HONDA CB500X (2022 - On) Review - MCN

When it came to updating the Honda CB500X for 2022, the firm didn’t need to do a lot. It was already the class-leading 47bhp A2 adventure bike and consistently one of the most popular motorcycles on this website.

• Latest: The Honda CB500X has now been replaced by the Honda NX500

However, rather than simply chucking us a few token gestures, the Japanese firm set about making the best that little bit better – adding a shiny set of golden Showa Separate Function Big Piston USD forks and swapping the old 310mm single front brake set-up for dual 296mm discs and two piston calipers.

Elsewhere, there’s a lighter swingarm that shaves just over a kilo and adds a claimed more lateral flex and torsional stiffness. The five-stage preload-adjustable rear shock has also been revised to match the new forks. But the good stuff doesn’t stop there.

The 19in front wheel has been lightened and a new radiator shaves an additional 100g without sacrificing performance. Tweaks to the fuel injection are also said to help boost bottom-end torque and the weight distribution has been tweaked for a little more ballast over the front end.

Although quite drastic changes on the face of it, the results of these revisions are subtle.

Despite the new FI settings, the burbling engine feels much the same as before – gentle enough for novices and happily revved all day long. And all whilst returning more than an indicated 85mpg during certain sections of our ride.

Through the bends , the new chassis elements work with the steel frame to provide a composed cornering package, with bags of feel in the wet or dry – despite its wide adventure bike bar position.

Riding it along Scotland’s iconic North Coast 500, it’s hard to imagine a better bike for the job – with the only real criticism stemming from the basic switchgear and LCD dash, which looks like a cheap afterthought when compared to the TFT unit on the KTM 390 Adventure. Having to pay extra for a centre stand feels a bit cheeky, too.

Reasons to buy CB500X:

• Overall reliability is superb. Numerous owners of older CB500X models claim to run machines with mileages in excess of 100,000 miles without issue. As an overall package the CB500X is bulletproof.
• Running costs are modest. Servicing costs are generally under £200 for an annual inspection; anyone with even basic mechanical knowledge could service a CB500X at home – access to the engine is excellent. Valve clearances aren’t until every 16,000 miles.
• The 2022-2023 CB500X benefits from a number of useful updates over the previous model, including a lighter radiator, upside-down 41mm Showa SFF-BP forks, 2-pot radially mounted Nissin front calipers, lighter wheels, and a redesigned swingarm.
• The CB500X makes a great allrounder, capable of the demands of commuting (a near 80mpg average being a major boon), long distance (it’s very comfortable), carrying pillions, and weekend blasts. Few ‘adventure’ style packages offer the same VFM.
• With light, precise controls, a manageable overall weight and seat height the CB500X makes a great first ‘big’ bike and a perfect stepping stone to bigger adventure machines, such as Honda’s own Africa Twin.

Reasons not to buy a CB500X:

• Experienced riders may find the 47bhp motor lacking in performance. But even then, as a second bike or a weekday commuter, the CB500X makes an ideal compliment to a larger main ride.
• Failing water pump seals are an issue that had dogged the CB500X throughout its model run. Inspect the pump thoroughly when buying – indeed, ask the seller if it’s caused any issues – and keep a close eye on engine temp and coolant level as part of the ownership experience. Fortunately it’s an easy to spot issue and fairly easy and cheap to fix.
• Vibration can be an issue, especially on low mileage bikes – it’s at its most noticeable through the bars at between 60-70mph. Owners do comment that the issue eases and disappears as the bike covers more miles, however.

Watch: Honda CB500X video review

Join Dan Sutherland as he tests three of Honda's 47bhp A2 heroes - this CB500X, the CBR500R and the CB500F.