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Honda Announces Revisions to Popular CB500X for 2019

When we tested the original Honda CB500X, we found it an attractive, affordable machine with spunky performance for beginners and experienced riders alike. For 2019, Honda is making some significant changes/improvements to this model, as announced earlier today at EICMA.

Now with a 19″ front wheel and increased suspension travel (both front and rear), the CB500X also gets an even more upright riding position (is this possible?). This was already a very comfortable motorcycle, but these changes should make it even more comfortable.

Engine changes are also on the menu for 2019, as described in the following, brief press release from Honda:

Nov 6, 2018 – TORRANCE, Calif. Honda announced today that its adventure line welcomes significant improvements to the CB500X for the 2019 model year. The midsized, parallel-twin-cylinder machine remains one of the most maneuverable, rider-friendly, easy-to-own motorcycles on the road, and now performance updates encourage a greater sense of adventure.

With a 19″ front wheel, more aggressive tire treads, increased front and rear suspension travel and updated styling with a more upright riding position, the CB500X is truly adventure-ready, and improvements to the engine’s intake tract, valve timing and exhaust result in increased torque and crisper throttle response.

“While the CB500X has been popular in stock form, some more adventurous riders have turned to the aftermarket to suit their needs in recent years,” said Lee Edmunds, American Honda’s Senior Manager of Powersports Marketing. “For 2019, Honda engineers have followed our customers’ lead and made a number of revisions to the chassis and engine, moving the CB500X alongside Honda’s full-size and entry ADV models as a truly adventure-ready motorcycle.”

In addition, Honda announced the return of other adventure models for the 2019 model year, including the NC750X and CRF250L Rally, as well as the CRF250L dual-sport bike.

Pricing and availability will be released at a later date.


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11 Comments

  1. I Ride says:

    I have the bike several people mentioned that they want. 2014 CB500X at 420 lbs. with 4.9 gallons of gas, 9 inches front travel and 7.5 rear, 21 front. 18 rear wire rims. 60 to 70 mpg. My Hafrica Twin

  2. bmbktmracer says:

    A small step in the right direction. I like the idea of this bike, but it’s so completely aimed at newbs that it’d most likely be a bore for the shredders among us.

  3. motocephalic says:

    I am glad they went to a 19″ front tire. I can only hope they kept the weight down to less than 450.

  4. Zuki says:

    I owned a 2014 for two years and rode it year-round, through rain storms and bitter cold winters. It was one of the best bikes I ever had and no doubt the best daily/multi-purpose road bike. I regret that I sold it. No, it doesn’t have huge power output. I’ve owned bikes with at least 3 times the power and never once was I bored or missing those other bikes while riding the CB. It was really fun and easy to ride briskly, and to be honest I think I was much faster on the CB on the local canyon road than I was on the high-power sport-bikes. Relatively light at 430 lbs. wet, and it felt even lighter when pushing it around the garage. It consistently delivered between 71 and 74 mpg… well over 300 miles per tank. Highway legs were good too… 80+ mph was no problem and it had plenty of passing power. Honda should definitely up the ante and build a junior Africa Twin version.

    • Bob K says:

      Everything I’ve read from other owners mirrors your sentiments. It’s hard to argue with a bike that kills it in the daily/multi-purpose basic utility category. This just works and it doesn’t look too shabby either.
      .
      I also think a 500 Africa twin version would be cool, but they’re already going to offer a CRF450L sometime. However, over-the-road, I’d rather have a 2 cylinder than a single.

    • Moto-Kafe says:

      Zuki nailed it……..the CB500X is such a fun little bike. I too have liter-class bikes, but the my CB500X would put a smile on my face everytime I rode it…..I called it my little Motard. Regretfully, sold it to a friend, but still have the fond memories of riding it…..and getting positive looks when I did.

  5. mickey says:

    An out of state nephew bought a CB500X to ride whenever he is back in town, and stuck it in my garage, asking if I would ride it for him until he comes back. So I have been, every now and then. It’s a fun little bike, smooth for a P twin. It will do anything you ask of it with enough rpms. Keep it on the boil and down shift whenever you let off the gas, and it will reward you with its effort. I couldn’t live with one as an only bike as it feels a bit gutless,(been riding liter I4 and V4’s for 41 years) but still it does what you ask of it, as long as you don’t ask too much. Wouldn’t want to ride one cross country, although it’s a Honda and would probably make it.

  6. Jeremy in TX says:

    “While the CB500X has been popular in stock form, some more adventurous riders have turned to the aftermarket to suit their needs in recent years.”

    I could be wrong, but those wheels look pretty fragile. I think some of those more adventurous riders will continue to turn to the aftermarket. Seems like it would have been better leaving the 17″ front in place for the street crowd and perhaps created a more serious Africa Twin Mini version with some more serious dirt chops.

    The 500X has great potential as a softcore adventure bike. I see some of the conversions around here from time to time.

    • DP says:

      I agree with you completely. To change original road intended 17″ front wheel for fragile looking 19″, (as you say) is not good idea. They should have offered more off road oriented version with spoked wheels instead. It might cost one grand more and that would be still acceptable.

      I own, exactly 3 years now 2015 model and must say this is overall best bike I have owned. And yeah, I had litre class bikes before. This is the most comfortable, versatile and economical one however.

    • DP says:

      I agree with you, this is not the best of choice of front wheel size and rim for primarily road use. They should have offered two versions in parallel. Cheap approach to model policy does not pay off.

      I own 3 years 2015 model and I am very happy with it. It is indeed “softcore” but rugged enough on road light adventure bike.

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