Regular readers of this blog (I think there are at least one or two) have probably come to realize that my intended next bike purchase is was to be the 2016/2017 Honda CB500x.
My intentions the last few months have been to sell my 2009 Suzuki Gladius and then purchase a new more upright adventure styled motorcycle. Unfortunately our fall weather has been uncharacteristically wet and used bikes have not been selling.
I'll try again in the spring. What makes this easier to take is that there aren't any 2016 CB500 Xs for sale in the state with ABS. If I am going to buy a new one I may as well pay the extra $300 for ABS and I like the color better anyway. Women are fickle creature you know.
So, as I wait not so patiently for any scrap of information about the 2017's, Honda has remained silent in that regard. Dealers seem to know nothing about the next years model of CB500x and Honda's website only lists 2016 and 2015 for that model. Hmmmm
With all of the new information being released out of the EICMA I thought for sure we'd hear something. One dealer in the Portland metro area did tell us they were waiting for a shipment. Of what? 2016 holdovers? 2017s? Throw me a scone here. (I'd say throw me a bone, but you know, I'm vegan)
I even tried sending Honda Motorcycles USA a Facebook message inquiring about when they would be releasing information on the 2017 CB500x. I finally heard back from them, but instead of actually answering my questions on when and if we'll see 2017's, I get this cryptic response: "We apologize for the delayed response. We have some news this week that you will probably be interested in. Stay tuned! (thumbs up)"
So, as I sit here with a triple shot of espresso coursing through my veins and my fingers drumming on my desk, I start delving further into the releases of the EICMA. More than one small displacement "adventure bike" was unveiled at the show. A Suzuki V-Strom 250, a BMW G 310 GS, and a Kawasaki Versys 300x.
I am really intrigued by the Versys 300x. Not only did they announce that it was coming to the USA, but they already have it listed on the Kawasaki website. LINK And it seems to tick more boxes than the CB500x. They actually are producing it with a 19" front tire and 17" rear tire, gear indicator, light weight, ABS, and a 4.5 gallon fuel tank. It too is a parallel twin. The only box that isn't ticked when compared to a CB500x is that it is a 300cc motor. I'd rather it was 400cc-500cc, but it is based off the Ninja 300 so you'd think that would be more than ample power for how I ride. An added bonus would be if I could get some TKC-80's for it.
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| (2017 Kawasaki Versys 300x - photo from Kawasaki.com) |
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| (2017 Kawasaki Versys 300x - photo from Kawasaki.com) |
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| (2017 Kawasaki Versys 300x - photo from Kawasaki.com) |
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| (2017 Kawasaki Versys 300x - photo from Kawasaki.com) |
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| (2017 Kawasaki Versys 300x - photo from Kawasaki.com) |
This sounds like a good excuse to go and visit our favorite Kawasaki dealer to see what they know about the new Versys 300x. At one point I was leaning towards the 2016 Versys 650, but just didn't want anything that heavy/bulky.
The Versys 300x would also be less expensive that the Honda so I'm thinking that might mean more funds for farkling too.
The winds of change......they be blowing.
- Au Revoir
"I used to be indecisive, but now I'm not so sure." - Unknown
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Exciting times Brandy and the Versys looks pretty nice, especially ergonomically. Kawasaki have a long history of bikes of that type so imagine everything will be well and truly sorted.
ReplyDeleteInterested in your comments about selling the Gladius. Is selling privately more common in the US than a trade when getting a new bike? When I sold my Street Triple, it was privately but as I was already chomping at the bit to get the new bike, I priced it roughly half way between what the dealer would give me and what they'd sell it for to give someone a tempting buy. Just wanted to get it over and done with and had quite a few people chasing me. With no trade and a cash deal, the dealer came to the party and threw a few extras in.
Good wishes for whatever you finally choose - thrilling times ahead!
The Versys 650 is pretty upright and so I am thinking this would be as well, just with the Ninja 300 motor and 19/17 tires.
DeleteSome folks trade bikes in when they don't want to fart around with selling it on their own. The problem I have with trading it in is the trade-in value compared to private party sale. There aren't many Gladius that come up for sale so market value puts it almost at what I paid for it, whereas trade in value would be a few thousand less.
We'll see how antsy I am when it comes down to it and fall in love with a new bike. I may cave and trade it in. Luckily I don't have to sell it to buy another, just prefer to.
Decisions, decisions. While the Versys 300X is a nice looking bike, I would worry about it being under powered. I believe it is always better to have more power in reserve than need just a little more. I, also, saw the Honda CB500x tilts the scale around 450 pounds, but couldn't find the weight on the Cow.
ReplyDeleteLuckily for me when I bought Stella I didn't know I was going to buy a new bike. Having seen a Stelvio almost two years prior I fell in love with the look and knew that was a bike I could live with. The fact she has 105 HP would be plenty to add a hack and still have power left over. A great plus, IMHO, is the shaft drive.
I feel sorry for you knowing you will be getting a new bike, having to shop for the perfect one for you, HAVING TO WAIT to get it, and the trouble of selling the Gladius. Whatever you do, don't settle for less than what you really want! Saving a few dollars today could make for many miserable tomorrows
I stay off the freeway, which is a good thing. As it is now I do over 60 mph on my little TW200 on the backroads so I don't think the 300 would be too bad. I would probably miss the power of the V-twin of my Gladius, but I think I'd miss it with the CB500 as well.
DeleteThe BC500x has a wet weight of 427 lbs, not too sure about the Versys 300x, but can guess at around 400 or maybe less since the Versys 650 is 476 lbs wet and the Ninja 300 is 385 lbs wet weight.
At least our crappy weather right now helps with the wait no matter what I choose. I have to wait until I feel the love either way. I don't want to pick the wrong one.
dont they say a change is better than aholiday
ReplyDeletethe kawasaki looks like a great bike and I havent seen it in the news at all
im looking at a cheaper smaller bike just for a commute /some off road work and an looking deeper into that
also does it only come in that green or a choice is available
do you like the green
What is this holiday you speak of? We have a week off once or twice a year but never go anywhere, lol.
DeleteI've mostly seen the Versys 300x on my newsfeed on Facebook. I follow quite a few motorcycle sites on there and it seems to be dominating my news feed, not that that is a bad thing.
No, I do not like the green and would be hard pressed to ever buy that color. Luckily it also comes in graphite/ebony like the first two pictures in the post.
Brandy the silver lining is that you know you're heading for a change.
ReplyDeleteI have yet to find anything that checks as many boxes as my Vespa. Maybe that's because my riding is decidedly big city fare. If I were in a place with longer distances and the opportunity for a modest dose of dirt and gravel, I'd be eyeing that ADV configuration and aiming to ditch my thoroughly urban Italian steed.
I look forward to when the pieces fall into place and the farkling starts.
You love the Vespa and it suits your purposes well, that is a good thing. My Gladius just doesn't suit my purpose anymore and makes me to sore when I ride it. Sigh.
DeleteIt's always a trade off isn't it? I sometimes envy the person with a dirt bike, a cross-country tourer, an about-town bike, and maybe a scooter just for fun. But realistically, how many of us spend that much time in the saddle to justify all those toys in the garage? So we compromise. And from following your 'typical' ride (if there is such a thing) postings it seems the Kawasaki might be just the bike for you. But there are options and half the fun is picking the best one. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteI'd have to agree, would that we could have one of each, but where to store them and with work we'd have no time to ride them all.
Delete11k rpm redline! Are they tuning it or gearing it to be used as a DS bike or just the styling? It looks like a pretty good option though I would try it on the highway to see how it works for you.
ReplyDeleteWell their quote is that "the Ninja 300 motor has been tuned specifically for improved low-end and mid-range powering the Versys 300x."
DeleteBetween retuning and the tire size I think they are leaning in the dual sport direction.
I would be worried about vibrations on the highway, but even the TW200's shakes, rattles, and rolls on the highway don't make my hands go numb because it is upright enough. Stability at 55-65 mph is what I will be interested to see.
The day I visited the Kawi site not 24 hours later they updated to the 2017s. Spotted the Versys 300 but didn't have specs at that point. I'm not sure if I want to go adventure bike, but they are definitely an interesting possibility. I love that some smaller options are showing up here in the US. I don't have a bike to sell first, but I won't be buying anything until later this summer if at all. Patience! :)
ReplyDeleteAs someone said earlier, it will be interesting to see if the 300/500s have enough power to satisfy. I look forward to your test ride reports! :D
I will be interested to see if it has the same seat height as the Versys 650 as well. It was tall but not unmanageable. This seems to be more dual sport oriented than the 650 though.
DeleteSince I know I've never used the Gladius' full potential on power I would be more interested in how quick can I pull away from the stop sign and is there any power in reserve while sitting in 5th or 6th gear.
Well, it looks nice and the 19" front is better than a 17 if you're going to get it dirty. I was a little worried that it was a single but being a twin hopefully it'll have some poke and less vibes. I still think it you may find it underpowered after what you're used to and if you take it touring. Maybe ride the 650 before the big decision?
ReplyDeleteThe panniers looked useless - really weird shape designed to hold not very much. Nice that they are offering all sorts of accessories on a small bike though.
Watching with baited breath...
yes it will take more research but it ticks enough boxes to make me bike-curious. I was surprised to read it was a twin instead of a single as well and then to have the 19/17 inch tires was a bonus. I wouldn't do anything more muddy than gravel roads and forestry roads with it. I have the TW200 for getting really back woods.
DeleteI don't think I'd put panniers on it, just a top case. Probably the Givi from my Gladius. We shall see.
I know how you feel with this, you'll probably find that Honda don't want to release too much info. on the 2017 model while there are still a lot of 2016 models on the showroom floors on the other hand early next year there could be some good bargains to be had. As you said; "Decisions decisions." Exciting times though.
ReplyDeleteWhile there may be some 2016 left on the showroom floors in other states but Oregon doesn't have a single new 2016 CB500x that I can find. Washington either. California has some though, sigh.
DeleteAh, the wind of change... I love changes (who would have guessed...). The Versys seems to fit your new current needs, Brandy, but I am also worried about longer distance. On the roads in Europe small engines are not a problem, you know we have travelled to Tuscany and Slovenia on 250/300cc Vespas, and running out of gas or building up too much mileage a day was never an issue. But moto travelling is way different in your neck of the woods, there is a whole lot of distance to cover getting from A to B. However I find a smaller displacement bike a perfect choice to be put on a trailer and carried along while sitting comfortably in a car or RV. Just food for thoughts...
ReplyDeleteI don't necessarily like change, but changing bikes is a necessary one this time for comfort. If I am comfortable I will ride more and it will be more enjoyable.
DeleteIt needs to be a replacement for the 650 cc bike. While I don't mind a little less power it will need to keep up with the Tiger as best it can. We don't ride on the freeway, but the backroads are usually 55 mph which means people are doing at least 60 mph. I guess it will be a wait and see. The little dual sports we have thought about trailering to eastern Oregon and riding around.
In my youth I traveled far and wide on 350cc twins and never felt the need for more horsepower. You will be fine on a 300 with the added advantage of economy and light weight you will ride more not less. I just wish modern bikes were prettier to tempt me off the Bonneville.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this Michael. I understand that 300cc is small by todays riding standards, but I am hoping that it has enough punch for the riding I do. We'll see. Honda just released their 2017 info for the CB500x and it is pretty sweet looking in red this year.
DeleteThere aren't really many bikes as pretty as a Bonneville so I understand your thinking.
Enjoy the search - I always think that's almost the best part of buying a new bike, the endless possibilities. You will make sure it fits you though before buying !!
ReplyDeleteStill researching, although Honda has finally released the 2017 info. New color but I think that is about the only change.
DeleteThe Kawasaki sounds promising! I am interested in what you decide, since we are thinking about downsizing our bikes in the future. Interesting that several manufacturers have shown new bikes in the 300 to 500 cc range.
ReplyDeleteWe are very happy to see bikes come down in cc. I think they got too large at one point. Does one really need all that power (and weight).
DeleteNow just to wait until they arrive at the dealers. Some time in the spring i imagine.
Anticipation! ;-)
DeleteI don't know much about the Versys, but I do like the looks of it. I've always loved that Ninja green.
ReplyDeleteI sat on the Versys 650 and thought it was quite comfy but didn't really want a 478 lb machine that I was going to be taking on forestry roads. I am hoping the 300x will arrive fairly close in size but lighter. We'll see.
DeleteBrandy,
ReplyDeleteI saw the CB500X at IMS Long Beach, or at least I think I did. I'm not sure you're still interested, but here's the information. http://powersports.honda.com/2017/cb500x.aspx#MBw5XPOWFIRSgeiM.97
There were so many bikes in the Honda stable it was mind boggling! Of course, all of the fuss was over the new Rebel. Perfect bike for street riders to customize, which is really the goal of the new Rebel for Honda.
Anywho, I'm looking forward to seeing what you get. I've been really quiet lately, I know, but I still drop by and read your blog regularly. :)
Smooches,
Sash
I am sure they had them at long beach. I have seen the reveal video online and they really did have a lot of bikes there. Sure wish they didn't do away with Seattle or San Mateo's shows.
DeleteI checked out Honda's website and they have the 2017 info on there now. Nice pretty red color this year. Still no gear indicator though, doh!
Thanks for stopping by.
Hi Brandy, I will be back on a CB500X in about 6 weeks in Thailand. Fine bike, sealed road bias compared to the Kawasaki.
ReplyDeleteThe downsized 500x engine to me felt similar to the downsized 400cc ER650 twin (Japan model) in that they are both a little lazy. The 300cc ninja engine upscaled from their 250 twin which I also have ridden is quite energetic.
If there was only as much choice in lighter full fairing touring bikes for me...
Hey Warren. I was wondering if the Kawasaki was a little more dirt oriented because with the 19" front tire there are more options for dirt bike/dual sport tires. It might be a good option rather than wanting to put a Rally Raid kit on a CB500x. But the CB500x is so pretty in 2017 red, lol. I am hoping the Kawasaki is just peppy enough for what I need/want.
DeleteIt's pretty obvious that you're in love with that Kawasaki! May your dreams come true....
ReplyDeleteNow if only it lives up to my expectations. They haven't hit showrooms yet. Must....be....patient.....
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