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Honda

CB500X

PC46· 2013-2018 adventure Top pick
Price (AUD)
$5k–$7.5kest. Aug 2026
Type
Adventure
Origin
Japan
Built in
Thailand

Overview

The PC46 generation covers the original CB500X up to the 2018 model, running on a 17-inch front wheel. It is less of a pure adventure bike and more of an excellent, comfortable street commuter with crossover styling. It shares Honda's ultra-reliable 471cc parallel twin with the CBR500R and CB500F, making it one of the most sensible, fuss-free LAMS purchases available.

Engines & variants

471cc Parallel Twin (LAMS) LAMS approved

Under the limits as standard: 471cc, and well under 150kW/tonne. Honda built the 500 twin to 35kW for the European A2 licence — that is not a LAMS figure, LAMS is 660cc and 150kW/tonne — but a bike designed to A2 clears LAMS comfortably, and there is no restriction on it to remove or discover.

Config
Parallel twin
Capacity
471cc
Power
35kW @ 8500rpm
Torque
43Nm @ 7000rpm
Seat height
810mm
Weight
196kg wet
Final drive
Chain
Cooling
Liquid
ABS
Standard
Traction control
None
0–100
~5.5sunverified
Fuel
17.3L
Economy
3.6 L/100km
Service
12,000km / 12 months
Transmission
6-speed
Valve clearance interval
24,000kmunverified
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven

Pros

  • Incredibly reliable and smooth engine
  • Comfortable, upright riding position suitable for tall riders
  • Excellent fuel range from the 17.3L tank

Cons

  • 17-inch front wheel and limited ground clearance restrict off-road capability
  • Standard screen can cause wind buffeting for taller riders

Known problems

low
Water pump weep
A known quirk of the Honda 500 twin engine. A small amount of coolant can weep from the water pump inspection hole. It rarely affects the coolant level in any meaningful way.
Fix: Monitor. If it turns into an active drip, the water pump mechanical seal needs replacing.
Any
low
Soft front suspension
The factory forks are sprung and damped very softly, leading to excessive dive under heavy braking.
Fix: Install stiffer aftermarket fork springs and heavier fork oil.
Any · ~$200-500

unverified marks a figure we could not confirm against a manufacturer source. It is our best reading of what is published, not a checked fact — confirm it yourself before you spend money on the strength of it.

Also worth looking at

Closest in class and capacity to the Honda CB500X.

Royal Enfield Himalayan 2018-2021 Adventure LAMS Honda CB500F 2013-2018 Naked LAMS Honda CMX500 Rebel 2017-2023 Cruiser LAMS Harley-Davidson Street 500 2015-2020 Cruiser LAMS