if not on the highway it gets in the 70's most of the time.
Had a 2015 and still miss that bike. Good video
I have a ‘15. Crash bars, bar riser and 15 tooth front sprocket. I’m 5’9”, 29” inseam, 275lbs without gear. I’ll take it on any road, but not single track stuff. I come from a cruiser and standard road bike background so I’m not very comfortable off road. Love it on low maintenance roads, surface streets and highways. I go on weekend trips regularly and it carry’s my and my gear at 80-90mph all day and let’s my splash on dirt roads as well as enjoy the twistys and interstate.
Nice review! I have similar experiences with my 2020 cb500x. Changed the stock tyres pretty quick to TKC80 front and TKC70 rocks rear, happy with them. Still not found a need to upgrade the suspension which is fine on the mountain trails around where I live - I am 177cm and 75kg. I rotated the handlebars slightly up and put on Knight Deseign lowered footpegs so standing and sitting are better - but my right heel is often on the exhaust, not a problem. Crash bars and skid pan from outback motortek (bomb proof!) plus kobra handguards have helped when I have dropped it. Extra lights from givi were a must for night riding. Nice powerband, it likes to be rev`d but also pulls surprisingly well on low rpm in uphill terrain. Be great to see a follow up on this vid :-)
I love riding in the snow. What an exciting challenge. I lived in McMinnville for a while and rode every day to work Rain,sun, and snow. That’s the right state for year round riding.
Im not sure I would be comfortable taking this bike on a multi-day BDR. I enjoy my KLR650 😊
I looked at one of these nc500's when I was getting back into riding. If I was a new rider it would have been a contender. But having a history of riding on and off road I bought a Africa twin. That being said I totally agree with you not to get a bike you have to grow into. Like your videos and keep doing what you do and most importantly have fun doing it.
I have a 2021cb500x. Had replaced the pegs for pivot pegs, got a skid plate, some protective guards and a little bit better tires. I ride it everywhere and I ride it fast. It is a surprising bike, so easy to ride. Wish it had more ground clearance.
I have a 2019 CB500x it’s my first bike. I weigh around 250 pounds and had problems with the suspension when I got into whooped out forest roads, I would water through the suspension at low speeds. I thought of it as a good road bike, but grew out of its capabilities fast I think I watched too many videos of people from Rally Raid doing amazing stuff and bought into it. I wish I would’ve got a dual sport first. I do think it’s a excellent first bike.
I feel like the fuel economy is also a huge point in the CB500x's favor in comparison to its competitors. If you're going to go adventuring, you may not be convenient to a fueling station. The more powerful alternatives have to sacrifice economy and weight (or lack thereof) for that power, which ironically makes them better suited to highway riding than off road where a bike that is easier to pick up and has a larger range is arguably a better option.
Great content, a helmet with a pin lock is a game changer when it comes to fogging up
I've been riding for 12 years. The 2022 CB500X is my first ADV, so I took my time studying all the options, and took advantage of all the self-teach ADV training via CZcams. You can learn a lot; although I wish we had a 2-day course nearby. But you can practice all the skills you mention by finding gravel and dirt places, start at low speed and work your way up. I'm 6' tall, added SW Motech EVO drop footpegs, and a 2" ROX riser, it is Perfect for standing, positioning, ""weightless" riding, etc. I can't say enough about how comfortable and capable this bike is; with the new (2022) inverted forks and stock shock in rear, I can confidently do gravel, trails, and more, but as you point out, better add some knobbies for real mud etc. This summer, I did 5000 miles of touring, about 300 of those miles would qualify as actual off-road. Dirt, gravel, fire break, ATV, single track, even down along the river bank. I was lucky because it was dry weather.. mostly. IS there anything the 500X can't do? Not sure I'd be doing that stuff anyway, and yes, I'm mostly riding tarmac and am super happy with the 500X for that. Next year, it's motor camping! Thanks for the review.
Good video review of the CB500X, and I agree 100% with your comments. I've owned my CB500X for 2.5 years, 14K miles, and it's exceeded my expectations. Terrific value for a $7K bike, the engine is awesome for moderate off-pavement riding. It's comfortable, I have done multiple 550 mile days on it on the pavement loaded with gear. The stock tires are definitely pavement-oriented, I recommend the Tractionator GPS to replace these for 50/50 riding. I added crash bars & skid plate for off-road and the bike does really well, it's easy to ride and lots of fun.
Here are reasons why I bought the CB500X rather than a KLR - More power & top speed, has 6 gears, better dash & electronics, better seat & comfort. Reasons why I bought the CB500X rather than a Yamaha T7 - Better dash, better seat and capability for passenger or gear, tubeless tires, $3K less even if you can find a T7, and I don't ride difficult enough off-road to need the T7 capability.
I've rode a couple of these and a rally raid one. The engine and gear box is a great pairing. The street fighter is also a great bike. Your suggestions...are spot on. The raid kit is a bit pricey and I'm sure parts can be sourced elsewhere✌
Saw the coffee mug
That’s really cool
Best wishes
Awesome review. This video might as well be made directly for me. I'm 5'10" 300lbs, and I've been looking to add an inexpensive ADV to my cruiser and naked sport bike. Something for commuting, light touring, and light off-roading. Specifically, I want to take it on the MABDR. (Yes, it's a BDR but it's like the warmup version) I was surprised about how you felt standing. I've only ridden the 2013, so a few changes since then, but I thought it was fairly comfortable a position, more so than a T7, at least for me. Agree on the pegs though. A nice off-road set with removable rubber inserts would be a great choice.
Awesome videos
Congrats on 60k🎉🎉🎉
I've got a rally raided cb500x and it's an incredible mid weight adv. It can do amazing things offroad, and ride comfortably home after. If you can find one used that's rally raided it's probably the best value ADV bike.
I live your channel!
definitely a very good nice first "adv" bike to start with I got the 2022 added engine guard and crash bars also radiator protection. I saw quite a few post people having rocks punch a hole in the radiator because the stock fender is not low enough to stop grime and rocks that are caught in the front tire (stock tires) from hitting the radiator. Wider side stand adaptor and the stock 12v. racks are a little limited for this bike which is unfortunate. In the other hand there is a ton of aftermarket out there for it
This is a bike I wouldn't mind owning. I've always wanted one. I own a Tw200 for the trails but something for longer trips and highway riding would be really nice.
If you want some great adv riding, Alsea Hwy just past Alsea by Hardin Covered bridge, another .5 mi down on the right. Go up through there. Can link back through Mary's Peak etc. Or Road 510 backside of Mary's out to Clickatat Lake. Great riding through Warehouser.
I happen to find one at a local dealer, a 22 in green. Never gave these bikes a serious thought. Been a diehard dual sport person for a long time. I threw my leg over and instantly liked the ergos and the way the bike felt.
I think this could be my “Goldilocks” bike, good power, range and just enough capability to go where I want to go.
Once life stops “taking over,” I’ll be getting me one.
Hey Scott! I’ve always been a diehard Harley guy. But I sold my ‘14 Slim and am in the market. I checked a ‘22 CB the other day and had the same thought - it may be just right. Trying to get one while the shop still has one in stock
Same here Scott. I already bought my 22 in green though :)
Scott. Life will always be taking over. Don’t wait too long.
Kudos to you for doing this on the stock tires. Switching to AX41 AdventureCross tires was the best thing I ever did to mine.
Yeah I may put some better tires on this thing before I give it back ;)
how do those tires do on paved roads? thanks!
@@kevink1214 they’re pretty great both on and off road. The only complaint I’ve seen about them is that they don’t last long because of how soft they are. I imagine a high hp/torque bike would eat through the rear pretty quick. As it is, even on the CB500X I only get about 5,000 kms out of the rear.
@@506motoadv thank you!
Great Excitebike intro.
Great review and video. Would this be a good bike for TAT?
I owned a 2014 with the off-road inferior 17” front. Amazingly capable in the dirt for what it is. Needs tires and protection, but that’s about it. With Rally Paid wheels and suspension it gives the T7 some serious competition for a couple thousand less.
Aaa end sideways in mud was how I “laid down” my KLR for the first time. Really soft fall. I was laughing so it was a good experience. Hopefully all my learning will be without injury or expensive breakage.😂
Great Video, again, like normal. But if your bored on a 250 you need rougher terrain!
wow, if you got all that done on stock tires then I can't wait to see what I can get up to on the set of Michelin Anakee Adventure tires that I just picked up for my 500x :)
Hello, just to say that I started with 500x after 15yr break from riding. I must say that bike is awesome as is. Light and nimble, cheap to run or fix (when dropped). Few things that I didn’t like is I have to shift gears too often on twisty, up/down mountain roads. Bike is not build to stand on. It’s uncomfortable to sit longer than 2h. It’s too small for 6ft5 240lb rider. Thus I bought Yamaha T7 and never looked back. Btw I live in the rainiest city in Europe, so riding in wet is out thing, combo of builders wet gear and ADV gear keeps you dry (ish)
I had a 14 which was a totally different bike. That one needed a lot of mods, which I did. I think the chassis and engine were great for off-roading. On that old bike, the suspension and tires were awful for off-road. Plus the 17" front was difficult before I swapped for a 19. On the new one, I'd probably just get a new shock and fork springs.
I have a riding buddy with a Rally Raid'ed CB500X. Way better off pavement than a 1200 ADV bike and way better on highway than a 300-650cc dualsport. Great happy medium. If you can only have to have one bike it is a great choice.
I'm an inexperienced rider with this motorcycle. I also hate the peg position for trying to stand on them and mostly just sit. Still on the stock tires I avoid mud and snow, but I've been trying some easy sand roads lately and that has been pretty fun. It definitely slides a bit in sand, but I think that might be normal.
I have one and it’s very capable but it leaves me wanting more power or less weight. It’s harder to pick up than you might think. The KLR is in the same realm but taller and better off road. My CB has the full Rally Raid treatment and it looks the business, but as long as you get a later model with the 19” front you should be fine. You may have trouble steering this one with the rear though.
Important is gravel roads and clay type road and hard ground pumpy cruse needles and some roots forrest trail capabilty.
Had a 2016 with knobbies for light trail use then switched it up for a 2017 full Rally Raid . The difference is night and day but it should have been with the wheel and suspension upgrade . It would be interesting if you could find a RR 500X just to hear what you thought after all the different bikes I have watched you ride . My 17 CB500X RR is probably competitive suspension / handling wise but with less ponies but enough to get the job done . It is possible lighter and shorter then most of the bikes you have ridden I guess . I would offer you mine but I live to far away . Seasons Greetings !
CB500X is a great bike. It needs some guards and good tires and can take you any place. I upgraded my bike with Rally Raid product and did MABDR with zero off-road experience. Then went for NEBDR.
I Did some reviews on the bike.
Nice video though.
Told you this bike was fun 🤘🏻
I rented one in Peru and toured on it for 2 weeks, great bike on the road, handled nicely, great inner city bike, but the engine suffered at extremely high altitudes. Off-road would rather have a KLR. The footpeg position was too far back, so I couldn't stand on it. I also test-rode a Heavy Rally Raid modified version and the peg position still didn't work for me. Revvy engine lacking low-end torque of the KLR, no wire wheels, etc.
Thanks for your input 😎
Thanks for the Jeremy McGrath reference to age some of us appropriately
😂
Love the video. The CB500X takes its design cues from the VFR 1200 Adventure X, not the Africa Twin. Its weird how reviewers never mention this. The CB was never going to become the Halfrica Twin. Search "2017 VFR Adventure" to see for yourself. Keep up the good work!
Great review , would you recommend this for the TAT for a newer rider ? 6’2 240 lbs
Love your videos! I'm sure you said, but what year is the one you're riding? I'm looking at a 2016 and saw another video by ride adventures saying that a 2019 has a 19'' front wheel and that is a great improvement for adventure riding. I would love to know your thoughts? Thanks!
No need to apologize for the route (in this and many other of your vids) I think it is fantastic, enjoy every corner and hill, every ride! As I recall your brother (Chad?) recently got his endorsement, how is he liking the CB500X?
He hasn't ridden much, unfortunately. I've put twice as many miles on this as he has 😂
A good set up was Carmichael high and pegs that move forward 3/4 and down. Then it's perfect
I am planning on buying my first ADV bike soon and I was wondering your thoughts about the Honda CB500X vs KTM 390 Adventure. I am 5’11 and 230lb. Use is to commute and during weekend’s at maximum what you did in this video. Appreciate your help and thank you for many amazing contents.
Do you want max capability (for a small ADV bike, anyway) or max reliability/ease of ownership. I'm always biased towards Hondas, but that's really the question you have to ask yourself. Otherwise they're pretty similar.
I've been looking at getting a bike and may this summer. My list now is cb500x, svartpilen 401, and scram 411. I think all these would have a good amount of power for a new rider and get me on a dirt road or two. Let me know what you all think.
Great review. I put 1,500 Mi on a new one but just sold it because want to get into more off-roading. I'm 70 years old 140 lb and ride alone my worry was picking it up if I dumped it and I came close a couple times with those street tires. It really loves the twisties about 4K all day long. Just getting back into it after 50 years. Started with the t-dub then the KLR that was too big for me so now I'm hoping the KLX 300 will be just right. Can only afford one bike. Live in Salt Lake. Would love to ride to the trails but might have to transport it with that small gas tank. What did you think of the KLX300? For someone like me?
Take a look at the Honda CRF 300
Honda fan myself but ride DR650 cause it cheap and fun.
Hoping that Rally Raid will offer a level 2 suspension upgrade for my 2022 CB500X soon. The stock suspension is better than any previous CB500X model year, but it's incremental rather than transformative. If Rally Raid is able to add a bit more clearance and provide a bit more suspension travel, as well as more tune-ability, then my CB500X will provide me with years of ADV fun.
Otherwise, as my off-roading skills improve, I will be hoping that Honda either morphs this bike into a Tuareg 660 clone or has a new model that does the same. The only shortcoming of the Tuareg 660 is that it's made by Aprilia!
Hoping you get a chance to do a new video on your brother's 2020 CB500X, once he gets some crash protection and better tires. Or maybe talk him into a Rally Raid upgrade :-)
Happy new year to all!!
curious how your Sedici gear performed, and if it kept you dry..and what model of gear was it .. thx!
Those gravel roads look exactly like the Talladega National Forest in Alabama.
tires make a huge difference on this bike. With the correct tires you can do 95% of the terrain an africa twin at maybe like 85% of the speed. I still strongly prefer riding my dr650 offroad, but I know the cb500 can do most of the same trails, just slower and more careful, but that's a great recommendation considering how economical this bike is, and can still cruise 130km/h. TIRES MAKE THE BIKE!
Long time offroader. What do you think 500 vs KLR 650 thinking of getting back in 74 yrs old
Enjoyed the video and info about the bike. What year is the bike?
This is a 2020.
I live in Stayton. Was the green trail in the Shotgun Creek OHV area?
"Small chance of rain" mountain weather forcasting at its finest.
So which do you like better 😏 the Cb500x or the Klr650 you had?
What tires do you think would be a good match for the CB500X? Maybe a 50/50 or 70/30... also I have the 2015 with the 17-inch front and rear.
Thanks
Ok you keep mentioning changing the tires out for some off road, so what would you recommend buying?
wow is the bike stock? No obvious off-road mods. Im so surprised you can take this bike through that terrain! Im a noob tho not really sure whats possible
what do u think of the versys 650? i know daily rider prefers it to the cb500x but its fuel econ is so much worse. i wanna do some long distance highway with some off roading to camp sites with all my camping gear and a passenger. would the cb500x be good enough for that kind of thing or should i go with the versys 650 and eat the extra cost. both passenger and rider weight with camping gear would be around 400lbs.
if anyone has other suggestions for adventure bikes suitable for this kind of stuff please let me know! thanks!
It's fun to ride and it's reasonably priced. That's really all you need to know if you're 95% of the riders on this earth.
I have less than 1K miles on my CB500X, but the smiles per miles on this bike are hard to beat. If you want to see the bike doing some offroad, check out Blancolirio's channel where he is running the BDR with a CB500X kitted up with the Rally Raid upgrades. :)
You compared the 500x to your previous bike…but what about the KLR?
I've been wanting to try one of these, but I'm 6'4" and looking to two-up with my 10 year old daughter, think it's too small?
Not sure if this is the new model or not, however there are supposed to be some design changes to the new one, to help with offroad capability.
Larger front wheel is one.
I absolutely love mine! I got him in June and put 14,000km on him this summer. He does everything I ask him too without complaining. Not excellent at any one thing but good at everything ❤🌈🏍
I live here in Costa Rica and I just bought one of these, tried to go up a gravely hill and it was not easy. I kept slipping and sliding and had to go slow both up and down, I mean stop and go 5kph slow. What am I doing wrong? It's such a heavy bike.
Imw beginning to think that tires are about 50 percent of a motorcycle's performance on inclement weather or terrain. The skill level is about thirty percent and the bike itself is roughly the remaining twenty percent.
The faster you go the more the skill level works into the equation however. In any terrain or type of weather.
I have been looking at the CB 500X and the Versys X 300. I have been able to sit on the Versys and it feels really good. I have not been able to do that with the CB yet because there are not any around here at the moment.
In your opinions how is the seat height on the CB compared to the Versys? Also, in your opinions what would be the positives and the negatives of each?
I am not a new rider but haven't had a bike in quite a few years.
Love the channel Dork, and look forward to the next video. Thanks
I did a test ride on the Versys 300 and the CB500X. Even though I have been a Kawasaki guy for many years with my street bikes, I preferred the CB500X over the Versys mainly based on the engine. The Versys has a very high-revving engine, redlines at 13K, while the CB500X makes it's power at lower rpms and an 8.5K redline. The Honda's torquey engine works much better for off-road riding. I've had my CB600X for 2.5 years and 14K miles, been very satisfied with it.
@@stevelarson4487 Thank you so much for the reply. Would you still feel the same if you mainly did mostly short highway stints to work and rarely any offroad adventures? I live in the Florida panhandle and there are not many trails locally. Love the adventure bikes and am looking for a daily rider to and from work. City streets and about a 10 mile interstate run each way. Thanks again. 👍
@@mikebradford7780 You would probably be happy with either one when using it as a commuter. However, I'd still recommend the CB500X over the Versys 300, those extra cc and horsepower make a difference when you are riding at highway speeds. Also, the engine will last longer when it's not running the high rpm's. As a commuter bike with more highway, maybe consider a Versys 650 which is also a really good bike, have you tried one of these?
@@stevelarson4487 I have not tried the 650. I am really wanting to stay at the 500cc mark or smaller. I have a shorter inseam and am getting older, I'm in my 50's now and don't want to deal with a high seat height or a lot of weight anymore 😬
I need to find a CB in my area to get a better idea about fit. Thank you again for the information. Have a great day.
@@mikebradford7780 I own a 2013 CB500X and I have sat on the Versys 300 but haven't ridden one. To me they were pretty similar bikes but I think the ground was a little easier to touch on the Honda. Of course the new 500X is about an inch taller so they are probably pretty close now. I agree with what was said though about the engine in the Kawasaki. It's a high revving sport bike engine. I'm sure it's great, and I had a friend who owned one who didn't like the high RPM but otherwise had no complaint. But the 500X has a very linear horsepower curve with a very flat torque curve. It's very streetable with no surprises and no difficulty keeping it in the power band as long as it's above 3500 - 4000 RPM. Mine does just as well at Deals Gap as it does at 90 mph on desert straightaways.
Can you revisit versys x300 versus 500x?
They have so many similarities, but then just a couple details that separate them. I have a way to get a pretty good deal on a x300 Right now, but I'm trying to see if it makes sense. Thanks.
I don't have enough experience on the X300 to make a decent comparison, but the extra 200ccs here are a huge advantage in my book.
That is my problem as well.
@@mikebradford7780 similar power and cost. My local Kaw dealer has some previously used MSF bikes that they are selling for about 3,000 less than retail. I'll take some scratches for that. I've also been digging around a little with the DR 650. Doesn't have the wind coverage the other two do, but that could be adjusted of course.
👍👍👍👍👍 Ye, but this one is 2020-2021 mod. How 'bout the 2022 - with upd forks.... ?
If the susp. on THIS bike wasn't trickled with, it did pretty well !! .... I've seen some who did updrade - better valves, springs, oil.... But how the LAST years 500X does - in the real world - on same kind of offroading - I don't think I've seen. ....What's his name - your friend - Ian - from BRM.... he tok it out, but he mostly BANGED it through, and althogh he did show, pretty well, the limitations of that bike, he didn't show, that you can ( if it is possible ) ENJOY it offroading.... So PLZ - if you can - find the LATEST version of this bike, and give us a REAL LIFE test - not like Ian ( toooo rough ), or from "super a pro" riders' angle..... Just like you've done in this video 😀 - to show if it is worthy of buying for moderate offroading, of simple amateurs.
I can only ride what I have access to. I don't get access to bikes from the manufacturers like some of my peers, sadly.
@@DorkintheRoad
Strange. U actually do test bikes, in a way that ORDINARY people could get a use of. The dealers, should ask u to test their bikes.... I've noticed - u don't cross the line of resonable riding, still giving the bikes a propper "shake", and u don't under use the bikes - not too careful.
If manufacturers want to sell MORE, the'd better let U test thei bikes ☝️🤨