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. It is a motorcycle that, without fanfare, quietly gets on with the job of being supremely competent and adaptable for a wide variety of owners.

The CB500X’s usefulness is down to a straightforward equation – a perky, well-regarded twin-cylinder engine which produces real torque and drive from low rpm, and revs hard up top – plus a chassis that gives a supremely comfortable ride both around town and out on the open highway, all wrapped up in distinctive adventure styling.

It slips between the role of short-hop commuter to weekend tourer effortlessly. Long travel suspension irons out irregular road surfaces, wide handlebars provide leverage and the upright riding position offers both comfort and a wide field of view for the rider. In other words, the CB500X is an all-rounder in every sense of the term.

In 2016, a first upgrade saw the CB500X receive a larger fuel tank, more wind protection and a taller screen. It also gained LED lighting, spring preload-adjustable front forks and adjustable brake lever. Its 2019 evolution delivered more sophisticated adventure style, more engine performance and a number of chassis upgrades, ensuring that while the CB500X remained confident in its wide-ranging abilities, its ‘X’ factor was well and truly amplified. It gained EURO5 compliance in 2020.

Having proved its popularity over nearly a decade, for 2022 year model it receives high-quality front suspension in the form of Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD forks, plus dual front discs, lightweight swingarm, redesigned front wheel and other detail updates including a striking new colour and bold new graphics.

Alongside engine changes such as revised fuel injection settings and a new lighter radiator,  the chassis benefits from the addition of Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD forks, dual Nissin radial mount four-piston calipers biting 296mm discs, light-weight wheels feature new thinner spokes and redesigned swingarm - for improved rider comfort and handling performance. Compared to the previous model, weight bias also moves fractionally forward for enhanced front tyre grip and feel. Styling is updated with a new front wheel and larger front mudguard.

As before, LCD instruments feature a Shift Up and Gear Position function. All lighting is LED, with optimised high/low headlight beam and addition of front indicator position lights.