– 2022 Honda CB500X Review: Specs, Features, R&D Info + 2022 CB500X VS 2021 CB500X Changes Explained! –

Ohhh yes! Say hello to the newly updated 2022 Honda CB500X adventure motorcycle! We’re going to break down all of the nitty-gritty info about the 2022 CB500X that you need to know below and a lot more! But first, keep in mind that the information below hasn’t been made “official” yet by American Honda so you can think of this as a “sneak peek” so-to-say and I’ll update this page once we have more info on what colors we’ll be getting in the USA etc.

2022 CB500X Updates / Changes Quick Info | In short, here are all of the new changes to the CB500X: New Showa 41mm Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks, dual front disc brakes but it does not have radial-mounted calipers like the CBR500R and CB500F. Handling is further improved by the new swingarm, which is lighter with more lateral flex. The rear shock has new settings to compliment the new forks. A redesigned front wheel and lighter radiator save weight and new fuel injection settings improve engine character. More powerful headlight LEDs and front turn signals offer greater visibility. Don’t click off the page just yet though as we’ll be covering a lot more information below with the 2022 CB500X adventure bike… 

Key 2022 CB500X Info (for those in a hurry):

• 2022 CB500X ABS Price / MSRP: TBA
• 2022 CB500X Release Date: TBA
• 2022 CB500X Colors: Pearl Organic Green, Grand Prix Red, Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic
• 2022 CB500X Horsepower: 46.9 HP @ 8,600 RPM
  
• 2022 CB500X Torque: 31.7 ft/lb TQ @ 6,500 RPM
• 2022 CB500X Fuel Tank Capacity: 4.7 gallons
• 2022 CB500X MPG: 65 Miles Per Gallon
• 2022 CB500X Seat Height: 32.7 inches
• 2022 CB500X Weight: 439 lbs (curb)
• 2022 CB500X VS 2021 CB500X Price / MSRP Increase: TBA
• 2022 CB500X VS 2021 CB500X Changes: Yes, explained here and on this page too.

• 2022 CB500X Review Contents:
  • 1. | CB500X Introduction
  • 2. | CB500X Model Overview / Recent Changes
  • 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. | 2022 CB500X Introduction

The CB500X – originally launched in 2013 alongside the naked CB500F and fully-faired CBR500R – 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 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, all wrapped up in distinctive adventure styling.

It slips between the role of short-hop commuter to weekend tourer 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 is an all-rounder in every sense of the term.

In 2016, a first upgrade 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 adjustable brake lever. Its 2019 evolution delivered more sophisticated adventure style, more engine performance and a number of chassis upgrades, ensuring that while the CB500X remained confident in its wide-ranging abilities, its ‘X’ factor was well and truly amplified. It gained EURO5 compliance in 2020.

Having proved its popularity over nearly a decade, for 2022 year model it receives high-quality front suspension in the form of Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD forks, plus dual front discs, lightweight swingarm, redesigned front wheel and other detail updates including a striking new color and bold new graphics.

2. | 2022 CB500X Model Overview

Alongside engine changes such as revised fuel injection settings and a new lighter radiator,  the chassis benefits from the addition of Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD forks, dual Nissin radial mount two-piston calipers biting 296mm discs, light-weight wheels feature new thinner spokes and redesigned swingarm – for improved rider comfort and handling performance. Compared to the previous model, weight bias also moves fractionally forward for enhanced front tire grip and feel. Styling is updated with a new front wheel and larger front mudguard.

As before, LCD instruments feature a Shift Up and Gear Position function. All lighting is LED, with optimized high/low headlight beam and addition of front indicator position lights.

• The 2022 CB500X will be available in the following color options:
  • Grand Prix Red
  • Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic
  • Pearl Organic Green

Recent CB500X Changes / Updates:

• Here are details on the most recent changes to the CB500X that occurred in 2019:
  • 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. Back pressure 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.
• In 2021, Honda made ABS standard on the CB500X for the USA and removed the non-ABS model as an option.

3. | 2022 CB500X Key Features / Development

3.1 2022 CB500X Chassis / Styling

• 41mm Showa Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks
• New dual 296mm discs matched to Nissin two-piston calipers
• New lighter weight front wheel and swingarm
• Revised headlight LEDs for improved high/low beam plus position lights

Light, strong and unchanged for the 2022 year model, the CB500X’s 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, also reduce vibration.

Immediately obvious is a brand-new front end set-up. With the aim to heighten all-round handling performance the 41mm telescopic forks of the previous design have been replaced by spring preload-adjustable Showa 41mm Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks with 5.3 in. (135mm) axle travel (5.9 in. / 150mm cushion stroke), clamped by new top and bottom yokes. By dividing the functions – Big Piston pressure separation damper in one leg, spring mechanism in the other – reaction and ride quality are both improved.

The single-tube rear shock absorber (as found on larger capacity sports bikes) with its large-diameter piston and 5.3 in. (135mm) axle travel (2.4 in. / 60mm cushion stroke) ensures excellent response and temperature management; it features 5-stage preload adjustment with newly optimized spring rate and damping settings.

Handling is further improved by the redesigned, lighter swingarm. Now constructed from 2mm steel (rather than 2.3mm), it employs a hollow cross member and is stiffer rotationally, and also more flexible laterally to improve handling. A crisply redesigned chain guard completes the new look.

In line with the dynamic improvements to the chassis and suspension, the braking performance has also been improved. The single 310mm wave-pattern disc and two-piston caliper front brake of the previous design has been replaced by dual 296mm wave-pattern discs and axial mounted Nissin two-piston calipers. The introduction of the smaller discs not only keeps any additional weight gain to a minimum, but also reduces the required pressure on the lever when braking.

The redesigned 19-inch cast aluminum front wheel – lighter thanks to thinner spokes – reduces unsprung weight to aid turning ability. It’s crowned by a tough new mudguard design and heads a 17-inch rear wheel; trail-pattern tires are sized 110/80-R19 front and 160/60-R17 rear. Weight bias has also been adjusted. with front/rear bias percentage of 48.7/51.3 compared to the previous 48/52. Curb weight is 439lbs (199kg). Wheelbase remains 56.8 in. (1,445mm) with rake and trail of 27.5°/ 4.3 in. (108mm).

The CB500X wears 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 in. / 1445mm and 55.5 in. / 1410mm) is managed to improve wind protection for the rider at highway speeds. The sharply-chiseled headlight is now even more piercing with extra-powerful LEDs, plus there’s added visibility from front indicator position lights.

Gunmetal grey tapered steel handlebar elevate control further still. Seat height is 830mm and the upright riding position is very accommodating, while providing excellent visibility. Overall dimensions are 84.8 in x 32.7 in. x 55.5 in. (2155mm x 830mm x 1410mm), with 7.1 in. (180mm) ground clearance.

LCD instruments – set in a multi-surfaced and textured surround – 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 fuel tank holds 4.7 gallons (17.5L) including reserve, and, combined with the engine’s excellent fuel economy of 65 MPG (27.8km/l WMTC mode), it gives you a range of around 300 miles (485km).

• Lively twin-cylinder powerplant delivers usable power and torque across the rev-range, plus sporty sound from its dual-exit muffler
• New PGM-FI settings improve torque feel and character
• New radiator design more stylish and lighter
• Assist/slipper clutch eases upshifts and manages downshifts
• Homologated for EURO5

The CB500X’s A2-licence friendly 471cc, 8-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 zappy top end. The 2019 upgrades created faster acceleration through a 4% boost in low-to-mid-range power and torque in the 3-7,000rpm range. It’s very much an engine whose overall performance and character belie its relatively small capacity. Peak horsepower of 46.9 (35kW) arrives at 8,600rpm, with 31.7 lb/ft (43Nm) torque delivered at 6,500rpm.

Feeding the PGM-FI fuel injection is a more-or-less straight shot of airflow through the airbox and throttle bodies and for 2022, new settings improve torque feel and character without compromising performance. The exhaust muffler features dual exit pipes, giving a sporting edge to each pulse, and a rasping high-rpm howl. A new more aesthetically pleasing radiator design contributes a 3.2oz (92g) weight saving, with no loss of cooling efficiency

Bore and stroke are set at 67mm x 66.8mm with 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, 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.

Piston shape is carefully designed to reduce piston ‘noise’ at high rpm. Friction is reduced by striations on the piston skirt (a finish that increases surface area, introducing gaps in which oil can flow for better lubrication). The ‘triangle’ proportion of crankshaft, main shaft and countershaft is efficiently compact. The crankcases uses 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 3.38qt (3.2L).The slick-changing six-speed gearbox is managed by an assist / slipper clutch.

4. | 2022 CB500X Accessories

A range of Genuine Honda Accessories are available for the 2022 CB500X and they include:

• Center stand
• Side wind deflectors
• Knuckle guards
• Heated grips
• 35L top box
• Rear carrier
• Pannier mounts
• Pannier cases
• Tubular fairing frames
• Fog lights
• Tank bag
• Seat bag
• Charging socket
• Smoked screen
• Wheel stripe
• Tank pad
• Cargo net
  • 2022 CB500X accessory pictures below:

5. | 2022 CB500X Pictures / Photo Gallery

6. | 2022 CB500X Technical Specifications

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