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CB500X Beginner Bike?
Blog Date 14 December 2021
If, and it's a big if, if we are to believe the motorcycling press and media then it would appear my Honda CB500X is a Beginner Bike.
My beginner bike, having only passed my test 30 years ago.
As such I suppose I must accept that after 32 years and far in excess of half a million miles I'm still getting to grips with this motorcycling malarkey. Golly gee, I must be a hopeless case. Maybe I should just give up now and stop trying to be something I'm never going to be. Ahhh well, I had some fun at least.
I don't feel like a beginner though. I mean, for about 5 years I taught other people how to ride motorcycles with varying degrees of success. I seem to have gotten to grips with the basics of motorcycle maintenance. I can do things like U-Turns and going around corners without falling off EVERY time, admittedly I still get it wrong but less often than I used to. I've ridden in all kinds of weather. Heck I even have my own helmet and tools now!
Top notch tools, nothing but the best for my bike.
No, no, I must come to terms with the fact that after all this time and effort I still haven't upgraded to a "proper" motorcycle. I did once own a 95bhp Fazer 600. As a motorcycle it was very very good - fast, reliable, comfortable(ish) and well made. But I never really gelled with it. Bit too revvy, bit too quick for my style of riding, bit too "Yamaha" and not enough "Honda".
The Fazer. Far too proper for a novice like myself.
It would appear a breathless, lethargic and dull 47bhp parallel twin is all this failure can manage. 0-60 times of about 5.5 seconds is sufficient for my befuddled brain. I'm told it can manage about 110-115 mph but I'm far too scared and inexperienced to try that kind of dangerous nonsense.
I wonder? I suspect part of my problem is I rather enjoy my beginner motorcycle.
The power is punchy and accessible at road legal speeds, it never feels underpowered or gutless. Equally important, the power is such that it's less likely to run away with me, hurling me into a blind bend at an unexpected warp factor 9. There is always sufficient power rather than an excess. I feel I can use that power rather than fear it.
At 195kg it's no lightweight, not at all. It is (relatively speaking) small in stature but then I'm hardly a giant of a man, maybe we are in proportion. However it is big enough for my excessive camping kit.
It comes complete with big boy lights front and rear, a real speedometer and even a petrol tank! It's just like a "proper" motorcycle in all aspects except it doesn't earn me "big respek innit" when "real" men with "proper" motorcycles see me on it. Mind you, I don't help myself with my tatty Hi-Viz tabbard and cheap-n-cheerful waterproofs.
I'm never going to look the part either am I.
I guess at the ripe old age of 50 the chances of my ever being "cool" complete with a "proper" motorcycle and a one piece race suit and/or Klim adventure suit are slim to none. I am forever destined to be a dweeb and a nerd on a newbie motorcycle, never really growing and maturing, just playing at it, just a wannabe.
I like nearly everything about the CB500X. Nearly everything. Just checked the tappets again. Why oh why oh why oh why oh why oh why oh why oh why oh why oh why oh why is to so goddam blinking blooming freaking damnably difficult to get TO the rocker cover? Huh Honda, huh huh huh?!!?! Pffffft.
Yeah, this again. Urgh.
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Reader's Comments
Upt'North ¹ said :-
So where's this come from, have you found your sensitive side?
Obviously you are a hopeless case and you definitely look a part.
But...if this is the "media", what do them f... wits know.
I would love to be able to buy a £6K motorbike complete with luggage that will transport me and Er'Indoors in relative comfort around the EU. By reasonable comfort I mean, room for two, 110 litres plus of luggage, able to travel at autoroute speeds and return 50 mpg. Also able to provide a little wumf for the passes etc. I'm sure if I travelled alone (she won't let me out on my own) the CB500X would be spot on but in the above circumstances.....maybe not. Infact, definitely not.
The media write what they think we want to hear and not forgetting they like the advertising revenue from the big brands. Why push BMW to produce a mid range tourer for two when they pay you gazillions to advertise their next behemoth.
In a moment of weakness Ed I would say you're more of a motorcyclist than many of the pretenders I've come across. Obviously, back to reality, you're an hopeless case.
And short.
Upt'North.
14/12/2021 21:50:55 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Sensitive side? Did you not know I am a delicate flower with feelings? I'm sure I have feelings. Sharon, do I have feelings?
I often wonder is the dog wagging the tail or the tail wagging the dog? Do manufacturers make the bikes we want because they know they will sell or do they make the bikes they want us to buy then market them hard? 6 of one, half a dozen on the other. You tend not to see 1,000cc plus machines in Vietnam for example, save for the wealthy adventure types. Is this because the Vietnamese buyer is far more sensible than the westerner or they just can't afford a quarter ton Germanic behemoth? I suspect the latter in which case we are pre-programmed with "bigger = better".
I get the feeling (I DO HAVE FEELINGS! YAY) that the western buyer is actually, albeit only slightly, turning away from extremely excessive models. The CB500X has been an acceptable success as has the 410 Himalayan. 47bhp Enfield 650's, heck even the CT125 Trail is popular... and you can't even buy it in the UK. I also see a lot more middleweights, sort of 80bhp models like Kwaks's 650 range (Versys, Z650, Ninja 650, Vulcan) and Yammy's MT07 based models. Damn good machines, plenty quick enough for road use.
Hayabusas and H2Rs are all well and good as flagships, but I doubt they're sold in great numbers these days.
I suspect your Pan Euro BeaST still fulfils many of your requirements Upt'. I agree the CB500X would, for a big chap like yourself, be a tad undersized and maybe even underpowered for you, Mrs North and 2.5 tons on luggage. I wonder how the new NT1100 would fit? Case in point - Honda's new tourer is NOT a 1300cc 180bhp 4 potter, but a far more sensible 1100 twin with 100bhp.
15/12/2021 09:36:47 UTC
Jim said :-
I'm with you, Ren - if it was just me, I'd have a wee Kawasaki Vulcan, perfectly fine at 650cc and short enough even for Sharon. I've hit my sweet spot with the Tiger 900, 760mm high, 95hp and enough carrying capacity for me and TI to tour. And yet I get 'surely you'll get the new 1200 now' from too many folks that are old enough to know better. In similar vein, Suzuki have just launched their new GSX-S 1000 GT - it's nice looking and has 150hp, but you've got to get right up the revs to get it. I'll be sticking with my GSX1250 - only 96hp but it's all available at the speeds I want to ride; I like to keep the national speed limit at least visible to the naked eye. Here's the Tiger, getting ready for our IAM Santa Run this weekend.
15/12/2021 10:47:05 UTC
ROD¹ said :-
Ren, I wound not be taking any notice of the media.
You have found a bike which suits your riding, and this is confirmed by the fact that you have purchased a second CB500X.
I have never owned a bike which I have felt is too quick. However I have owned bikes where the bike was too quick for the bikes handling capabilities.
I have tried without success to down size, and now with my wife back riding her own bike on most outings, and my advancing age it may be time to try again?
15/12/2021 11:05:12 UTC
pocketpete said :-
Those round things either end ren are called 'wheels' just in case you beginner's were wondering. Really is that how they are describing the 500.
15/12/2021 14:04:25 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Thanks for the pro tip pocketpete! All these years I've really struggled in trying to explain what them round things are when I wear out the black rubbery bits that cover these "wheels".
760mm on the Tiger 900 Jim? Sharon's 250 is at 760mm with the lowering kit so that is LOW. I figure there's some gravity in the Tiger though, I'm not sure Sharon would enjoy heaving it in and out of the shed. What does the IAM Santa run involve? I'm guessing toys to the local children's hospice?
Fear not Rod, my delicate and sensitive ego has long since become hardened against *some* people's disdain for smaller motorcycles. I've been riding 125s again now for about 10 years and I enjoy that smug feeling when people ask "just passed your test? What ya getting next?" "Yeah, just passed 30 years ago, I'm thinking of getting a Honda Melody next".
Rod said "I have never owned a bike which I have felt is too quick.". I've ridden the odd 140bhp machines and they are, oddly, not unrideable. There is no doubt they are quicker than my 500 and 125 but they don't FEEL massively quicker - until you realise you are still accelerating hard way above any legal speed limits, that's the main difference.
Power corrupts and unless you have good self control then it's far too easy to be way faster than my own brain can process. I also find, personally, I rather enjoy riding my 125 as hard as it can be ridden as opposed to constantly reigning in and being laughed at by a much more powerful machine. I'm probably not even close to the limits of that which the humble 500 can achieve so there's little point me having more.
16/12/2021 10:24:38 UTC
ROD¹ said :-
Pocketpete, The media really do class all of the 47bhp bikes as "Beginner Bikes". I have also seen in the motorcycle press that 1000cc 150bhp bikes are now classed as middle weights.
When I started riding a 650cc bike was a big bike, and a 350cc bike would be a middle weight, but with 1800cc Gold wings and 1800cc plus Harley Davidsons I suppose they are now correct.
16/12/2021 11:45:53 UTC
Henrik said :-
Happy about the 250 Zuma still ,.. but the latest CB500X could be the next some years from now
I will retire partly in 3-4 years time ,.. to travel much more ,.. Norway and rest of scandinavia
Why not spoil myself with a CB500X, I see no other light-adventure candidates that apeals
Kinda minimum requrement for a heavy loaded bike, long distance, motorway, and mountains
Guess fuel-economy and range will even be better or on par
Zuma has the sweetspot a slow speeds ,.. when passing this spot the fuel is running right through
19/12/2021 17:16:10 UTC
Snod said :-
Of course that Fazer is known as a good first big bike, before people (real men?) inevitably get bored of it in 6 months and want something with a bit of go. Alright in town but breathless on the open road etc..
Anyway, 50 is the perfect age to get that R1 from what I've seen, though you might have to grow that gut a bit as it seems to be lacking for this kind of riding. And then in 5 years and 300 miles you can exclaim your wrists hurt and get yourself a nice BMW GS.
I did once ride a CBR500R and found it very quaint (slow) but then I'd spent all week on my TRX850. I suspect if you're used to caning new sportsbikes around Spanish racing tracks then yes you may think the Honda 500s make a nice little toy for people who don't quite know what they're doing yet, but just another reason to ignore the bike media and anyone who reads it.
19/12/2021 20:05:10 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
I think you're right Snod - if you're a real motorcycle journo who gets invited to some warm sunny racetrack 6 times a year to ride the latest greatest hypersport models then jumping on a 47bhp 500 twin will indeed be something of an anticlimax. So what is the answer? Owner's reviews such as my own tend to be unduly bias due to the fact we've just shelled out many thousands of pounds and we don't want to admit we've made a mistake either to ourselves or the rest of the world.
You know I like my 500 Henrik but the only way you can form an opinion regarding the 500 is to ride one for yourself. The problem with test rides is you're usually only given and hour or two to assess a bike. This is fine for things like "can I reach the floor" and "will it go round corners" but insufficient to assess if the saddle is all day comfortable and how does my pillion feel about it.
Unless you're lucky enough to get any model of motorcycle on long term test I suppose the best we can hope for are biased owner reviews and the ramblings of journalists who seldom have to live with, service and watch depreciation of any machine.
20/12/2021 14:23:07 UTC
Henrik said :-
You are right Ren
The KLE500 was fine for me as for the sitting-position ,.. so was DRZ400 ,.. While GS500 was terrible
This is most important ,.. that the posisition is very op-right ,.. Fuel-econnomy good also
The Honda 500-engine must be one of the most proven
Guess the ods are good ,.. and I don't see whats else
Are they good candidates for DIY-maintainance and repair still ?
Workshop-manuals and affordable diagnostic testers available ?
21/12/2021 01:17:18 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
As stated MANY times Henrik - actually getting to the valves to check and adjust the shims is a right pain in the arse. Once you get to the shims then changing them is simple enough as you do not need to remove the camshafts. Other than this the rest of the CB500X is quite standard. Haynes have a good and thorough manual for this model and I don't have a diagnostic tool myself but they are available.
I find the CB500X one of the most comfortable motorcycles I've owned. BUT! What works for myself may not work for you. I'm 5 feet 8 inches tall. Fuel wise I regularly get 80 mpg (UK Imperial Gallons - 3.5 l/100km) with a mixture of town, country and gentle motorway riding.
21/12/2021 22:26:49 UTC
Henrik said :-
Ok, thanks, and sorry if I asked the same more than one time
22/12/2021 14:45:47 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
It's not you that's done anything wrong Henrik, it's me, I'm always moaning and groaning about getting to the tappets on the 500. Maybe I should shut up and get on with it. Last time I did it I suppose it took me around 5 hours all told, I figure I'm getting better with practice.
22/12/2021 20:12:19 UTC
Fran Firman said :-
It’s been a while since I posted and read your articles. I did the review of the mt03 which was a fun bike, but I followed you and changed to a cb500x nearly 3 years ago.
Worked well, though for my 20km commute I did buy a small Super Soco TC Max battery electric bike. It uses approx 50% of the battery for my 40km round trip, so works well. And cheap to run for sure, ie about 30cents for each day. And here fuel is now $2.50 per litre.
So the cb500x ended up more being used for the fun weekend and longer rides. With it I average around 31km/l. But I did find that it felt a bit buzzy at 100kph. Such that my hands sometimes feel tingly at the end of a ride,
Anyway, I’ve traded in the cb500x just before Christmas this year and now have a NC750X. Economy is similar. 28 when having fun, and 30 when cruising. But now the engine is only doing 3000rpm at 100kph, so I’m finding that much more comfortable. Haven’t yet done a ride longer than about an hour yet though.
Cheers
Fran
31/12/2021 07:45:23 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Fran....
You know we want pictures.
Upt'North.
31/12/2021 09:39:16 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Hi Fran, hope you're well.
I concur that the CB500X's engine is "busy" at motorway speeds, if over 5k revs is considered "busy". If you're used to a 125 then it seems positively relaxed to myself. There is something quite calming about the NC750 engine, it's low revs and steady performance. I looked very very long and hard at the NC and the CB, the CB won out on price, slightly lighter weight and the fuel filler being in the right place. If only I'd known how hard it is to service...
31/12/2021 10:31:13 UTC
Fran Firman said :-
Photos will come when I'm back home. Got dragged out to Gisborne (500km from home) for a spontaneous visit to my father in law.
And for that with the 3 foster kids, I wasn't allowed to ride the bike (damn it the weather is great) but we all piled in to the Tesla instead.
01/01/2022 05:00:27 UTC
Fran Firman said :-
Here is a photo of the kids in Granddads pool in Gisborne. And it is a lovely, 28C day.
01/01/2022 05:04:17 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Them kids look quite young still. 2 on the back seat, one on the top box you'll be fine I'm sure. That weather is causing envious palpitations at this end. GRRRRR!
04/01/2022 16:08:48 UTC
CrazyFrog said :-
In my 40 years of biking I've never owned a big bigger than 650cc and none with more than 50bhp.the vast majority of the bikes 8ve owned have been between 250cc and 500cc with under 30bhp. I'm not the kind of person the motorcycle press is aimed at, in fact on the odd occasion I do browse a modern bike mag, I never usually get further than the gear page where they will inevitably describe a £300 pair of boots or a £200 pair of gloves as a bit of a bargain. At this point I stare fixedly at my scuffed £15 pair of army surplus boots, put the mag back on the shelf and shuffle quietly out of the shop.
I probably could afford to upgrade all my gear and my bikes and feel able to go and strut my stuff at Matlock or wherever, but I know it wouldn't make me any happier or give me any more enjoyment, so I'll stick with my old faithful Jawa and my newish and hopefully faithful Himalayan and my scuffed army boots. As somebody once said, I am what I am, so there!
05/01/2022 16:06:59 UTC
Fran said :-
@Ren - Not sure about your authorities, but our ones take a dim view on more than one pillion. Not sure why, it's fine in other countries. :)
@CrazyFrog, I know what you mean.
I started with a 250 Ninja, then a 650 Ninja or er-6f, which I actually found really nice for touring on, but the suspension, just didn't feel very good with 2 up on it. So then I went to the rocket VFR800, and it had oodles or power and did 2 up great. But it was heavy, crap for commuting and more bent over than I liked. My wrists didn't enjoy it. Also the fuel economy was going to break me. Or lack of.
So thought, I know - I don't think these through always, but a nice simple Yamaha MT-03 would be great for commuting. And it was - easy to ride, food economy of about 30km/l. But the seat was made from a single piece of rock, so not much enjoyment on the posterior after about 20 mins.
I sold the VFR as it wasn't being used, and traded the MT in on the same as Ren's bike - CB500X. Found it decent, but as we also have a Tesla as our main car, I thought, I'd get a small electric bike - so went for a Super Soco TC-MAX. This has the same performance as a 125 bike, but with an open road range of about 65km. But as my commute is 40km round trip and mixed speed, I use about 50% of the battery or 1.5kwh of energy for the trip.
So then I was with the CB500X for anything longer than 50-60km, and the TC-MAX for my normal daily. As the TC-MAX also has basically zero maintenance, with even a belt for the final drive, it is very very cheap to run.
As an example - 40km on the CB500X is about 1.3l and at $2.50/l, around $3.25 per commute. Or 1.5-2kwh for the same distance at 17.5c/kwh or $0.30 to $0.35 per commute.
Now the CB500X is for longer trips, and I did find that the buzzing of the engine on the motorway etc would make my hands tingle for ages later, and didn't like that, also with my wife on the back, who weighs similar to myself, it just didn't feel very good.
After looking around, though the NC750X was worth looking at, and the local shop had a 2020 demo. Tried that out, and after feeling the balance, the not much more power compared to the CB500X, which I never really found all that lacking, I traded in the CB500X and got the Demo model which save a few coins.
Last Tuesday did a ride (350km) of which 250km of that had my wife on the back. I found that the bike handled the extra weight extremely well. I didn't even have to get used to the extra weight on the bike, like I normally have to as the extra person changes the centre of gravity so much. But with the NC it didn't seem to change it much at all. Maybe having the fuel tank under the seat, and the engine so low and pointing forward really helps. Also then having the 22ish litres of storage in the "Tank" area sure didn't hurt. That was awesome for storing a drink, glasses case etc.
Not the surprising, for me at least, was over the 350km ride, even with the pillion the fuel usage didn't really change and I averaged 3.3l/100km or 85 miles to the gallon. So I am very very happy with that.
Also the timing on the engine is such that it sounds like a V twin, but has the simplicity or a parallel twin. So a nice engine sound but without some of the extra complexity that normally means.
Cheers.
05/01/2022 19:45:26 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Fran, congrats on the 750.
Your views definitely echo mine, in that I'm not too bothered about speed/power, the speed limits here and the EU are just fine.....but don't start me on French Limits!
What I find impossible to understand, yes I am a bit thick, is why can't bikes sit two people of normal size in comfort? Didn't they used to?
It is nice to hear your glowing report of the NC and Honda and others do seem to be listening to some of their customers views. We don't need 100 + bhp behemoths to tour on, what we need is economical and adequate bikes with luggage options. Simple innit.
Or in Ed's case enough space to construct a wardrobe on the back from old pallets.
Are you considering luggage or a pallet construction? Maybe not your requirement of course.
Upt'North.
06/01/2022 10:32:32 UTC
nab301 said :-
Ergonomically the 500x suits me better than the NC although I've never actually ridden the NC ( I must try to get a test ride) In theory I think I'd prefer the "buzzy" 500 than a low revving 750 although ironically I do have an R1100s bimmer which can plod along at 3K rpm but will rev to 8K albeit well in excess of any local or otherwise speed limits even in the lower gears .
There's no fun for me in plodding along at low revs on a bike thats's capable of revving although I have an Enfield Bullet which does just that (plod) but obviously it doesn't have the ability to rev....
Nigel
06/01/2022 13:12:03 UTC
ROD¹ said :-
In my youth I would enjoy high revs, but after many broken engines and with experience that comes with age, I feel more and more that the Pomeroy theory of piston speed still has relevance today.
The Pomeroy Dictum states that for good longevity, the piston speeds in an internal combustion engine should remain under 2500 feet per minute.
This equates to 12700mm per second, so for instance my BMW has a stroke of 70.5mm, multiplied by two as the piston goes up and down in one revolution = 141mm. Therefore 12700 divided by 141 = 90 per second x 60 to give revs per minute = 5400rpm. This equates to a maximum road speed for longevity on the BMW of 108mph.
Some short stroke engines seem to rev high, but it is not the revs which matter, it is the piston speed.
06/01/2022 17:27:20 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
My o'd dad use to tell me I'd end up piston broke one day.
I think that's what he said? Bless him.
Upt'North.
06/01/2022 18:49:38 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Cor! That's proper technical stuff that ROD. When it comes to longevity everything appears twisted these days. Back when I wur a lad I knew plenty of riders who'd run 10 to 20 thousand miles a year, and the bikes of the day were prone to wearing out. Today most engines, given regular servicing, should see at least 50k, more likely 100k but very few machines actually see serious miles today.
Discussing this with "friends" (I know, shocking!) we pondered whether this is due to engines being better made or better metallurgy or better oils. I suspect the truth lies betwixt the three with a lean towards better oils.
This does make me wonder - where are all these long lived motorcycles? Of course there are second hand bikes out there but not as many as it *feels* as there should be. Do they all end up bent? I know of several "friends" (I know, shocking!) who sold their clean low mileage models via eBay etc. These were collected by Eastern Europeans and stacked into the back of a 40ft container.
06/01/2022 19:48:19 UTC
nab301 said :-
@ Rod , I've always found my Boxer 1100 engine to be in the sweet zone at 5000 rpm max ( not necessarily in 6th gear..) although it will rev to 8000rpm. According to the formula then, 5000rpm = a piston speed of 2312 ft /min = ok!
The next bike I knew ,would be a problem and would explain why so many hard ridden "over revved" Enfields usually decapitate their piston or throw a conrod .
Enfield Bullet 500 classic engine = 90mm stroke = 180mm per rev =7.0866inches= 1771ft /min at 3000rpm but max power is calculated at 5400rpm = I think 3188ft/min!!!! The moral is keep your Enfield spinning but don't load it either, which will probably damage the crankshaft. There are modified Bullets out there with 102mm stroke which just doesn't bear thinking about!
If I move to the CB125F with its 57.8mm stroke that seems to equate to a max rpm of approx 6500rpm before exceeding 2500ft /min. 9K rpm = redline... ouch!
Nigel
07/01/2022 14:59:39 UTC
ROD¹ said :-
My 125cc Assault works out at 48mph for engine longevity which I feel is correct.
My point which I did not make very well was a low revving engine like the NC750 Honda can be deceiving as it has a longish 80mm stroke and therefore it is reaching its longevity speed at around 80mph with revs of around 4760rpm.
A shorter stoke engine like a gixer 750 has a stroke of 48.7mm and will rev at 7850rpm with the same piston speed.
07/01/2022 16:01:09 UTC
nab301 said :-
Thanks Rod , could my pea sized brain ask how you converted all the different bikes rpm ranges into road speed....?
Nigel
196167...
07/01/2022 19:35:01 UTC
ROD¹ said :-
I just used google to search for how many revs a *** is doing at 60mph for some results from road tests, or viewed youtube footage of reviews and road tests.
So the figures from my own bikes are corrected speeds using GPS, but the other bikes will be speedometer readings which may have an inaccuracy of a few mph.
07/01/2022 20:18:25 UTC
nab301 said :-
Thanks Rod , I was beginning to feel a little inadequate and thought maybe you were mathematically calculating the speed...!
Nigel
08/01/2022 12:45:49 UTC
Fran said :-
I did a quick look at the 2500 feet/sec rev number vs the red line number and they all seem to hover around 65%-70%. Ie the 2500 feet/sec is about 65% of the redline.
Makes it then fairly easy on any bike to see where the max long term revs should be. Ie nc750x at 4760 and a redline of about 6600.
08/01/2022 19:13:48 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
80mm stroke longish? What about my ES2 at 100mm. The Model 19 from the same maker had a stroke of 120mm - later reduced to 113mm.
All pull like a steam engine from low revs but run out of puff at around 5000 rpm.
I do seem to remember that Phil Irving suggested a maximum piston speed of 4,000 ft/min but can't find that in either "Tuning for Speed" or "Motorcycle Engineering".
09/01/2022 11:36:37 UTC
ROD¹ said :-
Yes Ian, you correct, Some of the older bikes had long strokes.
I remember my mate had a 650cc Panther with a stroke of over 100mm.
I also remember somewhere 4000ft/min mentioned, and I think it was connected to racing engines, where Pomeroy was referring to good engine longevity.
Fran, in most cases you are correct. 2500ft/min would equate to 65 70% of the manufacturers redline.
09/01/2022 12:43:53 UTC
Marv said :-
I guess later on this year, I've owned my CB500X for 4 years.
Time flies! I've no desire, nor need to replace it with something more powerful. As others have said, it's a bit buzzy at motorway speeds, but I rarely go on the motorway. 16T sprocket actually helps a little at higher cruising speeds.
I think it's a brilliant all around bike and great value for money. Will hopefully be able to take it on some longer trips in the coming years.
17/01/2022 20:02:20 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
What's the mileage on your 500X now Marv? I'm finding my 500 a little less buzzy by allowing the motor to stretch its legs from time to time. Getting it up to 70 (and a smidgen) for a few longer rides seems to ease the motor's buzziness. Obviously keeping to legal speeds and when it's safe to do so, the motor appreciates the occasional damn good thrashing.
18/01/2022 18:33:57 UTC
Marv said :-
Just under 12,000 miles now. Took it on a trip to the Outer Hebrides June last year. Perhaps the long run to the far reaches of Scotland did subside the slight buzziness at higher speed, but perhaps because I was riding it alot, I somehow may not have noticed...if that makes sense?
Think I appreciated how good a travel partner it is more this time, than my first trip with it in 2019! Here's a pic of it near Tarbert on the Isle of Harris.
18/01/2022 19:57:44 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Yes Marv, it makes sense. How much of what we feel is cold hard fact and how much is in our head? Our senses are easily deceived by our mood and out beliefs. That's one hell of a picture and I really really REALLY wanna go ride!
19/01/2022 09:39:48 UTC
Marv said :-
How many miles has yours covered now, Ren?
If you've checked the valve clearances twice, then it must have covered some decent miles.
20/01/2022 21:46:16 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
My current CB500X was purchased Nov '19 with about 750 miles on the clock (ex-demo). It's just about to get it's first MOT this morning and it's at 18,180 miles. So I've had it, what, errr... 2 years 3 months give or take. The valve check is only due at 16k but because I'm STUPID I checked them at 8k and 16k. I'll check them again now at say 25k and then probably every 12-20k after that.
While it's only 3 years old because I'm not the cleaning polishing type and it gets used in any weather - it looks like it's 10 years old already. Sharon and I visited Bogger last weekend and when he sees my bike it causes him actual tangible physical and emotional pain.
21/01/2022 08:44:13 UTC
Bogger said :-
Still trying to recover from the shock of it all to be honest. However I did get a delightful present from Sharon.
Bogger....Back on the drink again
23/01/2022 15:59:39 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
The terror and trauma of seeing my muddy machine has caused you to fall off the wagon Bogger? I suspect my bike is a scapegoat, it'll be the excitement of getting that new 350 scoot you can't cope with.
24/01/2022 08:37:16 UTC
RobEll said :-
Apologies Ed, for the shameless pitch but I don't have an email address for you and/or I'm too lazy to look properly. And feel free to remove, edit or suggest an alternative. but should anyone be interested I have a standard rear sprocket and a 16 tooth front sprocket I didn't get around to fitting to my 2016 or 17, CB500F cluttering up my garage. Both new. Needless to say I'd just be happy to be shot of them for the cost of postage or a short ride to a mutually convenient cafe/or whatever.
28/01/2022 07:02:18 UTC
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