TEST: We rode the Honda CB500X!
We at MXMag like to swing our leg over anything with a slightly off-road flavor. For example, we received the brand new CB500X from Honda Belgium. We set out all day to put this sleek engine through its paces. On the menu were the off-road roads around Honda Park in Olmen and then we pulled hard on the throttle towards De Zoete Waters in Oud-Heverlee.
Honda announces the machine as a city bike that can also pull its string over longer distances and on an off-road road. The looks indeed reveal some Africa Twin DNA, but in a less raw form. The CB500X is one from Honda's line of Adventure models. The inspiration was taken from its bigger brother and therefore has a higher windshield and a few other attributes that suggest that the high-potter would like a clay court. Adjustable suspension front and rear, a slipper clutch and large disc brakes are nice gadgets that contribute to a safe and comfortable ride.
A first look at the CB500X raised our eyebrows. Where are those fat studded tires? A second later I realized that this is not a pure off-roader. And after the ride around the dirt track in Olmen, those tires turned out to be no issue. The Honda is an all-rounder but does not excel at anything. And that is not even meant negatively because you can easily chase this high-potter over any moderate terrain without getting into trouble. The bike steers very stable through loose sand and muddy areas without any anxious moments. The fantastic geometry of the frame has something to do with that, for sure! The engine runs nice and creamy due to the available speed and gives a lot of confidence from the first meters. The low seating position of 830 mm also gives women the opportunity to drive this motorcycle. The gear lever seemed to us to be a bit close to the footrest. But that actually only bothers you on technical off-road routes.
We did the ride to Oud-Heverlee on the highway and we immediately noticed that this 471cc twin is not a motorcycle for long, fast journeys. You are at a high speed when the lever is in the highest gear. It reveals what this motorcycle was made for: the city, an off-road track between two villages and long stretches on normal roads. Yes, avoid the highway and you will immediately notice the quality of this CB500X. Enjoy cruising without getting tired. There are quite a few conventional “Belgian” concrete tracks around the Zoete Waters and the engine managed to handle them with ease. The suspension is therefore perfectly calculated for this type of motorcycling. Blessed!
The location in Oud-heverlee exudes quite a bit of motocross history because the very first Belgian competition took place there in 1934. The organization was in the hands of Jacques Ickx, yes, the father of former F1 pilot Jacky. With that in mind we did a 50 meter section of motocross, but this was a little less digestible for this everyone's friend. Of course, he doesn't have to because that's not what Honda made this bike for. So do we with our motocross genes! The CB is available for many candidates because the two-cylinder engine does not overflow with power with its 47,5 hp. That's why we think this is an ideal entry-level motorcycle. The machine immediately gives so much confidence that everyone will feel at home with it.
It is also the machine for motorcyclists who like a tougher look without the brutal power of the more potent high-powered bikes. And it is the engine for those who want to have it both ways without going to extremes: on the road and off-road back roads. We do not doubt for a second the future success of this Japanese man on high legs. He has a lot to offer and can do just about anything. Its natural habitat is on national roads, moderate off-road tracks and urban jungle. Don't forget about the price.
Pros
- Creamy engine
- Slipper clutch
- Fantastic suspension for long journeys
- Low seat height, also for women
- Good wind protection
- Large tank for nice long cruising
- Perfect frame geometry
- Suitable for an A2 driving license
Cons
- Gear lever seems a bit short
- High speed at 120 km/h
Technical sheet
CO2 emissions (g/km) | 80 |
Cylinder capacity (cm3) | 471 cc |
engine type | Liquid-cooled 4-stroke, parallel twin |
Max power | 47 HP (35 kW) @ 8600 rpm |
Max. couple | 43 Nm @ 6500 rpm |
Start system | Electric |
ABS system | 2 channel ABS |
Brake for | Single 310 mm wave type disc with two-piston caliper |
Rear brakes | Single 240mm disc with single piston caliper |
Front suspension | 41 mm conventional telescopic fork with adjustable spring preload |
Rear suspension | Pro-Link monoshock with adjustable spring preload |
Tires front | 110/80R19M/C |
Rear tires | 160/60ZR-17M/C |
Front rims | Multi-spoke Aluminum |
Rear rims | Multi-spoke Aluminum |
Dimensions (L×W×H) (mm) | 2.155 x 825 x 1.410 mm |
frame type | Steel diamond type |
Tank capacity (liter) | 17,7 liters (incl. reserve) |
Fuel consumption | 28.6km / L |
Ground clearance (mm) | 180 mm |
Headlight | LED |
Curb weight (kg) | 197kg |
Seat height (mm) | 830 mm |
Link | Wet multi-plate coupling |
Final drive | Chain |
Number of gears | 6 gears |
Number of gears | 6 gears |
Instruments | Digital speedometer, Digital Bar tachometer, Dual trip meter, Digital fuel gauge and consumption indicator, Digital clock |
Tail light | LED |
Pricing
Belgium : €6.799
Netherlands: €7.799
More information about this model at Honda.be
Tekst: Danny Hermans
photo: 393 Productions, Honda
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