Honda CB500X - Owner's Manual > Maintenance Fundamentals

Pre-ride Inspection

To ensure safety, it is your responsibility to perform a pre-ride inspection and make sure that any problem you find is corrected. A pre-ride inspection is a must, not only for safety, but because having a breakdown, or even a flat tire, can be a major inconvenience.

Check the following items before you get on your motorcycle:

• Tire tread wear and air pressures are within limits.
• Lights, horn, and turn signals operate normally.
• Check the condition of the drive chain.

Adjust slack and lubricate as needed. Check the following items if you are carrying a passenger or cargo:

• Combined weight is within load limits.
• Cargo is secured properly.
• Suspension is adjusted to suit load.

Check the following items after you get on your motorcycle:

• Throttle action moves smoothly without binding.
• Brake lever and pedal operate normally.
• Check the fuel level and refuel when needed.
• Engine stop switch functions properly.

Check the following items at regular intervals:

• Oil level is between the upper and lower level marks.
• Brake fluid level is
  Front: above the LWR level mark.
  Rear: between the UPPER and LOWER level marks.
• Engine coolant level is between the UPPER and LOWER level marks.
• Side stand functions properly.

Periodic Checks

You should also perform other periodic maintenance checks at least once a month regardless of how often you ride, or more often if you ride frequently.

Also, check the odometer reading against the Maintenance Schedule and perform all maintenance that is due.

Tires and wheels

• Check the air pressure, examine tread for wear and damage, and check the wheels for damage.

Fluid levels

• Check the engine oil level, engine coolant level, and brake fluid level.

Lights

• Check that the headlight, position lights, brake light, taillight, turn signals and license plate light are working properly.

Controls

• Check the freeplay of the clutch lever, and throttle grip. Check the front brake lever and rear brake pedal operate properly.

Drive chain

• Check the slack, adjust the slack, and lubricate as needed.

Fuses

• Check that you have a full supply of spare fuses.

Nuts & bolts

• Check the major nuts and bolts, and tighten as needed.

Replacing Parts

Always use Honda Genuine Parts or their equivalents to ensure reliability and safety.

When ordering colored components, specify the model name, color, and code mentioned on the color label.

The color label is attached to the rear fender under the seat.

WARNING Installing non-Honda parts may make your motorcycle unsafe and cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed.

Always use Honda Genuine Parts or equivalents that have been designed and approved for your motorcycle.

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