The adventure-ready 2019 CB500X has hit local Honda showrooms at an MLP of $7,999. The CB500X is a brilliant and affordable do anything motorcycle powered by a willing twin-cylinder engine that has received a host of updates for model year 2019.
2019 Honda CB500X
A completely revamped intake tract, new fuel-injection nozzles, improved cam timing and a new more precise crank sensor has realised torque gains in the 3000 to 7000rpm range of the 471cc DOHC, four-valve, parallel-twin engine.
2019 Honda CB500X
Power is tuned for strong low-end and precise throttle control, ideal for the needs of the rider who ventures where others turn back. The new slipper clutch makes downshifts smother, and lever pull is 45 per cent lighter.
2019 Honda CB500X
The front wheel is now a larger and more off-road ready 19inches, improving bump absorption while offering less deflection, along with more stability and steering confidence on the trails.
A new rear shock, increased suspension travel (front and rear), higher ground clearance and a new tapered handlebar all combine to make the 2019 CB500X a lot more ready for adventure than its predecessor.
2019 Honda CB500X – New 19in front wheel
The 2019 CB500Xs revised steering angle improves high-speed cruising yet also allows a tighter turning radius, adding more versatility to the types of riding it is ideal for – the daily commute, the weekend getaway or the off the beaten track adventure ride.
2019 Honda CB500X
The rear brake has been redesigned for improved control and ABS settings have been optimised. Rugged styling, a new multi-function LCD display with gear position and shift up indicators as well as a sportier exhaust note and upright adventure riding position accentuate this machine’s intentions.
2019 Honda CB500X
For more information visit the Honda Motorcycles Australia website:
Honda’s popular adventure cross-over option – the CB500X – for new and experienced riders alike receives an update for the new model year with a host of revisions and updates to further improve what is already a very appealing and affordable package. More grunt and a move to a new 19-inch front wheel along with improved longer travel suspension adds a bit more off-road credibility to the CB500X for 2019. The updated CB500X is expected to arrive in Australia early in the new year.
2019 Honda CB500X
The CB500X’s slips between the role of short hop commuter to weekend tourer thanks to long travel suspension, wide handlebars for leverage and an upright riding position offering both comfort and a wide field of view for the rider.
2016 saw the first CB500X upgrade as the machine received a larger fuel tank, more wind protection and a taller screen. It also gained LED lighting, spring preload adjustable front forks and an adjustable brake lever.
2019 Honda CB500X
Now 2019 sees an evolution for the CB500X, with new, more sophisticated adventure style, more engine performance and a number of chassis upgrades that ensure the CB500X remains a versatile machine with wide ranging abilities.
Styling now takes cues from the Africa Twin, complemented by longer travel suspension, a high specification single tube shock absorber, enhanced rider ergonomics and a 19-inch front wheel.
While the CB500X’s engine already maintains the 35kW peak output required for A2 licence holders (and Australia’s similar LAMS requirements), it now makes 4 per cent more power and torque between 3000-7000rpm, with revisions to the inlet, exhaust and valve timing.
2019 Honda CB500X
A new dual exit exhaust muffler also features an enhanced exhaust note and the engine now also features an assist/slipper clutch. New LCD instruments include a Shift Up and Gear Position indicator, and the indicators are LED to match the rest of the lighting.
2019 Honda CB500X highlights
New adventure styling
New tapered handlebars and more steering lock
Longer travel suspension and 19inch front wheel
New LCD instrument display, with Gear Position and Shift Up Indicators
LED indicators
Boosted twin-cylinder power & torque
Revised inlet, exhaust and valve timing
Sportier sound from new dual exit muffler
Assist/slipper clutch
Updated styling & chassis
The 2019 CB500X has been rerestyled with Honda’s development engineers extending the radiator shrouds and fairing to offer a less pronounced beak and more refined fairing profile. The fuel tank now also interlocks with the side covers for a better overall flow from nose to tail.
2019 Honda CB500X
Thanks to improved aerodynamic performance, the high pressure air flowing around the fairing and screen has been reduced, improving wind protection for the rider at highway speeds. The seat profile, too has been slimmed by shaving the shoulders at the front, allowing for easy movement around the machine, and aiding comfortable ground reach.
To help the CB500X’s manoeuvrability the steering angle has increased by 3-degrees and is now out to 38-degrees from centre to full lock.
2019 Honda CB500X
New LCD instruments – set in a multi surfaced and textured surround – now feature a Gear Position and shift-light indicator; this is set to a default 8750 rpm but can be adjusted in 250 rpm increments between 5000 and 8750 rpm. The tubular screen stay can also mount a GPS above the instruments.
The 35 mm diameter steel diamond tube mainframe is unchanged for 2019, proving light and strong, with a tuned degree of yield that gives plenty of feedback to the rider as road surfaces change. The shape and position of the engine mounts, plus the frame’s rigidity balance also help reduce vibration.
2019 Honda CB500X
Wheelbase is 1445 mm and rake and trail are set at 27.5-degrees and 108 mm respectively, aiming at giving nimble, yet confidence inspiring steering.
Mass centralisation, with the engine in close proximity to the swingarm pivot point, delivers turning agility and optimum front/rear weight distribution for stability. Kerb weight is 197 kg.
Seat height is 830 mm; overall dimensions are 2155 mm x 825 mm x 1410 mm, with 180 mm ground clearance.
The fuel tank holds 17.5L including reserve, and combined with the engine’s fuel economy of 27.8km/l (WMTC mode) gives a claimed touring range of 500 km.
2019 Honda CB500X – 830mm seat height with shaved down frontal seat area
The 41 mm preload adjustable telescopic forks feature an extra 10mm travel, up to 150mm; while rear wheel travel has been raised from 118m to 135mm and a new single tube rear shock absorber (as found on larger capacity sports bikes) replaces the double tube design of the previous model; its large diameter piston ensuring suspension response and temperature management.
The CB500X also now has nine-stage spring preload adjustment working through a rigid box section steel swingarm, which now features pressed steel chain adjustment end pieces. Final drive is via sealed 520 chain.
2019 Honda CB500X
The 17inch front wheel has been replaced with a 19inch which – along with the longer travel suspension – ensures confident, supremely stable handling on rough surfaces. The lightweight aluminium rim wears a 110/80R19 trail pattern tyre, the 17inch rear a 160/60R17 tyre. A single front 310mm wavepattern disc and twopiston brake caliper is matched to a 240mm rear disc and singlepiston caliper. ABS is fitted as standard.
The CB500X will be available in the following colour options: Grand Prix Red; Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic; Pearl Metalloid White.
Liquid-cooled LAMS parallel twin-cylinder engine
The CB500X’s eight-valve liquid cooled parallel twin cylinder layout offers a balance of compact size and willing, enjoyable power output, with an energetic, high revving character.
2019 Honda CB500X
Already strong off the bottom, the target for 2019 development was faster acceleration through a boost in low to mid-range power and torque in the 3000-7000rpm range; the 4% improvement coming via altered valve timing – with ‘close’ timing accelerated by 5° – and lift increased .3mm to 7.8mm.
Feeding the PGMFI fuel injection is now a more straight shot airflow through the airbox and throttle bodies. The battery has been repositioned further away (44.1mm versus 13.4mm) from the rear of the airbox intake duct to allow greater airflow. The exhaust muffler also now features dual exit pipes, adding a sportier sounding edge to each pulse. Peak power of 35kW arrives at 8,500rpm, with 43Nm torque delivered at 7,000rpm.
2019 Honda CB500X
Bore and stroke is set at 67mm x 66.8mm and compression ratio remains 10.7:1; the crankshaft pins are phased at 180° and a primary couple balancer sits behind the cylinders, close to the bike’s centre of gravity. The primary and balancer gears use scissor gears, reducing noise. The crank counterweight is specifically shaped for couple balance and its light weight allows the engine to spin freely, with reduced inertia.
Acting as a stressed member, the engine complements the frame’s rigidity with four frame hangers on the cylinder head. Internally the cylinder head uses roller rocker arms; shim-type acting as a stressed member, the engine complements the frame’s rigidity with four frame hangers on the cylinder head. Internally the cylinder head uses roller rocker arms; shimtype valve adjustment allows them to be light, for lower valvespring load and reduced friction.
2019 Honda CB500X
A silent (SV Chain) cam chain has the surface of its pins treated with Vanadium, reducing friction with increased protection against wear. Inlet valve diameter is 26mm with exhaust valve diameter of 21.5mm.
The piston shape is based upon those used in the CBR1000RR Fireblade to reduce piston ‘noise’ at high rpm. Friction is reduced by the addition of striations on the piston skirt (a finish that increases surface area, introducing gaps in which oil can flow for better lubrication). As with the CBR1000RR, an AB 1 salt bath process, used after isonite nitriding, forms a protective oxidisation membrane.
2019 Honda CB500X
The ‘triangle’ proportion of crankshaft, main shaft and countershaft is very similar to that of Honda’s four cylinder RR engines and much of the internal structure and engineering is taken directly from the CBR1000RR.
2019 Honda CB500X
The crankcase uses centrifugally cast thin walled sleeves; their internal design reduces the ‘pumping’ losses that can occur with a 180° phased firing order. Using the same internal relief structure as that of the CBR1000RR, the oil pump features improved aeration performance, with reduced friction; a deep sump reduces oil movement under hard cornering and braking. Oil capacity is 3.2L.
2019 Honda CB500X
A sixspeed gearbox mirrors that of its RR cousin and uses the same gear change arm structure and link mechanism. New for 2019 an assist/slipper clutch enables lighter upshifts and smooths out any hard downshifts.
2019 Honda CB500X Specifications
ENGINE
Type
Liquid cooled, parallel twin
Displacement
471cc
Bore and stroke
67mm x 66.8mm
Compression Ratio
10.7 : 1
Max. Power Output
35kW @ 8600rpm
Max. Torque
43Nm @ 6500rpm
Oil Capacity
3.2L
FUEL SYSTEM
Carburation
PGM FI
Fuel Tank Capacity
17.7L (inc reserve)
Fuel Consumption(WMTC)
27.8/litre
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery Capacity
12V 7.4AH
ACG Output
25A/2000rpm
DRIVETRAIN
Clutch Type
Wet multiplate
Transmission Type
6 speed
Final Drive
Chain
FRAME
Type
Steel diamond
CHASSIS
Dimensions (L´W´H)
2155mm x 825mm x 1410mm (Low screen) 1445mm (High screen)
Digital speedometer, digital bar graph tachometer, dual trip meters, digital fuel level gauge & fuel consumption gauge, digital clock, gear position indicator
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