Honda is making good use indeed of its current 471cc parallel twin. And that’s because this versatile fuel-injected, liquid-cooled midsize mill serves quadruple duty in the CB500X adventure bike shown here, in the sporty CBR500R and CB500F, and even in the low-slung Rebel 500 streetster. Hey, why not collect the whole set? That way, when you get tired of trolling the coffee bars in town and bored with all those pesky turns on Highside Mountain Road, you can load up the CB500X and simply get lost.
Built to an economical price point, the CB500X isn’t a technology overdog, but it does have much of what you need for modest adventure. Foremost are a favorable upright seating position and a tall touring windshield, which really boost rider comfort on high-mileage days and in wind or rain conditions. Other assets include the 4.6-gallon fuel tank—an essential ingredient for explorers—and optional ABS. On the downside, the 17-inch wheels and street tires aren’t up to dirt duty, and the minimal ground clearance and lack of a skid plate further limit off-road prowess.
Likes: Good basic ADV architecture, easy handling, favorable price
Dislikes: Needs at least a wheel/tire upgrade to head off pavement
Verdict: A reasonably sized and priced entry-level ADV
2018 Honda CB500X Specs and Pricing
MSRP
$6,599
DISPLACEMENT (CC)
471
SEAT HEIGHT (IN)
32
WET WEIGHT (LBS)
428
More Buyer's Guide
Buyer's Guide2022 Honda CBR650R
Buyer's Guide2022 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S
Buyer's Guide2022 CFMoto 300SS
Buyer's Guide2022 CFMOTO 650NK
Buyer's Guide2022 CFMOTO 300NK
Latest
Reviews2026 Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally First RideReviews2026 Honda CRF300F First RideThe WireBuell Motorcycle Co. Begins Deliveries of Much Anticipated Super CruiserNewsHonda CBR500R Four First Specs RevealedThe WireYamaha Outdoor Access Initiative Awards Q3 GrantsNewsKawasaki Patent Points to More HybridsNewsKTM RC450 Emerges From CFMoto PartnershipThe WireDucati North America Launches “Ducati Rewards” Off-Road Race Contingency ProgramThe WireThe Brembo Group Marks 50 Years in Motorsport with Over 1000 World Titles
The WireDucati North America Launches “Ducati Rewards” Off-Road Race Contingency Program
The WireBuell Motorcycle Co. Begins Deliveries of Much Anticipated Super Cruiser
NewsKawasaki Patent Points to More Hybrids
The WireThe Brembo Group Marks 50 Years in Motorsport with Over 1000 World Titles
BikesTriumph Unveils Tracker 400, Brings Thruxton 400 To The US
Ask KevinDesign Conflict Cries Out For Solutions
NewsCyclone RA1000 Finally Delivers on Four-Year-Old Concept Bike’s Promise
ReviewsLightweight Dual Sport Comparison
NewsUral Neo 500 Hits Dealers May 2026
NewsRoyal Enfield Continental GT-R 750 and Himalayan 750 Edge Closer
The WireRecall of 2024-2025 KTM 390 Duke, and 2025 390 Enduro R, SMC R, Adventure R, and Adventure X
The WireNew OrangeCat BMW MOTORRAD Racing Team Announced
NewsKTM 1390 Super Duke RR Revealed In Approval Filing
Honda2025 Honda NX500
Honda2025 Honda Transalp
Honda2025 Honda Fury
Honda2025 Honda CBR650R E-Clutch
Ask KevinA Curious Case of Pinion Gear Pitting
NewsCan Changing Exhaust Direction Make Bikes Handle Better
Gear and ProductsHokkaido Japan On Two Wheels
NewsBajaj Takeover of KTM Approved
The WireHarley-Davidson Reveals 2026 Race Season Contingency Programs