Admin Posted November 23, 2021 Posted November 23, 2021 2021 Honda CB500X. (Honda/) Ups Passable off-road chops Low price Economical, versatile engine Downs Bit on the heavy side Kickstand a little too short Adjustable windshield needs tools Verdict If hulking, 1,200cc-plus, techno-blinding, $18K-plus starship ADVs aren’t your thing, and you want a little bit of adventure in your diet for less than $7,000, the Honda CB500X is worth a serious look. 2021 Honda CB500X. (Honda/) Overview Debuting in 2013, the CB500X originally was intended as an economical midsize commuter bike with adventure styling. But as the adventure-bike market continued to expand in popularity, motorcycle manufacturers saw demand for bikes in this category that weren’t so intimidatingly huge in size, engine displacement, and most of all, cost. So in 2019, Honda upped the off-road ante in the CB500X, adding a 19-inch front wheel, tires with a bit more off-road intent, longer-travel suspension, a taller windscreen, and other bits to make it more appealing to this segment. Updates for 2021 For 2021, the non-ABS version of the CB500X has been dropped, with only the ABS version available. The only available colorway is Matte Black Metallic. Pricing and Variants The 2021 Honda CB500X retails for $6,999. Numerous accessories are available from Honda, including heated grips, 12V accessory socket, light bar, and keyed/removable hard bags. Competition Competitors for the Honda CB500X include the KTM 390 Adventure, Kawasaki Versys-X 300, BMW G 310 GS, and Suzuki V-Strom 650/650 XT. Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance The 471cc DOHC parallel-twin engine is a willing partner, both on and off-road. “It’s the engine’s loping character that’s most appreciated,” remarked CW’s testers in this CB500X and Kawasaki Versys-X 300 comparison test, adding, “It’s happy to lug along in the dirt with plenty of low-end torque or trot along the highway at a few thousand rpm, all the while netting at least 50 mpg.” The transmission action is smooth, with CW’s Serena Bleeker noting, “Clutch pull is light and modulation is easy thanks to the slipper/assist function,” in her First Ride Review of the 2020 model. On the CW in-house dyno, the 2020 CB500X cranked out 42.45 hp at 8,130 rpm and 29.25 pound-feet at 6,500 rpm. 2021 Honda CB500X. (Honda/) Handling The CB500X’s 41mm conventional nonadjustable front fork and single rear shock (only adjustable for spring preload) have damping and spring rates that are fairly firm for the off-road spectrum, and they handle that area adequately, absorbing bigger hits without bottoming harshly. The 19-inch front wheel rolls over bumps better, but also makes on-road handling just a tad slower. The ADV-style tires also compromise on-road handling and grip a bit. Brakes A single 310mm disc and two-piston slide-pin caliper up front works with a 240mm disc/single-piston slide-pin caliper out back to provide good stopping power that lacks aggressive initial bite, which is probably a good thing for less-experienced riders in the dirt. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG In CW’s test of a 2020 model CB500X, it recorded an impressive 54.6 mpg, equating to roughly 250 miles per 4.6-gallon tankful. Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility The CB500X’s ergos are fairly comfortable for even taller riders, in both sitting and standing positions, and the adjustable windscreen (requires tools to adjust, however) does a good job of redirecting windblast away from the rider. The single-piece seat provides adequate passenger accommodations as well. Electronics Other than ABS, the CB500X is devoid of electronic rider aids. A plus is that the lighting is all LED. Warranty and Maintenance Coverage The CB500X comes with Honda’s standard one-year/unlimited mileage warranty. Extended coverage is available through HondaCare Protection Plan. Quality Build quality on the CB500X is basically like any Honda: excellent. The overall fit and finish of the bike has a quality feel, and everything works as intended. 2021 Honda CB500X Claimed Specifications MSRP: $6,999 Engine: 471cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled parallel twin; 8 valves Bore x Stroke: 67.0 x 66.8mm Transmission/Final Drive: 6-speed/chain Fuel Delivery: Electronic fuel injection w/ 34mm throttle bodies Clutch: Wet, multiple disc; cable operation Engine Management/Ignition: TCI Frame: Steel twin-spar chassis Front Suspension: 41mm conventional fork, nonadjustable; 5.9 in. travel Rear Suspension: Single shock, spring preload adjustable; 5.3 in. travel Front Brake: 2-piston slide-pin caliper, single 310mm disc w/ ABS Rear Brake: 1-piston slide-pin caliper, 240mm disc w/ ABS Wheels, Front/Rear: Cast aluminum; 19 x 2.50 in. / 17 x 4.50 in. Tires, Front/Rear: 110/80-19 / 160/60-17 Rake/Trail: 27.5°/4.3 in. Wheelbase: 56.8 in. Ground Clearance: 7.1 in. Seat Height: 32.8 in. Fuel Capacity: 4.7 gal. Wet Weight: 434 lb. Contact: powersports.honda.com Cycle World Tested Specifications Seat Height: 32.7 in. Wet Weight: 431 lb. Rear-Wheel Horsepower: 42.45 hp @ 8,130 rpm Rear-Wheel Torque: 29.25 lb.-ft. @ 6,500 rpm 0–60 mph: N/A 1/4-mile: N/A Braking 30–0 mph: N/A Braking 60–0 mph: N/A View the full article Quote
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