Buzz
A Slight Transformation in Appearance
The most noticeable difference in terms of appearance on the 2022 Honda CB500X is the completely redesigned front lighting system. While we still have the sleek front end design for a sporty look, the inner light clusters are now divided into 4 distinct and more modern-looking sections compared to the previous 2-tier LED design. Whether this adjustment brings improvement in lighting remains unclear, but visually, it looks cooler.
The second new element in the bike's appearance is the fresh paint scheme and decals. In the Vietnamese market, the bike is available in 2 color options: black, red-black, and blue-black. Personally, I find the new colors alluring, especially the red and blue, which exude a more youthful and trendy vibe compared to the previous color variants that appeared somewhat mature and aged.
Apart from these two changes, the Honda CB500X overall retains its shape without much difference. We still have a model designed in ADV style with a large body, crash bars, large windscreen,... all aimed at providing comfort on long journeys and sufficient conditions for a bit of off-roading when needed. With a seat height of 830 mm and a weight of 199kg, it will surely make modestly built individuals like myself feel a bit intimidated. Mounting it to ride will surely be easy, but you also need good strength to handle it when necessary.
The winning feature of the CB500X compared to other 500 models from Honda is the large-sized single-piece seat, not only providing comfort for the rider but also ensuring the passenger feels at ease during long rides, without the feeling of instability due to a tail that is too high like in naked or sport models.Frame and Suspension System
The most significant change for the CB500X and the entire CB500 range of the 2022 generation lies in the 41 mm Showa front forks. This system, inheriting the upside-down USD travel technology from its predecessors CBR650R or CB650R. With Separate Function Big Piston (SFF-BP) technology, the fork has an internal oil control valve where each side plays a different role, one side houses the spring, the other side houses the damping piston.
Coupled with larger piston sizes, this inverted travel fork system will undoubtedly absorb shocks from the road surface better, thereby improving stability at various speeds and increasing safety during sudden braking. Of course, the triple clamp and the front structure have also been redesigned, with Honda claiming that these improvements make the bike's handling more agile. The bike's center of gravity is shifted forward to improve front-end grip, while weight distribution ratio is almost reaching 50/50.
The rear suspension is also tuned to work smoothly with the new front forks. The rear shock absorber is a single-column coil type, adjustable in 5 levels for carrying passengers. This suspension system is linked to the rear grab rails of the bike, enhancing shock absorption efficiency and operational capability depending on different conditions. When the spring is compressed, the force from the grab rails helps push the rear wheel down onto the road surface, thereby increasing grip. Another benefit of this linked suspension is the increased weight distribution capability of the bike because the position of the suspension is close to the bike's body center.
Another detail related to the frame of the CB500X has also been changed to be lighter but 18% stiffer. Additionally, the front rim has been adjusted to be lighter, thereby reducing the overall weight of the bike by about 2kg.Enhanced Safety Features
A significant safety upgrade on the 2022 CB500X is the front disc brake system, now featuring dual discs with a diameter of 296 mm instead of a single disc with a diameter of 310 mm, accompanied by Nissin's dual calipers. Having 2 brake discs along with 2 4-piston calipers undoubtedly helps distribute braking force evenly to both discs, making braking maneuvers more precise and efficient, thereby increasing overall safety.
Moreover, this equipment also enhances the front stance of the bike, making it look more muscular and imposing. The rear brake of the bike remains a single 240mm disc with a 1-piston caliper. Both front and rear brakes are equipped with ABS to make emergency braking safer, especially in slippery road conditions.Slightly Tweaked Engine
Alongside equipment upgrades and slight design changes, the bike's engine remains unchanged. However, Honda has refined the fuel injection system to provide more torque at mid-range RPMs. The bike is equipped with a 471cc engine, parallel twin, 8-valve, liquid-cooled, electronic fuel injection PGM-FI, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. The power output remains at 47 horsepower and 43 Nm of torque. The CB500X features a new cooling system that is 100g lighter.
In addition to the aforementioned changes, the 2022 CB500X also features other notable equipment such as a stylish LCD speedometer display showing all necessary information, and a two-way slipper clutch, making gear shifts smoother and downshifts gentler, minimizing wheel lock when downshifting aggressively.
With a price tag of 193,790,000 VNĐ, the CB500X stands out with its rugged appearance, adequate equipment, and the advantage of the Honda brand known for high reliability and reasonable operating costs. If seeking areas of dissatisfaction with the CB500X, it may be the absence of technologies such as riding modes, traction control,... as these are features gradually becoming common, even on models priced lower. Perhaps, these will be aspects to improve upon in future upgrade versions.
What are your thoughts on this bike or do you have any comments? Feel free to leave them below.
