Honda CB500X

Just read this article:
http://life.nationalpost.com/2012/11/12/preview-2013-honda-cb500/
Their saying there is a new Dual Sport version coming in a CB500X Honda. It is news to me so I thought I'd start a tread here. Sorry if this is old news.

A couple if threads in Road Warriors already.

Probably the same argument as the Versys regarding whether it's a Beast or a Road Warrior, or both.

That article had some new info though, thanks.

http://powersports.honda.com/2013/cb500x.aspx

I was really hoping that one of the new bikes would be another dual sport to go along side the NC700X. I am happy with what they came up with. I would have preferred them to release a 700cc bike line, but they look to have done well. I am very interested to see what price they put on the 'X' model; it is 'TBD' at the moment. Probably higher than the 'F' model's $5500.

Hi res pics....

http://www.fasterandfaster.net/2012/11/2013-honda-cb500x-adventure-touring.html

Isnt this bike a direct competitor for the VStrom?

I'm interested!

I think it looks like it would make a fun little run-about to go with my over weight gas guzzling Nomad...

One to haul a passenger, the other for exploring those little back roads that aren't on the map...

Thats a standard bike, every bit as much of an adventure bike as a CBR 600RR...

That is taken from here http://powersports.honda.com/2013/cb500x.aspx

"The CB500X is an excellent choice for riders ready to move up a displacement class, or for anyone who appreciates a great middleweight motorcycle for practical in-town riding, or fun adventure-sport touring."

Practical in town riding is all it does, and fun adventure-sport touring is the ride to a coffee shop meeting, especially considering their long travel suspension, nearly 125 mm. Even a Wee declares 160, and everything that is supposed to be ridden off pavement comes with 200 at the least.

Now all they need to do is stick this engine in a proper off-road capable frame, and they'll have a replacement for the XR650L.

I can't understand why Honda is offering this bike alongside the 700x. It seems like the exact same market segment to me.
One's a V twin and the other is a parallel twin and they're 200cc apart...otherwise...?

Which one is the V-twin?

Both are inline twins.

In Europe it does make sense, as riders with a restricted license can't get the 700... But it doesn't make sense anywhere else.

Whoops...yeah, they're both parallel twins. Even more puzzling then. Seems like they'll be competing with one another on the showroom floor, almost guaranteeing the Dealer is gonna get stuck with something.

I wouldn't be a Honda dealer for anything these days.

In various forums there has been a contingent of people say that they want a version of the NC700X that has more horsepower, a steeper power curve with a higher redline, and doesn't hit the rev limiter just when if gets fun for them. Now they have it .... about the same horsepower as the 700X but with a conventional 500 cc DOHC engine and 40 or 50 lbs less weight. I think there still will be people attracted to the 700X because of it's unique high efficiency engine and not-a-tank storage. It is just different enough than other middleweight bikes to carve out it's own niche. For the riders getting off a scooter or CBR250 that want a conventional revver and don't want a supersport 600 there is a brace of 500cc bikes now. I think it makes good sense in the US after the large success of the CBR250R. There are buyers if the price is right and the value is there.

In a broad view this is big news for Honda and not a small risk for the conservative company it has been of late. Say what you will about the individual offerings but they haven't released this many bikes at once in a very long time. None of the big four Asians has and I think with the variety and value here they are bullish on a recovery in the motorcycle market place after the last 4 years of sales decline. There will be other new bikes in March 2013 too. It's not over.

The concept is great - I hope Honda delivers.
The X misses it by not having 17/19" wheels. A nod to the Strom there.
A parallel motor should make for a nice compact package as the old Kawi EX500 did.
The X and R look to be sensible bikes. Can the USA handle a sensible bike?
I like 'em (as I do the Ninja 300).
Pocket rockets can be fun!

Cool

Looks like the middle weight class is finally heating up.

this is what I've been wiating for....

If yamaha is asleep at the switch, looks like I'll be heading down to the Honda dealer before these are sold out!

Maybe this engine will find its way into a street version of the new Dakar rally bike and replace the 650L? That could be quite a bike.

If not, then certainly they should have used a 19" front wheel

Oh and I would be willing to bet that this engine is a twin version of the CRF/CBR 250cc

that setup with an offroad package would rock!
i figured kawi would have done it with the versys by now but no.
why can't the japanese figure this out? they are so close.
honda was competing with bmw for a bit but now bmw/husky are pulling away with strong bike concepts.

either way someone like motech will eventually make a skid plate and you can get 17" tck-80 front (or lift the fender like versys guys do and use other adv tires) and thus someone will make ADV versions of this bike.

500cc twins are perfect for ADV bikes http://www.rallytwin.com/