Honda CB500X - Owner's Manual > Engine Oil

Engine oil consumption varies and oil quality deteriorates according to riding conditions and time elapsed.

Check the engine oil level regularly, and add the recommended engine oil if necessary. Dirty oil or old oil should be changed as soon as possible.

Selecting the Engine Oil

For recommended engine oil, see "Specifications."

If you use non-Honda engine oil, check the label to make sure that the oil satisfies all of the following standards:

• JASO T 903 standard*1: MA
• SAE standard*2: 10W-30
• API classification*3: SG or higher

*1. The JASO T 903 standard is an index for engine oils for 4-stroke motorcycle engines. There are two classes: MA and MB. For example, the following label shows the MA classification.

*2. The SAE standard grades oils by their viscosity.
*3. The API classification specifies the quality and performance rating of engine oils. Use SG or higher oils, excluding oils marked as "Energy Conserving" or "Resource Conserving" on the circular API service symbol.

Brake Fluid

Do not add or replace brake fluid, except in an emergency. Use only fresh brake fluid from a sealed container. If you do add fluid, have the brake system serviced by your dealer as soon as possible.

NOTICE Brake fluid can damage plastic and painted surfaces.

Wipe up spills immediately and wash thoroughly.

Recommended brake fluid: Honda DOT 4 Brake Fluid or equivalent

WARNING Clean filler cap before removing. Use only DOT 4 fluid from a sealed container.

Drive Chain

The drive chain must be inspected and lubricated regularly. Inspect the chain more frequently if you often ride on bad roads, ride at high speed, or ride with repeated fast acceleration. If the chain does not move smoothly, makes strange noises, has damaged rollers, has loose pins, has missing O-rings, or kinks, have the chain inspected by your dealer.

Also inspect the drive sprocket and driven sprocket. If either has worn or damaged teeth, have the sprocket replaced by your dealer.

NOTICE Use of a new chain with worn sprockets will cause rapid chain wear.

Cleaning and Lubricating

After inspecting the slack, clean the chain and sprockets while rotating the rear wheel. Use a dry cloth with chain cleaner designed specifically for O-ring chains, or neutral detergent. Use a soft brush if the chain is dirty.

After cleaning, wipe dry and lubricate with the recommended lubricant.

Recommended lubricant: Pro Honda HP Chain Lube or equivalent

Do not use a steam cleaner, a high pressure cleaner, a wire brush, volatile solvent such as gasoline and benzene, abrasive cleaner, chain cleaner or lubricant NOT designed specifically for O-ring chains as these can damage the rubber O-ring seals.

Avoid getting lubricant on the brakes or tires.

Avoid applying excess chain lubricant to prevent spray onto your clothes and the motorcycle.

Recommended Coolant

Pro Honda HP Coolant is a pre-mixed solution of antifreeze and distilled water.

Concentration: 50% antifreeze and 50% distilled water

A concentration of antifreeze below 40% will not provide proper corrosion and cold temperature protection.

A concentration of up to 60% will provide better protection in colder climates.

NOTICE Using coolant not specified for aluminum engines or tap/mineral water can cause corrosion.

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