Testing the Honda NX500 & Triumph Scrambler 400, and finding a Wild Card

I’ve had a CB500X for just over 2 years now and I cannot say anything other than positive things about it, it does exactly what I need a motorcycle to do. I traded in the bike that I had owned and enjoyed for nine years, a 2012 Pan European that he’d taken me all over Europe. The 500X had a big weight on its shoulders. Two years on all I can say is that my annual mileage has doubled, the 500X is a great real World motorcycle. The huge advantage it has over the ST1300 is that it does not have to stay on well surfaced roads, it’s taken me and my camping gear on roads and tracks I could not have imagined using. It’s comfortable, it’s got great weather protection, it’s will go all day every day with no fuss. It’s also quick when I want it to be and handles beautifully. Leaving the best for last it regularly returns over 90 mpg. That’s not 90 mpg riding carefully and economically, that’s 90 mpg chasing my friend on this 2022 Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Pro through the Pyrenees (it averaged exactly half, 45 mpg) or 90 mpg taking me and my tent through northern Spain to Portugal and returning via the Picos. It’s a motorcycle that makes motorcycling fun. The NX500 with its upgraded display and new styling will be just as good if not better. If you needed recommendations I’d just say two words, get one!

Poor show Fowlers, especially after calling ahead! Go with your heart Charlie😊

Personally I would tell Fowlers to frog off! A fabulous shop/showroom but, OMG absolutely disgusting customer services, let's face it, you booked a bike for a test drive and, when you arrive it's ' sorry we haven't got one for you' ! Sod em, take your buisness elsewhere 😞. As for the new bike thing, you enjoy yourself with the teas rides, I'm shure whatever you decide on, will be perfect for you👍🏍.

Luv your work as always Charlie. Looking forward to the next addition. Lots of love Si✌😎.

6 years, 10 countries and 89,000 miles on my CB500X, including an 11,000 miler across the US and TAT. Still smile when i walk in the garage. Zero real problems or mechanical issues, apart from the cush drive bearing in the rear wheel failing at about 50 something thousand miles. Loads of farkles available for the CB, to be added as and when budget allows. The NX is a CB with newer body styling. So, IMO, you can't go wrong with the NX. OR, you could pick up a used CB for a price that's within your budget. Though i'd suggest a 2019 and up. The CF moto does have some good reviews. But... can you count on reliability, the way you can with Honda? And be able to find workshops and available parts for CF's? Plus the added cost of cans of ACF, to fight the reported rust issues on (arguably) lower quality parts Chinese bikes

Good review, I owned a 22 CB500X, basically the same bike as NX500, except for the faring's, display, and lighter wheels. As you're aware, its nimble, quick, great for curves, and fun to ride, Some owners show their display with over 240,000 miles on it with minor repairs and good maintenance on the engine. I was getting 80 mpg or 3.5 liter to 100km riding about the same speed in you did in the demo ride. I'm 15.5 stones and be assured the bike will do 110 mph, verified by GPS, a few hundred under the red line. I loved that bike, but I totaled my off road on dirt/gravel road, I'm now on Transalp 750. If you looking to keeping your next bike long term, you can't go wrong with the NX500. The CS Moto 450 is already available in the American market. KTM has a large share in the company and bike is full of features. The only complaint about the bike that I read is from the off road crowd, which use the clutch continually in the worst terrain. They all say the factory clutch sucks, it's not smooth, it's grabby, they resolved the issue by installing none OEM clutch plates and stronger springs and it's fine. Otherwise, people really like the bike, but it's a new bike so it's dependability and longevity has not been established. Looking forward to you review to the next two bikes.

Great vid, I've been enjoying bikes all of my life and slowly after going through the different stages in wants capabilities both physically and financially i've come down to 2 bikes, a little Suzuki GSX1400 which in nice weather never fails to put a massive grin on my face BUT my go to gem is my Honda CB500x a 2014 model which is a superb machine.It's as happy trundling around town and local lanes as it is at the speed limits along the dual track, relatively simple and well put together with a good dealer and spares back up too. I've owned it for 8 years and have to admit a little while ago i did consider trading it in for something different/ newer but come the end i personally felt happier keeping my old dependable. Lots of really great advice in the comments and obviously your good self and your mates aren't daft , way up the pros and cons and do mega amounts of research and check out basic service items and replacement bits if the bike God forbid toppled over it's' no good having a new bike that's off the road for months when you can't get the bits or the garage can't book you in for a month plus for a needed service stamp in the book! Maybe have a look at a slightly secondhand 500x outgoing model , no VAT depreciation and the possibility of buying a fully loaded trade in at a good price, Sometimes what appears to be the cheapest from the offset doesn't always work out that way . Be safe folks and enjoy your hunting the good old thrill of the chase happy days. I look forward to see how you get on. Enjoy

Honda is on a different level to RE and CF Moto, proper bike!

Great vid Charlie , i bought a cf 650 mt from treads a few weeks ago best move ever .

Cracking video as always. I'd definitely go for the Honda. You looked great on that bike. So reliable and great for touring. Worth the extra cash. Thanks for posting.

Great vid Charlie. I had a CF Moto 650MT during 2022/23. It took me all around Scotland twice, several journeys around Wales and so many more trip in the midlands. It never skipped a beat. The 450 looks so much value I'll have it as a second bike. I now have a Tracer 7GT and hand on heart the CF Moto quality is right where it needs to be. As the dealer network grows so will the brand and confidence will grow.

Interesting your thoughts on the triumph.Good to hear a different view.Enjoy your solo camping trips.Just spotted you on shed and buried.keep up the good work.

Think you have found your niche ,testing bikes. One of the best videos you have done. Excellent

I think doing your research and test riding is part of the whole exciting experience of getting a new bike. As for me, I just went with my heart/gut feeling and put a deposit on a new white tubeless Himmy 🏍️ ❤

Don’t think Fowlers will be on my visit list given how you were treated, truly appalling!😊

Greetings from down under. So many bikes... such little time. Thanks as always

loved this video weighing up the pro's and con's

Great vid Charlie , was a bit gutted for you on your visit to Fowlers, looks like Blade was accommodating to you 👍, looks like you have a decision to make, you have to be very happy with the bike you purchase, you will get there and I wish you all the best, I’ve had Honda’s in my life and they never let me down , I did like the look of the Honda 500, I’m back on a triumph 1200 scrambler at the moment, all the best 👍

Charlie get a late model CB500X its the same bike as the NX . Many used ones come with all the extras , You can get a 2023 for under £5000 .

A nice video, thanks Charlie. It just goes to highlight the importance of test riding a bike and forming your own opinion. Research is always important. However, I do believe that try before you buy is so important. Good luck with your search. I look forward to your next video.