Honda CB500x

[Papa Weeley_imp]

Anyone do a comparison ride between a Suzuki SV-650 and CB500?

*See post #33.

[the_undecider_imp]

Undecider....since you're in Texas, .....a vast, but mostly flat state, with interstates where average speeds are 80+mph, and never ending off pavement dirt roads.... A large ADV bike like a Vstrom/Tiger 800/S-Ten is, imo, ideally suited to our state's geography. If we're talking COLORADO or UTAH or IDAHO, yes, a lighter ADV bike is better served. But in TX, where we have long travel times, long distances to get to....Twisted Sisters, Big Bend, Hill Country, Gulf coast, and Mexico,.... one can't do any better than a Vstrom 650. So give yourself a pat in the back for having the right tool for the right job.

Jedd, I see you are in Austin, so the Hill Country is only about 15 minutes closer to you. Lime Creek Road and 1431 would be lots of fun on the 500x. I agree that any lengthy freeway rides are more pleasant aboard a bigger bike. If I ever decide to get a 500x, I'd sell the V-strom and replace that with a big sport tourer or 1000cc + adv bike. As it is now, the V-strom 650 does everything I want except be pretty. For that, I have my wife...and then my CB1100.

[Papa Weeley_imp]

Got some seat time in last weekend, and what a blast! Even did some "off-roading" for a mile or so. I'm obviously pretty rusty in that department, but was still fun, and the bike was very stable.
The power and smoothness of the engine seem to be improving every time I ride. I've never had such a noticeable "break-in period" on another bike, but it's been a happy surprise, regardless.

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[the Ferret]

I like those more every time I see them, just not sure I could go back to something as small as 500cc. Heck I'm worried about going back to a 650.

Glad you are enjoying yours.

[quietguy_imp]

I like that bike more each time I see it - the height and riding position appears like it would be very comfortable. I'm delighted to hear how much you're enjoying yours.

[redbirds_imp]

I like that bike more each time I see it - the height and riding position appears like it would be very comfortable. I'm delighted to hear how much you're enjoying yours.

+1, It would be the ideal bike for exploring the miles of graded dirt roads around home. I like it a lot, only change for me would be to more off road oriented tires.

[Papa Weeley_imp]

I like those more every time I see them, just not sure I could go back to something as small as 500cc. Heck I'm worried about going back to a 650.

Glad you are enjoying yours.

Believe me, Mickey, that was a HUGE concern for me, too. And I bought it without a demo ride - so I was on pins and needles when I started it for the ride home, knowing that I'd already put my signature on the bottom line! The last time I had a 500cc was 1979 or so...mostly all liter+ bikes (and mostly sportbikes) since, except for my Bonneville, which wasn't far under at 865cc. But I'd compare the FEEL of the power of the 500 to my Bonnie. Very similar, but way smoother.
And I just can't believe how perfectly the size and position of the bike fits me for what ought to be a "baby bike" in my mind, and the 150 or so less lbs. than the CB11 is just icing on the cake. A really fun, frisky, comfortable, cheap bike. I'm blown away at how much I'm enjoying it. Couldn't recommend one enough.

I like that bike more each time I see it - the height and riding position appears like it would be very comfortable. I'm delighted to hear how much you're enjoying yours.

It really is - thanks.

[4 Paws_imp]

Impressions now? Still like it? Hows it do on tight 2 lane roads and in the serious hills?

Looking for a bike strictly for the mountains - serious hills, usually paved roads that are narrow and very winding.
Considering mostly single cylinder bikes for the low end grunt - BMW G650 (excellent deal on a 2014), KLR 650, DR650.

BMW scares me on maintenance costs (owned 2 and found dealer service necessary) plus will they continue with a single cylinder?
KLR logical choice - swiss army knife of bikes with millions (?) sold, parts and accessories out the wazoo.
Suzuki DR650 intrigues me, lighter and more narrow than KLR, excellent reputation
Honda - excellent history with the company plus faith in their engineering. Single cylinder 650 Honda doesn't do anything for me.

I won't be riding interstate or long travels. Will explore the back roads that sometimes aren't fully paved. NO serious or even semi-serious off roading. No two up.

[rboe]

KLR is huge pig. Weighs almost 90lbs more than the XR650. Get the DR (between the two), good on the street, much better on the dirt than the KLR (personally I think the darn thing is way over rated). BMW's are just too pricy and high tech for my tastes.

A couple friends have the DR and remind me I should have gotten one instead of the XR. sigh....

[curlyjoe]

4 Paws, is the kawasaki versys 650 worth considering?