Reviews

2020 Honda CB500X MC Commute Review

Ease of ownership, practicality and adventure combine with the 2020 Honda CB500X.

Updated: December 8, 2020

Getting off the beaten path doesn’t have to be a hassle proves Honda with its affordable and surprisingly capable CB500X ($6,799). The CB500X splits the difference in terms of physical size, and performance between standard entry-level and mid-sized motorcycles. Released for the 2013 model year, today’s CB500X evolves into a versatile bike that blends the best features of an upright around-town commuter and a light-duty adventure rig. In this week’s MC Commute, we take you for a ride on the CB500X. Tune-in and see what it’s like to ride.

Part commuter, part adventure bike, Honda’s versatile and affordable CB500X takes a spin in this review.Adam Waheed

2020 Honda CB500X Technical Specifications And Price

PRICE	$6,699
ENGINE	471cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled parallel twin, 8 valves
BORE x STROKE	67.0mm x 66.8mm
COMPRESSION RATIO	10.7:1
FUEL DELIVERY	Fuel injection
CLUTCH	Wet multi-plate assist/slipper clutch; cable actuation
TRANSMISSION/FINAL DRIVE	6-speed/chain
FRAME	Aluminum twin-spar
FRONT SUSPENSION	41mm fork adjustable for spring preload; 5.9-in. travel
REAR SUSPENSION	Pro-Link single shock adjustable for spring preload; 5.3-in. travel
FRONT BRAKE	Radial-mount 2-piston caliper, 310mm disc
REAR BRAKE	1-piston caliper, 240mm disc
WHEELS, FRONT/REAR	Cast aluminum; 19 x 2.5-in. / 17 x 4.5-in.
TIRES, FRONT/REAR	Dunlop Trailmax; 110/80-19 / 160/60-17
RAKE/TRAIL	27.5°/4.3 in.
WHEELBASE	56.8 in.
SEAT HEIGHT	32.7 in.
FUEL CAPACITY	4.7 gal.
CLAIMED CURB WEIGHT	430 lb.
WARRANTY	1 year
AVAILABLE	Now
CONTACT	powersports.honda.com

More than meets the eye. Honda’s 2020 CB500X provides exceptional value for riders seeking a friendly riding street bike that won’t break the bank.Adam Waheed

The 2020 CB500X is powered by Honda’s 471cc parallel-twin. The engine affords a compact riding position with plenty of usable acceleration grunt.Adam Waheed

Despite only employing a single disc front brake, the setup works well on the 430-pound CB500X. ABS is available for a small upcharge.Adam Waheed

The 2020 Honda CB500X is endowed with a cozy saddle for rider and passenger. Seat height is relatively low for an adventure-type bike.Adam Waheed

The backlit LCD display could be larger but it has most of the features a rider wants on the road.Adam Waheed

We appreciate the symmetrical header pipes which are a nice styling touch on the 2020 Honda CB500X.Adam Waheed

The CB500X offers a mellow exhaust note that doesn’t generate attention on the road.Adam Waheed

Slim and trim. The CB500X’s ergonomics package is accommodating and is well-received for folks looking for a comfy and easy to ride motorcycle.Adam Waheed

The CB500X benefits from full LED lighting to help the rider stand out on the road.Adam Waheed

A manual-adjustable windscreen allows riders to tweak the amount of airflow inside the cockpit.Adam Waheed