Should I trade in my Glee for a CB500X ?

[oldrider]

I had a 500 last year, for my second bike, my other bike was a cb1000r, I had the 500 for just going to work etc, it was useless 2 up, granted yes it was a good bike but wouldn't set the world on fire, a little lower than the vstrom though, I'm on my second vstrom now so that says something,  but if its what you want and its your money, go for your gut feeling

[Malfos]

I kept my last 650 V strom for 4 years and 17,000 miles from new, but sold it a couple of years ago, after fancying something lighter, with better low speed handling. I had sorted out the buffeting, with a Givi Airflow screen,  which was excellent. The V Strom had a great engine, plush, comfortable suspension - the best I have ever had, but I found the footrests in a bad position, in that when putting my feet down,the footrests butted up awkwardly into my ankles, and I felt they should have been positioned more forwards, or more backwards so I could put my feet down without being obstructed by the footrests. I also found that the front end dipped a lot when braking to a halt - I cured this by releasing the front brake just before I came to a halt, and braking for the final couple of yards, with the back brake only. I also was finding it a bit heavy maneovering in the garage.

Shortly after selling the V strom, and fancying a lighter bike, I bought a 2019 Honda CB 500X, with under a thousand miles on the clock, privately. I bought it without a test ride,as the seller would not allow one - I should have left it, but I was impressed with the look of the bike, the reviews I'd read, and the bike was as new, plus I negotiated a very good price with the seller.
 I only kept it a couple of weeks, as I did not like it. I found the buffeting horrendous and came back from a fairly long ride with headache. I had seen extremely good reviews but it did not do it for me. It felt under powered for me, and the engine power ( 46.6 bhp) also seemed to me a lot less than the 56bhp 0f the Honda CB 500 ( 1995) that I had previously owned for 5 years - which was an excellent bike.
The CB 500X is a very popular bike, but I did not take to it, and I very quickly sold it privately. I got back what I paid for the bike.
I have had several other bikes since, and presently own a 2019 Yamaha X Max 400, ( Iron Max model), twist and go scooter, which I bought new last February.
I personally cannot recommend the Honda CB 500X, but lots of people like it. The best thing would be ( unlike me!) have a test ride before you buy one, and take it for as long a ride as you can before you make up your mind.

[mr_diver]

In the dealers we had a 2x cb500f, 1x sv650, 1x NC750f as courtesy bikes.
So none of them were the ADV models of the bike/engine but people turned their nose up at the CB, but came back saying it was fun around the lanes. BUT underpowered on the open road and quite a small frame.

The NC was described as dull as dishwater with very low redline that catches you out (not DCT)

The SV surprised a lot of people, flexabke and fun engine, nimble and comfy if quite small.

Granted most of these people had come from big bikes, many on sports bikes- the SV engine was the hands down winner.

That said a mate of mine bought a CB500X new in 2019 when the front wheel became a 19".
He loves the bike and says it suits the Welsh roads perfectly. But refuses to use dual carrageways and motorways unless absolutely necessary and won't go over 50mph... Fat Rat's been on a ride out with him when he had his f800gs.
He's also a short arse so the smaller bike suits him.

[Tech-one]

Hi again all,
Thanks for all your comments, they certainly have my plenty to consider. I was considering the CB500X with a view to adding Rally Raid suspension, spoked wheels etc. as funds allow - however, the price of this kit is frightening! I think the best option is to keep the Strom for now, save some money and buy what I really want in the future.... a Yamaha T7 Tenere - Vstrom power, CB500 weight

[Tigerjohn]

Good decision. The T7 is a great bike....let the excitement build for a bit, then treat yourself to some post lockdown fun!

[The Border Riever]

Your vstrom will have a superior seat!......I'm just in the process of chopping in my 2019 Honda NC750X for a 2020 Vstrom1000 last of the old shape ( A beak's better than the abortion that followed it ) The standard Honda seat is a killer, I've done 4,000 miles on it and enough is enough, the Shad aftermarket seat helps a little, but the whole riding position doesn't suit me at all, I think the trouble is my arse is 62 in April and think it must have been a woolworths special, I think you'll find the CB500X will have a similarly hard seat!......Stay where you are!

[porter]

Sorry to say but you might not find the vstrom seat any better! They are hard also, I need a break about the 100 miles mark, more coffee and cake!

[Tigerjohn]

Never mind the coffee - stick to the cake and it'll be fine!

[UK_Vstrom650]

You can get seats altered to be more comfortable... 

[porter]

Or you can buy three different seats and find no improvement!  I'd have been better of sittin on the money I spent on the seats!

[The Border Riever]

Quote removed

I have owned two before.....that's why I'm a member of this here forum