By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Sport Tourer
Honda CBR500R (PC 44) vs CB500X (PC 46)
Honda CBR500R vs CB500X: which one you'd rather spend the big miles on.
You'll feel the Honda CBR500R fall into a slow corner with neutral steering and no tug at the bars. Ahead of the apex, the Honda CB500X's wavy discs bite hard and talk back clearly. Wet or dry, its brakes don't go numb.
So which one do you buy?
The CB500X has the edge if…
A confidence-building first motorcycle
Inches ahead: CB500X
As a starter bike, the CB500X comes out a touch ahead. Thank easier controls for that. Small enough that a better fit on the other one would outweigh it.
Daily commuting & city riding
Slight edge: CB500X
For the ride to work, the CB500X noses ahead. Most of that is easier everyday riding. Don't let that alone make the call.
What makes each one tick
CBR500R
At walking pace the CBR500R feels light on its tires, and its clutch lever doesn't fight back. The twin answers each turn of the throttle with an even swell of pull that keeps building as the tach needle climbs. The engine's happiest wound up. The soft-sprung chassis stays planted when interstate crosswinds hit.
CB500X
From the upright seat behind its tall windscreen, the CB500X's twin pulls with a predictable push that's still fun on a back road. The brake lever builds stopping force in step with each squeeze. There's stopping power to spare. The roomy cockpit stretches commutes into weekend tours.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The CBR500R has the lower seat: 31.1 in (790 mm) vs 31.9 in (810 mm).
- The CB500X has the larger fuel tank: 4.6 US gal (17.3 L) vs 4.1 US gal (15.7 L).
- Heated Grips: option on the CB500X, not offered on the CBR500R.
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Not its job: CBR500R
Leave the CBR500R out of any touring plans. Big miles aren't what it's made for.
These two run dead level on twisty roads and running costs. Sit on both in the showroom and trust what your body says.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
CBR500R
What owners say
Strengths
- Smooth and accessible parallel-twin engine
- Exceptional fuel economy
- Comfortable highway ride with surprising stability
Trade-offs
- Budget suspension components
CB500X
What owners say
Strengths
- Exceptional reliability and low maintenance
- Novice-friendly, accessible power delivery
- Strong brakes with good feel
Known problems to check before you buy
CBR500R
No confirmed faults on file yet. That's not the same as fault-free.
CB500X
- Water pump coolant leak Some owners report coolant leaking from the water pump weep hole, often occurring around 7,500–12,000 mi (12,000–20,000 km). Usually minor and sometimes self-sealing.
What they share
- Displacement
- 471 cc
- Engine
- Parallel twin
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Power
- 48 hp (35 kW)
- Peak power at
- 8,500 rpm
- Torque
- 32 lb-ft (43 Nm)
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Chain
- Fork
- Telescopic
- Front brake
- 320 mm
- Front tire
- 120/70-17
- Rear tire
- 160/60-17
- Wheelbase
- 55.5 in (1410 mm)
Where the spec sheets split
| CBR500R | CB500X | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 31.1 in (790 mm) | 31.9 in (810 mm) |
| Wet weight | 428 lb (194 kg) | 432 lb (196 kg) |
| CBR500R | CB500X | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 4.1 US gal (15.7 L) | 4.6 US gal (17.3 L) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| CBR500R | CB500X | |
|---|---|---|
| Heated Grips | Not offered | Option |
| Luggage System | Not offered | Option |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
