2013 Honda CBR500R and CB500F

The climate in the Pacific Northwest is much like that in the UK. Rain, mist, and cool temperatures (50* f) dominate for 9 months of the year. In these conditions, my personal preference is for a bike with a reasonable fairing. However, all of the bikes I've owned to date have been nakeds. I understand the trend; but then I like bucking trends. I'm an engineer, so I go with what works first. If it's pretty too, it's a bonus.

That said, I really do like the looks of the current CBR600F with fairings in the EU. I'd love to try one!

I have yet to try a fairing that works for me, so I'd rather have none.
Clean air is more enjoyable then buffeting.

Exactly.

+1

..and the wind chill difference can be fixed with good riding gear,
but I'm aware that it's often a hassle.

I've got a scooter now that brings the term "fairing" to a whole new
level. No wind ANYWHERE. None. It's amazing.


Still want a naked Bandit 1250.
:huh

not that I don't find the debate over the quality of modern automotive products fascinating (I don't), but let's try to get back on track.

What I'd like to know is whether this engine is a 270 degree crank like the NC700X and triumph scrambler, 180 like the GS500, or a 360 degree crank like the bonneville. Haven't seen that discussed.

A quick google says 180

Oh noes.

Anyone want to take a guess on whether the 500x will be comparable to the BMW G650GS? Would be almost $4k cheaper.

Thoughts?

G650 is more off road capable. Mostly in suspension travel and ground clearance. My guess is the Honda will be more reliable.

The cb500x has 2" less suspension travel than a KLR and 1" less than a V-Strom.

Ok, I hate BMW nomenclature. Isn't the G650GS the "old" F650GS/Dakar thumper? Now called Sertao? Isn't the smaller (less HP) 800cc GS twin called the F700GS (formerly the "new" F650GS)? And the bigger (more HP) 800cc GS twin called the F800GS?

In any case, the Honda CB500X doesn't have anywhere near the suspension needed to make even a remotely valid comparison, either to the BMW thumper or twins. The 500X has a 17" front rim and about 5" of suspension travel, and maybe 6" of ground clearance (full specs out yet?). It is an adventure STYLED street bike, not a real ADV. And none of Honda's marketing materials say anything else.

People will compare them based on looks...they won't be able to help themselves. But it will be an apples-to-oranges comparison. Spend some time on the 500X thread. It is a better venue for this discussion.

G650GS is the thumper with the alloy rims. I sat on one today and I didn't feel like it had that much suspension travel.. The G650GS Sertao definitely had more travel but the standard G650GS didn't feel like much.

I'm thinking with money savings, the suspension could be fixed?

I didn't see a 500X specific thread, link?.. Nvm, I see it's in the beasts forum. Thnks

Absoutely.

It's a styled (stylish?) commuter-come-mini-tourer with good tank range, upright ergos, happy price, fully capable of being farkled for a 2-week trip if needed.

Those crimped downpipes look the ones on the ER6N.

Aftermarkeeters will all over the front end (fender xtenders, bashplates, h/guards, screens, rad grills).

novice rider bonus: the turn signals are high up, meaning they probably won't smash in a tip-over.

You beak lovers can play up in beasts.

I'm more interested in frame sliders, spring upgrades and sticky tyres.

BT023 should last 20k miles on this bike, 120 front and 160 rear. That's the best upgrade over the CBR and Ninja 300, IMO - readily available good tyres.

It would probably do well enough on BT45s. The 23s rock though

the X just gets sand kicked in it's face there.....

I'm wondering what the X is doing in beasts. It's a pure street bike, and will probably sell better than the other two.

I dunno either. I was just joking with my buddy Ray.

That said, the Versys is in both places as well. Doesn't much matter.

I wanna know if my 33" legs will fit on any of these things. :ddog

My 300 is wearing a 120/150 combo right now and I'll try a 160 next time, lots of room but the wheel is only 4" so not sure if I'll like it. It wears the 150 very well, lots of good feel heeled over.