New name, new look, and a few choice upgrades: The 2024 Honda NX500 marks the first major redesign of Big Red's budget-friendly ADV.
Honda motorcycles are known for changing very slowly over time. The "Big Red" brand isn't one for taking big risks historically, and when they've got a winner on their hands, they let it ride for as long as possible.
Over the last decade, the beloved CB500X has embraced this tradition more than most with only incremental updates to both components and cosmetics. Most owners will gladly tell you that's the way they like it, and we happen to agree with them.
"Putting some miles on the new NX500 along the Chattahoochee BDR-X"
We've used these bikes extensively on our tours, reviewed them in videos, and written about them in great detail on this blog. Truth be told, RideADV may have put more collective miles on this modest adventure machine than anyone else on the planet, which makes us particularly qualified to judge its new replacement: enter the Honda NX500.
For the last several months we've been riding Honda's flashy new update to the tried-and-true platform, and we've got a few opinions to share on the 2024 Honda NX500. Before we dive into those, however, let's take a quick look back at the history of the CB500X to see how far we've come.
A Little Background on the Honda NX500
While the new NX500 marks the first major cosmetic redesign to Honda's most mild-mannered ADV, the bike has actually gone through a few different changes over its decade-long production run. Here's a quick history lesson on this incredibly versatile motorcycle.
First Generation CB500X
The NX500's oldest direct relative, the original CB500X, was released in 2013 as part of Honda's new 500 platform alongside the CBR500R sportbike and CB500F naked. These bikes shared the majority of their components including their frame, engine, and 17-inch wheels.
The "X" model differentiated itself with adventure-inspired styling and a focus on long-haul friendliness. Taller handlebars, a decent windshield, and optional factory hard bags made the original CB500X a popular option for urban commuting and budget-friendly touring, while its extra 1.2-inch boost in suspension travel left the door open for potential dirt duty.
Second Generation CB500X:
"Eric suits up to test the 2nd gen CB500X for our infamous 'Can It Adventure' YouTube segment."
Over the years, Honda's CB500X proved to be the most popular of the new 500 models, and before long a healthy aftermarket had sprung up to help X owners convert their versatile rigs into more adventure-capable machines. Honda took note of this trend, and in 2019 they updated the CB500X with some of the dirt-worthy features owners wanted.
Chief among them was a 19" front wheel, which had been a popular modification from companies like Rally Raid in the UK. Honda also saw fit to equip the X with a bit more suspension travel, which helped to increase its ground clearance as well.
This update also saw a modest cosmetic refresh, engine tweaks for more low-down grunt, LED lighting, and a slipper clutch.
Third Generation CB500X:
"Eric goes over the features of one of our 2022 CB500X rentals before an ADV Training class."
While it's a bit of a stretch to refer to Honda's final iteration of the CB500X name as its own generation, a few choice differences distinguish the short-lived 2022-2023 bikes from the 2019 update.
The big upgrade for these motorcycles is the appearance of USD forks, specifically a set of Showa SFF-BP (separate function fork, big piston) units up front borrowed from the CB650R playbook. Honda also improved braking on these models with a new twin-disk Nissin setup in the front, and made further tweaks to fueling for smoother and slightly more spirited power delivery.
The New Generation: 2024 Honda NX500 Specs
Before we jump into our riding impressions over the last few months, here's a quick look at the specs of the new NX500. Note that they're nearly identical to our last CB500X review, save for the lighter weight and a few other minor tweaks.
"Fans of Honda's CB500X will recognize the familiar 471cc parallel twin."
MSRP: $7,399
2024 NX500 Engine:
- Engine Displacement: 471cc
- Type: 180-degree parallel-twin
- Cooling: Liquid-cooled
- Bore x Stroke: 67.0mm x 66.8mm
- Compression Ratio: 10.7:1
- Valve Train: DOHC; four valves per cylinder
- Fueling: PGM-FI electronic fuel injection w/ 34mm throttle bodies
- Max Power: 46.9 hp @ 8,600rpm
- Max Torque: 31.7 lb-ft @ 6,500rpm
- Transmission: 6-Speed manual
- Final Drive: Sealed O-ring chain
Chassis, Suspension, And Brakes:
- Front Suspension/Travel: 41mm Showa SFF-BP fork, 5.9" inches of travel, non-adjustable
- Rear Suspension/Travel: Showa Pro-link single shock, 5.3 inches of travel, preload adjustable
- Front Brake: Dual 296mm discs with four-piston calipers; ABS
- Rear Brake: Single 240mm disc with single-piston caliper; ABS
- Front Wheel: 19-inch, cast aluminum
- Rear Wheel: 17-in, cast aluminum
- Front Tire: Dunlop Trailmax 110/80-19
- Rear Tire: Dunlop Trailmax 160/60-17
Dimensions:
- Rake (Caster Angle): 27 degrees
- Trail: 4.3 in
- Wheelbase: 56.8 in
- Ground Clearance: 7.1 in
- Seat Height: 32.8 in
- Fuel Capacity: 4.7 gal
- Wet Weight: 432 lbs
Instruments and Electronics:
"The new TFT is controlled by this single backlit joystick, and it's one of the easiest systems we've used to date."
- Instruments: 5-inch full-color TFT display
- Rider Aids: Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)
2024 Honda NX500: The Good and Bad
Clearly there are quite a few more similarities between the 2023 CB500X and the bike you see here, appearances be damned. Don't get the wrong impression though: Honda didn't skimp on the upgrades, and the NX500 marks a substantial improvement over the outgoing CB.
2024 Honda NX500: The Good
"Long story short, the NX500 still does just about everything well even in stock trim."
- Rally-inspired good looks
- Better suspension
- Lighter & faster than the previous model
- Upgraded tech
- No major hike in price
There's always been a lot to love about Honda's do-it-all ADV. We've published our fair share of praise both here and on YouTube about how well the outgoing CB500X has served our customers, and we believe the NX500 is simply a better bike in every way.
Everything we loved about the old CB remains nearly unchanged: the bulletproof 471cc twin engine, the comfortable ergonomics, the easy-going character, and the surprisingly good off-road manners.
A few upgrades, however, solidify the new NX500 as the best version yet.
"The new bodywork and LED lighting is slick and modern, and the black color looks particularly menacing in the best way."
Starting with the obvious, we think the new facelift is an absolute homerun. The updated bodywork looks much slicker and better suited to the bike's all-terrain aspirations, and the front-to-back LED lighting gives the NX the curb appeal it has always deserved.
As for practical differences, our favorite attribute of the NX redesign has to be the reworked suspension. While the appearance and dimensions of both the Showa fork and shock are identical to the previous CB500X, Honda has made some improvements to the internals that noticeably improve handling.
"The Showa SFF-BP forks are back, but the internals have been refined for better all-terrain performance."
While the change isn't exactly dramatic, we found the NX500 was more composed in the turns with less brake dive on entry and more stability at lean.
Overall it's a slightly firmer ride, although we also noted that the NX still feels plush over broken pavement and rough city streets, so there's no apparent tradeoff being made here.
"A good set of 60/40 tires like these Bridgestone AX41s go a long way to making the NX500 feel at home off-road."
Once things got dirty, these minor improvements made themselves even more apparent. We took the NX over a few sections of the new Chattahoochee BDR-X during our testing, and from gravel roads to rocky climbs the little 500 feels composed, predictable, and ready to get a little rowdy.
"The suspension is supportive enough to handle rocky climbs and the occasional jump, yet plush enough to smooth rough pavement as well."
The other major improvement comes in the form of Honda's HSTC traction control system.
This isn't the sophisticated multi-level selectable system found on flagship bikes like the 2024 Africa Twin, but the simple on/off setup is still a nice safety feature to have on wet pavement.
"The high-quality TFT display, as well as Honda's HSTC traction control, add major value to the equation."
Last but certainly not least, we'd be remiss if we didn't point out that all this new and improved stuff, from the plastics to the ride quality to the technology, only comes at a $100 premium over the old CB500X.
Considering the fact that a $100+ premium a year is pretty standard for models with zero upgrades to speak of nowadays, we'd say the 2024 Honda NX500 delivers on its bang-for-the-buck factor more than ever.
2024 Honda NX500: The Bad
"The rubber footpegs are back, and they're still downright terrifying when things get muddy."
- Same old rubber footpegs
- Still a bit heavy for the segment
- Still feels a little small for taller riders
- Limited off-road capability
- Mild engine output
The main drawbacks we found during our time with the new NX500 are all things carried over from the CB500X. Because the dimensions and the majority of the underpinnings are the same for the two models, most of our old complaints still apply here.
First on the list, those same tiny rubberized footpegs are still alive and well, much to our chagrin. Granted, Honda has always intended this motorcycle to be a great all-around street bike first and an off-roader second, but we've never minded a large grippy peg on the pavement if we're being honest.
"While the new aluminum wheels alone drop three pounds from the NX500's weight, the bike is still a little porkier than some competitors."
The second point to note is that although Honda has made some good headway in cutting the 500's total curb weight, it's still a bit porky, especially for the 400-500cc class.
At 432 pounds fully fueled and ready to go, the NX500 is a good bit heavier than competitors like KTM's 390 Adventure, Royal Enfield's new Himalayan 450, or CFMoto's enticing new Ibex 450.
We also noted that while the NX500 is a comfortable bike all-around, it does feel a bit smaller than your average middleweight, especially for riders six feet and up. A taller, flatter seat from the folks at Rally Raid would go a long way to remedy this, but other aftermarket goodies like skid plates and footpegs will be top priority for most adventure riders.
"Overall the ergos are good, but the bike feels a little small for taller riders unless you happen to be standing on the pegs."
Speaking of protection, while the Honda NX500 is a capable off-roader in the general sense, it's still limited by the same overall dimensions as the outgoing CB500X.
Specifically its comparatively low 7.1 inch ground clearance leaves the engine's oil pan and exhaust dangerously exposed over big hits and drops, so a skid plate is mandatory if you'll be tackling anything gnarlier than maintained gravel or dirt.
"The exhaust and oil pan are still exposed and a bit low, so aftermarket protection is a smart idea if you're planning on getting dirty."
Finally, although Honda has tweaked the ECU for improved acceleration, the NX500 still falls somewhere short of thrilling in the power department.
The engine is always a torquey and willing companion, but on paved roads it can leave you wanting a little more when blasting out of corners or passing on fast-moving highways.
FAQ's For the 2024 Honda NX500
You asked, we answered. Here's our take on all the internet's most pressing questions about Honda's budget-friendly adventure rig.
"Yes, Seat Concepts' popular tall/rally seat is still plug-and-play for the NX500 if you want a little more space to spread out."
Do aftermarket CB500X parts fit the NX500?
For all the Rally Raid fans out there looking to convert the new Honda NX500 into a proper ADV, the answer is "yes, for the most part." Because the NX shares many of its parts and geometry with the 2022-2023 CB500X, parts like wheels, suspension upgrades, luggage racks, engine guards, and seats are still direct bolt-ons in most cases.
Is the Honda NX500 coming to the USA?
Yes, in fact it's already here. Although Honda hasn't done much to promote this bike to date, we can confirm it has already made its way to showrooms nationwide.
How many miles per gallon does a Honda NX500 get?
Depends on how you ride it, of course, but we generally managed about 60mph with mixed city, highway, and off-road riding. You can get a lot more if you take it easy on the throttle, but even when giving the NX500 the absolute beans we still managed a 50mpg on average.
How fast is the Honda NX500?
While the NX is no speed demon, it'll take you just over 100mph if you really want. The bike likes to cruise around 70mph in top gear, but an 80mph is still fairly pleasant with minimal vibes through the handlebars.
Final Thoughts on the new NX500...
After spending a few months riding the 2024 Honda NX500 anywhere and everywhere, we've gotta give credit where credit is due. While we wouldn't exactly say Honda took any "big risks" with their changes to the popular platform, we will say they've managed to make it better in just about every way.
"Looks better, rides better, still extremely affordable. Enough said."
It handles better, rides smoother, and looks better than ever, yet at its core it's still very much the same insanely reliable, user-friendly motorcycle we've come to appreciate over the last several years.
While the new looks and tweaked suspension would be more than enough to justify the modest $100 increase in price, the additional safety of traction control paired with the added refinement of a full-color TFT display really drives home the value here.
Finally, we're pretty stoked to learn that all of our favorite upgrades from the old CB500X still apply here, which means the NX500 has the rare distinction of being a new model with immediate aftermarket support.
A few hundred bucks on the Rally Raid website will transform this all-rounder into a truly adventure-ready machine, so keep an eye out for it on our tours next year.
→Read More: Best Adventure Motorcycles on The Market in 2024 and 8 Adventure Motorcycle Tires That Will Get You Through Anything.
