Honda’s first light middleweight adventure crossover, the CB500X gets som timely updates for the coming year. This comes at the heels of the recent updates for the CB400X for the Japan market.
The new model is now Euro5 compatible. It’s powered by an 8-valve liquid-cooled parallel twin-cylinder for a proper balance of physical size and enjoyable power output. The engine features faster acceleration thanks to more low-to-mid-range power and torque in the 3-7,000rpm range. Altered valve timing alone has already yielded a 4% improvement. As such, it produces 47.6 PS at 8,600rpm and 43 Nm torque at 6,500rpm. It’s paired with a six-speed gearbox with an assist and slipper clutch.
Like the CBR500R, its LCD instrument panel features a Shift Up and Gear Position function. The LCD is set to a default 8,750 rpm but can be adjusted in 250 rpm increments between 5-8,750 rpm.
The CB500X rides on a preload-adjustable telescopic front fork with 150mm of travel. Its single-tube rear shock absorber has 135 mm of travel with a 5-stage spring preload adjustment feature. This gives it a low seat height of 830 mm. It’s brought to a stop with a 310 mm wave-pattern disc and two-piston brake caliper is matched to a 240 mm rear disc and single-piston caliper. ABS is fitted as standard.
In true adventure bike style, the CB500X rides on a 19-inch aluminum alloy front wheels and 17-inch rear wheel., both shod on tires with trail-friendly patterns.
For long rides, its fuel tank can holds 17.5L including reserve. Honda says it’s capable of 27.8km/l and a range of 480 km. It tips the scales at 197 kg.
The 2021 CB500X has just been launched in Europe, with other markets like the Philippines to follow later on.
