Is the CB500X a viable Adventure Bike?

[Farp]

Hi John,

Thanks for your reply. I'm new to the dualsport scene and have been trying to catch up on your posts about the cb500x. I've taken my gf's out for a few outings and as you say, it's an amazingly fun bike - keeps up with the litrebikes in the WA backroad twisties at least . I'm coming form a sportbike background but given the impound laws and the plethora of wonderful back roads we have in BC, have been seriously considering adding a dualsport or 'adventure bike' to the stable. So far, been looking at wr250r's, dr650's, klr's, xr650l's, drz400's, among others. I have considered picking up a cb500x for myself and possibly rally raiding it in the distant future. Before I do so, was wondering what tires you're running on your CBX.

Also, I'm looking for some good route suggestions and for people to ride with, any venues or events you guys would recommend? Thanks!

Hi TMR,

I'm running Heidenau K73's, supermoto rain tires, on it. They're a little pricey and you won't get great mileage out of them but they hang onto the asphalt as good or better than any tire I've ever used - and they're not too bad on the gravel either. I haven't experienced mud with them yet but reports are they aren't very good mud tires.

I don't know what kind of a bike you have, or will buy, or what your experience is so I can't recommend any routes or trails for you. There is a big difference between what I'd recommend for a WR250 and a KLR and, obviously, rider experience would play a big factor as well. Keep watching the posts for rides you think you'd be interested in and don't be shy about turning up for ones you want to try. However, if you are new to riding off-road and, especially if you have a bigger bike like a KLR or a DR650, you should probably avoid riding single track trails until you get some experience and develop some skills. As far as riding single track is concerned the CB500X was not designed with that kind of riding in mind and I wouldn't do it. It's fine on gravel roads and will handle mild quad and 4X4 tracks but that's about as far as you'd want to take it when the asphalt ends.

John

 

[GanglyCloth]

Well, I picked up my shiny (almost) new CB500X from Honda Center in Burnaby this past weekend. I haven't taken it off-road yet, but it's been awesome on the street. Anyone know some good beginner trails near the Lower Mainland?

 

[vortexman]

I have 14k on the CB500X. I have bashed, trashed, loaded, freeway screamed, used cheap Canadian tire 10 30 oil and cheap Fram filters, tried to make the front rim square on rocks and answered many of these questions "is that an off road bike?"

I have yet to see a bike that really for the price has this many good qualities least of all I can spend the other $8000.00 that a boutique bike would cost on riding gear and personality coaching lessons.

Is it a good adventure bike? If you call adventure riding having fun at a low cost yes. I have adventures on mine almost every weekend. So I expect to see you soon