Has it really been 10 years already? Honda’s entry-level CB500X was first launched in 2013 and has transformed into an amalgamation of comfy commuter and willing adventure-tourer that continues on in 2023. Its latest transformation in 2022 included chassis updates (upgraded suspension and brakes, redesigned swingarm, etc.), so the 2023 version hits the market unchanged. Honda dropped the Black color so it now only comes in Pearl Organic Green. Price has increased by $100 to bring MSRP up to $7,299.
Editor’s note: We last tested the CB500X during the 2020 Honda CB500X MC Commute Review article and video.
The returning combination of a Showa 41mm SFF-BP fork and Pro-Link shock soak up pothole-riddled pavement or fire-road harshness and both provide more than 5 inches of travel. The shock offers nine-position spring preload adjustability.
Unsprung components include 19- and 17-inch (front/rear) cast aluminum wheels wrapped in “trail-pattern” tires with sure stopping power supplied by dual axial-mounted Nissin two-pot calipers and 296mm discs up front and single single-piston caliper with a 240mm disc out back. ABS is standard at both ends.
Honda’s tried-and-true 471cc liquid-cooled parallel twin has demonstrated its usable acceleration grunt in our MC Commute review. The mill carries on with its eight valves and dual-overhead camshaft layout and nearly square bore and stroke dimensions. It has an assist/slipper clutch and a six-speed gearbox.
Related: 2020 Honda CB500X MC Commute Review
A 4.7-gallon fuel tank lends itself well to chalking up miles between fill-ups, past testing found the CB-X averages 54.6 mpg. Electronic features include an LCD screen and LED lighting. A two-height adjustable windscreen deflects wind from the rider.
Availability is slated for February, so there’s only a short wait until the midsize adventure-tourer pops up on dealer floors.
Related: Best Beginner Motorcycles 2023
2023 Honda CB500X Technical Specifications and Price
| PRICE: | $7,299 |
|---|---|
| ENGINE: | 471cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled parallel twin; 4 valves/cyl. |
| BORE x STROKE: | 67.0 x 66.8mm |
| COMPRESSION RATIO: | 10.7:1 |
| FUEL DELIVERY: | Fuel injection w/ 34mm throttle bodies |
| CLUTCH: | Wet, multiplate slipper/assist |
| TRANSMISSION/FINAL DRIVE: | 6-speed/chain |
| MEASURE HORSEPOWER: | 42.25 hp @ 8,130 rpm (2020) |
| MEASURED TORQUE: | 29.25 lb.-ft. @ 6,500 rpm (2020) |
| FRAME: | Diamond-tube steel |
| FRONT SUSPENSION: | 41mm telescopic inverted Showa Separate Function Fork-Big Piston (SFF-BP) fork; 5.2 in. travel |
| REAR SUSPENSION: | Pro-Link single shock, adjustable for preload; 5.3 in. travel |
| FRONT BRAKE: | Dual 2-piston calipers, 296mm discs w/ ABS |
| REAR BRAKE: | 1-piston caliper, 240mm disc w/ ABS |
| WHEELS, FRONT/REAR: | Cast aluminum; 19 in./17 in. |
| TIRES, FRONT/REAR: | 110/80-19 / 160/60-17 |
| RAKE/TRAIL: | 27.5°/4.3 in. |
| WHEELBASE: | 56.8 in. |
| SEAT HEIGHT: | 32.8 in. |
| FUEL CAPACITY: | 4.7 gal. |
| CLAIMED WET WEIGHT: | 439 lb. |
| WARRANTY: | 1 year, unlimited-mileage, transferable |
| AVAILABLE: | February |
| CONTACT: | powersports.honda.com |
Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com