Honda has officially unveiled its latest adventure motorcycle at EICMA 2023, the highly-anticipated NX500. The unveiling of this new model comes after months of speculation based on earlier reports regarding Honda’s plans to develop a twin-powered NX500 adventure bike. The 2024 Honda NX500 now serves as the successor to the CB500X, bringing back the historic NX Line to the adventure motorcycle segment. The NX models have quite a history with Honda, which debuted in the late 1980s with a mix of road and off-road capabilities.

The new NX500, which has currently been announced as an A2-compliant European model, is based heavily on the CB500X platform featuring a 471cc liquid-cooled, DOHC parallel-twin engine with 46.9 horsepower and 31.7 ft-lbs of torque, delivering power through an assisted slipper clutch and 6-speed transmission, riding on a steel diamond-tube mainframe with a preload-adjustable 41mm USD fork and Prolink monoshock, along with a 19″ front/17″ rear cast aluminum wheel combo. Several of the key specs remain unchanged like the approachable 32.7-inch seat height, along with a short 56.9-inch wheelbase for added maneuverability. 

The previous CB500X, received praise for its reliability, approachability and affordability, making it a popular choice among riders. However, Honda aims to elevate the experience further with key improvements in the NX500.

Enhanced Performance

The fresh model comes with new lighter-weight ‘Y-shaped’ 5-spoke cast wheels designed to improve handling and maneuverability. The new wheels save 3.3 pounds (1.5kg) of unsprung weight, contributing to an overall 6.6 pounds (3kg) of weight shaved off the bike which now weighs in at 432.1 pounds. This is matched by revised settings of its Showa suspension for improved reaction and feel both on and off-road. However, suspension travel remains the same at 5.3 inches front and rear.

Honda has also fine-tuned the bike’s Fuel Injection settings on the 471cc parallel-twin engine to improve low-rpm acceleration and power delivery across the entire rev range, making it even more adaptable for a range of riding scenarios. In addition, an ECU update improves acceleration feel and Honda Selectable Torque Control is now a standard feature.

Braking performance remains the same with the NX500 carrying over the CB500X’s axial mounted twin piston calipers on 296mm dual discs up front, matched with a single piston caliper 240mm disc in the rear.

New Tech

The NX500’s tech arsenal is another area where improvements were made. The bike features a new 5-inch full-color TFT screen with Honda RoadSync connectivity. This display offers on-screen turn-by-turn navigation and access to various smartphone functions, adding a level of convenience and connectivity previously absent in the CB500X.

The left-hand thumb switches have also undergone a transformation, becoming simpler and backlit for nighttime use. These enhancements make it easier for riders to control various functions and settings, offering an improved user experience.

New Styling and Lighting

Another notable change in the transition from the old CB500X to the NX500 is the bike’s new adventure styling. The NX500 boasts improved aerodynamics, which not only give the bike a more modern look but also contribute to its overall stability at speed, according to Honda. 

A new LED headlight design throws out wider light distribution for increased visibility when riding – and cornering – at night. It’s matched to a new LED taillight. All other lighting is also LED.

New Accessory Packs

A range of Genuine Honda Accessories, designed in parallel with the NX500, are grouped in packs, and ready to bolt straight on with an official Honda guarantee:   

Adventure Pack 

The Adventure Pack enhances the off-road appearance while adding extra comfort and protection. Fog Lights improve visibility in poor weather conditions and are mounted on top of the front engine guards, finished in black, which help to protect the motorcycle. The Hand Guards protect the hands from the cold and flying debris, while the Smoked Screen and Wheel Stripes add style. A Tank Pad shields paint from zip damage as well.  

Travel Pack 

A set of dual 16.5L semi-rigid plastic panniers with an easy attachment system combine with a Rear Seat Bag with up to 22 liters of capacity make traveling easier.  

Urban Pack 

For daily riding in and out of town, a 38 liter Top Box offers plenty of storage space and comes complete with Pillion Backrest and handy Inner Bag. The Center Stand allows easy chain maintenance and convenient parking on uneven surfaces.  

Comfort Pack

For added comfort and practicality, the Heated Grips take the cold out of winter days, with up to 5 heat levels and memory function while being displayed on the TFT. The Wind Deflectors help keep turbulent traveling air away from the rider’s lower body. An ACC Socket offers a charging point under the seat and the 3-liter Tank Bag allows convenient carrying with a see-through pocket for smartphones and a rain cover. 

Pricing and Availability

Currently, there has been no announcement on whether the new NX500 will be coming to the U.S. Pricing in the UK market for the base model will be £6,799 with color options of Grand Prix Red, Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic, Pearl Horizon White. For more details, go to the Honda UK website.

2024 Honda NX500 Specs