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ADV NewsHonda CB500X Receives Performance Updates for 2022

Honda CB500X Receives Performance Updates for 2022

The A2-compliant adventurer sees improvements throughout the chassis & engine.

Published on 09.03.2021

Unlike the Africa Twin which was recently unveiled with only a few minor changes, Honda Europe has announced a new CB500X with a host of significant performance-focused updates for 2022. Big Red says the changes are aimed at increasing the versatility of the compact adventurer with improvements seen in the engine and throughout the chassis. Let’s look at what’s new.

2022 Honda CB500X adventure motorcycle

One of the biggest changes for 2022 is the brand-new front end setup. To improve all-round handling performance, the 41mm traditional telescopic forks of the previous design have been replaced by spring preload-adjustable Showa 41mm Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks, clamped by new top and bottom triple clamps. By dividing the functions – Big Piston pressure separation damper in one leg, spring mechanism in the other – reaction and ride quality are both improved. To complement the upgraded forks, the rear shock has received optimized spring rate and damping settings.

2022 Honda CB500X adventure motorcycle

The chassis also benefits from improvements in braking performance. Specifically, the previous single 310mm disc front brake system has been replaced with dual 296mm discs. The introduction of the smaller discs not only keeps any additional weight gain to a minimum, but also reduces the required pressure on the lever when braking. Handling is further improved by a new swingarm, which Honda says is lighter, stiffer rotationally and has more lateral flex. 

2022 Honda CB500X adventure motorcycle

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For 2022, the CB500X also receives a lighter radiator and a redesigned 19-inch cast aluminum front wheel crowned by a larger mudguard. Honda says the wheels are now lighter “due to thinner spokes, reducing unsprung weight to aid turning ability.” Compared to the previous model, weight bias also moves fractionally forward for enhanced front tire grip and feel. 

2022 Honda CB500X adventure motorcycle

The engine also receives an update. Although the 471cc parallel-twin engine still delivers 47 peak horsepower, for 2022 it now features new fuel injection settings which according to Honda “further enhance both torque feel and overall character.”

For the new year, the bike also gains more powerful LEDs as well as revised front indicator position lights. But that’s not the only thing the CB500X gains. Despite lightening several components, Honda is reporting a gain of about 5 pounds for the new year model.

Finally, along with Grand Prix Red and Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic, Honda is introducing new graphics and the Pearl Organic Green color for 2022.

2022 Honda CB500X adventure motorcycle

We are still waiting on Honda America to confirm exactly which changes and colors will come to this side of the pond for 2022 but we expect an announcement soon.

2022 Honda CB500X Specs

Engine TypeLiquid-cooled, parallel twin
Displacement471cc
Bore and stroke67mm x 66.8mm
Compression Ratio10.7: 1
Max. Power Output35kW @ 8,600rpm
Max. Torque43Nm @ 6,500rpm
Noise LevelL-urban 74dB L-wot 76.7dB
Oil Capacity3.2L
CarburationPGM FI electronic fuel injection
Fuel Tank Capacity17.5L (inc reserve)
CO2 Emissions WMTC82 g/km
Fuel Consumption (WMTC)3.6L/100km / 27.8km/l (WMTC mode)
Battery Capacity12V 7.4AH
ACG Output25A/2000rpm
Clutch TypeWet multiplate slipper assist clutch
Transmission Type6 speed
Final DriveChain
TypeSteel diamond
Dimensions (L´W´H)2155mm x 830mm x 1410mm (Low screen) 1445mm (High screen)
Wheelbase1445mm
Caster Angle27.5 degrees
Trail108mm
Seat Height830mm
Ground Clearance180mm
Kerb Weight199kg
suspension FrontShowa 41mm SFF-BP USD forks, pre-load adjustable. 5.9 inches of travel
suspension RearProlink mono with 5 stage preload adjuster, steel hollow cross swingarm. 5.3 inches of travel
Type FrontMulti-spoke cast aluminium
Type RearMulti-spoke cast aluminium
Rim Size Front19 X MT2.5
Rim Size Rear17 X MT4.5
Tires Front110/80R19M/C (59H)
Tires Rear160/60R17M/C (69H)
ABS System Type2 channel
Type FrontDual 296mm x 4mm disc with Nissin axial-mount two piston calipers
Type RearSingle 240mm x 5mm disc with single piston caliper
InstrumentsLCD Meter with Speedometer, Bar Graph Tachometer, Dual Trip Meters, Fuel Level and Consumption Gauge, Clock, Water Temp, Gear position, Shift UP Indicator
HeadlightLED
TaillightLED
Security SystemHISS (Honda Intelligent Security System)

Author: ADV Pulse Staff
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Comments
 19

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19 thoughts on “Honda CB500X Receives Performance Updates for 2022

  1. Well done Honda. Now offer a R version with spoke wheels and higher spec suspension. A true mid ADV bike, you know other will soon enough.

    • With the success of Rally Raid, you’d think Honda would have figured this out by now. Lacking this, I’ll go to a T7 before I drop over $3K on a $7K bike. I’m guessing Honda could make offer these changes for a little over $1K and they’d sell like mad. Frustrating.

  2. The video shows it has a slipper clutch, but that was not really mentioned in the article? Those are a great addition that helps riding.

    • OEM skid plates are notoriously flimsy, so you’d soon end up replacing it with something stronger from the aftermarket anyway. This way you save a few $$$ and Honda save a few lbs from the spec-sheet.

  3. Spoke wheels with 21″ in the front might tempt me away from the upcoming Tiger 660. The weight seems like it could be a bit high too but I could live with it.

  4. What the heck? EIGHT pound weight gain? Where, and why? I understand that they kept the engine output exactly the same, because one of the goals of this bike is to be Euro A2 licensing eligible. But why INCREASE weight? Did the bee-Eurocrats implement a total bike power/weight ratio limit as well? Otherwise, it makes no sense. The bike isn’t known for having some glaring flaw that requires slapping on a few extra pounds of metal to keep the frame from potato-chipping or such.

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