CB500X Off Road Machine - 5 upgrades

Summary

In this video, the creator shares five essential upgrades to transform a Honda CB500X into a capable off-road machine. Starting with a Rally Raid Level 1 fork upgrade for better handling under heavy load, they move on to a rugged frame-mounted skid plate for impact protection. Foot pegs are upgraded to wider, more comfortable options, while Barkbusters hand guards offer protection for both hands and levers. Finally, the stock tires are replaced with aggressive off-road options like the TKC 80 and Mitas E-07 Plus for superior traction. These upgrades significantly enhance the CB500X’s off-road performance while maintaining daily usability.

Takeaways

• 😀 Upgrading the CB500X fork with a Rally Raid Level 1 kit significantly improves its off-road capabilities by providing better bump absorption and preventing bottoming out, especially when carrying heavy loads.
• 😀 A 5.5 Newton meter spring upgrade is recommended for riders who are heavier or carry luggage, ensuring better stability and performance when tackling rough terrain.
• 😀 The Rally Raid fork upgrade is popular among older CB500X models with 17-inch wheels, as it offers a noticeable improvement in off-road performance by adding a 19-inch wheel.
• 😀 Rally Raid's skid plate is a highly recommended upgrade because it attaches to the motorcycle frame, offering better protection for the engine during impacts compared to traditional skid plates mounted on the engine.
• 😀 Installing a Rally Raid skid plate eliminates the possibility of using a central stand due to a conflict in attachment points, but the trade-off is considered worthwhile for added protection in rough conditions.
• 😀 Upgraded footpegs, like those from Rally Raid, are crucial for comfort when standing on the bike for extended periods off-road. However, they can be a bit too wide for some riders, which may hinder shifting ease.
• 😀 Moto-cross boots paired with sturdy footpegs make standing up on the CB500X much easier, but slightly slimmer pegs may be preferable for some riders to improve gear-shifting comfort.
• 😀 Handguards, such as those from Barkbusters, are essential for protecting hands from branches and debris while riding off-road, and they also safeguard the clutch and brake levers from potential damage during falls.
• 😀 The installation of Barkbusters handguards prevents damage to the levers that could occur during off-road riding, offering extra protection in challenging conditions.
• 😀 Tires are a critical upgrade for off-road performance. Replacing the stock OEM tires with knobby tires, like the TKC80 or Metzeler 07 Plus, provides significant traction and stability on gravel and rough terrains.
• 😀 The author recommends the Metzeler 07 Plus tire for future off-road adventures, praising its durability and effectiveness, particularly on challenging trails like the MABDR (Mid Atlantic Backcountry Discovery Route).

Q & A

What was the original purpose of the CB500X before the upgrades?

The CB500X was originally intended to be used mainly for pavement riding with occasional trips on gravel roads, without any serious off-road ambitions.

Why did the rider decide to upgrade the CB500X?

The rider wanted to take the bike deeper into the woods for true off-road adventures, chasing the spirit of adventure and exploring different places, which required upgrading the bike for better off-road performance.

What upgrade did the rider make to improve the bike's suspension?

The rider upgraded the fork to the Rally Raid Level 1 kit, featuring a tougher 5.5 newton-meter spring to handle the added weight from luggage and the rider’s size.

What are the advantages of upgrading to the Rally Raid Level 1 fork?

The Level 1 fork improves the bike’s ability to handle bumps and obstacles, preventing bottoming out and making the bike more stable on off-road terrain.

Why did the rider choose Level 1 over Level 2 for the fork upgrade?

The rider opted for Level 1 because it doesn’t add as much height as Level 2, which would make it more difficult to reach the ground while commuting in traffic.

What is the benefit of the Rally Raid skid plate?

The Rally Raid skid plate is attached to the frame rather than the engine, which means it absorbs impact from heavy hits, protecting the engine from damage.

What is a potential downside of using the Rally Raid skid plate?

The downside is that it prevents the use of a center stand, as the skid plate's attachment point conflicts with the stand’s mounting position.

How did the rider modify the foot pegs for off-road comfort?

The rider upgraded to Rally Raid foot pegs, which are wider and sturdier than the stock ones, providing better support for standing up during off-road riding.

What was the rider’s issue with the Rally Raid foot pegs?

The rider found the foot pegs too wide for personal preference, as they made it harder to shift gears when wearing motocross boots.

Why are handguards important for off-road riding?

Handguards protect your hands from branches, debris, and bad weather. They also safeguard the clutch and brake levers, which can get damaged during falls or collisions.

How did the rider benefit from using Barkbusters handguards?

The rider benefited from increased hand protection against branches and weather, and prevented damage to the levers, which had been broken before the handguards were installed.

What tire upgrade did the rider make for off-road use?

The rider replaced the stock tires with the TKC 80 tires in the first season, and later switched to Mitas E-07 Plus tires for their excellent off-road grip.

What did the rider appreciate about the Mitas E-07 Plus tires?

The rider found the Mitas E-07 Plus tires to be highly effective, providing great grip and performance during off-road trips, including a few tricky moments on the Mid-Atlantic Backcountry Discovery Route.

How did the rider feel about the overall performance after the upgrades?

After upgrading, the rider felt that the CB500X became a much more capable off-road bike, able to tackle nearly any terrain with ease, while still being practical for daily commuting.