Here is the next installment in my Honda demo truck mini reviews. This morning I took a ride on the 2018 CB500X. I don’t know why the Honda truck brought a 2018 and not the upgraded new model.
As I said, this is a mini review so I’ll just hit the high points. Most importantly, I just love this 471cc engine. Honda uses it in multiple models. I suggested to Honda in the post ride review, that they build a CRF style frame with some real suspension, slide this 500 engine in it, perhaps tune it for a little more bottom end, give it a little wind protection, and there’s your mid size Africa Twin! Totally forget about the raspy CRF450L engine (which isn’t a twin anyway); use this one!
The CB500 engine is smooth at any RPM; no mirror blur from idle to over 7000 RPM. One thing I’d change is that the CB500X is geared too low. It easily runs smoothly in sixth gear at 30 mph, and it’s busier than it needs to be on the highway. I think Honda wants it to feel energetic in any gear, but they underestimated the smooth bottom end that some riders might want to use for economy. If I bought one, I’d change the gearing right away.
Right out of the crate, the seat comfort and ergonomics fit me better than the NCX models. Wind management is not quite as good, as it was a little noisier around the helmet. The fuel is carried high, in the conventional position, so you can feel the fuel sloshing side to side when you come to a stop, and of course, the missing frunk is a big detractor.
If the 500X had been introduced before the NC700X, I might well have bought a 500. But overall, the NC has a slight edge over the 500 for the reasons I have a mid size bike, so I prefer the NC.
This afternoon’s Honda test ride will be two-up on a DCT Airbag GL1800 Tour. I might try the latest Africa Twin tomorrow.
As I said, this is a mini review so I’ll just hit the high points. Most importantly, I just love this 471cc engine. Honda uses it in multiple models. I suggested to Honda in the post ride review, that they build a CRF style frame with some real suspension, slide this 500 engine in it, perhaps tune it for a little more bottom end, give it a little wind protection, and there’s your mid size Africa Twin! Totally forget about the raspy CRF450L engine (which isn’t a twin anyway); use this one!
The CB500 engine is smooth at any RPM; no mirror blur from idle to over 7000 RPM. One thing I’d change is that the CB500X is geared too low. It easily runs smoothly in sixth gear at 30 mph, and it’s busier than it needs to be on the highway. I think Honda wants it to feel energetic in any gear, but they underestimated the smooth bottom end that some riders might want to use for economy. If I bought one, I’d change the gearing right away.
Right out of the crate, the seat comfort and ergonomics fit me better than the NCX models. Wind management is not quite as good, as it was a little noisier around the helmet. The fuel is carried high, in the conventional position, so you can feel the fuel sloshing side to side when you come to a stop, and of course, the missing frunk is a big detractor.
If the 500X had been introduced before the NC700X, I might well have bought a 500. But overall, the NC has a slight edge over the 500 for the reasons I have a mid size bike, so I prefer the NC.
This afternoon’s Honda test ride will be two-up on a DCT Airbag GL1800 Tour. I might try the latest Africa Twin tomorrow.
Last edited: