Another CB 500X Review

[KMA]

Todays weather was to good to pass up for a ride so I scooted down to Taphae Gate and rented the new 500X.
First thing I noticed is how similar it is to the V-Strom 650.
Seating, bar position, power, sound and smoothness of the motor. The CB might actually be quicker and smoother but it's been awhile since I owned the WeeStrom.
Anyway I headed out to Hang Dong-MaeWang-MaeWin, past the elephant camps and up towards MaeHae then down to Bo Kaeo and into Someong. 187 kilos total for the days ride.
I did quite a bit of bashin about on some pretty rough roads and dirt roads today and again it felt so similar to the strom, both are rock crushers.
It rained a little up there and those Scorpian tires do not like mud but loved the wet and or dry twisties. The power comes on nicely if you are at or above about 4500rpms and for me there was plenty of juice
What I didn't like so much:
the horn is seriously weak
the rubber foot pegs are to narrow. There really is not much vibration so no need for slippy rubber.
the seat was really not too bad but maybe could try something else.
The handle bar setup looks weak for a get-off. Also my neck was a little sore from the bar setup as it seemed to roll my shoulders forward
All in all it's a great bike.
Would I buy one? Yeah probably, it's a lot of bang for your buck
Now if I can just find a decent Trans Alp or KTM 640 to test ride

 

[lakota]

Bike appears to have some sort of after market Rack on the back !?

Improvised Map holder too :RE

 

[KTMphil]

Thanks for the review Jim. It really looks like this bike is a winner.

 

[KMA]

Bike appears to have some sort of after market Rack on the back !?

Improvised Map holder too :RE

Haha! I wondered if anyone would spike me on that map. Couldn't find my RA map, I think I loaned out. Yes all the CB rentals have those racks. They are pretty heavy duty, maybe even overkill

 

[KTMphil]

Haha! I wondered if anyone would spike me on that map. Couldn't find my RA map, I think I loaned out. Yes all the CB rentals have those racks. They are pretty heavy duty, maybe even overkill

Come get a new map at a discount seeing as you bought one already

 

[lakota]

interesting how you say it's similar to a V-Strom 650

 

[Ally]

This is looking like a very good bike

:RO

Ally

 

[skeedary]

Sorry I cannot see any similarity with a V Strom. My main ride is a V Strom and it is massively bigger than the 500X. The 500 is small and looks purpose built for the smaller rider, smaller again to the Versys.

 

[KMA]

Sorry I cannot see any similarity with a V Strom. My main ride is a V Strom and it is massively bigger than the 500X. The 500 is small and looks purpose built for the smaller rider, smaller again to the Versys.

I owned both the 1000 and the Wee. It's been awhile since I've ridden either but its what it felt felt like at the time I actually rode the X.
Pic of my old Wee. Man I miss that bike