Honda is shaking up its adventure bike line with the introduction of the NX500—a mild update and rebrand for the long-standing CB500X. A promised reduction in weight, as well as claimed improvements to the chassis, suspension, engine, and electronics, should contribute to an improved on- and off-road package for the middle-weight moto.
The NX500 is still based on the CB500R and CB500F street bikes, so it’s not a thoroughbred ADV like the Transalp or the Africa Twin, but a 19-inch front wheel, a relatively large fuel tank, and a revised long-travel 41-millimeter Showa SFF-BP inverted fork give it some off-piste cred. The modest 32-inch seat height, 432-pound curb weight, and upright riding position should make it accessible for newer riders, while the 471cc parallel twin gets updated engine management for better mid-range torque. A 5-inch TFT display is borrowed from the new Transalp.
Adventure riders in North America often find themselves floating in a disorienting middle ground when it comes to choosing a bike. We want something nimble enough to handle fun two-tracks and rough fire roads in the backcountry, but also a steed with enough power and stability to confidently mix it up with traffic on those inevitable long Interstate cruises. Big motos can be cumbersome and even downright scary in the rough stuff unless you’re really strong or deeply experienced (or both), but small-displacement bikes struggle to maintain highway speeds, carry less gear, and tremble with every passing semi-truck.
Like Goldilocks, increasingly, mid-sized bikes are the answer, especially now that modern 450-750cc engines make far more power than their predecessors while shouldering less weight than their full-sized counterparts. Motorcycles like the NX500 may end up fitting the bill for a lot more riders. The 2024 NX500 starts at $7,400, and in typical Honda fashion, is available in one color—black.
Read more: Here Comes a New Royal Enfield Himalayan
Images: Honda
Our No Compromise Clause: We do not accept advertorial content or allow advertising to influence our coverage, and our contributors are guaranteed editorial independence. Overland International may earn a small commission from affiliate links included in this article. We appreciate your support.
