2021 Honda CB500X: Image Gallery

Honda’s crack at the middleweight adventure touring segment packs quite a punch, but at a sizeable cost

Honda has recently launched the CB500X, the brand’s first offering in the middleweight adventure touring segment. Yes, it does come in at a Honda characteristic hefty price tag of Rs 6.87 lakh, but what you get for your moolah is a host of tech and features that’s well worth the price. Here, we give you a closer look.

Design

The CB500X takes image cues from the Africa Twin. It gets a tall flyscreen up front, and fairing panels beside the headlight for a pretty substantial impression when viewed from the front. Moving to the side, the seat is scooped well with the cushioning going onto the tank (conducive for the constantly shifting stance of an ADV rider). The pillion, too, gets ample padding with a large grabrail that can serve as a handy mounting point for luggage as well.

Frame and suspension

The CB500X features a diamond-shaped steel tube frame, and uses telescopic forks up front and a nine-step preload-adjustable rear monoshock. This, coupled with the 181mm ground clearance, means the CB500x can conquer whatever the roads throw at it.

Dimensions and rideability

The CB500X’ 830mm seat height, though similar to that on the KTM 390 Duke, may be a cause for concern for shorter riders. However, at just 30mm more than the Royal Enfield Himlayan, and with similar dimensions (199kg or just about 3kg heavier, with its 1443mm wheelbase actually 22mm less than the Himalayan) it will not at all be a handful. Besides, the Honda’s 17.7-litre fuel tank is also larger than the RE’s 15-litre unit.

Engine

The CB500X features a 471cc parallel twin mated to a 6-speed transmission with assist and slipper clutch, making a comparatively modest 47.5PS at 8600rpm and 43Nm at 6500rpm. The trick, however, is that being an almost square cylinder (67mm bore, 66.8mm stroke), the power delivery is comfortably linear, exactly what riders need to effortlessly munch miles.

Wheels, Tyres And Braking

As is the standard for most ADVs, the CB500X boasts a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel setup. Tyres are 110/80 and 160/60 (front/rear) dual-purpose units, while braking duties are handled by a 310mm front and 240mm rear disc, with dual-channel ABS as standard.

Instrument Console

The CB500X gets a negatively lit all-digital cluster, with a numerical readout for speed. Also seen are the tacho, fuel gauge, odometer, dual tripmeters, gear indicator, engine temperature indicator, and the usual tell-tale lights. Another useful addition is an auxiliary plug-in electric port.    

A distinct lack of rider aids means the switchgear is simple fare. While the right hand gets an engine killswitch, hazard light and starter button, the left gets a pass light toggle switch, and horn and indicator switches, albeit in reversed positions.

LED Lights

The CB500X offers LED headlights, indicators and taillights. Riders also get the advantage of the Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) system which flashes both front and rear indicators (as hazard lights) when it senses sudden braking.