Honda NX500 Test 2024

Honda's long-standing A2 adventure bike, the CB500X, has not only been extensively revised for 2024 but also received a new name. However, even as the NX500, it is still expected to offer the same qualities as its predecessor, namely accessibility and versatility. In 2019, the CB500X thrilled me on my first motorcycle trip in Norway. Can the new NX500 rekindle my old love?

Anyone wanting to know all the changes and innovations in detail can find all the information here in the presentation report of the Honda NX 500. In my opinion, the most important changes are the improved suspension components, the more potent brakes, and the modernization of the electronics. The suspension of the Showa components, with a Big Piston upside-down fork at the front and a mono-shock at the rear, remains non-adjustable except for the preload at the rear. However, one fork leg is responsible for damping and the other for suspension, which is supposed to improve the responsiveness of the chassis overall. More performance is also expected from the newly installed dual-disc brake system at the front. Finally, the new, modernized electronics also vie for our attention in this test. In addition to a new display including smartphone connectivity, the ECU has been revised, and traction control has been established. As for the engine, apart from the control electronics and revised injection, everything remains the same. The 471 cm³ parallel-twin still produces 48 hp at 8,600 rpm and 43 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm.

The Honda NX500 is promoted by Honda as a versatile adventure bike with off-road ambitions. However, most buyers will likely use it primarily as a reliable bread-and-butter bike. An accessible bike that many riders will probably use mainly for daily commuting and shorter tours. This doesn't mean it can't do more – but more on that later.

In city traffic, it shows its strengths particularly clearly. Firstly, it has a relatively low seat height of 830 mm. Its slim design ensures that even riders with shorter legs can easily reach the ground and have a secure stand. You sit very upright on the NX500, with your arms slightly bent at the handlebars and your knees not overly acute – a very natural, unobtrusive, and typical adventure bike seating position. With a weight of 196 kg, it remains manageable even when stationary or at low speeds. The moderate weight prevents a too-tippy riding behavior when stationary or at slow speeds, ensuring it remains controllable at all times.

The accessible engine is particularly helpful. It responds smoothly and seamlessly to the throttle and allows for fine control. The light clutch, which can be operated with just one or two fingers, makes it easier for the rider to, for example, navigate through dense traffic or master more demanding maneuvering tasks with confidence. The NX500 makes it really easy for the rider in all riding situations.

The sound of the engine is also subtle and not at all intrusive, which is not surprising given the Euro5-Plus standard. Sound enthusiasts might miss something here, but especially in the city, it is pleasant that the NX500 remains quiet, allowing you to ride neighbor-friendly even at earlier hours.

Especially in the city, the traction control of the Honda NX500 proves to be extremely useful, particularly on wet manhole covers, tram tracks, or in colder temperatures. In such adverse conditions, it can really intervene in an emergency. However, the traction control will probably only become active in these exceptional cases, as the engine's power is delivered so gently, linearly, and predictably that even with less experience, you can easily maintain control in tricky situations.

Outside the city, the NX500 will certainly be attractive for many as a bike for smaller trips or as a commuter vehicle from outside the city. This means it also needs to impress on highways and longer routes. The previously mentioned comfortable seating position remains comfortable even over longer periods in the saddle. The seat offers solid comfort, although it may get a bit compressed after a longer ride – however, this strongly depends on personal preferences, dimensions, and habits.

The wind protection is acceptable. At my height of 1.85 m, the wind hits me around eye level, but without excessively loud turbulence. However, taller riders might consider an upgrade here. At higher speeds, it becomes noticeable that the small twin-cylinder engine has to work hard to maintain a speed of 130-140 km/h. The revs rise to around 6000 rpm, which manifests as slight, high-frequency vibrations at the pegs and handlebars. Whether these vibrations are bothersome depends greatly on individual sensitivity. Personally, I found it still within an acceptable range, but more sensitive riders might find the tingling in their palms after a longer ride to be unpleasant. A plus point on long stretches is the engine's low consumption of only 3.6 L/100km, which, in combination with the 17.5-liter fuel tank, allows for a good range of over 400 km.

Even on rougher tracks, the Honda NX500 shows its comfortable side. For this price range, the suspension is quite impressive. The damping works at a pleasant level and handles quick hits very cleanly. You can feel them, but not in an unpleasant or disturbing way. On longer bumps, the bike remains stable and secure. It does not feel like a rocking horse or a pogo-stick suspension, as is often the case with cheaper bikes.

And how does it perform on twisty roads? Here, the NX500 shines just like its predecessor, the Honda CB500X. The nimble and effortless handling of the NX500 is a real joy. Riding through tight twisties, I am reminded of my trip to Norway, where the small, narrow roads wind along the fjords and mountain plateaus. Back then, I was already impressed by the effortless agility of the CB500X. The NX500 also allows the bike to be easily leaned from side to side, and you can carve up some twisties with ease. While the engine doesn't deliver any acceleration miracles, combined with a spirited riding style and the confidence the machine instills, the pace is certainly fast enough to offer riding pleasure.

This confidence doesn't come out of nowhere but is based on two important aspects. First, the brakes are noticeably improved. While I criticized the braking performance of the CB500X during my Norway tour, the NX500 offers more bite and better delay power thanks to the dual disc brakes. Of course, it's not a sports braking system, but it is significantly more potent. The pressure point of the brakes is rather soft, but they grip nicely and progressively. This makes the delay predictable and provides enough safety to brake confidently into the corner even at a brisk pace.

The second aspect that supports this confidence is the stable chassis, especially at the front fork. It ensures that you can make good use of the improved braking performance and maintain a stable line even at higher lean angles. However, if you go at it sportily and hit bumps at a high lean angle, the rear shock absorber reaches its limits. A slight rocking motion can occur, but this remains within a very acceptable range – especially for the typical NX500 rider, who is more likely to be a beginner or returning rider and will rarely experience such extreme riding conditions.

Another highlight is the gearbox. It shifts wonderfully, especially during spirited riding. Upshifting without the clutch is effortless by slightly preloading the shift lever and then briefly letting off the throttle. The shift engages cleanly, as you would expect from Honda.

To conclude the test, the question of the off-road capability of the Honda NX500 remains. For an adventure bike, this almost seems like a must, because even motorcycles that are clearly designed for road tours often emphasize their off-road capabilities. But does this also apply to the NX500?

Unfortunately, during our test, there was no opportunity to tackle more serious terrain – we stuck to simple gravel and forest paths. However, this is probably not necessary to give an assessment. The NX500 is obviously not a true off-road adventure machine. This can already be seen in the dimensions of the wheels, the relatively short suspension travel, and details such as the position of the exhaust on the right side. With my size 45 shoes, I hit the exhaust with my heel, which is just behind the peg. But even riders with smaller shoe sizes will face problems here in a standing position.

Although the handlebar is well-positioned for riding the bike while standing, and light trails can be tackled without any issues, ambitious off-road trails are not really the domain of the NX500. This is also evident from the non-deactivatable ABS. At least the traction control can be easily and quickly deactivated and reactivated via a button on the left handlebar end – a practical feature when riding on loose surfaces.

It is worth highlighting again the easily controllable engine, which allows even less experienced riders to gradually get a feel for the riding dynamics on loose surfaces. Small drifting attempts are certainly possible, and the engine is quite forgiving in this regard. Nevertheless, the primary area of use for the NX500 remains clearly on asphalt. It can occasionally venture off-road, but this is more of a nice addition rather than a core competency.