Photo: AJ Moller Photography via Ellaspede
Adventure bikes tend to conjure up images of thrilling long-distance rides both on and off the tarmac, and Honda's budget-friendly CB500X is no exception. A little while back, Stephen got himself a 2022 model with the intent of exploring the Australian outback, but it wasn’t long before the thought of customization crossed his mind.
Being an accomplished architect with a great eye for detail, the Aussie has always been deeply intrigued by the world of custom motorcycles. While searching for a shop that could bring his vision to life, Stephen stumbled upon Ellaspede of Brisbane, Queensland. Immediately struck by the quality of their work, he didn’t think twice about entrusting them with this transformation.
And thus, the CB500X was brought to their garage still bearing the dust and dirt from its recent rides, prepared to undergo a radical overhaul. For starters, all the stock bodywork aside from the fuel tank got stripped away, deleting a good chunk of visual heft in the process. At the front end, you will now find a grilled seven-inch LED headlight from Stedi’s catalog, accompanied by an aftermarket wind deflector and Motogadget blinkers.
The bike's factory instrumentation was retained but lowered for a clean look, and a ProTaper handlebar can be spotted in that same area. It was specifically chosen to suit Stephen's stature and riding style, gaining some carbon fiber hand guards and Daytona mirrors prior to installation. Ellaspede replaced the original front fender with a simpler steel item manufactured in-house, then their attention turned to the creature’s flanks.
Handmade aluminum side panels have been fitted right below the fuel tank, while a Honda CB125F’s repurposed covers make an appearance a little further back. Up top, Ellaspede’s specialists added a bespoke saddle with thick padding and UV-resistant vinyl upholstery. The cyan seat cover is one of the catchiest visual elements of this CB500X, sitting right ahead of a Koso LED taillight and an all-new license plate holder.
Off-roading foot controls from Pivot Pegz finish off the motorcycle’s ergonomic package, but its chassis was destined for some serious modifications, too. The OEM wheels made way for laced VMX alternatives, whose rims are shod in Michelin Anakee Wild knobbies measuring 110/80 up north and 170/60 down south.
Suspension upgrades came in the forms of replacement fork internals and a piggyback YSS shock absorber, which raises the rear end by around 30 millimeters (1.2 inches). Although the 471cc parallel-twin engine remains unchanged internally, it now exhales via a carbon fiber exhaust silencer supplied by Akrapovic. Lastly, the specimen’s groovy colorway is what really makes it all come together.
Inspired by the color palette of Honda Transalps from the nineties, the livery makes use of purple, dark turquoise, and a pale shade of yellow. Along with the gold aftermarket rims and cyan seat, the paint scheme is one thrilling sight to behold! Stephen was most impressed by the bike’s stripped-down aesthetic at the front, as well as that vibrant saddle upholstery we can’t seem to get enough of.
And thus, the CB500X was brought to their garage still bearing the dust and dirt from its recent rides, prepared to undergo a radical overhaul. For starters, all the stock bodywork aside from the fuel tank got stripped away, deleting a good chunk of visual heft in the process. At the front end, you will now find a grilled seven-inch LED headlight from Stedi’s catalog, accompanied by an aftermarket wind deflector and Motogadget blinkers.
The bike's factory instrumentation was retained but lowered for a clean look, and a ProTaper handlebar can be spotted in that same area. It was specifically chosen to suit Stephen's stature and riding style, gaining some carbon fiber hand guards and Daytona mirrors prior to installation. Ellaspede replaced the original front fender with a simpler steel item manufactured in-house, then their attention turned to the creature’s flanks.
Handmade aluminum side panels have been fitted right below the fuel tank, while a Honda CB125F’s repurposed covers make an appearance a little further back. Up top, Ellaspede’s specialists added a bespoke saddle with thick padding and UV-resistant vinyl upholstery. The cyan seat cover is one of the catchiest visual elements of this CB500X, sitting right ahead of a Koso LED taillight and an all-new license plate holder.
Off-roading foot controls from Pivot Pegz finish off the motorcycle’s ergonomic package, but its chassis was destined for some serious modifications, too. The OEM wheels made way for laced VMX alternatives, whose rims are shod in Michelin Anakee Wild knobbies measuring 110/80 up north and 170/60 down south.
Suspension upgrades came in the forms of replacement fork internals and a piggyback YSS shock absorber, which raises the rear end by around 30 millimeters (1.2 inches). Although the 471cc parallel-twin engine remains unchanged internally, it now exhales via a carbon fiber exhaust silencer supplied by Akrapovic. Lastly, the specimen’s groovy colorway is what really makes it all come together.
Inspired by the color palette of Honda Transalps from the nineties, the livery makes use of purple, dark turquoise, and a pale shade of yellow. Along with the gold aftermarket rims and cyan seat, the paint scheme is one thrilling sight to behold! Stephen was most impressed by the bike’s stripped-down aesthetic at the front, as well as that vibrant saddle upholstery we can’t seem to get enough of.
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