BMW R 1200 GS (K50) versus Honda CB 500 X
BMW R 1200 GS (K50)
Honda CB 500 X
Year of construction / RRP / Test report
Competitors
- has neat Wums
- extensive electronic helpers
- significantly more off-road capability than the standard version of the GS
- light and manoeuvrable
- low consumption, long range
- cheap in purchase maintenance
- easy to use
- Price mainly with full equipment
- Windscreen not adjustable without tools
- Single pane at the front grips a little late
Dimensions & Weight
Length : 2.207 mm Height : 1.412 mm
Seat : 850 mm
Weight : 244 (max: 460 ) kg
Length : 2.155 mm Height : 1.410 mm
Seat : 810 mm until : 834 mm
Weight : 197 (max: 386 ) kg
Engine
Displacement: 1.170 ccm
Hub: 73 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: Luft
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 471 ccm
Hub: 67 mm
Hole: 67 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Performance
Performance: 125 HP at 7.700 U/Min
Torque: 125 NM bei 6.500 U/Min Tank contents: 20 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 403 km
Performance: 48 HP at 8.600 U/Min
Torque: 43 NM bei 6.500 U/Min Tank contents: 18 Litre
Consumption: 4 l
Reach: 491 km
Chassis
Bridges, motor supporting (steel) Front suspension:
Telescopic fork 37 mm (travel 190 mm)
Front suspension:
Shock Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 200 mm)
Rear suspension:
Single-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 120/70 R 19
Rear tyres: 170/60 R 17
Telescopic fork 41 mm (travel 136 mm) Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 135 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 110/80-19
Rear tyres: 160/60-17
Brakes
Double disc (∅ 305 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 376 mm)
Single disc (∅ 310 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 240 mm)
Conclusion - what gets stuck
No, our high expectations were by no means disappointed – not even a bit! The R 1200 GS Rally not only made us very good, but it makes it really difficult for us to find criticisms. Well, it's quite expensive. But quality has a price. And if you look at the prices on the second-hand market, you have to say that gs keeps its value quite long. In addition, it is of course up to everyone to decide whether they really need all the equipment packages. Clearly all do their tasks reliably and well, however, drive up the price again neatly. And already in the basic equipment we have to deal with a mature, great bike!
Giant travel steamer or CB500X?
The CB is a reliable, grateful motorcycle without unnecessary bells and whistles that sometimes invites you to longer tours. And those who can be content with this get a manoeuvrable, easy-to-use travel companion compared to the large touring machines. This is much easier to manoeuvre, is characterized by high-quality components in Honda quality and does not pose any major problems for its driver. Just fun driving and that for less than 7000 €. Combined with the low consumption and manageable sub-costs, the CB has a few really good arguments on its side!
The test bike was provided by Motofun in Kaltenkirchen.
