The Honda CB 500 X has a lot going for it to attract riders. Its revised internal workings and engine have been met with great praise, and the bike is good for newer riders thanks to its smooth acceleration and even smoother gear changes. On top of all that, it was redesigned aesthetically to increase airflow and add just a little more power. The specs on this bike have mostly improved across the board to promote efficiency, safety, and practicality. Honda may be known more for bikes like the Gold Wing and the Grom, but the CB 500 X still remains fairly popular.

Read on to find out more about some of the most efficient and most praised qualities of the Honda CB 500 X.

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Seriously Refined Engine

The Honda CB 500 X's engine has been noted to have a more 'refined' feel to it. While it was not fully revised, it still made significant changes. It's still a 471cc parallel-twin engine, albeit with increased rideability and superior performance. It has two cylinders and is liquid-cooled as well. It puts out 42.45 HP at 8,130 RPM while also delivering 29.25 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 RPM. A small power upgrade was made possible thanks to a narrower fuel injection spray, a more accurate crank sensor giving a better reading, more precise internal control, updated fuel mapping, and revised intake cam timing.

Another improvement the Honda CB 500 X offers is more direct airflow via its larger and reshaped air ducts in the airbox. The bike also showcases a six-speed transmission that has an electric starting system. It has a 10.7:1 compression ratio as well. Riders have noticed how the clutch pull is light and the bike can be easily modulated because of its slipper assist function that makes gear changes much smoother when alternating between first and second without being as likely to catch in between on neutral. The Honda CB 500 X is also versatile almost equally depending on if the rider is on-road or off-road. Its smooth acceleration and riding make this bike ideal for newer riders.

Riding On Tougher Wheels

The types of wheels used for this model are wider and sturdier than previously seen. When the 2019 version of the Honda CB 500 X hit the sales floor, a new 19-inch cast-aluminum front wheel was added to the standard package. As a result, the bike experienced increased stability when riding in the dirt and the street handling didn't have to suffer as a compromise. The previous model only had a 17-inch front wheel, so although two inches may not seem like a significant difference, the superior results speak for themselves.

Further, its ground clearance increased by about half an inch, so now the bike's total clearance is a little more than seven inches. The tires are Bridgestone Battlax Adventurecross AX41 tires, so while they may not be a factory option, they still delivered solid results. These tires have a tread pattern made for dirt riding and breaking traction without sacrificing grip. This whole setup allows the Honda CB 500 X to be more versatile in off-road settings, and its modified front suspension has further allowed this to be a more well-received modification.

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Superior Suspension For All Roads

Speaking of the suspension on the Honda CB 500 X, it has been dramatically improved to handle any chuckholes and bumps. As previously mentioned, the new suspension has allowed the bike more flexibility when off-roading. Balance is better and most hits the rider takes are thoroughly absorbed. Also, the rake increased a degree to 27.5 degrees.

Combine this with the wider wheelbase, and initial turn-in rates have been slightly slowed. Braking systems allow for better off-road braking and the tires are powerful enough to push through dirt, rocks, and gravel. It also showcases a 41mm telescopic fork and single-shock that make for a softer suspension.

Prominent Practicality

Practicality took center stage when designing the layout and features of the Honda CB 500 X. As mentioned before, the brakes lend themselves to off-roading better than the braking systems of previous models did. The front of the Honda CB 500 X has a single 310mm rotor with a dual-piston caliper, while the back showcases a single-piston caliper and 240mm rotor. That said, the bike is able to slow down quickly thanks to sufficient power delivery from the front brake, and the rear brake is stiff but able to modulate well. Steel-braided brake lines and more aggressive pads are also available as an upgraded option.

Functionality was the focus of the new model, and it shows, especially when the fuel tank has been reshaped for practical purposes and the larger and reshaped air ducts allow for more direct airflow. A gear indicator is also part of the dashboard setup, as well as displays showing fuel level and gear position. The brake lever also showcases five levels of adjustment. For $300 more, ABS is available as an upgraded option.

Sources: ultimatemotorcycling.com,moto-bike2020.com, cycleworld.com