new africa twin or the new CB500X

rboe

rboe

Road warrior
Thread starter
If I can get the fleet down to two bikes I can afford to add the Africa Twin or maybe the new CB500X. Final decision will probably boil down to what fits better. I certainly don't need the power of the AT.

I do like the lower weight of the new 500X, and the 19" front tire means for my mild "off roading" it would be just fine (21" would be even better).

Since I'm at that "what if" stage I so enjoy I thought I'd toss this to the collective for your thoughts.

For myself, I think I have given up any pretense of long rides (e.g. 500-600 miles one way, three day weekends tops - no touring). I enjoy a cabin with heat and AC way too much to do that.

Sidebar: "kid" at coffee has a well kitted out AT, longest ride he's taken has been to Payson. About 90 miles away. Makes me look like a seasoned pro! Alas, that is about all I've even done on my well kitted XR650L so I have little room to comment on. :P
 
Rboe_imp said:
If I can get the fleet down to two bikes I can afford to add the Africa Twin or maybe the new CB500X. Final decision will probably boil down to what fits better. I certainly don't need the power of the AT.

I do like the lower weight of the new 500X, and the 19" front tire means for my mild "off roading" it would be just fine (21" would be even better).

Since I'm at that "what if" stage I so enjoy I thought I'd toss this to the collective for your thoughts.

For myself, I think I have given up any pretense of long rides (e.g. 500-600 miles one way, three day weekends tops - no touring). I enjoy a cabin with heat and AC way too much to do that.

Sidebar: "kid" at coffee has a well kitted out AT, longest ride he's taken has been to Payson. About 90 miles away. Makes me look like a seasoned pro! Alas, that is about all I've even done on my well kitted XR650L so I have little room to comment on. :P
Click to expand...
Seems to be a lot of good feedback out there regarding the CB500X.
 
I would think with your height the AT would be a better fit. The CB 500X is kinda small.

Heck I'm only 5'6: and it seems small to me

919a8626aa65e33e5fc090e703f3c255.jpg
 
It’s a pretty complicated dilemma, Rboe. What do you want it for? The AT seems like a pretty hefty beast, even for mild off roading. On the other hand, the CB500X feels like it might be a bit small after the Griso and the CB1100.

I’m a one bike bloke, but if something were to happen to the CB1100, I’d be interested in something like the AT, but I suspect its height would defeat me.
 
Thread starter
I think Ferret is on to something, the AT being a better fit compared to the 500X (although one tall reviewer said it was fine - better to try in person).

I like to hit gravel and dirt roads from time to time. Some people consider those "off" road, I just consider them unimproved roads. With good tires and speed management any bike (well, almost any) can handle that kind of road. Trail riding will be off the table.

The AT does seem hefty, but just sitting on it in the showroom it seems much lighter than the numbers indicate. My 650L seem heavier than it should be. Funny how that works.

No timeline, but I suspect this is many months off.
 
As a former owner of a CBR500R, I have recommended that engine to many riders. It runs smooth and gets incredible gas mileage. The power level also kept tire wear to a minimum. It turned me into such a Honda fan, I bought my CB1100. The CB is in another league in terms of build quality and components. The ride feels special and I love seeing it in the garage. The CBR500R was quickly sold, as it just felt utilitarian in comparison.

Bottom line, the CB500X was built to hit a price point. If budget (initial or on-going) is a concern, it would be a great choice. The Africa Twin was a project many Honda engineers worked on with great pride, just like the CB1100. While I only wish I have ridden one, I think its 270 degree firing order and better components will stir the soul in a similar manner. For me, any extra cost would be money well spent.
 
Thread starter
I would but I'm married already and the current wife would object to a mistress.....:angel:

I've even considered the NC750X but the ergo's don't seem great. At this point the AT seems to have the inside track. Especially in the red white and blue trim.

I'm too cheap to spend big bucks on suspension upgrades so I'd keep the 500X stock.
 
Rboe, I think the ergos on the NC700 my nephew owns which I have ridden thru the Monitor and Ebbets passes in the Sierra Nevada mountains were pretty good, and the frunk is pretty cool, plus it gets close to 70 mpg. It's also taller than the CB 500x.
 
Thread starter
There is much to like about the NC700/750. I need to find a local owner to test ride one. :)

If they come out in the red, white and blue scheme I'll be dead meat. :D
 
Rboe_imp said:
I would but I'm married already and the current wife would object to a mistress.....:angel:

I've even considered the NC750X but the ergo's don't seem great. At this point the AT seems to have the inside track. Especially in the red white and blue trim.

I'm too cheap to spend big bucks on suspension upgrades so I'd keep the 500X stock.
Click to expand...
Hey Rboe: Which ergos didn't agree with you?
 
Thread starter
I can't sit with my legs pushed out in front over anything but a short time frame. I can do a bit longer with them behind me, ideally I need them directly under me. The seat needs, ideally, some thigh support and a wide area for my bum (even though I'm on the thin side). No natural padding to speak of so the seat has to fill that need. :)

I've had the seat of the 650L done to make it wider, it's pretty good. The Russell Day Long is REALLY good. Looks nasty on the bike though. :P
 
Thread starter
You know, I"m confusing the X with a couple regular NC's I sat on which have forward controls. That looks very promising. With my long inseam (36"+) I don't like a lot of knee bend which happens on lower bikes. I've had to get lower pegs on the Griso and CB AND a taller seat.

Dang she looks good in red!
 
36" inseam!?
Golly! I wish I had been blessed w/ some leggage...
oh, well,
8f26b44e92e3372f3e9c2aac50e850c9.jpg


short of a miracle, my 29" inseam & my strom 650 will have to do ...:D
 
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