After owning my CB500F 2022 model for just over 7 weeks & riding it in all weathers and times of day, I am upgrading it, and here are my reasons why.
First, can I just put on record that the CB500F is a fantastic, light, nibble street bike and for me that is where its weakness lies.
70mph on a motorway with cross winds is a challenge on any bike but on a light street bike it is very tough indeed.
Even after fitting a big windshield, making the CB500F starting to resemble its Adventure styled cousin the CB500X, helped very little keeping the bike from being pushed around by the wind.
Don’t get me started on the wind blast after overtaking lorries.
If I could have two bikes then I would not have chopped in the CB500F against my BRAND NEW 2024 bike, keeping it for non commuting and having fun.
Unfortunately, like many of you, I share my garage with my families junk so storing two bikes is not a thing, for now.
After a lot of looking around, bugging the guys at HGB Honda in Ruislip West London, I have purchased the 2024 Honda NC750X manual transmission in Red.
This upgrade is not about a power increase as the CB500F has more than enough.
I added a large PIUG tourer screen, Oxford Tank bag and a top box, stood back and realized I am turning my fun street bike into an sort of Adventure styled bike, but with out the added mass to give stability on motorways.
Not far off looking like the NC750X pictured above.
If I could keep both I would, but I can not , so I have plumbed for the NC750X to give me a more stable platform to ride on windy days, especially on motorways.
My insurance grade, being a new rider, will not let me go more powerful bike, yet, or the NT1100 might of been considered. Maybe an option in the future.
From all I can gather online is the NC750X holds well on motorways with some saying the stock screen works well and others upgrading to the larger one.
I will wait and see how I get on with the stock screen before upgrading if needed.
It is great working with a friendly dealership who knows you and your likes, as before putting the package together, they admitted taking a liberty and adding the center stand to the bill. Thankfully.
It was something I was going to ask on my next call, as it is needed and to be honest, I am not certain why Honda do not install them as standard.
The tank storage is another feature that has heightened my interest in the NC750X. No need for a tank bag to store my bits and bobs and give fast easy access to me camera of choice for the day.
I have chosen the manual gear box over the DCT as I feel its to “scooter” like and if I wanted a scooter then the X-ADV 750 would be in my garage.
Not saying the would not be an option one day.
I am gambling on the added 25kg roadside weight, with all the key weight being low like the engine and fuel tank, that I will have a more planted and stable motorway riding experience. Once it is run in and the first 600 mile service down I will test it hard to find out.
Still finding my feet in motorcycling and what bike suits what I need and want to do and fingers crossed the NC750X will do it for me.
Do you have any thoughts about the NC750X ?
Wishing you safe riding
DC X