Contents: Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
Contents: Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
2023 Honda CB500X: STEP UP TO ADVENTURE.
Introducing the 2023 Honda CB500X…
EXPLORE YOUR HORIZONS
Don’t let anyone tell you that you need to ride to the tip of South America or across the Sahara to have a great motorcycle adventure. Adventure can be right in your own back yard—at least if you have the right bike. And one of your best choices is a Honda CB500X. First, it’s rightsized, not too heavy or wide. Next, it has legit adventure-bike styling, and an upright seating position. Its twin-cylinder engine is a spectacular choice for all kinds of riding, and it returns some pretty impressive fuel efficiency too. And finally, there’s its attractive price. Anti-lock brakes are standard, and so is a Pearl Organic Green paint scheme.
This is the moment you’ve been waiting for. It’s time to ride the CB500X. It’s loaded with rugged adventure style and striking new colour options, upgraded, high-quality long-travel suspension and brakes all powered by an A2-compliant twin-cylinder engine that puts real, enjoyable performance in your right hand. At a surprisingly satisfying price point.
FEEL FREE TO BE FREE
This is freedom. Released from the day-to-day, to travel by motorcycle is to explore yourself, as well as the world around you. You’re moving, too. With a fresh A2 licence, ready for a new adventure on the CB500X. Each journey is unique. In the city or far beyond there’s always something different around the next corner. And there’s no better feeling.
Designed and developed to address the disparate requirements of adventure riding while still delivering exceptional value, the CB500X is an exceptional urban commuter that’s also ready for off-road excursions and even canyon-riding outings. The essence of a modern mid-displacement adventure machine, the CB500X is both practical and rewarding to ride, and truly adventure-ready.
2023 Honda CB500X Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
HISTORY
Originally launched in 2013, the CB500X brought crossover adventure style to Honda’s fun-focused twin-cylinder “light middleweight” engine platform. The model’s usefulness was down to a straightforward equation—a perky, well-regarded twin-cylinder engine that produced real torque and drive from low rpm, and revved hard up top, plus a chassis that gave a comfortable ride around town and on the open highway, all wrapped up in distinctive adventure styling.
Driven by customer feedback, the CB500X has become more adventurous over time. A 2016 upgrade included a larger fuel tank and more wind protection via an adjustable screen. The bike also gained LED lighting, a spring preload-adjustable fork and an adjustable brake lever. Another evolution happened in 2019, with a switch to a 19-inch front wheel (from 17 inches) injecting even more “True Adventure” performance, and the CB500X has delivered competence and adaptability for a wide variety of owners, effortlessly slipping between the roles of short-hop commuter and weekend tourer. Long-travel suspension ironed out irregular road surfaces, a wide handlebar provided leverage and the upright riding position delivered comfort and a wide field of view. In other words, the CB500X has been an all-rounder in every sense of the term.
Having proved its popularity over nearly a decade, the CB500X received additional improvements for the 2022 model year and is back for 2023.
If You’re Ready So Is The CB500X
You know where you want to go next. And the CB500X is a perfect travel partner. Compact crossover styling gives a comfortable, upright riding position (seat height is just 830mm) ready for long days in the saddle or the daily commute. There’s plenty of range from the 17.5L fuel tank, effective wind deflection from the fairing and screen, while wide handlebars give plenty of low-speed control, perfect for trickling through busy traffic.
Supreme Control Wherever You Go
If you’re riding smooth or rough, new Showa 41mm Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks split spring from damping and provide excellent suspension reaction and control. The Showa rear shock has revised spring rate and damping, while new lightweight wheels and swingarm – plus more forward-set weight bias – ensure quick steering and stability and likewise new, dual 296mm discs are worked by two-piston calipers, giving more braking power with no gain in inertia.
Plenty Of Torque On Tap
You’ll be amazed by what this twin-cylinder A2-compliant engine can do. Of course, peak power is set at 35kW but peak torque of 43Nm – delivered at just 6,500rpm – ensures muscular bottom- and mid-range performance, just what you need for swift overtaking, especially when carrying a pillion or loaded up. And, for precise control of the six-speed gearbox, an Assist/Slipper clutch eases upshifts and manages rear wheel lock-up under hard braking and rapid downshifting.
A Cockpit Set Out For Adventure
This cockpit is set out for adventure. The negative LCD instruments feature a speedo, bar graph rev-counter, dual trip meters, fuel level/consumption gauge as well as Gear Position and Shift Up indicators. All lighting is full LED with the headlight featuring optimised high/low beams. For extra visibility to other road users the front indicators are also now position lights.
Enjoyable A2 Twin-Cylinder Engine
Great for acceleration, with peak torque of 43Nm @ 6,500rpm. Its power delivery is perfect for new riders and, at high rpm, entertaining for more experienced riders.
Designed for the Journey
Long-travel suspension soaks up the hits and smooths the ride, a 19-inch front wheel adds sure-footed stability while block-pattern tyres ensure consistent grip.
CB500X Full LED Lighting with Optimised Beams
Full LED Lighting with Optimised Beams
All lighting is premium LED. The high- and low-beams are newly optimised to give an improved spread, so you see more at night. Adding extra visibility the front indicators are also now position lights.
Compact Adventure Styling & New Colours
Stand out from the crowd with compact crossover styling that exudes a tough, aggressive edge. Vibrant new colours and graphics are the perfect complement.
New Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD Forks
New Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD forks separate damping and spring, and offer precise suspension control – no matter the terrain – so you can ride with confidence.
Dual Discs and Twin-Piston Calipers
We’ve given the CB500X the braking power of dual, 296mm discs and two-piston calipers, without adding any extra steering inertia.
Enjoyable A2 Twin-Cylinder Engine
Great for acceleration, with peak torque of 43Nm @ 6,500rpm. Its power delivery is perfect for new riders and, at high rpm, entertaining for more experienced riders.
Designed for the Journey
Long-travel suspension soaks up the hits and smooths the ride, a 19-inch front wheel adds sure-footed stability while block-pattern tyres ensure consistent grip.
Full LED Lighting with Optimised Beams
All lighting is premium LED. The high- and low-beams are newly optimised to give an improved spread, so you see more at night. Adding extra visibility the front indicators are also now position lights.
Compact Adventure Styling & New Colours
Stand out from the crowd with compact crossover styling that exudes a tough, aggressive edge. Vibrant new colours and graphics are the perfect complement.
New Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD Forks
New Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD forks separate damping and spring, and offer precise suspension control – no matter the terrain – so you can ride with confidence.
Dual Discs and Twin-Piston Calipers
We’ve given the CB500X the braking power of dual, 296mm discs and two-piston calipers, without adding any extra steering inertia.
2023 Honda CB500X Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
CHASSIS / SUSPENSION
The CB500X’s light, strong 35mm diameter steel diamond-tube mainframe has a tuned degree of yield that gives plenty of feedback to the rider as road surfaces change. The shape and position of the engine mounts, plus the frame’s rigidity balance, keep vibration to a minimum.
With the aim to maximize all-around handling performance, this model uses a Showa 41mm inverted Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) fork with 5.9 inches of cushion stroke, held by upper and lower triple clamps. By dividing the functions—Big Piston pressure separation damper in one leg, spring mechanism in the other—reaction and ride quality are optimized.
The single-tube shock absorber (as found on larger-capacity sport bikes) has a large-diameter piston that ensures excellent response and temperature management; it features five-stage preload adjustment with an optimized spring rate and damping settings. Rear-wheel travel is 5.3 inches.
Dual 296mm petal-style rotors and axial-mounted Nissin two-piston calipers are standard. The required lever pressure when braking is minimized, but the small disc size keeps weight to a minimum.
The 19-inch cast-aluminum front wheel minimizes unsprung weight for good turning ability. It’s crowned by a tough fender design. Trail-pattern tires are sized 110/80-R19 front and 160/60-R17 rear. Curb weight is 439 pounds with all fluids and a full tank of fuel. Wheelbase is 56.9 inches, with rake and trail of 27.5°/108mm (4.3 inches).
The CB500X has an aggressive, “ready for the wild” adventure style, with the long radiator shrouds and fairing giving a strong three-dimensional texture front to rear, linked by interlocking side covers and fuel tank. But this is a bike as much about function as form; high-pressure air flowing around the fairing and screen (with two available height settings—56.9 inches and 55.5 inches) is managed for good wind protection at highway speeds. The sharply chiseled headlight uses extra-powerful LEDs.
A slim seat profile allows for free movement around the machine and aids easy ground reach, and to help maneuverability, the steering angle is 38° from centered to full lock. A gunmetal-gray, tapered steel handlebar elevates control. Seat height is 32.8 inches, and the upright riding position is very accommodating while providing excellent visibility. Overall dimensions are 84.9 inches long x 32.7 inches wide x 56.9 inches high, with 7.1 inches of ground clearance.
LCD instruments—set in a multi-surfaced, textured surrounding—feature Gear Position and Shift Up indicators; this is set to a default 8,750 rpm but can be adjusted in 250 rpm increments from 5,000 to 8,750 rpm. The fuel tank holds 4.7 gallons, including reserve.
ENGINE / DRIVETRAIN
The CB500X’s 471cc, eight-valve, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin-cylinder layout offers a well-proportioned balance of physical size and willing, enjoyable power output, with an energetic, high-revving character and zippy top end. The engine’s overall performance and character belie its relatively small capacity. Acceleration is impressive, due to good low-to-midrange power and torque in the 3,000 to 7,000 rpm range.
Feeding the PGM-FI fuel injection is a relatively straight shot of airflow through the airbox and throttle bodies, and the settings optimize torque feel and character without compromising performance. The exhaust muffler features dual exit pipes, giving a sporting edge to each pulse, as well as a rasping high-rpm howl.
Bore and stroke are set at 67mm x 66.8mm, with a compression ratio of 10.7:1; the crankshaft pins are phased at 180°, and a primary couple-balancer sits behind the cylinders, close to the bike’s center of gravity. The primary and balancer gears use scissor gears, minimizing noise. The crank counterweight is specifically shaped for couple-balance, and its light weight allows the engine to spin freely, with reduced inertia.
Acting as a stressed member, the engine complements the frame’s rigidity with four hangers on the cylinder head. Internally, the head uses roller rocker arms; shim-type valve adjustment allows them to be light, for lower valve-spring load and reduced friction.
A silent (SV Chain) cam chain has the surface of its pins treated with Vanadium, reducing friction with increased protection against wear. Inlet-valve diameter is 26.0mm, while exhaust-valve diameter is 21.5mm.
The piston shape is carefully designed to reduce noise at high rpm. Friction is reduced by striations on the piston skirt (a finish that increases surface area and introduces gaps in which oil can flow for better lubrication). The “triangle” proportion of crankshaft, main shaft and countershaft is efficiently compact. The crankcases use centrifugally cast thin-walled sleeves; their internal design reduces the pumping losses that can occur with a 180° phased firing order. A deep sump reduces oil movement under hard cornering and braking; oil capacity is 3.2 liters. The slick-shifting six-speed transmission is managed by an assist/slipper clutch.
One-year, transferable, unlimited-mileage limited warranty; extended coverage available with a HondaCare® Protection Plan.
Meets current EPA and CARB standards
California version differs slightly due to emissions equipment
ENGINEERING
DOHC TWIN-CYLINDER ENGINE
Offering plenty of power and torque in the midrange, the CB500X features a 471cc, liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine. Light, narrow, and powerful, it just strikes the perfect balance of what a mid-sized motorcycle engine should be.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKES
ABS comes standard on the CB500X, helping you make smoother, more controlled stops under less-than-ideal riding conditions.
EXHAUST
Who doesn’t love the sound of a twin-cylinder motorcycle? We gave the muffler on the CB500X twin mufflers. It’s a little thing, but it’ll make you smile every time you ride.
PROGRAMMED FUEL INJECTION PGM-FI
The injector bodies help the CB500X make even more power. The bike’s 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.
SLIPPER ASSIST CLUTCH
The slipper/assist clutch lets us lighten up the clutch-lever effort by 45 percent compared to previous systems, but automatically locks up tight when you release it.
HANDLING
UPSIDE-DOWN FORK
The CB500X features an inverted-fork design that makes the front end much more rigid, for more precise steering input and feedback. The fork itself is a Showa Separate Function Fork–Big Piston (SFF-BP) design—one of the best in its class.
DISC BRAKES
The CB500X features large twin front disc brakes so you get strong, predictable stopping power. The front-brake lever is also adjustable for a perfect fit.
PRO-LINK® REAR SUSPENSION
A sophisticated chassis with Honda Pro-Link® rear suspension features a shock with nine-stage adjustable spring preload to increase riding comfort and handling. The shock absorber features large-diameter internals for even better damping characteristics and a smoother ride.
LIGHT SWINGARM CONSTRUCTION
The CB500X uses a swingarm that’s over two pounds lighter than the previous design, but is just as strong. It’s one of the reasons the entire Honda 500 family handles so well.
SMOOTHER TRANSMISSION
Our engineers profiled the shift dogs in the transmission, to help you get smoother shifts every time. You’ll never see these parts, but you’ll feel their effects.
STEEL-TUBE FRAME
A motorcycle’s frame is the basis for its handling. The CB500X’s diamond-shaped steel-tube mainframe connects to the engine with four mounts, offering a rock-solid foundation for superior ride and handling. It also contributes to the CB500X’s generous ground clearance.
STYLE
UNIQUE STYLE
The CB500X just looks right—tough, capable, no-nonsense. Plus, the adventure-bike posture and seating position let you move around freely.
DIGITAL INSTRUMENTATION
An easy-to-read LCD screen features a digital speedometer, tachometer and more, including a clock, odometer, trip meter, real-time and average fuel consumption meters and illuminated engine diagnostic indicators.
LED LIGHTING
With a clean, rough-and-ready look, the CB500X’s LED headlight and multi-facet reflector project plenty of light on the road for visibility.
MULTI-SPOKE CAST WHEELS
Strong and stylish, the CB500X’s lightweight multi-spoke cast-aluminum wheels are easy to keep clean, look great, enhance handling and are another CB500X feature that just makes sense.
TWO-POSITION WINDSCREEN
Want to fine-tune your CB500X to your height or to changing riding conditions? No worries—the CB500X features a two-position windscreen. Want more airflow? Set it lower. Want improved wind and weather protection? Just set it to the taller position.
COMFORT
TALL WINDSCREEN
The CB500X’s windscreen offers excellent wind protection.
PASSENGER HANDHOLDS
Sturdy passenger handholds provide security for your passenger or tie-down points for smaller items.
STEP SEAT
The CB500X seat gives you an open, unrestricted riding position that’s perfect for both touring and commuting, and that still offers room for a passenger. The seat’s narrow width makes it easier to put your feet down at stoplights or in parking lots.
2023 Honda CB500X – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $7,299 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $9,279 CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £6,699 GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
ENGINE
Engine Type 471cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin four-stroke
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
DRIVE TRAIN
Transmission Six-speed
Final Drive #520 O-ring-sealed chain; 15T/41T
CHASSIS SUSPENSION BRAKES
Front Suspension 41mm fork; 5.9-inch travel
Rear Suspension Pro-Link® single shock with nine-position spring preload adjustability; 5.3-inch travel
Front Brake Dual 296mm discs with four-piston calipers; ABS
Rear Brake 240mm disc; ABS
Front Tire 110/80-19
Rear Tire 160/60-17
DIMENSIONS
Rake 27.5°
Trail 4.3 inches
Wheelbase 56.8 inches
Seat Height 32.8 inches
Fuel Capacity 4.7 gallons
Curb Weight 439 pounds (Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of
fuel—ready to ride.)
OTHER
Model ID CB500XA
Emissions Meets current EPA standards. Models sold in California meet current CARB
standards and may differ slightly due to emissions equipment.
Available Colors Pearl Organic Green
FACTORY WARRANTY INFORMATION
One Year Included Transferable, unlimited-mileage limited warranty
Optional Extended Extended coverage available with a HondaCare® Protection Plan
2023 Honda CB500X – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Type Liquid-cooled parallel-twin
Displacement 471 cc
Bore & Stroke 67 mm x 66.8 mm
Compression Ratio 10.7:1
Valve Train DOHC, four valves per cyclinder
Fuel Delivery PGM-FI electronic fuel injection with 34 mm throttle bodies
Transmission Six-speed
Final Drive #520 chain (15T/41T)
Chassis & Suspension
Front Suspension 41 mm Showa SFF-BP (Separate Function- Big Piston front Fork); 133 mm (5.2 in.) travel
Rear Suspension Pro-Link® single shock spring preload; 119 mm (4.7 in) travel
Additional Information
Tires Front: 110/80-19
Rear: 160/60-17
Brakes Front: Twin four-piston calipers with 296mm discs
Rear: 240 mm disc
ABS System 2-channel
Seat Height 830 mm (32.7 in)
Wheelbase 1,445 mm (56.9 in)
Curb Weight 198 kg (437 lb)
Fuel Capacity 17.5 litres
Colour Grand Prix Red with Black Trim, Pearl Organic Green
Warranty 12 months, unlimited mileage, freely transferable warranty; extended coverage available with Honda Plus
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
