2024 Honda NX500 – First Look
New name, new styling, the New X-over
Honda revamped its 500 series models, including a restyled adventure model with a new retro-inspired name. Along with a CB500 Hornet and a CBR500R comes the new 2024 NX500, which replaces the CB500X.
The NX500 name is new, though its roots race back to the Honda NX650 Dominator, a single-cylinder dual-sport produced from 1988 to 2003. I'm not sure if this was the original meaning, but Honda says the "NX" stands for "New X-over." Along with the new name comes updated suspension, lighter wheels, traction control, and new bodywork.
The new fairings draw some inspiration from the new Transalp, with a similar-looking silhouette, enough to wonder why Honda went with the NX branding instead of tying it to the larger adventure bike.
The five-inch TFT display is also inherited directly from the Transalp, but with a new optical bonding to improve visibility in bright environments. The NX500 also receives new backlit switchgear on the left handlebar and smartphone connectivity via Honda’s RoadSync app.
Apart from the updated bodywork, the most obvious visual change is to the wheels. In replacing the previous 7-spoke wheels with the new 5-spoke design, Honda was able to reduce the weight of the front wheel by 1.8 pounds, and the rear wheel by 1.5 pounds. That’s a combined 3.3-pound reduction in unsprung weight.
The suspension remains the same Showa 41mm Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) and preload-adjustable rear shock, but the NX500 receives updated spring rate and damping settings designed to improve feel for both on- and off-road riding.
The brakes are the same as on the CB500X, with dual 296mm front discs with axial-mount two-piston calipers, and one 240mm rear disc with a single-piston caliper.
The 471cc Parallel-Twin engine returns unchanged from the CB500X, with a claimed peak output of 46.9 hp at 8,600 rpm, and 31.8 lb-ft. at 6,500 rpm. The fuel injection settings have been updated to improve low-rpm acceleration and overall power delivery, and Honda added a switchable traction control system. As with its predecessor, the NX500 offers an assist/slipper clutch and six-speed transmission.
The 2024 Honda NX500 comes in three color options: Grand Prix Red, Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic, and Pearl Horizon White. U.S. pricing and availability have not been announced, but we expect that to be rectified in short order.
2024 Honda NX500 Specifications | |
---|---|
Engine Type | Liquid-cooled 4 stroke, DOHC parallel twin |
Displacement | 471cc |
No of Valves per Cylinder | 4 |
Bore & Stroke | 67mm x 66.8mm |
Compression Ratio | 10.7: 1 |
Horsepower | 46.9 hp at 8,600 rpm (claimed) |
Torque | 31.8 lb-ft. at 6,500 rpm (claimed) |
Oil Capacity | 3.2L |
Carburation | PGM FI electronic fuel injection |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 4.6 gallons |
Fuel Consumption (WMTC) | 65.4 mpg (claimed) |
Battery Capacity | 12V 7.4AH |
Clutch Type | Wet multiplate, Assisted slipper clutch |
Transmission Type | 6 speed |
Final Drive | Chain |
Frame | Steel diamond |
Front Suspension | Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD forks, |
Rear Suspension | Prolink mono with 5 stage pre-load adjuster, Steel hollow cross swingarm |
WHEELS | |
Front Wheel | Multi-spoke cast aluminum, 19MC x MT2.5 |
Rear Wheel | Multi-spoke cast aluminum, 17MC x MT4.5 |
Front Tire | 110/80R19M/C59H |
Rear Tire | 160/60R17M/C69H |
ABS System Type | 2-channel |
Type Front | Dual 296mm x 4mm disc with Nissin radial-mount four-piston calipers |
Type Rear | Single 240mm x 5mm disc with single piston caliper |
Instruments | 5in TFT Meter with customizable layout, including but not limited to Speedometer, Tachometer, Clock, Gear position, Shift UP Indicator |
Headlight | LED |
Taillight | LED |
Connectivity | Yes (Honda RoadSync) |
12V Socket | Optional |
Length | 85.2 inches |
Width | 32.7 inches |
Height | 55.7 inches |
Wheelbase | 56.8 inches |
Rake/Trail | 27.5°/4.3 inches |
Seat Height | 32.7 inches |
Ground Clearance | 7.1 inches |
Curb Weight | 432 pounds (claimed) |
Security System | HISS (Honda Intelligent Security System) |
Additional Features | ESS |
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Dennis has been a part of the Motorcycle.com team since 2008, and through his tenure, has developed a firm grasp of industry trends, and a solid sense of what's to come. A bloodhound when it comes to tracking information on new motorcycles, if there's a new model on the horizon, you'll probably hear about it from him first.
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Like the styling way more the Transalp. I agree with GMan38... I want some spoked wheels.
Me too .....they made rims lighter and more likely to bend when hitting potholes off road.