Launched via the CKD route, Honda CB500X has finally made its debut in the Indian market. While Honda is taking its time to commence deliveries, let's quickly compare it with its rivals.
Honda CB500X has been launched in India for Rs 6.87 lakh (ex-showroom) in a segment that is occupied by the Kawasaki Versys 650 and the Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT. The Honda CB500X also rivals the Benelli TRK 502, which was recently launched in the BS6 avatar in India. While we are keen on riding the new Honda CB500X, let's first see how the new ADV motorcycle fares against its rivals on paper.
Engine and Gearbox
Now, we have two motorcycles displacing 650cc and two motorcycles displacing 500cc. However, the V-Strom 650 XT is the only one that gets a V-twin engine layout, while others get a parallel-twin. All the motorcycles in here come equipped with a 6-speed gearbox.
| Honda CB500X | Kawasaki Versys 650 | Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT | Benelli TRK 502 | |
| Engine Displacement | 471cc, Parallel-Twin | 649cc, Parallel-Twin | 645cc, 90° V-Twin | 500cc, Parallel-Twin |
| Gearbox | 6-Speed | 6-Speed l | 6-Speed | 6-Speed |
Power and Torque figures
The Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT is the one that produces the highest power and torque figures on our list, however, its numbers are closely matched by the Kawasaki Versys 650. Interestingly, the CB500X produces 47bhp, which is higher than the 46bhp of the Benelli TRK 502, but the torque of the TRK 502 is higher than that of the Honda CB500X.
| Honda CB500X | Kawasaki Versys 650 | Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT | Benelli TRK 502 | |
| Power (Bhp) | 47bhp at 8,500rpm | 65bhp at 8,500rpm | 71bhp at 8,800rpm | 46bhp at 8,500rpm |
| Torque (Nm) | 43.2Nm at 6,500rpm | 61Nm at 7,000rpm | 62Nm at 6,500rpm | 46Nm at 6,000rpm |
Cycle parts and Mechanicals
The Kawasaki Versys 650 and the Benelli TRK 502 get up-side-down forks, while the other two come equipped with the conventional telescopic forks up front. The Versys 650, TRK 502, and V-Strom 650 XT feature a twin-disc brake setup at the front, while the CB500X gets a single-disc assembly at the front. The V-Strom 650 XT gets a spoke-wire wheel setup along with tubeless tyres, something that even a few ADV motorcycles, from higher segments, miss out on.
| Honda CB500X | Kawasaki Versys 650 | Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT | Benelli TRK 502 | |
| Suspension - Front | 41mm, Telescopic forks | 41mm, USD, Adjustable | Telescopic forks | USD, Adjustable |
| Suspension - Rear | Mono-shock, 9-step preload Adjustability | Mono-shock, Preload Adjustability | Mono-shock | Mono-Shock with full Adjustability |
| Wheels | F-110/80 R19, | F-120/70 R17, | F-110/80 R19, | F-120/70 R17, |
| Brakes | F-310mm Disc, | F-300mm Dual Discs, | F-310mm Dual Disc, | F-320mm Dual Discs, |
Features and other things
The Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT gets three-levels of traction control and riding modes, while other motorcycles miss out on that. The Honda CB500X is the only motorcycle that gets an all-digital (Negative Display LCD) instrument cluster, while others get a part-digital and part-analogue instrument cluster. The CB500X manages to be the lightest here, while the TRK 502 is the heaviest. The V-Strom 650 XT undercuts the Versys 650’s kerb weight by just 2 kgs.
| Honda CB500X | Kawasaki Versys 650 | Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT | Benelli TRK 502 | |
| Kerb Weight | 197kg | 218kg | 216kg | 235kgs |
| Ground Clearance | 181mm | 170mm | 170mm | 190mm |
| Fuel Tank capacity | 17.7-litres | 21-litres | 20-litres | 20-litres |
Pricing
The Honda CB500X has come to the Indian market via the CKD (Completely Knocked Down) route and costs Rs 6.87 lakh. Now, the Kawasaki Versys 650 is priced at Rs 6.94 lakh and is expected to get updated with an all-digital instrument cluster and a few other features. The most expensive of the lot is the Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT, which retails at Rs 8.84 lakh. The Benelli TRK 502 happens to be the most affordable one on our list, with a price tag of Rs 4.80 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom.
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