2019 Grand Tour

[rpmendez]

Having been screwed by the new tax laws I had to sell my Concours 1000 this spring for some fast cash. It was too tall and heavy and after 3 years, I was planning on trading it in anyway. LOVED it on the highway and twisties, DESPISED it in parking lots/driveways especially if there was the slightest incline.

Farewell Big Bertha!



After a few weeks, I started seeking out a viable replacement but was having difficulty finding something in my criteria, all the while thinking I might not be able to finish this Grand Tour. The criteria I thought was simple but in todays Cruiser/Sportbike-centric era, it was quite tough. Footpegs/controls under me, not forward or behind. Bags available for daily shopping and commuting. Short enough and light enough that my short stature could handle moving it around without the CONSTANT fear of dropping it. Reasonably affordable.

Enter my new ride: 2016 Honda CB500X with ABS, EFI, hydraulic lifters, new tires, new brakes, Givi bags AND trunk. All for under $4k! Light as a feather (430 lbs) I can flick it around the twisties like I was on a bicycle! Short enough I almost flat-foot with my 30" inseam and I do flat-foot when my wife is on the back. Powerful enough I already had an involuntary wheelie. I absolutely LOVE it. I just need some better grips, throttle lock and maybe the optional larger touring windshield and it will be perfect!

Here's my arrival at home with it and my first point of the tour with it!





Can't wait to get riding to all my other points for this tour!