Talk me out of it?
Discussion
Newish rider here. Did my cbt at 24, bought a ybr 125, 3 painful months with that, but good experience nonetheless. Direct test at 25. Buy a shed of a 93’ gpz500s. Quick-ish but a dog, so got rid of that and bought a 2010 sv650s. Had that for just over a year, but I was finding myself getting a really sore back.
In theory though, the perfect bike for a relative beginner. Tractable, exciting enough, reliable. Can’t deny it was those things. But I ended up riding it like I drive, and I just don’t want this riding chapter to end before it begins. I’m looking to step back a little, and maybe get into touring/adventure riding (ie. not fast road riding on a super or sports bike). Sometimes riding slower means more time to look around and take it all in? I live in the midlands, and want to maybe try day trips to Shropshire/wales/Pennines/Derbyshire.
Can somebody talk me out of a pcp on a cb500x. So so cheap, but apart from maybe top speed motorway cruising, it gives me all that I want. An easy to ride, practical, fun, light bike to rack up some miles on. My commute is about 12 miles, either B roads, or I can do it all on the motorway if I desire. I test rode the cb500x. And it was everything I asked for, but also everything I feared. Slower, smaller and built to a price. And I’m sure in time I will yearn for a bigger faster bike again, but for me, now, it could be just right. I like the fact there is a strong online community, boundless customisation options too.
Other options I’ve looked at are dl650 v Strom, some cracking deals about on new. I’d probably just buy an older used one though as opposed to pcp a new one. Budget used is more like £3500 and I’d be wanting to buy from a dealer ideally.
I guess what I’m asking is, has anyone regretted buying a cb500x?
In theory though, the perfect bike for a relative beginner. Tractable, exciting enough, reliable. Can’t deny it was those things. But I ended up riding it like I drive, and I just don’t want this riding chapter to end before it begins. I’m looking to step back a little, and maybe get into touring/adventure riding (ie. not fast road riding on a super or sports bike). Sometimes riding slower means more time to look around and take it all in? I live in the midlands, and want to maybe try day trips to Shropshire/wales/Pennines/Derbyshire.
Can somebody talk me out of a pcp on a cb500x. So so cheap, but apart from maybe top speed motorway cruising, it gives me all that I want. An easy to ride, practical, fun, light bike to rack up some miles on. My commute is about 12 miles, either B roads, or I can do it all on the motorway if I desire. I test rode the cb500x. And it was everything I asked for, but also everything I feared. Slower, smaller and built to a price. And I’m sure in time I will yearn for a bigger faster bike again, but for me, now, it could be just right. I like the fact there is a strong online community, boundless customisation options too.
Other options I’ve looked at are dl650 v Strom, some cracking deals about on new. I’d probably just buy an older used one though as opposed to pcp a new one. Budget used is more like £3500 and I’d be wanting to buy from a dealer ideally.
I guess what I’m asking is, has anyone regretted buying a cb500x?
ive done the big bike back to a small bike thing (700 back to 125) and its not that i regret it i just wish i had a 80mph top end!.
Have you looked at a crf 250?, i know its even smaller than the bike your looking at but if your going off roader style go the whole hog as its a different kind of riding anyway.
Have you looked at a crf 250?, i know its even smaller than the bike your looking at but if your going off roader style go the whole hog as its a different kind of riding anyway.
AceOfHearts said:
I rode a CB500X a few years back and really liked it, but ended up with a Yamaha Tracer 850 as I wanted a bit more performance.
Thinking about it, that was back in 2015 and there is a 700cc Tracer now, have you thought to try one of those?
No comparison will ever see Yamaha beat Honda in the quality stakes.Thinking about it, that was back in 2015 and there is a 700cc Tracer now, have you thought to try one of those?
Pothole said:
No comparison will ever see Yamaha beat Honda in the quality stakes.
That's true!
In that case then there was also the 800 Vtec powered Honda tourer thing that I rode (Crosstourer or Crossrunner?)
I really loved riding that too, but at the time new deals were not good compared to the big Tracer. Maybe there are some good used deals to be had now.
I test rode a street triple the other month actually. I work for a design consultancy and we helped with the 2020 model. So I think it Looks great, but I just couldn’t get on with the wind buffeting, and felt like I’d be having the same go faster mentality on it.
In terms of a crf250rl. Thought about it, but if we’re being realistic it would be 90% road riding and not sure it’s quite right for that.
Sometimes you’ve just go jump on good deals, but I’m not seeing anything eye catching from dealers at the moment. Old shape tracers are still 6-7 grand, if they were a little less I’d go for one. Was decent enough on a test ride, but hideous and some questionable bits.
In terms of a crf250rl. Thought about it, but if we’re being realistic it would be 90% road riding and not sure it’s quite right for that.
Sometimes you’ve just go jump on good deals, but I’m not seeing anything eye catching from dealers at the moment. Old shape tracers are still 6-7 grand, if they were a little less I’d go for one. Was decent enough on a test ride, but hideous and some questionable bits.
Mcflurry1992 said:
I test rode a street triple the other month actually. I work for a design consultancy and we helped with the 2020 model. So I think it Looks great, but I just couldn’t get on with the wind buffeting, and felt like I’d be having the same go faster mentality on it.
Surely the wind stops you going that fast?It sounds like you want something which entertains at low speed, perhaps a classic instead of a new bike?
Back to new, what about a KTM 390? The adventure is just out and supposed to be good fun
Do it! In all honesty, it sounds like you have made up your mind and the CB500X is a great bike, especially if it's main use will be committing and the odd bit of touring. I test rode one before I got my current Street Triple R and I was quite impressed. Agreed it's not the quickest thing but it's enough (as most bikes are). It's just a shame there isn't something similar between the CB500X and the Africa Twin, like a CB900X.
I've gone from a quicker bike to a slower one too. Had a CB1000R, got rid for a few years and now have a XSR700 (same engine/bike as the Tracer pretty much). It's great, still has plenty of poke for fun and games without the silly top end that gets you into trouble. I went with the 'trendy' style bike but the 'adventure' style Tracer gets rave reviews too, the little 700 twin has fantastic character (which I find slower cars/bikes need), makes a nice noise and rides well. I've not looked at the Honda but assuming it does all those things AND has something about it to get you interested/enthusiastic about it then go for it. If it's missing that element then maybe look elsewhere or you might get fed up with it quickly.
We’re at a funny time where I think the bike I’m yearning for is maybe 1 or 2 years away. Honda have released a couple of concepts of a 650 tracer rival, triumph may dabble In the segment soon, and ktm may build a 490/590/690 adventure.
Unfortunately I’m only going to be this age once so just want to have something now! Although if the lockdown persists I might have to wait anyway.
Unfortunately I’m only going to be this age once so just want to have something now! Although if the lockdown persists I might have to wait anyway.
I had a 2014 model 500X for a couple of years until someone nicked it....
It was a great little bike - sure, it's not a rocket ship, but in real terms it's fast enough, and one benefit is you can have some fun actually using a good chunk of it's power without things getting tooooo silly. Even though it's a 'cheap' Honda, it has all the usual Honda quality, and I had zero problems while I had it.
It'll also happily cruise at 80 on the motorway - it's quite 'busy' at that speed, but I did several long motorway runs on it without problem. I can't remember the username, but there is a guy who ran one commuting from I think Bristol to London on one? Did a ridiculous amount of miles on it without major issues I seem to remember.
It also can be turned into quite a useful off-roader with some mods, if that's your bag.
It's nippy, light, fun and well built. I kinda regret moving away from it when replacing the nicked one actually.....!
It was a great little bike - sure, it's not a rocket ship, but in real terms it's fast enough, and one benefit is you can have some fun actually using a good chunk of it's power without things getting tooooo silly. Even though it's a 'cheap' Honda, it has all the usual Honda quality, and I had zero problems while I had it.
It'll also happily cruise at 80 on the motorway - it's quite 'busy' at that speed, but I did several long motorway runs on it without problem. I can't remember the username, but there is a guy who ran one commuting from I think Bristol to London on one? Did a ridiculous amount of miles on it without major issues I seem to remember.
It also can be turned into quite a useful off-roader with some mods, if that's your bag.
It's nippy, light, fun and well built. I kinda regret moving away from it when replacing the nicked one actually.....!
Edited by pip t on Sunday 26th April 16:51
https://bikesandtravels.com/biker.aspx?ride=871
nice website with a long term review, you have to search for the updates
nice website with a long term review, you have to search for the updates
I'm almost twice your age and when I've found myself looking at sensible bikes like the V Strom, I think you're not 60 yet, get a fun bike whilst you can still ride them !
I understand you don't want a street racer but there's no need to buy a new "sensible" bike, by a better older one, the only time IMO to buy new / PCP is when it's the latest thing or something fragile that you want a warranty on.
I too like the idea of something slower to take in the scenery and looked at a few cruisers but was shocked just how little power they made (750 with 45bhp) and thought it screams midlife crisis - I'll get one when I'm 70.
Go to a few dealers and see what they have in, get a few test rides and see what suits you.
I understand you don't want a street racer but there's no need to buy a new "sensible" bike, by a better older one, the only time IMO to buy new / PCP is when it's the latest thing or something fragile that you want a warranty on.
I too like the idea of something slower to take in the scenery and looked at a few cruisers but was shocked just how little power they made (750 with 45bhp) and thought it screams midlife crisis - I'll get one when I'm 70.
Go to a few dealers and see what they have in, get a few test rides and see what suits you.
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