Honda CB500X: specifications, pros and cons, compatible accessories
Italy's best-selling A2 bike, and the easiest to equip
Forty-seven horsepower, low weight and a price that makes it the first bike for thousands of people. It's the Honda model with the most accessories available from us, and above all the one with the most codes developed specifically for this chassis: crash bars, sidestand plate, radiator guard, risers and handguard kit.
- In summaryThe easiest and most affordable Honda to equip for touring.
- Do these firstCHG281 crash bars, CJC292 sidestand plate, radiator guard.
- SharedAlmost everything is shared with the CB400X, CB500F, NX500 and NX400.
- Good to knowSince 2024, the name has changed to NX500, but the foundation is the same.
- BrandsLOBOO, Barkbusters, DENALI, Eazi-Grip, Kaoko.
Recommended for
It's the right bike if
- You have an A2 licence or this is your first bike: 199 kg and an 830 mm seat height are manageable for almost everyone
- You want to spend little on running and equipping it: there are twenty-four accessories in the catalogue
- You commute and take day trips, with the occasional undemanding gravel road
- You need range: 17.7 litres is capacity for a larger bike
- You want the codes to also fit the CB400X, CB500F and NX500 if you change bikes one day
Look elsewhere if
- You often travel two-up with luggage: 47 horsepower runs out quickly uphill and on the motorway
- You do serious off-road riding: the 19-inch wheel and road-oriented suspension hold it back
- Twin-cylinder vibrations bother you at motorway speeds
- You want to adjust the suspension: it's not possible on the base versions
- You need serious wind protection, which is modest as standard here
In short: it's the bike to start with and use every day, not for demanding off-road riding or motorway trips with two people. If off-road capability really matters, the XL750 Transalp is the right Honda; if you want even more everyday practicality and low fuel consumption, the NC 750 X has a 22-litre storage compartment where the fuel tank normally is.
Technical specifications
| Engine | 471 cc parallel twin, liquid-cooled |
|---|---|
| Power | 47 hp at 8,600 rpm, A2-compliant |
| Torque | 43 Nm at 6,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 6 gears, chain final drive |
| Chassis | Steel diamond frame, upside-down fork from 2019 |
| Wheels | 19 inches front, 17 rear |
| Weight | 199 kg in running order |
| Tank | 17.7 liters |
| Seat height | 830 mm |
| Production | from 2013, renamed NX500 from 2024 |
Pros and cons
Pros
- A2 license and low fuel consumption: inexpensive to run
- The widest accessory catalog in Honda's entire range in our market
- Manageable weight and seat height even for beginners
- 17.7-liter tank: big-bike range
- Components shared with the CB400X, CB500F, and NX500
Cons
- Forty-seven horsepower: with two people and luggage, you feel it uphill
- 19-inch wheel and road-oriented suspension: light off-road use, nothing more
- Modest standard wind protection
- Twin-cylinder vibrations at highway speeds
- Non-adjustable suspension on base versions
What to fit, in order of priority
This motorcycle has accessories developed around its mounting points: that's the advantage of a model sold in large numbers.
- 1
CHG281 stainless steel crash barsDeveloped for the CB500X and CB400X: available as a complete set or individually, it protects the engine cases and fairings in a stationary fall. - 2
CJC292 kickstand plateFits the CB500X, CB500F, CB400X, CB400F, NX400, NX500, and CB500 Super Four: broadens the support area on hot asphalt and dirt. - 3
Barkbusters BHG-123 handguard kitTwo-point mount designed for the CB500X, CB400X, and NX500: protects levers and hands and shields against the wind. Bars and shells are chosen separately. - 4
Aluminum radiator guardCode CHW292 for the CB500X and CB400X: a stone in the radiator costs many times more than the grille. - 5
20 mm handlebar risersFor the CB500X, NX400, and NX500: raises the handlebars, reduces wrist strain on long transfers, and makes standing riding more natural. - 6
Auxiliary light mounts, 2013-2020Dedicated code LAH0110400: uses the bike's mounting points without drilling. A mount for the SoundBomb horn is also available. - 7
Tank grip pads, from 2019They improve knee grip and protect the paint from zippers. Also available as a one-piece version. - 8
4.5-6.5-liter tank bagWith a mounting ring, which is necessary because the magnets alone do not hold on this tank. Complete it with the aluminum top case.
Compatibility table
Honda's 400-500 family is one of the most interconnected: many codes fit the entire range.
| Accessory | CB400X | CB500F | NX500 from 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| CJC292 kickstand plate | yes | yes | yes |
| BHG-123 handguard kit | yes | no | yes |
| Handlebar risers | no | no | yes, with NX400 |
| CHG281 crash bars | yes | no | to be checked |
| CHW292 radiator protection | yes | no | to be checked |
| Light and horn mounts | no, CB500X code | no | to be checked |
| Tank bags, top cases, mirrors | yes | yes | yes |
Brands with dedicated accessories
LOBOOThe main brand hereCHG281 crash bars, CJC292 kickstand plate, CHW292 radiator protection, handlebar risers, luggage, and mirrors.
BarkbustersHandguardsBHG-123 kit designed for the CB500X, CB400X, and NX500, to be paired with a bar and shell of your choice.
DENALILightingLight mounts for model years 2013-2020 and mount for the SoundBomb horn.
Eazi-GripTank gripNon-slip stickers from 2019, in a kit or as a single piece.
KaokoCruise controlMechanical throttle stabilizer for CB500X and CB500XA from 2016 to 2021.
Frequently asked questions
Do CB500X accessories fit the NX500?
Many do: since 2024 Honda has changed the name while keeping the same base, and the kickstand plate, handguard kit, and risers are stated to fit both. For the crash bars and radiator protection, the code must be checked because the bodywork was revised.
What about the CB400X?
Yes, almost everything: the two bikes share their chassis and bodywork, and the main LOBOO and Barkbusters codes are stated to fit both.
Can it be taken on unpaved roads?
Yes, on unpaved roads and compact surfaces, with caution. The 19-inch wheel and road-oriented suspension do not make it suitable for technical off-road riding; with crash bars, handguards, and radiator protection, however, it handles mixed outings well.
Can it handle traveling with two people?
For medium-length trips, yes, with light luggage. The limiting factor is the 47 horsepower: on climbs and on the highway with two people and luggage, the margin gets thinner.
Why does it have so many accessories compared with other Hondas?
Because it has been sold in large numbers for over ten years, and manufacturers develop dedicated codes only where there is a market. That is why fitting it out costs less than on rarer models.
Accessori verificati · CB500X Accessories
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Verificati sul codice di fissaggio della CB500X Accessories: 24 accessori in tutto.
