CB500X 16T Sprocket Swap

Last week I swapped out the stock 15-tooth front drive sprocket on my Honda CB500X for a new 16-tooth replacement. The upgrade came at the recommendation of my good friend, fellow CB500X owner, and awesome riding partner, Scott. I couldn't be happier!
Check out the video I made on the project.  Discover the improvements I found it made to my machine.  Follow along and learn how to do the upgrade on YOUR bike too...

16T SPROCKET OPTIONS:

SPEEDOMETER CALLIBRATORS:

GEAR FOR THIS VIDEO:

FULL GEAR BOX:

STAY CONNECTED:

MUSIC:
Uptown
Licensed under Adobe Audio Library

DISCLAIMER:
This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for the support!

[stephenkinsley]

as a retired motorcycle mechanic, the first thing i noticed on the video was that the chain had stiff links in part due to wear and lack of lubrication, the next thing was how hooked the front sprocket was that you took off, so the rear sprocket was probably in the same condition which in my opinion requires a change in both sprockets and a chain, by fitting just one sprocket it will tend to wear quickly to match the wear in the chain and rear sprocket, as you said you are lacking in the knowlege that iv'e accumulated over many years, i'm not trying to put you down in anyway, just trying to be helpfull, good luck.

[markusludwig]

After riding from Germany to Portugal and back on the Trans Euro Trial, one great key feature on the CB500X is that low 1st gear. Riding often standing and going slow on routh terrain, through river beds and on steep hills, that proofed to be important ... always depends on the way of usage.

[philipspencer]

Hi all. Did the Mod with the front sprocket on my CBR500R and it has worked wonders. The speedometer now reads exact. I just did a major long-range highway trip and the motor was working a lot less hard at 70mph. Much more usable and better mileage. This works really well.

[mrbienvenu]

I recently put a 16T on my 2013 CB500F and I'm so glad I did. Now I ride it every day as a commuter bike and I save my ZRX for the long weekend trips.

[westeagle]

Thanks very much for the instructional video. With the new 16 tooth sprocket, each gear feels like it is operating in the range that was meant to be. With the original 15 tooth sprocket, first gear was so short and jerky. Much more usable and smooth now. Truly a worthwhile mod!
-If I may add one bit of advice to folks who are about to do this: In order to remove the top part of the gear shift linkage, pull the small bolt out COMPLETELY -do not just loosen it, as the linkage will not come off otherwise (don't ask me how I know!) -Happy riding folks!

[erikandlisa]

This is wonderful. I am using my CB500X mostly for commuting on the Interstate, so this is really something I am going to try myself. Thanks!

[chazzageorge]

I didn't know this was a thing and now going to get me a 16t sprocket!!!! Thanks for the video, both inciteful and helpful!

[johncrittenden]

I have the 2020 cb500x i put a 16 tooth front sprocket on after watching this video the best upgrade I've done many thanks

[auldflyer]

An excellent presentation, just completed changing my 15T for a 16T, thanks to this vid a piece of cake.

[goldengoat]

Im confused as to why Honda did not include the 16tooth sprocket. I think I will consider this change when I need to replace my chain. Thank you for this video, still very useful.

[lornejackman]

Did this to my 500X. By far the 16t sprocket was the best single change to the bike.
- cheap <$30
- easy to do, maybe 15 minutes with common tools (probably use the stock Honda tool set).. I don’t recall having to remove foot peg bracket or front chain guard. And stock chain is more than long enough.
- Canadian speedometer calibrations tend to be conservative, this made my Speedo within 1%
- spaced out the gearing and made 1st gear useful, you won’t miss any “loss of torque” you’ll simply be riding one gear lower
- 6th gear is a better overdrive and lowers highway rpm’s to be more comfortable cruising at high speeds. Bike was a lot more relaxed at interstate speeds. And with my Givi Airflow setup I could go anywhere.

The 500x is such a great package on-road, off-road, hiway.. wherever. This simple change really enhances the bike.
Great Video!

[rjeepster]

Awesome! First time I have ever seen anybody show the RPM at speed I looked so long for a video like this what a great comparison

[gpylgr]

Great video Chris!! The maths is simple. Drive sprocket teeth / Driven sprocket teeth = speed ratio. The % change caused by changing drive or driven sprocket teeth will increase or decrease speed respectively and the inverse effect by the same % will occur on torque and acceleration. Enjoyed your video and replies to people's comments; humble and sincere responses!

[billsbikes]

CB500x is a fantastic bike. I converted mine to the Rally Raid stage 3 kit which includes suspension, and spoke wheels. I use the bike mostly for back County riding so having lower gearing is better for me riding off road. What I love about the CB is its twin cylinder so even with the 15t sprocket at 70mph it is still smooth as silk.

[paulietv]

Lots of CB500X reviews talk about that vibrating in the handlegrips and foot peddles over 6, 000 revs, but I think you've just shown us the fix - great vid!

[thedarkknight]

You CAN ALSO drop the rear tooth by 2 teeth (equal to a 1 tooth increase on front sprocket)... I have done a double sprocket mod on many bikes I've owned (1 tooth up on front AND 2 less teeth on rear), it made a big difference, it lengthened the 1st gear, lowered revs in 6th on highway speeds, helped with vibrations in various riding situations, helped with fuel economy, and generally helped with a smoother ride. HOWEVER, I would advise that the double sprocket mod should really be done on bikes that have enough power to deal with mod, so a modern 500cc bike upwards. I've done the double sprocket mod on an 80's Suzuki GSX400f Katana, Bandit 600, Kawasaki ZX10 B2, Suzuki RF900RW, Kawasaki ZR-7, a mate even did it on his Kawasaki KLR650, and he found it helped in many ways.... Ride Safe, Ride Free People 😎😎😎

[erolgermannemmanuel]

👀Thanks for the welcomed advice !
CB500X 2022, new owner.

[lozt]

I put a 16T on my 650 Vstrom it geared the same as the SV now. Much better on the road.
It also allows you to use the lower gears for longer when accelerating and is generally a more relaxed ride.

[Campbellteaching]

Thanks for your response on FB, Ive bought a 16 tooth, probably fit it tomorrow. Very useful video Chris.

[HondaWanderer]

Thanks mate. I have a 16tooth rubber dampened one on order, currently waiting on it's arrival.