– 2019 Honda CB500X Review / Specs + Buyer’s Guide Explaining 2019 CB500X VS 2018 CB500X Changes –

The 2019 CB500X adventure motorcycle is back and with a bang this year! It’s not often we see changes made to a bike following the year after Honda already threw changes and upgrades its way but thankfully Honda wanted to step-it-up this year with the CB500X and not only that bike but also tweaks were made to the 2019 CBR500R and CB500F. Check out the laundry list of new 2019 Motorcycles with changes and upgrades by Clicking Here.

Nothing delivers the feeling of freedom like an adventure bike, and the new CB500X has significant performance upgrades that make it ready for adventure without losing any of its city manners. A completely revamped intake tract, new fuel-injection nozzles that concentrate their spray, improved cam timing and a new, more precise crank sensor add up to a 3 to 4% torque gain in the 3,000 to 7,000 RPM range of the 471cc DOHC, four-valve, parallel-twin engine. Power is tuned for strong low-end and precise throttle control, ideal for the unique needs of the rider who ventures where others turn back. The new slipper clutch makes downshifts smother, and lever pull is 45% lighter. The front wheel is now 19 inches, improving bump absorption. A new rear shock, increased suspension travel front and rear, higher ground clearance and a new tapered handlebar combine to prepare this midsized machine for full-sized adventures, and a revised steering angle improves high speed cruising yet also allows a tighter turning radius. The rear brake has been redesigned for improved control, and ABS settings have been optimized. Rugged styling, a new multi-function display, a sportier exhaust note and the upright adventure riding position accentuate this machine’s intentions.

Key 2019 CB500X Info (for those in a hurry):

• 2019 CB500X Price / MSRP: $6,699
  • 2019 CB500X ABS Price / MSRP: $6,999
• 2019 CB500X Release Date: March 2019
• 2019 CB500X Colors: Grand Prix Red (USA), Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic, Pearl Metalloid White
• 2019 CB500X Horsepower: 49.6 HP @ 8,500 RPM
  
• 2019 CB500X Torque: 31.7 ft/lb TQ @ 7,000 RPM
• 2019 CB500X MPG: 65 Miles Per Gallon
• 2019 CB500X Seat Height: 32.7 inches
• 2019 CB500X Weight: 430 lbs / ABS 434 lbs (curb)
• 2019 CB500X VS 2018 CB500X Price / MSRP Increase: TBA
• 2019 CB500X VS 2018 CB500X Changes: Yes, I break down the details more in-depth below.  

2019 CB500X Changes / Updates:

• Engine refinements for an increase in overall power, including 3 to 4% more torque from 3,000 to 7,000 rpm.
• Fuel-injector spray narrowed, fuel-droplet size optimized for improved spray penetration in intake. Improves combustion and therefore creates more linear power from first crack of the throttle through to rpm redline.
• Smaller battery, repositioning of components enable increased air-intake volume and addition of filter element in tract below headlights. Straighter velocity stacks and reshaped separators between the cylinders make for decreased turbulence, resulting in improved power at every rpm.
• New valve timing increases torque and improves roll-on response.
• New crank-sensor system with over 2.5 times more-frequent crank-position readings and model-specific fuel-injection settings allow more linear power delivery, with emphasis on low- and midrange power and more precise throttle response.
• New muffler with increased volume before and after catalytic converter. Backpressure optimized for improved low-end and midrange power. New dual-outlet muffler tip makes exhaust note racier-sounding to match new power.
• New transmission gear-dog design is more precise for more accurate, sure shifting action.
• New slipper clutch design adapts to load stresses for increased hook-up under heavy acceleration and reduced engine braking under downshifting.
• New clutch design, with the same engineering found in the CBR1000RR, decreases lever pull by 45%, especially helpful in stop-and-go traffic. Lever shape improved as well.
• Larger, 19″ front wheel for better bump absorption, improved high-speed handling.
• Steering caster angle slackened by 1 degree (now 27.5 degrees) for improved handling.
• New front and rear tire design with deep-grooved tread.
• New shock with advanced pressure-separation design from Honda’s large sport models is more stable and predictable for improved rear-wheel tracking and traction.
• Increased suspension travel (up .4 in. in front, 1.2 in. rear) for improved performance through stroke, reduced bottoming and increased ground clearance.
• On ABS version, upgraded modulators improve precision during ABS engagement.
• Revised hydraulic ratio in rear brake, combined with ABS, achieve improved brake modulation in low-traction situations.
• Lighter seat rails for improved mass centralization and better handling.
• New, full-featured display has larger screen and thinner bezel, includes new upshift indicator that can be set to different rpm settings.
• Turning radius reduced by nearly 8 inches for easier maneuvering.
• Windscreen is 20mm taller for great wind protection during high-speed cruising.
• Seat narrowed above pegs to aid touching feet to ground at stops.
• New tapered handlebar improves feedback, control and style, while new rubber-mounted handlebar clamp minimizes vibration to rider’s hands.
• More aggressive adventure styling with new fuel tank, radiator shroud, headlight, clear taillight lens and new LED turn signals. New shroud design helps direct radiator heat away from rider’s legs.

• 2019 CB500X Review Contents:
  • 1. | CB500X Introduction
  • 2. | CB500X Model Overview
  • 3. | CB500X Key Features / Development
    • 3.1 | CB500X Styling / Chassis
    • 3.2 | CB500X Engine
  • 4. | CB500X Accessories
  • 5. | CB500X Pictures / Photo Gallery
  • 6. | CB500X Technical Specifications

1. | CB500X Introduction

The CB500X – originally launched in 2013 alongside the naked CB500F StreetFighter and fully-faired CBR500R Sport Bike – brings crossover adventure style to Honda’s fun-focused twin-cylinder ‘light middleweight’ trio. It is a motorcycle that, without fanfare, quietly gets on with the job of being supremely competent, and adaptable in use for a wide variety of owners.

The CB500X’s usefulness is down to a straightforward equation – a perky, well-regarded twin-cylinder engine which produces real torque and drive from low rpm (and revs hard up top) – plus a chassis that gives a supremely comfortable ride both around town and out on the open highway.

It slips between the role of short-hop commuter to weekend touring bike effortlessly. Long travel suspension irons out irregular road surfaces, wide handlebars provide leverage and the upright riding position offers both comfort and a wide field of view for the rider. In other words, the CB500X has proved an all-rounder in every sense of the term.

In 2016 (2017 for USA), a the first round of upgrades and changes saw the CB500X receive a larger fuel tank, more wind protection and a taller screen. It also gained LED lighting, spring preload-adjustable front forks and an adjustable brake lever.

2019 brings a major evolution for the CB500X. More sophisticated adventure style – that highlights and confirms the unique proposition it offers – plus more engine performance and a number of chassis upgrades ensure that while the new CB500X remains confident in its wide-ranging abilities, its ‘X’ factor has been amplified a good deal louder.

2. | CB500X Model Overview

From urban commuter to weekend explorer – the 2019 CB500X is ready for anything. Its 2019 styling is much sharper – with a harder adventure edge, taking cues from the Africa Twin, and is complemented by longer travel suspension, high-specification single-tube shock absorber, enhanced rider ergonomics and a 19-inch front wheel.

And while the CB500X’s engine maintains the 49.6 HP mark (35kW peak output required for A2 licence holders), it now makes 4% more power and torque between 3-7,000 RPM, thanks to revisions to the inlet, exhaust and valve timing. The new dual-exit exhaust muffler features an enhanced exhaust note and the engine now also features an assist/slipper clutch.

New LCD instruments include a Shift Up and Gear Position indicator, and the indicators are LED to match the rest of the lighting.

3. | CB500X Key Features / Development

3.1 CB500X Styling & Chassis

• Stronger, tougher adventure styling
• New tapered handlebars and more steering lock
• Longer travel suspension and 19-inch front wheel
• New LCD instrument display, with Gear Position and Shift Up Indicators
• LED indicators

The 2019 CB500X has been reborn with a much more aggressive, ‘ready for the wild’ adventure style. With the popular Africa Twin CRF1000L offering a guiding light, Honda’s development engineers have extended the radiator shrouds and fairing with substantive angles that give a strongly three dimensional texture and feel, while the fuel tank now interlocks with the side covers, cohesively linking the front and rear of the machine.

And while the CB500X styling may have come of age, its redesign is about much more than looks. Thanks to improved aerodynamic performance, the high-pressure air flowing around the fairing and screen has been reduced, improving wind protection for the rider at highway speeds. The seat profile, too has been slimmed by shaving the shoulders at the front, allowing for easy movement around the machine, and aiding the already comfortable ground reach. To help the CB500X’s maneuverability the steering angle has increased 3° to 38° from centered to full lock, and the addition of a gunmetal grey tapered steel handlebar further aids control.

New LCD instruments – set in a multi-surfaced and textured surround, echoing the overall design theme – feature a Gear Position and Shift Up indicator; this is set to a default 8,750 RPM but can be adjusted in 250 RPM increments between 5-8,750 RPM. The tubular screen stay can also mount a GPS above the instruments.

The 35mm diameter steel diamond-tube mainframe is unchanged for 2019. It’s light and strong, with 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 reduce vibration.

Wheelbase is 56.9 in. (1445mm) and rake and trail are set at 27.5º and 4.3 in. (108mm) giving nimble, yet confidence-inspiring steering. Mass centralization, with the engine in close proximity to the swingarm pivot point, delivers turning agility and optimum front/rear weight distribution ensures stability. Curb weight on the 2019 CB500X 430 lbs and 434 lbs on the ABS model.

Seat height is 32.7 inches (830mm); overall dimensions are 84.8 in. x 32.5 in. x 56.2 in. (2155mm x 825mm x 1410mm), with 7.1 inches (180mm) in ground clearance. The fuel tank holds 4.6 gal (17.5L) including reserve, and combined with the engine’s excellent fuel economy of 65 MPG (27.8km/l) gives a range of over 300 miles (500km).

The 41mm preload-adjustable telescopic front fork features an extra .39 inches (10mm) travel, up to 5.9 inches (150mm); rear wheel travel has been raised from 4.7 inches to 5.9 inches and a new single-tube rear shock absorber (as found on larger capacity sport bikes) replaces the double-tube design of the previous model; its large-diameter piston ensures excellent suspension response and temperature management.

The CB500X now has 9-stage spring preload adjustment working through a rigid box-section steel swingarm, which now features pressed steel chain adjustment end-pieces. Final drive is via sealed 520 chain.

The 17-inch front wheel has been replaced with a 19-inch which – along with the longer travel suspension – ensures confident, supremely stable handling on rough surfaces. The lightweight aluminum rim wears a 110/80-19 trail-pattern tire, the 17-inch rear a 160/60-17 tire. A single front 310mm wave-pattern disc and two-piston brake caliper is matched to a 240mm rear disc and single-piston caliper. ABS is fitted as standard in parts of the world but here in the USA, you have the option to go with standard brakes or ABS (ABS = Anti-Lock Brake System).

The CB500X will be available in the following color options:

• Grand Prix Red (USA)
• Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic
• Pearl Metalloid White

3.2 CB500X Engine

• Lively twin-cylinder power plant’s internal architecture mirrors that of the CBR1000RR Fireblade
• Revised inlet, exhaust and valve timing delivers 4% more mid-range power and torque
• Sportier sound from new dual exit muffler
• Assist/slipper clutch eases upshifts and manages downshifts

The CB500X’s A2-licence friendly, 8-valve liquid-cooled parallel twin-cylinder layout offers a well-proportioned balance of compact size and willing, enjoyable power output, with an energetic, high-revving character and zappy top-end.

Already strong off the bottom, the target for 2019 development was faster acceleration through a boost in low-to-mid-range power and torque in the 3-7,000 RPM range; the 4% improvement comes via altered valve timing – with ‘close’ timing accelerated by 5° – and lift increased .3mm to 7.8mm.

• 2019 CB500X Performance Numbers:
  • CB500X HP – 49.6 HP @ 8,500 RPM
  • CB500X TQ –  31.7 ft/lb TQ @ 7,000 RPM
    • CB500X kW – 35kW @ 8,500 RPM
    • CB500X Nm – 43Nm @ 7,000 RPM

Feeding the PGM-FI fuel injection is now a more-or-less straight shot of airflow through the airbox and throttle bodies. The battery has been re-positioned further away (44.1mm versus 13.4mm) from the rear of the airbox intake duct to allow greater airflow; the exhaust muffler now features dual exit pipes, adding a sportier sounding edge to each pulse. Peak horsepower of 49.6 (35kW) arrives at 8,500 RPM, with 31.7 ft/lb (43Nm) torque delivered at 7,000 RPM.

Bore and stroke is set at 67mm x 66.8mm and compression ratio remains 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, reducing 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 frame hangers on the cylinder head. Internally the cylinder 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 with exhaust valve diameter of 21.5mm.

The piston shape is based upon those used in the CBR1000RR Fireblade to reduce piston ‘noise’ at high rpm. Friction is reduced by the addition of striations on the piston skirt (a finish that increases surface area, introducing gaps in which oil can flow for better lubrication). As with the CBR1000RR, an AB 1 salt bath process, used after isonite nitriding, forms a protective oxidization membrane.

The ‘triangle’ proportion of crankshaft, main shaft and countershaft is very similar to that of Honda’s four-cylinder RR engines and much of the internal structure and engineering is taken directly from the CBR1000RR.

The crankcase uses centrifugally cast thin-walled sleeves; their internal design reduces the ‘pumping’ losses that can occur with a 180° phased firing order. Using the same internal relief structure as that of the CBR1000RR, the oil pump features improved aeration performance, with reduced friction; a deep sump reduces oil movement under hard cornering and braking. Oil capacity is 3.4 qt.

A six-speed gearbox mirrors that of its RR cousin and uses the same gear change arm structure and link mechanism. New for 2019 an assist/slipper clutch enables lighter upshifts and smooths out any hard downshifts.

4. | CB500X Accessories

A range of Genuine Honda Accessories are available for the CB500X. They include:

• Center stand
• Side wind deflectors
• Knuckle guards
• Heated grips
• 35L top box
• Rear carrier
• Pannier mounts
• Pannier cases
• Tubular fairing protector frames
• Fog lights
• Tank bag
• Seat bag
• ACC charging socket
• Smoked screen
• Wheel stripe
• Tank Pad

5. | CB500X Pictures / Photo Gallery

6. | CB500X Technical Specifications

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