$3,500
Temecula, California
Category
-
Engine
471 cc
Posted Over 1 Month
A very friendly beginner bike, and a very economical commuter, this CB500XA has racked up miles as a completely reliable and capable motorcycle. Light weight with a comfortable upright riding position and predictable response, this has been a great first bike for me to get comfortable with riding while doing a 500 mile weekly commute.Maintenance is low and infrequent. 6000 mile minor and 12000 mile major service intervals. Most maintenance has been done by me in an effort to become more familiar with the bike. Chain serviced, bike washed, fluids and pressures checked every week. Garage stored. Recent valve service required one shim to be replaced. Front tire, chain and sprockets changed about 3000 miles ago.Things you want to know: During the recent valve inspection, I sheared a valve cover bolt during reassembly. Drilled, tapped, and installed an EZLOK threaded insert for the new bolt. 2000 miles later all is well. There are cracks at the top mounting points of both side fairings. Never dropped, the locations cracked on a spring tour while riding during a snowstorm, and are pictured. Cold and vibration is apparently bad. At just over 50,000 miles, the plastics do have some scratches, and the aluminum parts show signs of oxidation, but it cleans up nice and never stops going.While a small bike, it is very capable. It has hauled me between Riverside and Temecula 5 days a week with no issues. A tail bag will accommodate whatever you need for the day. I did a solo 1600 mile tour in the spring with a tank bag and a duffel strapped to the back. This bike takes you wherever you want to go while remaining a simple to operate and maintain machine. ABS brakes compensate for panicked decisions when avoiding the chaos of Southern California commuting. An aftermarket windscreen with spoiler helps reduce wind buffeting, though isn't perfect if you're tall like me (6' 3"). The center stand makes maintenance a breeze, whether a simple chain cleaning, or changing sprockets, or just balancing the bike for a valve service.55-60 mpg using 91 (required) octane, and a 4.6 gallon take will take you a long way. Reserve indicator usually comes on with 1.3 gallons remaining. Upright seating and wide bars reduce the punishment of longer rides, though the seat will remind you that this is no Goldwing.All in all a great bike for beginners, and an economical commuter. It provides a great opportunity for getting into riding without giving you any worries, making riding fun. Bring your helmet and a motorcycle permit and take it for a spin through wine country.
