The orientation of the horn button and turn signal is different than any other motorcycle and is dangerous to the operator when trying to use the turn signal or the horn.....when negotiating a corner.....
The worst 2017 Honda CMX500 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Electrical2
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical2
Recalls 1
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar
- What is wrong
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2023, 2025 CMX500, 2017-2023, 2025-2026 CMX300, and 2025 Honda SCL500 motorcycles. The handlebar lock screw may loosen and detach.
- Risk
- A detached screw may lodge between the frame and stem, interfering with steering and increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the lock screw and apply thread lock, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 29, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1‑866‑784‑1870. Honda's number for this recall is KU8. This recall expands previous the federal safety agency recall number 26V146. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on beginning August 4, 2026.
Recall number 26V500000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2017 Honda CMX500 11
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Followup Notice
- Customer letter
- Dealer message
- Honda is launching an EMISSION RECALL of all 2017, and certain 2018 CMX300/A and CMX500/A motorcycles to...
- Dealer message
- Honda is launching an EMISSION RECALL of all 2017, and certain 2018 CMX300/A and CMX500/A motorcycles to...
- Honda is launching an EMISSION RECALL on model year 2017 through 2018 CMX300 (AC type ) and CMX500 (AC...
- Dealer message
- Service news article
What 2017 Honda CMX500 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The horn button is in a non-standard place. Every bike I've ridden for the last 25 years the horn button is bottom left control, while the turn signal switch is above it (middle position). Even in training classes (msf for sure) they teach you where each control is located, and they are standards for all bikes so you can always know where to reach them without looking, and keep your eyes on the road. On my '17 honda rebel, they have decided to switch control positions for no apparent reason. I feel this represents a tremendous safety hazard, as I've already encountered situations where I needed to warn off a vehicle from encroaching in my lane, and my thumb immediately reaches for the lower button but instead of the horn sound, I'm just hitting the turn signal switch instead. I reached out to honda several months ago and have never received a response. On the associated honda rebel forum many people complain about this as well, and I know several people have even traded their bikes in because of this simple issue. To me this would be the equivalent of moving the horn in an automobile from the center of the steering wheel to some small switch near the radio. Nobody could reach that in an emergency. This has been an ongoing concern of mine all summer the more frequently I ride my bike. I've thought of replacing the switch with an older model in the correct position but want to reach out to as many agencies as possible first as I believe this should be a problem for honda to address. Can something be done to correct this fault? Thanks for your time.
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Questions about the 2017 Honda CMX500
Is the 2017 Honda CMX500 reliable?
Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 2017 Honda CMX500, 2.0 times a typical CMX500 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2017 Honda CMX500?
Electrical system, with 2 complaints.
How many recalls does the 2017 Honda CMX500 have?
1 recall, covering steering.
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