(05-29-2017 01:57 AM)curlyjoe Wrote: Are there suspension differences between the CB500F and the CB500X? You'd think the "adventure" version would have a longer travel suspension to handle off-road riding.
The CB500X suspension is slightly longer than the CB500F. It also has a upright riding position that is more comfortable than either the CB500F or CB1100 EX.
If you are 6' tall or more, the windscreen may cause problems as it directs the wind blast under your chin. I bought a California Scientific windscreen for mine that directed the wind to the top of my helmet.
Adventure bikes tend to be noisy. There are pages and pages on the forums about wind noise. I use 3M E-A-Rsoft yellow neon ear plugs. That solved that problem.
The most pleasing things about the CB500X are:
inexpensive purchase price (mine was $6800 out-the-door)
light weight and nimble handling
Honda reliability
82 miles to the Imperial Gallon
500 kilometer (310 mile) tank range
lots of after market accessories, including a complete set of SHAD side cases and a number of top boxes
Like the CB100 is has an uncomfortable seat and hard and small diameter handlebar grips. Inexpensive Grip Puppies solve the grip problem, but a custom seat can be expensive and there is no guarantee it will feel any better on a long run.
The motor and weight are the major difference between the CB1100 and CB500X. The CB100 is 120 pounds heavier than its smaller sibling. The CB500X motor is great on the back roads, but is noisy at freeway speeds. It can keep up (160 KM top speed), but is not as quiet or strong as the CB1000.
After three happy years of ownership I have no qualms about recommending a CB500X to new riders, those returning to motorcycling, and those wanting to downsize for age or health reasons.