Honda CB500x with Rally Raid kit. Short review

I'd just got back from a 2000 mile trip and did a quick video summary

[poprin]

Not often you get to watch a review where the reviewer is literally reviewing the bike you are buying! Had to pause to check the reg but I am soon to be the proud owner of this ex Rally Raid demo!

[DDLovett]

Great review Nathan.
I missed out on the new model because I bought my 2018 in October and had no idea that the new one was on its way.
I have gone up a tooth on the front to make motorways more manageable.
Fuel economy is incredible on the 500. I fancied a VFR800X crossrunner but running costs get doubled and I commute a thousand miles a month on it.
Cheers for your hard work Nathan.
Cheers.

[jimpartin]

I am trying to justify the cost of the spoked wheels. They were necessary on the earlier models because they lacked the 19” front wheel. I know that the spoked wheels are stronger, but $1500.00 usd is a lot of money and for 2019 model may be an indulgence.

[peakrider]

Hi Nathan. Thanks for the review, I think the CB is a good bike, and Rally Raid have designed some good quality products for this and other bikes. Where this falls down for me is the economics. The list price of the Honda is £6069, add in around £3300 for the Level 2 suspension and wheels, the engine bars, the rack, and pegs, and you now into almost £9.5k. You could get a new Yamaha Tenere and still have a grand to add extras, or you could have 2 RE Himalayan's for the same cost. There's also other offerings from SWM and AJP which would be in contention. Where it probably makes more sense is if you have an older CB500X or buy a used one, and put the money in to upgrade it with the RR parts. Just my thoughts, look forward to your next video!

[Marv]

16T sprocket (over 15T) makes a decent difference to the old CB500x, with it feeling a little revved up on the motorway. Nice little review 👍

[harrybrown]

can't go wrong with any Japanese 500 twin, proven reliability enough power to put a grin on your face and then its just down to what you want it to do and the ergonomics for the individual rider.

[thomaskerr]

You need Giant Loops Siskiyou bags. Great kit there. Excellent review. Very informative.

[johncrittenden]

Hi Nathan I have a 2020 cb500x I changed the front sprocket to a 16 tooth and in my opinion its much better with longer gears its now not as frantic and not revving its nuts off at 80mph

[peternoble]

How would you compare the stock 500X to the Himalayan. It would seem to be a better road bike, but what about the rougher stuff? I can't find any comparisons of these two bikes anywhere and they seem like the most logical bikes to compare for the lower capacity adventure / entry level.

[RollModel]

Would you still choose this over the HImalayan if the CB500X was stock?

[pinkiewerewolf]

Good honest size-up as usual Nathan. 
On the soft luggage... I have the larger sized Great Basin and like it on the KLR 650. I team it up with their large dry bag, I can't remember if it is the Tillamook or Columbia.(It is freaking huge if it needs to be.) But, I agree, it can be frustrating to get to stuff in the bottom of the "legs". If money isn't a barrier the Mosko Moto stuff would be hard to beat, in fairness.

[-tj]

I have no interest in this bike, but your reviews are always interesting and informative.

[mikedowning]

Hi Nathan. Really good review and it sounds like the bike has been transformed but doesn't the cost make impractical? I totted up the prices of the items you mentioned on the RR website and it came to about £3700 and if you add this to the cost of the bike that gets you close to £10k ie more expensive than bikes such as the KTM 690 Enduro, Yamaha Tenere and no doubt a number of others. I suppose the 500x might be considered more user friendly ie lower seat height and possibly softer power delivery? Cheers Mike (in Worcester)

[danwilson]

I assume the himalayan is old news now lol, Nathans video of the himalayan actually cought my attention of the bike, and now I have one 👍 having mega fun with it! I suppose I'll start watching the next himalayan owner because that's what I Watch people ride my bike while looking forward to the weekend lol

[kirky]

Have I missed something, what happened to the Australian Garbage run? Been months since I saw anything.

[copperworksplumbing]

So it seems RR is made in the Uk. I’m in Canada. Regardless. Thanks for the suggestions on riding it for a bit.

I was thinking on trading my crfl 250 in for a 2021 cbx 500 it seems the 2019 model is the way to go.
Shall I bite the bullet and trade it in for a 2021 cbx ?

I like the idea of upgrading as I go. We do do off-road as well as roads, service roads, I understand the cbx can do single track if it’s not too technical . I just need a bit more powa. We are loaded up with camping gear as well

Any thoughts ?

[caroldave]

Hi nathan..Have yu still got himalayan if so how's it performing... do like rally raid spec honda probably all the bike most of us cheers from versys 650 owner been thinking of getting himalayan for second all rounder...👍👍👍..

[collectorguy]

I was going to get one, had a test ride but unfortunately not enough power at higher speeds ie 70+ on motorway riding to get out of any trouble. Honda should of given it an unrestricted/higher power version then nearly perfect!

[tubelesschannel]

Great review. Have you experimented with the suspension settings or just leaved it in default values? I have increased slow speed damping 2 clicks and decreased rebound and high speed damping 2 clicks. To get a more plush ride without sacrify stability in the corners. Im no sure if it will be my final settings yet.

[copperworksplumbing]

I was planning on picking one up soon. How much is the stage 3 RR package.? And how long shall I ride it stock to get the ‘feel’ of it before I go RR .?