The medium-sized adventure bike with a capital “A”? Honda CB500X

The new CB500X it is the medium-displacement adventure bike par excellence! Agile and fun thanks to the brilliant twin-cylinder engine and the chassis designed for maximum ease of driving, it is also ideal for those coming from smaller engine sizes or who have obtained an A2 licence.

Ideal for starting to give free rein to your motorcycling passion, the CB500X offers great control and excellent comfort - thanks to the raised riding position - and an ability to tackle the roughest routes unknown to purely road bikes. In the city or on mountain roads, on dirt roads or on the motorway, the adventure begins with the new Honda CB500X.

Model overview
Riding the new CB500X the riding position is relaxed, with the torso erect and arms flexed, but at the same time there is maximum control in every situation, thanks to the wide handlebar which ensures motorcyclists who love adventure-sports models 'an exhilarating driving pleasure on the twistiest roads. Lightness, agility and
the excellent visibility also makes it ideal for urban traffic, where the fluid delivery and extreme maneuverability make it the ideal companion for motorcyclists of any weight and height.

The raised set-up, with long travel suspension, is one of the peculiarities of the new CB500X. Fantastic on long journeys as well as on daily commuting routes, its design is inspired by the powerful Crosstourer 1200 with V4 engine. With a larger fuel tank (1,6 liters more) compared to the CB500F and CBR500R sisters, the autonomy is also exceptional and even exceeds 460 km with a
just full of fuel! The in-line twin-cylinder engine with 4 valves per cylinder delivers a maximum power of 48 HP (35 kW), a level specifically chosen by Honda because it guarantees spirited performance and complies with the new value imposed by the A2 licence, ideal for younger riders . But not only. With an exceptional
consumption of just 27 km/l (WMTC average cycle) the new CB500X is friendly not only to the environment but also... to your wallet!

The diamond-shaped steel frame and high-quality suspension (41 mm telescopic fork and monoshock with progressive Pro-Link linkage) ensure a precise and reliable ride, thanks also to the lightweight 17-inch aluminum wheels on which sports tires are mounted lowered. Powerful petal disc brakes ensure powerful braking, and with dual-channel ABS as standard, too
active safety is at the highest levels.

Main features
cycling
The 35 mm diameter steel tube frame with diamond structure is light and strong, calibrated to offer a confident response on any road surface. The shape and position of the engine mounts, combined with the perfect balance between rigidity and flexibility of the frame, also minimizes vibrations, making driving even more comfortable.

The wheelbase of 1.421 mm, associated with a steering head inclination of 26,5° and a trail of 108 mm, guarantees great agility and at the same time reassuring stability. The centralization of the masses, with the engine positioned close to the center of gravity and therefore to the swingarm pivot, makes even the tightest turns immediate and contributes to the balanced distribution of weight between the front and rear axles, an advantage also in terms of stability. The weight with a full tank of petrol is just 195 kg and thanks to the saddle just 810 mm from the ground and the wide handlebars, not even the tightest parking maneuvers are a problem.

Very easy to drive also due to its compact overall dimensions (LxWxH: 2.095x830x1.290 mm), it boasts increased ground clearance (170 mm) to overcome the most pronounced differences in level without hesitation, and a large 17,3 liter metal tank that It allows a range of over 460 km on a full tank of petrol!

The 41 mm telescopic fork, with 140 mm travel, absorbs every bump without hesitation, giving an excellent feeling on the front wheel. The rear suspension with monoshock adjustable in spring preload to 9 positions and with progressive Pro-Link linkage offers comfort and stability. The high traction of the new CB500F is also thanks to the long swingarm (564 mm) in boxed steel (70×30 mm).

Taking into account the displacement, weight and spirited performance, Honda designers chose the ideal mix of handling and road holding for the wheels and tyres. In fact, covers in sizes 6/120 and 70/160 are mounted on the light alloy wheels with 60 split spokes, characterized by the tread with an on/off design that allows you to tackle even the roughest dirt roads with ease. And as for the brakes, a sporty look, safety and effectiveness go hand in hand, with wave profile discs gripped by powerful calipers overseen by the effective two-channel ABS system as standard.

The completely digital dashboard is very modern and captivating and includes a numeric speedometer, bar rev counter, odometer with two partials, clock, bar fuel level indicator and trip computer for instant and average consumption. The HISS (Honda Intelligent Security System) with coded ignition key is integrated into the fuel system to help reduce the risk of theft.

Finally, excellent visibility and night lighting guaranteed by the front headlight unit, 4/60 W H55 halogen lamp and multi-reflective surface dish. The underseat compartment can accommodate a U-lock and a lightweight rain jacket.

The CB500F will be available in three colors:

• Pearl Himalayas White
• Graphite Black
• Candy Ruby Red

Motor
The CB500X's new generation engine is highly innovative from both a performance and environmental point of view. It is a front-facing parallel twin-cylinder engine with liquid cooling and twin-cam distribution with 4 valves per cylinder, very light (just 52,7 kg), brilliant, economical in consumption, and for all these characteristics capable of adapting to a large variety of uses, from purely urban to long-distance tourism, even with a full load, through to sports driving.

The slightly super-square bore and stroke measurements (67×66,8 mm) were chosen because they perfectly mix solid torque delivery with the ability to reach high rotation speeds. The crankshaft timing is 180° and a primary balancer shaft is positioned behind the cylinders, close to the bike's center of gravity. Between the primary and countershaft gears, an intermediate gear drastically reduces noise while the crankshaft cleavers are specially shaped to obtain perfect balance, smooth power delivery and lively liveliness when revving up. The brilliance of the engine is also guaranteed by the Honda PGM-FI electronic injection fuel system, for a peak power of 48 HP (35 kW) at 8.500 rpm and a maximum torque of 43 Nm at 7.000 rpm.

The proportion of the triangulation between the crankshaft, the primary transmission shaft and the countershaft is entirely similar to that of the Honda engines of the 4-cylinder supersport RR series, as is the case with the structure of the 6-speed gearbox, thus allowing the creation of a Compact engine longitudinally and very light. A deep oil sump reduces the movement of the lubricant inside it and the powerful pump ensures maximum lubrication even during the most sudden accelerations and braking, contributing to the extreme reliability of the engine in all conditions. Maximum attention from Honda engineers also for the cooling system. The analysis of the liquid flows within the system using CAE (Computer Aided Engineering) made it possible to optimize its efficiency and to use a lighter and smaller water pump.

The double camshaft (DOHC) distribution with 4 valves per cylinder uses efficient roller rocker arms, while the valve register using calibrated pads allows the creation of a light and reliable system, with springs with lower load which contribute to the overall reduction of friction. The same objective is achieved by the silent chain that controls the distribution, which, thanks to the vanadium surface treatment, reaches the maximum in terms of reliability and durability. The intake and exhaust valves have a diameter of 26 and 21,5 mm respectively. Thanks to the CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamic) methodology, the efficiency of the flows has been optimised, making them as straight as possible from the airbox to the exhaust manifolds, also thanks to a bulkhead inside the filter box which divides the incoming air into the two cylinders.

The 67 mm bore is the same as the CBR600RR and the use of CAE (Computer Aided Engineering) has ensured the optimal balance between weight and resistance in the conformation of the pistons, the shape of which is inspired by those of the CBR1000RR. Also in this case, maximum attention was paid to reducing friction, in fact there are striations on the piston skirt which create gaps into which the oil can flow, improving lubrication. Finally, as on the pistons of the CBR600RR and CBR1000RR, after a nitrocarburization treatment the AB1 process is carried out in a salt bath, which creates a protective antioxidant membrane. The crankcase uses cylinder liners with thin walls obtained by centrifugal casting, while the same spacing between the cylinders as the CBR600RR guarantees compactness and lightness. Particular attention was paid to the internal shape of the crankcase, in order to drastically reduce the pumping losses that can occur with the 180° crank mechanism. Thanks to the use of the same type of crankcase structure created for the CBR1000RR, the oil pump benefits from better ventilation and therefore reduced friction, which also benefits the compactness of the deep oil sump.

Inside the diamond-structure chassis, the engine contributes to overall rigidity, and is anchored at the rear and with four front mounts (two on the head and two on the cylinder bank). As a true Honda 'adventure bike', on the CB500X the engine contributes to the aesthetic result, in this case also thanks to the 'Iron Nail Silver' metallic finish on the cylinder head and cylinders, which creates an eye-catching contrast with the darker color of the crankcase and head cover, integrating perfectly with the design in all three color variations.

Finally, the great efficiency in terms of reducing polluting emissions deserves a mention. This is not only thanks to the very low consumption (27 km/l in the average WMTC cycle) but also to the secondary air injection system in the cylinder head and the lambda sensor, as well as the catalyst on the exhaust system with a 2-in-1 pattern.

Accessories
Numerous accessories are available for the CB500X, including:

• Side cases
• Rear luggage rack
• Rear case
• Internal bag for top case
• Side deflector kit
• Fog lights
• Handguards
• Radiator protection
• Raised windshield
• Single seat cover
• Matching undertail
• Front aerodynamic appendage
• Chain guard
• U-shaped mechanical anti-theft device
• Tank pad
• Heated grips
• Motorcycle cover

Technical characteristics Honda CB500X (ED type)
ENGINE
Type Inline twin-cylinder, 8-valve twin camshaft (DOHC), liquid-cooled
Displacement 471 cc
Bore x stroke 67 x 66,8 mm
Compression ratio 10,7: 1
Maximum power 35 kW (48 HP) @ 8.500 rpm (95/1/EC)
Maximum torque 43 Nm @ 7.000 rpm (95/1/EC)
Total oil capacity 3,2 litres

POWER
Carburetion Honda PGM-FI electronic injection
Tank capacity 17,3 liters (including reserve)
Consumption 27 km / l (average cycle WMTC *)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Electric start
Battery capacity 12V 8.6Ah
Alternator power 23.4 A/2.000 rpm
60/55W optical unit
HISS (Honda Intelligent Security System) anti-theft system
Instrumentation Completely digital with LCD screen

TRANSMISSION
Multi-disc clutch in oil bath
6-speed gearbox
Final drive Chain, 520 pitch
CB500X press information

WOOD FRAME
Type Tubular steel, diamond shape

CHASSIS
Dimensions (LxWxH) 2.095 x 830 x 1.290 mm
Wheelbase 1.421 mm
Steering head angle 26,5 °
Trail 108 mm
Saddle height 810 mm
Ground clearance 170 mm
Dry weight 178,4 kg
Weight in odm and with full petrol 195 kg

SOSPENSION
Front type: telescopic fork with 41mm stanchions
Rear: boxed steel swingarm with
Pro-Link monoshock
preload adjustable to 9 positions

WHEELS
Front type: 12-spoke die-cast aluminium
Rear: 12-spoke die-cast aluminium
Front rim size: 17 x MT3.50
Rear: 17 x MT4.50
Front tire size: 120/70ZR-17M/C (with on/off tread)
Rear: 160/60ZR-17M/C (with tread on/off)

BRAKES
Front type: 320 mm wave disc, 2-piston caliper, ABS
Rear: 240 mm wave disc, 1-piston caliper, ABS

*Data obtained by Honda under standard test conditions prescribed by the WMTC methodology. Results may vary depending on driving style, vehicle maintenance status, weather and road conditions, tire pressure and load. The tests were conducted using a basic version of the vehicle, with only the driver on board and without additional optional accessories.

All specifications are provisional and subject to change without notice.