Wendell - it’s been a LONG time since I posted, but I have some input you may like. After a two year hiatus from motorcycles, the itch hit me again. I bought a 2017 CB500X a couple of weeks ago, loaded up, and rode it to Spearfish to meet up with “The NT Guy’s”. The 900 mile trip was a two day event each way, and I camped ths time.
The CB500 is an excellent replacement for my Burgman650, even the NT700. At 427 lbs wet, it is much more manageable for me. Although, to be honest, with the dry bag lashed on the back seat for this trip, it was quite top heavy. So much that I dropped it twice at Spearfish. Fortunately, the only damage was a broken front brake lever, but I was still able to ride it home.
This bike has an excellent engine with strong mid range torque. It is not necessary to downshift all the time. I achieved 66.1 mpg average for the 2032 mile round trip to South Dakota. RPM at 63 mph is 5,000; at 75 mph is 6,000. Very sweet sounding throuout the power band. I rode the entire trip with my AirHawk R air seat, which has always been good, so I can’t say how the seat is without. The only downside is the daily chain lubrication required, about every 500 miles or so. I can readily recommend this bike!
One other feature about this bike is the spectacular LED headlamp! Best I have ever ridden, by far.