Value-For-Money Hondas: 2014 Honda CB500X
The CB500X is the third model in Honda’s 500cc parallel-Twin triumvirate. With stealthy styling and matte-black bodywork, the CB500X positions itself as an Adventure-Touring model compared to the sportier intentions of its brothers.
Sharing the majority of components with the CBR500R and CB500F, the differences between the X and its F and R siblings are a one-inch taller seat height (31.9 inches vs 30.9 inches), a fuel tank with an extra 0.4 gallon of fuel (4.5 gal. vs 4.1 gal), and the highest claimed curb weight: X = 430 lbs., R = 425 lbs., F = 420 lbs.
For a motorcycle with a smallish displacement of 471cc, the CB500X attracts newer to intermediate riders because the 500X feels more substantial than its engine capacity suggests. The bike’s neutral seating position beckons all-day rides, and the fuel-sipping quality of the diminutive Twin provides an estimated 71-mpg rating to grant that request with financial frugality. Under our greedy wrists, the X returned mpg numbers in the high 50s.
Slowing the bike is a single 320mm wave front disc and a single twin-piston caliper up front, while at the rear sits a 240mm wave disc and single-piston caliper. The stopping power is far from phenomenal but adequately sufficient. ABS adds $500 to the bike’s MSRP and, in our opinion, the upgrade is worth the price for the increased safety factor. In the handling department, the X is surprisingly competent if not excellent. The front end is neutral but willingly turns into slow, tight corners as well as faster sweepers with equal aplomb.
Seat foam isn’t as compliant as we’d like for spending consecutive hours aboard the 500X, but there are aftermarket ways to amend this inconvenience. The CB500X is a versatile motorcycle retailing for the same price of its CBR500R sibling ($6,299). At this price the 500X is an incredibly affordable motorcycle for riders of varying sizes and skill levels.
+ Highs
- Adjustable windscreen
- Small bike with a big-bike feel
- Comfortable for long rides
– Sighs
- ABS is additional $500
- Digital instrument cluster hard to read in direct sunlight
- Shock adjustment tool not included
Honda CB500X Specs | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $6,299 |
| Engine Capacity | 471cc |
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled parallel-twin |
| Bore x Stroke | 67mm x 66.8mm |
| Compression | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel System | PGM-FI with 34mm throttle bodies |
| Transmission | Six-speed |
| Final Drive | O-ring-sealed chain |
| Front Suspension | 41mm fork; 5.5 inches travel |
| Rear Suspension | Pro-Link single shock with nine-position spring preload adjustability; 4.7 inches travel |
| Front Brakes | Twin-piston caliper with single 320mm wave disc |
| Rear Brakes | Single caliper 240mm wave disc/ |
| Front Tire | 120/70-17 radial |
| Rear Tire | 60/60-17 radial |
| Seat Height | 31.9 inches |
| Wheelbase | 55.9 inches |
| Curb Weight (claimed) | 430 pounds |
| Fuel Capacity | 4.5 gallons |
| Colors | Pearl White |
| Warranty | One Year |
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