Been doing a few jobs on my ‘new’ bike today. GIVI luggae hardware installed, grip puppies added and large X decals removed from bodywork.
Recently acquired 2014 CB500X
- Thread starter MarkShelley
- Start date
Looks tidy…
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Only done 13K miles
Welcome to the CB500X club. I’ve had mine for a couple of months and rode it around the Borders and Scotland with mates on GS1250, ATAS, GS1200 and V-Strom 1000; I managed to keep up, but only just 
It’s a great little bike.
It’s a great little bike.
those roads must have been narrow, or your mates are slow....Welcome to the CB500X club. I’ve had mine for a couple of months and rode it around the Borders and Scotland with mates on GS1250, ATAS, GS1200 and V-Strom 1000; I managed to keep up, but only just
hi Mark.. How does it compare to the v-strom. And carrying a pilion ?Been doing a few jobs on my ‘new’ bike today. GIVI luggae hardware installed, grip puppies added and large X decals removed from bodywork.
It is only 20Kg lighter but it feels like more. A doddle to push about. Obviously not as quick, but if you want to ride within our speed limits you won’t get there much quicker on anything else. Not had my wife on the back yet as she is recovering from a broken arm. I am sure it will cope OK. I like its simplicity. Not into electronics overload with unnecessary features although I would like a gear indicator on the otherwise easy to read dash display. Aftermarket ones are available and I may get one eventually. I find the ergonomics excellent for me at 5’ 10” and just over 12st. It is fun to throw about but suspension on bumpy roads can feel a bit harsh. Considering that a early one with low miles can be picked up for £3K I reckon they are great value.
Absolutely. How is the pannier / exhaust positioning? Have you given it a good thrashing, to make sure the exhaust gases don't melt the pannier? On my 1200 Sport with aftermarket pipe, I had to make a metal heat shield to protect the pannier.
I have had no issues with the plastic 22 litre Givi panniers even after a 200 mile motorway trip. I have just bought a pair of Givi Dolomiti Black panniers so may get some of that stick-on heat resistant mat stuff to protect the paint or powdercoat finish.
How did you find the seat after 200 miles on the motorway? I was on Ibuprofen for a similar ride! Mine’s a 2023, bought new in July.
I actually used my airhawk for that trip and it was fine.
I assume at your height you can flat foot it?
richie
Registered user
- Joined
- Aug 14, 2003
- Messages
- 9,437
- Reaction score
- 439
I have done 1000km in the last two days in France and mainly Spain. Great bike love mine.
Yes, with ease. I have 31” inside leg
Four months later I reckon this will see my biking days out. I have improved the harsh suspension considerably by fitting a set of Rally Raid level 1 front fork internals I picked up used. Always looking out for a better rear shock, but it was the front that felt the worst for me. I have also fitted 20mm risers which requires no cable mods. I will also be on the look out for a clear screen. The one it came with is fine, apart from the fact it is quite dark tinted, which I dislike.
Now I have got out of the bike buying habit things are so much simpler. The only other bike I may buy at some stage is a trials bike as I will soon be moving withing a few miles of Cadders Hill MX track in Norfolk where they also hold trials. Never tried it, and what better time to start than at the age of 63!
Now I have got out of the bike buying habit things are so much simpler. The only other bike I may buy at some stage is a trials bike as I will soon be moving withing a few miles of Cadders Hill MX track in Norfolk where they also hold trials. Never tried it, and what better time to start than at the age of 63!
Could the exhaust bracket be extended to lower the exhaust ?
You might be able to adjust it slightly but it has not been an issue
I was thinking about getting more room between exhaust and pannier.
Last bike at 63! You would be the youngster in our group. I’m on the third step of the downsizing ladder at 72 though I reckon my CB500X might be my last bike. Good on you for contemplating taking up competitive motorcycle sport.Four months later I reckon this will see my biking days out. I have improved the harsh suspension considerably by fitting a set of Rally Raid level 1 front fork internals I picked up used. Always looking out for a better rear shock, but it was the front that felt the worst for me. I have also fitted 20mm risers which requires no cable mods. I will also be on the look out for a clear screen. The one it came with is fine, apart from the fact it is quite dark tinted, which I dislike.
Now I have got out of the bike buying habit things are so much simpler. The only other bike I may buy at some stage is a trials bike as I will soon be moving withing a few miles of Cadders Hill MX track in Norfolk where they also hold trials. Never tried it, and what better time to start than at the age of 63!
Fact is I don’t ride as much since I retired. Most of my miles were commuting and riding to meetings all over the UK rather than taking the company car, plus most of my little collection of bikes were older classics and it was becoming a bit of a ball ache keeping them all in running order, particularly with the potential future issues due to shit modern fuel and its effect on carbs. I still play footy a few times a week, so fitness to do a bit of trials shouldn’t be a problem. I don’t intend doing any of the complicated/dangerous stuff.
