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2013 Honda CB500X
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2013 Honda CB500X Review
2013 Honda CB500X
Affordable Adventure…
If you could use a little more adventure in your life—and who couldn’t? — the CB500X can deliver on that idea at a surprisingly affordable price. The adventure-style CB500X delivers a fun-to-ride option with an extra dose of versatility. The compact windscreen up front can be adjusted to varying heights, and the larger-capacity fuel tank has been carefully shaped to give the rider an unrestricted riding position.
That’s the beauty of owning an adventure-style bike like the CB500X; every time you look at this bike it just about begs you to take it out in search of new roads, undiscovered places, fun sights to see. And the CB500X is not just a great ride, it’s also equipped with a load of features that give it an extra dose of versatility. The compact windscreen can be adjusted to varying heights, the open riding accommodations are extra roomy and the larger-capacity fuel tank has been carefully shaped to give the rider an unrestricted riding position. The long-stroke 41mm front fork yields a full 4.9 inches of travel and a wide handlebar allows for easy steering inputs. Also, a wide assortment of Honda Genuine Accessories lets riders personalize their bike with ease. But you don’t have to save up your CB500X for that once-in-a-while adventure tour; it also serves as a versatile ride to fulfill those everyday needs.
The CB500X delivers plenty of performance to adventure sport touring riders, with its thoroughly modern, torquey 500cc parallel-twin DOHC engine. Its upright handlebar naturally accommodates a wide variety of riders, and the shape and height of the seat give more rider freedom. The CB500X is an excellent choice for riders ready to move up a displacement class, or for anyone who appreciates a great middleweight motorcycle for practical in-town riding, or fun adventure-sport touring.
Want to head out on the road less travelled, on an adventure bike that’s way lighter and easier to handle than those big-bore monsters? The wild new CB500X gives you the freedom to chase your dreams to the end of the road and beyond. A bigger gas tank compared to the CBR500R and CB500F allows the fuel-efficient 470 cc parallel-twin engine to take you even farther between fill-ups, and the engine’s internal counterbalancer plus an upright seating position help to keep you comfortable even on long-distance adventures. The compact fairing with adjustable windshield provides just enough weather protection without being cumbersome, adding to the CB500X’s lightweight feel and handling that’s nimble and confidence-inspiring. Plus, ABS brakes provide superior stopping performance on all road surfaces – pavement, gravel, dirt, whatever you encounter.
2013 Honda CB500X Key Features
– 500cc parallel-twin DOHC engine
– Programmed Fuel Injection
– Long-stroke front fork, 4.9-inches travel
– Adventure-style seating position makes for unrestricted maneuvering and keeps the rider comfortable during adventure trips, commuting or short hops around town.
– All-new 500cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin DOHC engine is thoroughly modern in design and produces a broad power spread for enjoyable and economical riding.
– Four-valve cylinder head design uses lightweight rocker-arm valve actuation with shim-type valve adjustment.
– Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) continuously monitors several variables to ensure the correct fuel mixture is delivered for the existing riding and atmospheric conditions for crisp throttle response throughout a wide variety of riding conditions.
– Engine counterbalancer and 180-degree crankpin reduce engine vibration for superior rider comfort.
– Preloaded, scissors-type gears for the primary drive and engine counterbalancer gears help reduce engine noise.
– Diamond-shaped 35mm steel tube frame is lightweight and rigid for responsive sport handling.
– Stout 41mm front fork with 4.9 inches of travel returns a plush yet controlled ride.
– Sophisticated Pro-Link® single-shock rear suspension offers nine-stage spring preload adjustability and 4.7 inches of controlled travel.
– Lightweight cast aluminum wheels, 120/70-17 in front and 160/60-17 rear, return sporting feel and handling traits.
– Front 320mm wave-style disc brake and 240mm rear provides strong stopping power.
– ABS version available for enhanced braking characteristics in less than ideal conditions.
– Amber-tinted instrument display features speedometer, tachometer, odometer/A&B tripmeters, fuel gauge, clock, mpg, average fuel consumption, and current fuel consumption.
– Wide handlebar is designed specifically to fit the adventure-style rider ergonomics.
– Available in Matte Black Metallic on both standard and ABS models.
– Transferable one-year, unlimited-mileage limited warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan.
Honda Genuine Accessories†
– Saddlebag Case, Color-Matched Saddlebag Cover, Saddlebag Case Stay, 35-Liter Top Box, Front Side Pipe, Knuckle Guard, Heated Grips, Heated Grips Attachment, Centerstand, Carbon Fiber-Look Front Fender, Carbon Fiber-Look Radiator Shroud, Carbon Fiber-Look Lower Under Cowl, Carbon Fiber-Look Under Cover, Carbon Fiber-Look Rear Tire Hugger, Tall Windscreen, Wind Deflector, Rear Carrier, One-Key Locking System
† WARRANTY: Because we’re so confident in the quality of each of our Honda Genuine Accessories, we’re pleased to offer one of the best warranties in the industry. One-year warranty begins on the day accessories are purchased by the customer.
2013 Honda CB500X Features and Benefits
Adjustable Windscreen
The windscreen on the CB500X is manually adjustable up to 40mm for optimal wind protection.
Digital Instrumentation
An amber-tinted full LCD screen features digital speedometer aned tachometer and more, including a clock, odometer, trip meter, real-time and average fuel consumption meters, and illuminated engine diagnostic indicators.
Halogen Headlight
A single 60-Watt H4 halogen headlight and multi-facet reflector on the CB500X give the front end a unique look and also project plenty of light on the road for visibility.
Unique Style
The CB500X is a lightweight, dynamic motorcycle that offers adventure style with an upright riding position. While not a dual-sport, the new CB500X still has the posture of an adventure machine with a unique fuel tank design that offers ability to freely move the body weight.
Long-Travel Front Suspension
The long stroke 41mm front fork yields a full 5.5 inches of travel, and a wide handlebar allows for easy steering inputs.
Disc Brakes
Front 320mm wave-style disc brake and 240mm rear provides strong stopping power.
12-spoke Cast Wheels
Strong and stylish, the CB500X’s lightweight cast aluminum wheels, 120/70-17 in front and 160/60-17 rear, are easy to keep clean, look great, enhance handling, and are another CB500X feature that just makes sense.
Programmed Fuel-Injection (PGM-FI)
Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) continuously monitors several variables to ensure the correct fuel mixture is delivered for the existing riding and atmospheric conditions for crisp throttle response throughout a wide variety of riding conditions.
Lower Cowl
The CB500X is equipped with a lower cowl to protect the exhaust pipe and engine from flying stones and other debris when riding on rough surfaces. Air intakes are incorporated into the design provide effective cooling.
DOHC Parallel-Twin Cylinder Engine
Honda twins are famous for their versatility, and the new CB500X engine is one of our best ever. Using the same piston bore size as our CBR600RR sportbike, the parallel twin engine offers accessible performance across all RPM ranges.
Steel-Tube Frame
A motorcycle’s frame is the basis for its handling. A new take on a classic construction, the CB500X’s diamond-shaped steel-tube mainframe ties to the engine with four mounts, offering a rock-solid foundation for a superior ride and handling.
Stepped Seat
The new CB500X’s 32-inch seat height and unrestricted riding position offers freedom of movement for usage in both touring and commuting. You’ll find that it’s perfect for around-town riding, and also offers plenty of room for a passenger.
Pro-Link Rear Suspension
A sophisticated chassis with Honda Pro-Link® rear suspension, with 9-stage preload and 4.7 inches travel gives you a comfortable ride over small bumps, while capably absorbing bigger bumps to increase riding comfort and handling.
Anti-Lock Brakes
Available ABS on the CB500X helps you make smoother, more controlled stops under less than ideal conditions.
Engine/Drivetrain
The all-new DOHC liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine uses a square bore & stroke of 67 mm x 66.8 mm for an optimum combination of strong low-end torque and horsepower and excellent top-end performance..
The 67 mm bore size is the same as used on the CBR600RRA..
Engine vibration is kept to a minimum by using crank pins phased at 180 degrees and a balancer shaft behind the cylinders, which also contributes to the engine’s compact size..
PGM-FI electronic fuel injection keeps the engine running efficiently in all conditions and ensures crisp throttle response..
Careful flow analysis of the cooling system resulted in a water pump that’s small and lightweight, yet still more than capable of keeping the engine running its best at high output levels..
In order to maximize air-intake and exhaust efficiency, the profile from the air cleaner through the intake ports to the exhaust pipe was made as straight as possible..
The four valves in each of the DOHC cylinder heads have narrow stems, thereby reducing weight and friction and increasing efficiency..
A light and compact roller-rocker-arm assembly and shim-type valve adjustment allows a lower valve-spring load for reduced friction and a compact cylinder head..
The pins in the silent cam chain have been treated with vanadium, which both reduces friction and improves durability..
The lightweight pistons use the same advanced manufacturing process as those found in the CBR600RRA..
To ensure precise cylinder shape, the engine uses the same centrifugal-cast thin-wall sleeves as found in the CBR600RRA..
The oil pump’s internal relief structure uses the same design as found in the CBR1000RR, which reduces friction, improves aeration performance and simplifies the shape of the oil pan..
Chassis/Suspension
The lightweight diamond-shaped steel frame was designed to allow a certain degree of yield, which enables it to better respond to changes in the road surface and to transmit just the right amount of feedback to the rider..
The Pro-Link rear suspension with preload-adjustable shock and the conventional 41 mm telescopic fork are calibrated for a comfortable but sporty ride..
The rear section of the frame was designed to facilitate a seat height of 810 mm, which allows most riders to easily plant their feet on the ground when stopped..
Lightweight cast aluminum wheels with Y-shaped spokes not only look trick, they also contribute to the bike’s excellent manoeuvrability..
Wave brake rotors with superlative heat-dissipating qualities are lighter than conventional discs of the same diameter, which help to further reduce the bike’s unsprung weight..
Triple-piston brake calipers up front and a single-piston caliper at the back provide strong but easily controlled stopping power. Plus, ABS gives you extra peace of mind on reduced-traction road surfaces. (The CBR500R is also available with non-ABS brakes.).
Additional Features
Ergonomics were carefully configured to ensure an unrestricted riding position that allows easy manoeuvring in town, an easy reach to the ground, as well as excellent comfort during long-distance highway trips..
The CB500X boasts a large 17-litre fuel tank, which combined with the fuel-efficient engine, means excellent range for plenty of riding fun between fill-ups..
A utility space under the seat accommodates a U-lock, wet weather gear or other items..
A compact fairing features a taller windshield that can be adjusted through a range of 40 mm, plus a lower section that helps to protect the exhaust pipes and engine from stones and other debris when riding on rough surfaces.
2013 Honda CB500X – USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: See dealer for pricing in USD
Model: CB500X
Engine Type: 500cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin
Bore and Stroke: 67.0mm x 66.8mm
Compression ratio: 10.7:1
Valve Train: DOHC; four valves per cylinder
Induction: PGM-FI with 34mm throttle bodies
Ignition: Computer-controlled digital transistorized with electronic advance
Transmission: Six-speed
Final Drive: O-ring-sealed chain
Suspension
Front: 41mm fork; 4.9 inches travel
Rear: Pro-Link single shock with nine-position spring preload adjustability; 4.7 inches travel
Brakes
Front: Twin-piston caliper with single 320mm wave disc
Rear: Single-caliper 240mm wave disc
Optional Honda ABS
Tires
Front: 120/70-17
Rear: 160/60-17
Wheelbase: 55.9 inches
Rake (Caster Angle): 26° 5′
Trail: 109mm (4.29 inches)
Seat Height: 31.9 inches
Fuel Capacity: 4.5 gallons including 0.7-gallon reserve
Estimated Fuel Economy**: TBD
Color: Matte Black Metallic
Curb Weight*: 430 pounds (CB500X)
*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel-ready to ride.
**Miles per gallon values are calculated estimates of fuel consumed during laboratory exhaust emissions tests specified by the EPA, not during on-road riding. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you ride and maintain your vehicle, weather, road conditions, tire pressure, cargo and accessories, rider and passenger weight, and other factors.
Meets current EPA standards.
Models sold in California meet current CARB standards and may differ slightly due to emissions equipment.
Specifications subject to change.
2013 Honda CB500X – Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
Canada MSRP Price: See dealer for pricing in CDN
Engine Type Liquid-cooled parallel twin
Displacement 471 cc
Bore & Stroke 67 x 66.8 mm
Compression Ratio 10.7:1
Valve Train Chain-driven DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel Delivery PGM-FI electronic fuel injection
Transmission Six-speed
Final Drive #520 O-ring-sealed chain
Front Suspension 41 mm telescopic fork; 125 mm (4.9 in.) travel
Rear Suspension Pro-Link single shock with spring preload adjustment; 118 mm (4.6 in.) travel
Tires 120/70ZR-17 front; 160/60ZR-17 rear
Brakes Front 320 mm single wavy hydraulic disc with double-piston caliper; Rear 240 mm single wavy hydraulic disc with single-piston caliper; ABS.
Seat Height 810 mm (31.9 in.)
Wheelbase 1,421 mm (55.9 in.)
Curb Weight 197 kg (434 lb) including required fluids and full tank of gas – ready to ride
Fuel Capacity 17 litres
Colour Candy Ruby Red, Mat Gunpowder Black Metallic
Warranty 12 months, unlimited mileage, freely transferable warranty; extended coverage available with Honda Plus
2013 Honda CB500X – UK Specifications/Technical Details
UK RRP: £TBA (Prices are recommended and inclusive of VAT @ 20% and delivery)
TBA
2013 Honda CB500X – Australia Specifications/Technical Details
Australia MSRP Price: See dealer for pricing in AU
ENGINE
ENGINE TYPE 471cc Liquid-Cooled, parallel twin
BORE AND STROKE 67mm x 66.8mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 10.7 : 1
STARTER Electric
CARBURATION PGM FI
TRANSMISSION 6-speed
FRAME
DIMENSIONS 2095mm x 830mm x 1290mm
WHEEL BASE 1421mm
SEAT HEIGHT 810MM
GROUND CLEARANCE 170MM
FUEL CAPACITY 15.7L
KERB WEIGHT 195Kg
TYRE
FRONT 120/70ZR – 17M/C (On-Off Pattern)
REAR 160/60ZR – 17M/C (On-Off Pattern)
SUSPENSION
FRONT Conventional Telescopic, 41mm
REAR Prolink mono with 9 stage Preload adjuster, steel square pipe swingarm
BRAKES
FRONT Single Wavy Disk, 320mm, 2 POT caliper
REAR Single Wavy Disk, 240mm, 1 POT calliper
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