Honda has given the CB500X a major overhaul for the 2024 model year. And immediately gave it a new name. From now on, Honda’s little Adventure for the A2 driving license will be known as the NX500, named after the legendary NX650 Dominator.
Introduced in 2013 as part of the new 500 platform alongside the CB500F and CBR500R, Honda had made the Allroad segment accessible to the A2 driving license with the CB500X. “An ultra-competent and multi-purpose bike without frills, suitable for a large group of motorcyclists,” says Honda about the CB500X.
Another beautiful quote: “The CB500X’s raison d’être is based on a simple formula: a quick and acclaimed two-cylinder engine with plenty of torque and punch at the bottom, which can still rev well – paired with a chassis that provides an extremely comfortable track position. guarantees through the city and on the highway. All wrapped in a unique, own adventure style.”
A first update followed in 2016 with a larger fuel tank, more wind protection and a larger windshield. LED lighting, a front fork with adjustable spring preload and an adjustable brake lever were also introduced. The 2019 update provided a sophisticated adventure look, a more powerful engine and some upgrades to the chassis. In 2022, a Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD fork made an appearance, as well as dual front disc brakes, a lightweight swingarm and a redesigned front wheel.
For 2024, Honda’s approach to this motorcycle has improved, but has not changed significantly. However, the name is new. According to Honda, the NX500 has its own identity, with new, aggressive styling, high-quality technology and various other upgrades, with which Honda hopes to captivate the hearts and minds of European motorcyclists.
The letters ‘NX’ have quite a history at Honda, and the single-cylinder NX650 Dominator – which debuted in the late ’80s with a unique blend of street and off-road styling – is etched in hearts across Europe.
NX means ‘New X-over’, which Honda says perfectly describes the new NX500. Great on winding roads, impressive on gravel and ready to eat up the kilometers – with its versatility being enhanced by its significantly updated adventure styling. The wheels are also lighter, and the suspension settings have been upgraded both front and rear to improve ride quality.
The A2-suitable, two-cylinder engine with slipper clutch can also boast the addition of Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) and ECU updates that improve acceleration.
Most striking is the completely new design, which is broadly the same as that of its predecessor, but has clearly been updated with a new headlight section and new side panels. According to Honda, the LED headlight provides a bright beam of light for better visibility when driving at night, and of course the rest of the lighting is also LED.
From the saddle you can view a completely new 5″ TFT color display, which is carried over from the new Transalp introduced this year. The display uses optical adhesion to improve visibility in bright sunlight, a first for a Honda motorcycle .Sealing the space between the cover glass and the TFT screen with resin, reduces reflection and improves light transmittance. You can choose from bar, circle and simple display patterns and it also offers IOS/Android smartphone connectivity from Honda RoadSync.
This new feature – along with a simplified, easy-to-use, illuminated, four-way switch on the left handlebar – enables simple on-screen turn-by-turn navigation, as well as the option (via a Bluetooth headset in your helmet) for the rider to make calls or listen to music. All you have to do is download the Honda RoadSync app, connect to the NX500, and start riding.
Honda has made no adjustments to the frame, according to Honda the 35 mm steel diamond frame provides sufficient feedback regardless of the surface, and the shape and position of the supports and the rigidity balance of the frame have kept vibrations to a minimum. The wheelbase is 1,445mm with a head angle and trail of 27.5° and 108mm respectively, and a weight distribution of 48.7/51.3. The curb weight is 196 kg.
The Showa 41mm Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) upside-down fork divides the fork’s functions between the two legs – the Big Piston cartridge in one and the coil spring in the other fork leg. The front fork features 135mm of travel and new spring rate and damping settings to improve response and ride feel for both on- and off-road use.
The rear monoshock features 135mm of travel, new settings to match the front and the large diameter piston provides excellent temperature control; the spring preload can be adjusted in 5 positions. The swingarm is made of 2mm steel and has a hollow crossmember.
The cast aluminum wheels are completely new. By switching from a conventional Y-shaped 7-spoke design to Y-shaped 5-spoke, 800 grams of weight has been saved at the front and 700 grams at the rear. This reduction in unsprung weight works together with the revised suspension settings to improve steering and feel in all situations.
The 19-inch front wheel is mated to a 17-inch rear wheel; the tires with trail profile have the sizes 110/80-R19 and 160/60-R17. The two 296mm front brake discs are operated by Nissin axially mounted two-piston calipers; the 240 mm brake disc at the rear can count on a single-piston caliper.
As for the 471 cc parallel twin, Honda has adjusted the setting for more pulling power from below. The PGM-FI fuel injection is fed by a more or less straight airflow through the airbox and throttle bodies. By optimizing the ignition timing and the air/fuel ratio, a more powerful acceleration feeling from low revs should be created, with a linear power delivery and throttle feel. The muffler is equipped with two exhaust pipes, which gives every pulse a sporty edge and the sound is raspy at high revs.
As before, the twin delivers a top power of 35 kW (47.5 hp) at 8,600 rpm and a maximum torque of 43 Nm at 6,500 rpm. New is the addition of HSTC Honda Selectable Torque Control, popularly known as traction control. The system compares front and rear wheel speed to detect wheelspin and, if necessary, adjusts injection to smoothly reduce torque. HTSC can also be turned off completely.
Available in the colors Grand Prix Red, Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic and Pearl Horizon White. Price and delivery time are not yet known.
– Thanks for information from Motorfreaks.