THE Honda CB500 has always been a bit of a workhorse.
Almost every rider-training school uses it, couriers love it and savvy commuters would choose one over the train any day. It’s easy to see why – it’s reliable, dependable and built to last. It’s the Honda way.
But of all the words you could use to describe the CB500, “desirable” is not really one that springs to mind. Until now.
Clever thinking born from necessity means that, for 2019, your CB500 comes in three flavours.
An R version for those of you that want to live out your first sports bike fantasy, a naked F model for those who prefer a more upright riding style . . . and then there’s the X model.
This adventure-styled bike is designed to appeal to those looking to escape the norm – even if only on the daily commute.
It has a 19in front wheel and dual-purpose tyres, for both trail-riding and Tarmac.
It has slightly longer travel suspension compared to its R and F brothers and a windscreen that allows the rider to shelter from the wind and rain.
We rode all three bikes in Tenerife and it was the X that stood out. Powered by the same A2 licence-friendly parallel twin- engine as the other two, the X model is a surprisingly lively bike to ride on the road.
It climbs through the revs, delivering smooth, linear and useable power all the way to the 8250rpm peak. A handy shift light on the dash lets you know it’s time to add another gear.
The dash also displays gear position, speed and all the other useful info you need. The brakes and suspension are matched perfectly.
You can adjust forks and shock if you need to. We didn’t.
Even when our ride went from super-smooth Tarmac to rutted, off-road trails, the X just got on with the job of making us smile.
If pure off-road riding is your thing, you should look at other bikes. But will they be able to cope with your daily commute as well?
Will they be able to deliver 70mpg, day in and day out? Will they leave you with the feeling you’ve picked a bike that really could deliver you across Europe just as easily as it could cart you to the office?
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Maybe not. Aside from the smiles – and the fact it’s a Honda, so you know it will still work in ten years’ time – we were most impressed by the price. With a £1,000 deposit, you can ride the CB500X for £90 a month.
Oyster cards cost more than this bike. It represents so much more than just value for money, though.
Don’t take our word for it, grab a test ride at your nearest dealership and you’ll be as surprised as us at how much fun this little diamond is to ride.
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