Consider the Honda CB500X a “light middleweight” adventurer that’s ready to serve as a city commuter on weekdays but then deliver actual off-road adventure on weekends. (American Honda/)

Ups

• Upright seating position with good wind protection
• Low seat height welcomes riders of all heights
• New dual-disc front brakes (with standard ABS) and upgraded fork

Downs

• Handlebar too low to comfortably accommodate standing off road
• Windscreen requires tools for height adjustment
• No provisions for fork adjustment

Verdict

When it comes to entry-level adventure-style motorcycles, the Honda CB500X is an amazing value at $7,199. The bike is more at home on the asphalt than the dirt, but is perfectly capable of tackling gravel roads too. For 2022, Honda upgraded the fork, braking system, and made a few other chassis-related improvements. Riders who want to give adventure riding a try for the first time or those just looking for a comfortable, upright, and all-around practical motorcycle should definitely check out the 500X.

For 2022, Honda upgraded the CB500X’s fork, braking system, and made a handful of chassis-related improvements, including new wheels and a redesigned swingarm. (American Honda/)

Overview

Honda has long taken on the responsibility of encouraging new riders into the sport, and the CB500 range of bikes is proof. This trio of machines includes the naked CB500F, fully faired CBR500R, and the adventure-styled 500X detailed here. An argument can quickly be formed that the CB500X is the most practical and versatile of the lot. With an upright seating position, tall and protective windscreen, dual 296mm disc brake setup up front (with standard ABS), adventure-oriented wheel sizes (19-inch front and 17-inch rear), dual-purpose-style tires, and a tractable parallel-twin engine, the “light middleweight” adventurer is ready to go wherever you want to travel.

Originally launched in 2013, the CB500X brought crossover adventure style to Honda’s fun-focused 500cc lineup. Driven by customer feedback, the CB500X has become more adventurous over time. A 2016 upgrade included a larger fuel tank and more wind protection via a taller screen. The bike also gained LED lighting, a spring-preload-adjustable fork and an adjustable brake lever.

Another evolution happened in 2019, with Honda updating the engine for increased torque and roll-on performance. The switch to a 19-inch front wheel (from a 17-incher) was a nod to the bike’s adventurous personality, while comfort features like a 20mm-taller windscreen and full-featured display were added to help the CB500X stand out in an ultracompetitive category.

If you’re looking to get your feet wet (or muddy?) in the world of adventure riding, are a newer rider, or a seasoned vet looking for an affordably priced choice, the CB500X is definitely worth consideration.

Updates for 2022

Having already gained recognition for its versatile performance, the CB500X receives modest but purposeful updates for 2022. Engine changes include revised fuel-injection settings and a lighter radiator, while the chassis benefits from the switch to an inverted Showa 41mm SFF-BP fork, dual Nissin radial-mount four-piston calipers biting 296mm rotors, lightweight wheels that feature thinner spokes, and a redesigned swingarm for improved rider comfort and handling performance. Compared to the previous model, claimed curb weight is 5 pounds lighter at 439 pounds, and weight bias also moves slightly forward for enhanced front-tire grip and feel. The front/rear weight bias percentage is 48.7/51.3 compared to the previous 48/52.

Styling updates are limited to just a larger front fender.

Pricing and Variants

Now that ABS is standard, there is only one version of the CB500X, which is available in one color scheme: Pearl Organic Green/Black for $7,199.

Competition

Although there are few 500cc twin-cylinder competitors, there are many similarly styled, entry-level ADV models that could be considered alongside the CB500X. The KTM 390 Adventure, Kawasaki Versys-X 300, Royal Enfield Himalayan, and BMW’s G 310 GS are a bit smaller in displacement, while the KTM 690 Enduro R, Yamaha Ténéré 700, and Suzuki V-Strom 650 sit on the other side of the spectrum with larger engines. Although visually similar but at the far end of the price and displacement scale—for those ready to jump into the deep end—there is Ducati’s Multistrada V2.

The previous year model’s conventional fork has been replaced with a Showa 41mm inverted Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) fork with 5.9 inches of cushion stroke, held by new upper and lower triple clamps. (American Honda/)

Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance

At the core of Honda’s CB500 range is a 471cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine with new fuel-injection settings targeting improved torque feel and character. Exhaust is expelled through twin pipes that lead to a low-mount muffler. Power is delivered to the rear wheel via a Slipper Assist Clutch (with a claimed 45 percent less lever effort than a traditional clutch), through a six-speed transmission to a chain final drive.

In our most recent test Cycle World described the engine performance as such: “The engine, although docile, was in no way lacking when it came to the spirited paces of Southern California’s busiest freeways. Its 42.45 hp at 8,130 rpm and 29.25 pound-feet at 6,500 rpm recorded during a fourth-gear pull on the CW in-house dyno are plenty for an adventure motorcycle meant to be friendly and usable.” Power delivery is predictable, making it easy to comfortably tackle gravel roads on fun adventures out of the city.

Handling

Lightweight and nimble, Honda designed the CB500X for easily navigating traffic, canyon roads, dirt trails, and everything in between. The suspension components on previous-generation CB500X models left riders wanting a little more, with Cycle World commenting, “On the pavement, the CB-X’s 41mm fork and single shock are soft and don’t allow for a planted feel in switchbacks—mid-turn bumps have the rear pogoing over those undulations, causing instability.” The changes for 2022 look to address those criticisms, and while test riders have yet to log miles on the platform, we’ll soon see if the 2022 model can match or beat the performance we experienced on the 2020 bike.

The 2022 CB500X’s dual 296mm petal-style rotors (versus single 310mm brake disc on the 2021 model) and axial-mounted Nissin two-piston calipers require less lever pressure when braking, while keeping any weight gain to a minimum. (American Honda/)

Brakes

On the previous model, we felt the braking was adequate with that bike’s single front disc/twin-piston-caliper setup. The addition of two slightly small-diameter (296 versus 310mm) discs with twin-piston calipers should in theory be a big improvement in performance and feel. Honda claims that the required lever pressure when braking has been reduced, and that the smaller disc size keeps any weight gain to a minimum.

The CB500X’s windscreen has two available height settings—56.9 inches and 55.5 inches—but requires tools to be adjusted. (American Honda/)

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Considering that very little if anything has changed with the engine itself, our last recorded average fuel economy on the 2020 model of 54.6 mpg is totally solid, and should work out to around 250 miles of total range.

Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility

More findings from the last test that should carry over to the new model pertain to rider comfort. “When cruising along at speed the windscreen serves its purpose in deflecting the wind, but you best be sure the placement is suitable before your journey because the two-height adjustability does require tools,” wrote the Cycle World test staff. Even still, it is nice to have options, and in this case you have two; the windscreen can be adjusted to 56.9-inch or 55.5-inch heights.

While we had no issue with flat-footing, riders with shorter inseams will be on their toes. Commuting to and from the office or around town is done in comfort; the ergonomics are upright with the tapered handlebar and central peg position. The width of the bar and low-slung weight allow for easy slow-speed maneuvering. Standing up on the pegs for dirt sections is moderately uncomfortable since the bars are just a tad low and back, causing the rider to bend more over the bars than preferred. Then again, the CB500X is more street-oriented than dirt-focused.

LCD instruments—set in a multi-surfaced and textured surrounding—give the affordable CB500X a premium look and feel. (American Honda/)

Electronics

There isn’t a lot of tech wizardry here, but you get standard ABS, LED lighting, and a fully digital instrument cluster featuring a gear position indicator and programmable shift-up light.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

A one-year transferable, unlimited-mileage limited warranty is standard, while an optional HondaCare Protection Plan is also available.

Quality

Despite the affordable price, this is still a Honda, and the Japanese company has an amazing reputation for high-quality fit and finish, and takes pride in the durability of its products.

2022 Honda CB500X Claimed Specifications

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com