Avoid Fuel Anxiety with the Honda CB500X
Updated 28/08/25
In a country as vibrant and diverse as Vietnam, having a reliable and fuel-efficient motorcycle is paramount. The Honda CB500X is a comfortable, reliable bike that offers good performance and has quickly become a favorite among those who love to explore. If you couple this with the fact that it has a 17l fuel tank, it becomes an excellent touring choice.
What you really want to know is how fuel-efficient it really is? And what to do to get the most out of every drop of fuel. Let’s dive in!
Contents
Manufacturer's Information: The Official Numbers
Honda officially claims impressive fuel consumption figures for the CB500X. While these numbers can vary slightly depending on the specific model year and regional regulations, typically, Honda states an average fuel consumption of around 3.4-3.5 liters per 100 km. This is a very strong figure for a 500cc adventure-touring machine, suggesting that the CB500X is designed with economy in mind, making it an excellent choice for long-distance touring without breaking the bank at the pump.
Real-Life Scenarios: From Ha Long Bay to the Highlands
Of course, manufacturer figures are achieved under controlled conditions. What about the real world, especially here in Vietnam? From the dense erratic traffic in the cities to the narrow winding passes of the mountains, Vietnam challenges the CB500x to the max.
In the Mountains
e.g., Ha Giang Loop, Da Lat to Nha Trang – Tackling the winding, often steep roads of Vietnam’s mountains is going to see fuel consumption increase significantly. Frequent gear changes, lower speeds, and the effort of climbing will work the engine harder. Expect figures to be in the range of 4.0-4.5 liters per 100 km or even more. Even with these figures the CB500X remains a very efficient option and allows you to enjoy those incredible views without constant fuel anxiety. What better peace of mind than cruising through the majestic Ha Giang Loop, safe in the knowledge that CB500X is sipping fuel, not guzzling gallons.
In the City
e.g., Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi Traffic – Navigating the mayhem that is city traffic in Vietnam can be a test of patience as well as fuel efficiency. Stop-and-go conditions, low speeds, and frequent idling can push consumption slightly higher. You could see figures in the 4.0-5.0 liters per 100km range, depending on how heavy the traffic is and your riding style. Albeit a thirsty bike, it remains usable in cities, especially as more and more vietnamese are commuting greater distances.
On the Highway
e.g., QL1A, HCM Highway This is where the CB500X truly shines. At steady cruising speeds, the engine is in its most efficient range. On open highways, and with smooth steady driving, you can expect to achieve consumption figures very close to the manufacturer’s claims – often around 3.5 litres per 100km. Long stretches from city to city, or along coastal roads, become a joy without frequent fuel stops.
General Tips and Suggestions for Optimal Fuel Efficiency
If you want to get the most out of your motorcycle’s fuel tank, it’s easier than you think. While some factors are out of your control, a few simple adjustments to your riding habits and a little bike maintenance can make a big difference in how far you can go on a single tank.
1. Smooth Riding
Avoid aggressive acceleration and sudden braking. Smooth throttle control and anticipating traffic will significantly improve your mileage. Try to shift smartly and ride in the highest gear possible without lugging the engine. Lows revs are your friend here.
2. Maintain Proper Tire Pressure
Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance and consume more fuel. The increased flex of the tyre wall results in heat build up which is also loss of energy that has to be replaced by the engine. Check your tire pressure regularly. You’ll see this noted on the swing arm. Front 2 Bar, Rear 2.8 Bar
3. Regular Servicing
A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently. Stick to your service schedule, especially air filter and spark plug replacements. We do this for you and you can rest assured your bike is in tip-top condition.
4. Avoid Excessive Idling
If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute, it’s often more fuel-efficient to turn off your engine. Many traffic lights in Vietnam have countdown timers that clearly show how long you will need to wait for a light change.
5. Lighten Your Load
While the CB500X is a capable tourer, carrying unnecessary weight will slightly increase fuel consumption. A set of driving clothes, evening clothes and emergency change is all you need. Leave the make up bag at home.
6. Fill Up Strategically
You will be hard pushed to find any stretch of road that doesn’t have a filling station nearby. However, in some locations they may be quite distant. Filling every morning or evening gives you a full tank’s range and it is hard to run more than this in a day. That said, if you get down to 2 bars, fill at the next filling station and try to avoid roadside fuel stops.
7. Know Your Range
After a few fill-ups, you’ll get a good feel for how many kilometers you can generally travel before needing to switch to reserve. Keep a mental note or even reset your trip meter with each full tank.
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Useful links
If you would like to learn more about the types of fuel available in Vietnam or our complete guide to fueling you can do so on our blog. If you have any specific questions then contact us for answers. We are happy to assist.
More Smiles per Mile
The Honda CB500X truly offers a fantastic balance of performance, comfort, and, crucially for Vietnamese adventures, excellent fuel efficiency. By adopting good riding practices and being mindful of your fuel, you can unlock the full potential of your CB500X, confidently exploring every corner of Vietnam, from the bustling streets to the serene mountain peaks, with fewer stops and more smiles per mile. Happy riding, and see you on the road!
