It’s time to ride the 2022 Honda CB500X ABS. When it came to updating the CB500X for 2022, Honda didn’t need to do a lot. It was already the class leading A2 adventure bike, made the maximum 47bhp for the licence category and has been Euro5 compliant since 2020.
However, rather than simply chucking us a few token gestures, the Japanese firm set about making the best that little bit better – adding a shiny set of golden Showa Separate Function Big Piston USD forks and swapping the old 310mm single front brake set-up for dual 296mm discs and two piston calipers.
It’s loaded with rugged adventure style and striking new colour options, upgraded, high-quality long-travel suspension and brakes all powered by an A2-compliant twin-cylinder engine that puts real, enjoyable performance in your right hand. At a surprisingly satisfying price point.
The CB500X – originally launched in 2013 alongside the naked CB500F and fully-faired CBR500R – brings crossover adventure style to Honda’s fun-focussed twin-cylinder ‘light middleweight’ trio.
The 2022 Honda CB500X ABS is a motorcycle that, without fanfare, quietly gets on with the job of being supremely competent and adaptable for a wide variety of owners.
If you’re looking for a light, dependable, affordable middleweight motorcycle, then Honda has several options to choose from. In addition to its Rebel 500 cruiser, there are three models in the Honda CB/R500 lineup that have been updated for 2022.
The 2022 Honda CB500X ABS adventure bike, CB500F ABS naked bike, and CBR500R ABS sportbike offer improvements in suspension, braking, and handling.
Inverted forks fit for an adventure motorcycle are added to the new CB500X ABS. While non-adjustable, the new Showa SFF-BP 41mm inverted forks are a substantial upgrade, especially for off-road adventurers. SFF means Separate Function Fork—spring in one tube, damping in the other—while BP refers to the Big Piston damper for more precise action. Fork travel is reduced by nearly three-quarters of an inch.
Complementing the new for is a new, lighter swingarm. Honda claims the new swingarm is two pounds lighter, while retaining the same strength.
The 2022 Honda CB500X ABS gets twin discs up front. Gone is the single 310mm disc. Replacing it is a pair of 296mm discs with Nissin calipers for improved stopping power. Plain vanilla non-adjustable ABS returns.
The discs are mounted to a new front wheel. The new cast aluminum wheel shaves 3.5 ounces of unsprung weight, as the 2022 Honda CB500X ABS retains its adventure-ready 19-/17-inch wheel combination.
The photos are of the Euro-spec 2022 Honda CB500X ABS. The new 2022 Honda CB500X ABS comes in one color combo— Pearl Organic Green/Black. The price tag on the dealer floor is now $7199, and they should be available before the calendar flips over to March.
Photos
Full Specifications
2022 Honda CB500X ABS Specs
ENGINE
- Type: Parallel-twin
- Displacement: 471cc
- Bore x stroke: 67.0 x 66.8mm
- Compression ratio: 10.7:1
- Valvetrain: DOHC; 4 vpc
- Fueling: EFI w/ 34mm throttle bodies
- Transmission: 6-speed
- Final drive: 520 O-ring chain
CHASSIS
- Front suspension; travel: Non-adjustable Showa SFF-BP 41mm inverted fork; 5.2 inches
- Rear suspension; travel: Linkage-assisted spring-preload adjustable shock; 5.3 inches
- Front tire: 110/80 x 19
- Rear tire: 160/60 x 17
- Front brake: 296mm discs w/ 4-piston Nissin calipers
- Rear brake: 240mm disc w/ 2-piston caliper
- ABS: Standard
DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES
- Wheelbase: 56.9 inches
- Rake: 27.5 degrees
- Trail: 4.3 inches
- Seat height: 32.8 inches
- Fuel capacity: 4.7 gallons
- Curb Weight: 439 pounds
- Color: Pearl Organic Green/Black
