Help me choose my next bike - CB500X, NC700X ..... or PCX!

[Familyonthemove]

I doubt Family wants to buy the Benelli. Its not good for the city and not perfect for longer touring.

The Honda 500 series are budget bikes, so is the Benelli 600. And we are talking about a thai made Honda.

Yes - If I was looking for a 4 cylinder bike I think the new Honda CB650F or the Kawasaki Z800 would be ahead of the Benelli for me. The Benelli looks like great value - but the Honda is a newer design and the Z800 has killer looks - but all 3 could be a bit of a struggle on Sukhumvit Road and I can't get to open roads without facing 45 minutes of lane splitting and homicidal buses.

[guzzi850m2]

Honda CB500X gets very good reviews all over the board and many also consider the X model the best of the 3 CB500 models.

I would choose the cb500x of the 3 bikes you mention. I got a PCX150 myself and it's great for city riding but not much else unless you like to cruise

on the highway at 90-100 Km/h and no power left.

How about Kawasaki Versus? Maybe too big for your needs in BKK but you can easily pick up a 1-2 year old Versus cheap.

Benelli no thanks man.

[wantan]

From the OP:

> I don't want to stretch to the cost of an import - but my dream bike would be the Triumph Tiger 800XC ... in black.

If you can afford a V-Strom you get something near to your dream. And basic service shouldn't be a problem. Valva clearance at 24k km, there is some time left for Suzuki to prepare the service stations. Or get a manual and do it yourself...

With the CB500X you save 135k Baht, but will this bike get into your dreams? Or will you sell it after one, two years. Ask yourself

[BBJ]

I have a Versys, and while it's fun, it's not the most comfortable with lots of vibration and a very firm seat. However, there are hundreds of mods to sort any niggling issues out. A friend has just bought the V-Strom and it is very smooth and much more comfortable than mine, but I found it a little boring and similar to an over-sized scooter. I test rode the Honda side-by-side with the Versys and I have to say the Kawa is in a different league as is the V-Strom. For the money the Honda is a great bike, however.

But have you considered the Suzuki Gladius. I test rode one and I have to say I was very impressed with it. I am 182cm and expected to feel too big bike for the bike, but it was very impressed how smooth and nimble it was.

As mentioned already, the Benelli 600 is a decent bike for the money, despite the naysayers who've never ridden one.

[speedtripler]

As mentioned already, the Benelli 600 is a decent bike for the money, despite the naysayers who've never ridden one.

its an unknown commoditie at this stage ,when theyve sold a million of them

and nobody has died after a couple of years them maybe we could include the benelli

but at the moment its a lifan or ryuka with more hp

nio chinese manufacturer has lived up to its claims so far and benelli probably wont be the first

its going to take a lot to get it neck and neck with honda ,ducatti ,yamaha ,ktm ,kawa etc

i also recommend a versys ,its a great bike and much more fun than the cb500 nc700 range

and the add on mods are unlimited

[sup3r1or]

I have heard from a guy who fixes sportbikes here in CR that he has been to see his friend who is working at Benelli as an engineer. He said he didnt like the quality of the materials used in their bikes. I have seen one in person at central but not riden one. Also if not mistaken Thai version is limited to 55 bhp.

[DILLIGAD]

I have a Versys, and while it's fun, it's not the most comfortable with lots of vibration and a very firm seat. However, there are hundreds of mods to sort any niggling issues out. A friend has just bought the V-Strom and it is very smooth and much more comfortable than mine, but I found it a little boring and similar to an over-sized scooter. I test rode the Honda side-by-side with the Versys and I have to say the Kawa is in a different league as is the V-Strom. For the money the Honda is a great bike, however.

But have you considered the Suzuki Gladius. I test rode one and I have to say I was very impressed with it. I am 182cm and expected to feel too big bike for the bike, but it was very impressed how smooth and nimble it was.

As mentioned already, the Benelli 600 is a decent bike for the money, despite the naysayers who've never ridden one.

So let's get this right, the V Strom is like a big scooter but better than a Versys and a Gladius is very impressive having the same engine as a V Strom.

Have I got that right?????

(Very interested as a prospective buyer too)

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Shurup]

^^ no you got it wrong. Google is your friend.

Sent from my SM-N900 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[liddelljohn]

If u want peace of mind and reliability avoid the very badly design flawed Honda 500 ,, get a proven Kawasaki Er or versys

[bramds]

If u want peace of mind and reliability avoid the very badly design flawed Honda 500 ,, get a proven Kawasaki Er or versys

Which flaws are you talking about?

Haven't found any after 21,xxx km.

How far have you ridden one to discover the flaws?

[ll2]

If u want peace of mind and reliability avoid the very badly design flawed Honda 500 ,, get a proven Kawasaki Er or versys

Which flaws are you talking about?

Haven't found any after 21,xxx km.

How far have you ridden one to discover the flaws?

Yeah bramds, mine has no probs either at 24.000 km. But little friend john says different somehow like he is an engineer and opened the engine to discover the flaws:D just speak from your mouth john.

Especially after seeing reports of blowing engines and cracked chassis etc from kawa er and versys, i found this post odd.

Sent from my GT-N7100 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[BBJ]

I have a Versys, and while it's fun, it's not the most comfortable with lots of vibration and a very firm seat. However, there are hundreds of mods to sort any niggling issues out. A friend has just bought the V-Strom and it is very smooth and much more comfortable than mine, but I found it a little boring and similar to an over-sized scooter. I test rode the Honda side-by-side with the Versys and I have to say the Kawa is in a different league as is the V-Strom. For the money the Honda is a great bike, however.

But have you considered the Suzuki Gladius. I test rode one and I have to say I was very impressed with it. I am 182cm and expected to feel too big bike for the bike, but it was very impressed how smooth and nimble it was.

As mentioned already, the Benelli 600 is a decent bike for the money, despite the naysayers who've never ridden one.

So let's get this right, the V Strom is like a big scooter but better than a Versys and a Gladius is very impressive having the same engine as a V Strom.

Have I got that right?????

(Very interested as a prospective buyer too)

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

The V-Strom is very smooth in comparison, and felt much like a scooter does to me. The Versys is certainly not as comfy, but more fun in my opinion. I don't recall saying the V-strom is better, that's a matter of opinion. If i want to go on a long run, i'd choose the v-strom. If i want a lot of fun with a sore arse after an hour I'd choose the Versys. Like I said, you can iron those issue out and not everyone experiences them.

As for the Gladius, I was very impressed with how smooth it was, similar to the V-strom, but the riding position gives it a totally different feel which may suit some.

[Gweiloman]

You can pick up a second hand PCX and Versys for under 350k. I have both if you are interested. Saddle bags for PCX as well as side Panniers for the Versys can be included as well as a top box for both the PCX and Versys.

[speedtripler]

If u want peace of mind and reliability avoid the very badly design flawed Honda 500 ,, get a proven Kawasaki Er or versys

Which flaws are you talking about?

Haven't found any after 21,xxx km.

How far have you ridden one to discover the flaws?

Yeah bramds, mine has no probs either at 24.000 km. But little friend john says different somehow like he is an engineer and opened the engine to discover the flaws:D just speak from your mouth john.

Especially after seeing reports of blowing engines and cracked chassis etc from kawa er and versys, i found this post odd.

Sent from my GT-N7100 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

news to me ,i have yet to break my versys or even meet anyone whos broken one and bear in mind they have sold millions of these

since 2007 as well as er6n and ninja650r

i thought they were fairly bulllet proof ,some use em as track bikes and they dont seem to have a problem either

[speedtripler]

If u want peace of mind and reliability avoid the very badly design flawed Honda 500 ,, get a proven Kawasaki Er or versys

Which flaws are you talking about?

Haven't found any after 21,xxx km.

How far have you ridden one to discover the flaws?

Yeah bramds, mine has no probs either at 24.000 km. But little friend john says different somehow like he is an engineer and opened the engine to discover the flaws:D just speak from your mouth john.

Especially after seeing reports of blowing engines and cracked chassis etc from kawa er and versys, i found this post odd.

Sent from my GT-N7100 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

news to me ,i have yet to break my versys or even meet anyone whos broken one and bear in mind they have sold millions of these

since 2007 as well as er6n and ninja650r

i thought they were fairly bulllet proof ,some use em as track bikes and they dont seem to have a problem either

[Shurup]

^^^ Nikster (sp???) had his engine blown up on his Versys but it's the only case I heard of. He also got it warranty replaced even though he was 6 months past his warranty.

Sent from a Nuclear Submarine.

[Familyonthemove]

Personally I would prefer to buy second or later generation versions of a motor as any issues will have been ironed out. I remember the first gen VFR 750 and it's cam chain issues - but the second generation onwards evolved into one of the best bikes of the time.

The CB500X looks to fit my needs best - but has it been thoroughly tested in practice? A small number of reports about oil loss may be just bad luck for the owners - or an early sign of a bigger problem?

My plan is to use the bike for weekend tours in the shorter term - but also fit it out for longer tours with luggage, crash bars etc and then go on some extended trips. A tried and tested design would be ideal .... like a Trans Alp or V-Strom or even, BMW GS 650 of Tiger 800..... or a Versys. But the Versys can't have a centre stand - which is very handy on longer tours if you need to change a tyre (of check oil levels!) and the other bikes are imports so pricey.

I even considered the CRF 250M at first - as it's motor is well tested - but limited power and tiny fuel tank are issue with the smaller Hondas - although the cost is attractive as I saw a new one for 135,000 THB at a local Honda dealer.

[speedtripler]

Personally I would prefer to buy second or later generation versions of a motor as any issues will have been ironed out. I remember the first gen VFR 750 and it's cam chain issues - but the second generation onwards evolved into one of the best bikes of the time.

The CB500X looks to fit my needs best - but has it been thoroughly tested in practice? A small number of reports about oil loss may be just bad luck for the owners - or an early sign of a bigger problem?

My plan is to use the bike for weekend tours in the shorter term - but also fit it out for longer tours with luggage, crash bars etc and then go on some extended trips. A tried and tested design would be ideal .... like a Trans Alp or V-Strom or even, BMW GS 650 of Tiger 800..... or a Versys. But the Versys can't have a centre stand - which is very handy on longer tours if you need to change a tyre (of check oil levels!) and the other bikes are imports so pricey.

I even considered the CRF 250M at first - as it's motor is well tested - but limited power and tiny fuel tank are issue with the smaller Hondas - although the cost is attractive as I saw a new one for 135,000 THB at a local Honda dealer.

theres an oil window on the right side ,its pretty easy to see how much is in there but mine doesnt burn any oil so far

its unlikley your going to be changing a tubeless tyre on the side of the road anyway and it will need seated and balanced by machine

so id bring it to a garage and let them do it under careful supervision

you dont want a dodgy tyre on a 650cc or bigger bike

[Familyonthemove]

Good point re tubeless tyres. I've done some long-ish trips in the past (Bangkok-Saigon and Miami - LA) and carried spare tubes for roadside repairs...... but never used them. But I am surprised that so few bigger bikes have centre stands now - chain oiling must be a bit tricky?

Cb500x has centre stand as an extra. All scooters have centrestands but no chain to oil.

Sent from my C6902 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[liddelljohn]

If u want peace of mind and reliability avoid the very badly design flawed Honda 500 ,, get a proven Kawasaki Er or versys

Which flaws are you talking about?

Haven't found any after 21,xxx km.

How far have you ridden one to discover the flaws?

I have seen more than 20 with the breather problem that have lost much of their oil and 9 with blown engines due to seals failing and 4 with the warped camshaft and head in Thailand alone ,then there the recall for some issues and a friend in UK who is a Honda main dealer has seen same issues with many 500s he has sold ,,, he says its got serious design faults he has had many come back under warranty and honda are not doing much about it ......you have been lucky IMHO

[speedtripler]

Good point re tubeless tyres. I've done some long-ish trips in the past (Bangkok-Saigon and Miami - LA) and carried spare tubes for roadside repairs...... but never used them. But I am surprised that so few bigger bikes have centre stands now - chain oiling must be a bit tricky?

Cb500x has centre stand as an extra. All scooters have centrestands but no chain to oil.

Sent from my C6902 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

many modern chain lubricants are spray on but i use a paintbrush and engine oil mixed with grease and a stand like this to oil my chain ,no problems yet and very cheap

[BBJ]

If u want peace of mind and reliability avoid the very badly design flawed Honda 500 ,, get a proven Kawasaki Er or versys

Which flaws are you talking about?

Haven't found any after 21,xxx km.

How far have you ridden one to discover the flaws?

I have seen more than 20 with the breather problem that have lost much of their oil and 9 with blown engines due to seals failing and 4 with the warped camshaft and head in Thailand alone ,then there the recall for some issues and a friend in UK who is a Honda main dealer has seen same issues with many 500s he has sold ,,, he says its got serious design faults he has had many come back under warranty and honda are not doing much about it ......you have been lucky IMHO

Talking of recalls, AP Honda put a request out 2 weeks ago on the 500 with a rocket bolt issue which could potentially damage the engine.

Honda should be in contact with customers but they said to contact your dealer for a check. Although no issues as yet have been reported in Thailand, they request all Honda 500 owners from July 2013 (Can't remember exact date) make an appointment for a check up.

Edited March 11, 2014 by BBJ

[bramds]

If u want peace of mind and reliability avoid the very badly design flawed Honda 500 ,, get a proven Kawasaki Er or versys

Which flaws are you talking about?

Haven't found any after 21,xxx km.

How far have you ridden one to discover the flaws?

I have seen more than 20 with the breather problem that have lost much of their oil and 9 with blown engines due to seals failing and 4 with the warped camshaft and head in Thailand alone ,then there the recall for some issues and a friend in UK who is a Honda main dealer has seen same issues with many 500s he has sold ,,, he says its got serious design faults he has had many come back under warranty and honda are not doing much about it ......you have been lucky IMHO

You have seen?

Are you a mechanic at Big Wing?

[liddelljohn]

BRAMDS ..No im not a mechanic at big wing ... but i am a engineer in the offshore industry and long time motorcycle mechanic 41 years , used to run my own shop ,, I race bikes and customise and tune them,, i specialise in ducatis now ,and act as a consultant to several local bike shops when they have technical problems with ususual imports such as Benellis ,MVs, Nortons , Motoguzzis and Ducatis and some jap bikes , but many friends and and other people including a few Thais have consulted me about problems with the Honda 500 models ,, i have examined the bikes and recurring problems seem common also have a close friend who is a main honda dealer in Uk and he also has had many issues with this model .

There are 2 main issues , one maybe a quality related problem with camshaft seals and head warping ,which is the subject of the recall , but the other is a design issue with the engine breather over pressuring the crankcase and causing loss of oil and even blowing seals on some bikes ,,,,this is more serious and honda are not acknowledging this publicly even though forums and dealers and owners have reported the symptoms on a massive scale .

Privately honda must be looking into it and will probably introduce an update on new production ,,,but unlikely they will do anything about bikes already sold .....I would avoid 500s out of caution ,the bike is a capable , noice looking machine but In my opinion its to risky a buy with its history to date ...

[DILLIGAD]

I have a Versys, and while it's fun, it's not the most comfortable with lots of vibration and a very firm seat. However, there are hundreds of mods to sort any niggling issues out. A friend has just bought the V-Strom and it is very smooth and much more comfortable than mine, but I found it a little boring and similar to an over-sized scooter. I test rode the Honda side-by-side with the Versys and I have to say the Kawa is in a different league as is the V-Strom. For the money the Honda is a great bike, however.

But have you considered the Suzuki Gladius. I test rode one and I have to say I was very impressed with it. I am 182cm and expected to feel too big bike for the bike, but it was very impressed how smooth and nimble it was.

As mentioned already, the Benelli 600 is a decent bike for the money, despite the naysayers who've never ridden one.

So let's get this right, the V Strom is like a big scooter but better than a Versys and a Gladius is very impressive having the same engine as a V Strom.

Have I got that right?????

(Very interested as a prospective buyer too)

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

The V-Strom is very smooth in comparison, and felt much like a scooter does to me. The Versys is certainly not as comfy, but more fun in my opinion. I don't recall saying the V-strom is better, that's a matter of opinion. If i want to go on a long run, i'd choose the v-strom. If i want a lot of fun with a sore arse after an hour I'd choose the Versys. Like I said, you can iron those issue out and not everyone experiences them.

As for the Gladius, I was very impressed with how smooth it was, similar to the V-strom, but the riding position gives it a totally different feel which may suit some.

Thanks for the comparison. Very interesting first hand experiences!

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[ll2]

BRAMDS ..No im not a mechanic at big wing ... but i am a engineer in the offshore industry and long time motorcycle mechanic 41 years , used to run my own shop ,, I race bikes and customise and tune them,, i specialise in ducatis now ,and act as a consultant to several local bike shops when they have technical problems with ususual imports such as Benellis ,MVs, Nortons , Motoguzzis and Ducatis and some jap bikes , but many friends and and other people including a few Thais have consulted me about problems with the Honda 500 models ,, i have examined the bikes and recurring problems seem common also have a close friend who is a main honda dealer in Uk and he also has had many issues with this model .

There are 2 main issues , one maybe a quality related problem with camshaft seals and head warping ,which is the subject of the recall , but the other is a design issue with the engine breather over pressuring the crankcase and causing loss of oil and even blowing seals on some bikes ,,,,this is more serious and honda are not acknowledging this publicly even though forums and dealers and owners have reported the symptoms on a massive scale .

Privately honda must be looking into it and will probably introduce an update on new production ,,,but unlikely they will do anything about bikes already sold .....I would avoid 500s out of caution ,the bike is a capable , noice looking machine but In my opinion its to risky a buy with its history to date ...

so honda thailand contacted with you?

my bike does not have any problems for 24 k km of hard riding and people that i know does not have problems you mentioned either.

so how come?

i find these kind of claims baseless without any evidence as i trust my own 24 k km experience than your 41 years of engineering experience, i m sorry.

[taninthai]

BRAMDS ..No im not a mechanic at big wing ... but i am a engineer in the offshore industry and long time motorcycle mechanic 41 years , used to run my own shop ,, I race bikes and customise and tune them,, i specialise in ducatis now ,and act as a consultant to several local bike shops when they have technical problems with ususual imports such as Benellis ,MVs, Nortons , Motoguzzis and Ducatis and some jap bikes , but many friends and and other people including a few Thais have consulted me about problems with the Honda 500 models ,, i have examined the bikes and recurring problems seem common also have a close friend who is a main honda dealer in Uk and he also has had many issues with this model .

There are 2 main issues , one maybe a quality related problem with camshaft seals and head warping ,which is the subject of the recall , but the other is a design issue with the engine breather over pressuring the crankcase and causing loss of oil and even blowing seals on some bikes ,,,,this is more serious and honda are not acknowledging this publicly even though forums and dealers and owners have reported the symptoms on a massive scale .

Privately honda must be looking into it and will probably introduce an update on new production ,,,but unlikely they will do anything about bikes already sold .....I would avoid 500s out of caution ,the bike is a capable , noice looking machine but In my opinion its to risky a buy with its history to date ...

so honda thailand contacted with you?

my bike does not have any problems for 24 k km of hard riding and people that i know does not have problems you mentioned either.

so how come?

i find these kind of claims baseless without any evidence as i trust my own 24 k km experience than your 41 years of engineering experience, i m sorry.

in what bike shops do you act as a consultant for and what country are the shops in and what company do you work for as a consultant for hgh end motor bike engine manufactures................sorry

or do you really mean just some thai friends have asked you for some info on their bikes.

sorry to be so blunt but I'm calling it BS ,you say 9 bikes with blown engines and 4 with warped heads in thailand ,strange how no-one else has heard of these bikes here,and many here read many english and thai forums and not one mention of these problems.

Edited March 11, 2014 by taninthai

[guzzi850m2]

I don't buy it either, the CB500x have been chosen the 4th best motor bike bargains of 2014 in Ride Apart

and a more practical ride than nc700 and v-strom 650:

http://rideapart.com/2013/11/2014-best-motorcycle-bargains/

[liddelljohn]

Im happy there are lot of people who are happy with the Honda 500s ,, and I hope it remains that way,,, but the fact is that the model has a higher than normal problem rate for a new model ,Honda have made recalls in USa for some of The issues and in other countries and Honda dealers are aware of problems , they get all the warranty claim hassles so I personally would not buy one and 4 of my pattaya friends who did buy them sold them on due to the problems I have mentioned , 1 bought Er6 one changed his for NC700 another bought a monster 795 and another bought new Kawasaki 800 , another friend has a a 500 with 6k kilometres than has lost all its oil 4 times and been fixed 8 times by mityon he is not happy with it at all, , he has a BMW so he relies on that .

A cop who lives in my village got Mityon to refund him on his when the gearbox seals blew out after only 2000kms , he is a cop so they folded to him . he also has a kawasaki Er 6 now but he wants the new Z800

[ktm jeff]

liddelijohn , thank-you! Like yourself i am also a qualified engineer (built and raced bikes and cars , even worked on planes /gyro-copters and boats), and i wouldnt touch Hondas with a barge pole as of the last 7 or 8 years.Friends of mine owned a Honda dealership in England for years , but after years of quality issues and recalls (and recall refusals), they moved to become Suzuki agents.Honda have some cleaver engineers but the penny pinching accountants have took things too far and they are a mere shadow of their former selves.Its painful , shameful and embarassing to see how the company is going downhill ,yet if they bought out a new model tomorrow with a plastic engine , stone tires and square wheels , you would still get the ill informed claim its the best bike ever. They refuse to look or accept anything that doesnt have a Honda badge glued to it.You cant educate these people (maybe no-one can).