HONDA CMX500

Two Honda CMX500, parked in front of a cafe

A LEARNER LICENCE-FRIENDLY 500CC PARALLEL TWIN-CYLINDER COMPACT CRUISER

When the CMX debuted just a few years ago, riders everywhere loved the way it combined a fresh, blacked-out look with timeless features like low seat height, bobber styling, and its narrow 471cc parallel-twin engine with an ultimately user-friendly powerband. For 2020, the CMX is still that learner license-friendly 500cc parallel twin-cylinder compact cruiser you know but we’ve added some impressive upgrades; like an LED lighting package (headlight, taillight, turn signals, and more) new instruments, a slipper/assist clutch that lightens clutch pull and some new suspension.

SPORTY ENGINE

Twin-cylinder engines are a great choice for a machine like the CMX. Honda twins are famous for their versatility and the 471cc engine in the CMX is one of our best ever. The parallel-twin engine is narrow, which helps reduce overall bike size. Plus, it offers lots of low-rpm torque, but plenty of higher-rpm performance.

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CLASSIC INSTRUMENT SHAPE

Another iconic feature merging traditional and modern, Rebel's instruments take on a classic shape and fill it with up-to-date digital LCD content. New for 2020, the software will feature a gear location monitor and a fuel consumption monitor.

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REFINED SUSPENSION

The fork is fine-tuned for even greater comfort and efficiency. The rear shocks are now loaded with nitrogen and now have a new, stiffer spring setting. Much like the top, it's about bringing ease and value to your riding experience.

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STEEL REAR FENDER

True steel is never out of style. The CMX has a steel rear fender that is either color-matched to the tank or matte black. The color looks fantastic and the steel fender helps to provide a sturdy base for the optional/removable passenger seat.

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SEAT OPTIONS

Traveling light on your own? Would you want to take a mate with you? Want the tidy look of a single seat? With the CMX you can actually get it both ways, because the optional passenger seat, the footpegs, and the footpeg hangers are all simple, bolt-on pieces.

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LED LIGHTING

The lamp is bright and accurate, while the circular nacelle shape, the aluminum casting headlight mount, and the glass lens give the CMX a character that exudes elegance. Driven lighting is as it is now; thinner, simpler and having fewer lifetime changes than incandescent bulbs.

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ALUMINUM REAR SUBFRAME

Here's an opportunity for Honda's designers to take a practical aspect of the bike and make it look extra good. The aluminum subframe/fender mounts are sturdy, discreet, compact, and provide a solid base for the optional/removable passenger seat.

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11.2L FUEL TANK

One of the main aspects of motorcycle design is the fuel tank. Keeping 11.2L, the classic fuel tank design of the CMX is timeless, but technologically it also equips the bikes with high fuel performance to allow you plenty of space.

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SLIPPER ASSIST CLUTCH

The slipper / assist clutch ensures that you get a lighter clutch pull on the lever, but a stronger lock-up when you drop the lever and add the power. This is the technique that decreases the clutch effort at the bar by around 30 percent.

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WIDE REAR TYRE

The CMX 's short, fat 16-inch rear tire gives you plenty of grips and helps lower the average seat height and position of the bikes. It's rough, too.

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CAST ALUMINUM WHEELS

The front and rear casting wheels are compact, functional, simple to keep clean and give the CMX a look that shows you that it's not made like a retro machine. The large rims and tires contribute to the look of the bike.

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