2024 HONDA NX500 Mini-Adventurer Gets a New Name – and Even More Rugged Style
Right from the start it was a motorcycle that, without fanfare, quietly got on with the job of being supremely competent and adaptable for a wide variety of owners.
NX means ‘New X-over’ which is exactly what the new NX500 is. Fun on a winding road, fun on a gravel trail and ready to go the distance, its all-round credentials are reinforced with an impressive update to its adventure styling. The wheels too are lighter, and the suspension settings front and rear have been upgraded to improve ride quality.
The A2-licence friendly 471cc, 8-valve liquid-cooled parallel twin-cylinder layout offers a well-proportioned balance of physical size and willing, enjoyable power output, with an energetic, high-revving character and zappy top end. And it’s very much an engine whose overall performance and character belie its relatively small capacity; peak power of 35kW arrives at 8,600rpm, with 43Nm torque delivered at 6,500rpm.
A 24YM addition is HSTC to manage rear wheel traction for increased peace of mind and a real boost for rider confidence. The system compares front and rear wheel speeds to detect rear slip and controls the fuel injection to smoothly reduce torque. HSTC can also be turned off completely if the rider wishes.
Feeding the PGM-FI fuel injection is a more-or-less straight shot of airflow through the airbox and throttle bodies. Optimisation of ignition timing and air/fuel ratio equals more powerful acceleration feel from low rpm, with linear power delivery and throttle feel. The exhaust muffler features dual exit pipes, giving a sporting edge to each pulse, and a rasping high-rpm howl.
A slick-changing six-speed gearbox is managed by an assist/slipper clutch, eliminating rear wheel ‘hop’ under hard braking and downshifting.
slipper clutch-equipped twin-cylinder engine benefits from the addition of Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) as well as ECU updates to improve acceleration.
The fuel tank holds 17.5L including reserve, and, combined with the engine’s excellent fuel economy of 3.6L/100km (27.8km/l) (WMTC mode), gives a range of over 480km.
A new LED headlight design maintains beam penetration but throws out wider light distribution for increased visibility when riding – and cornering – at night. It’s matched to a new LED taillight. All other lighting is also LED.
brand new, 5-inch full colour TFT screen inherited from the XL750 Transalp – uses optical bonding to improve visibility in bright sunlight, a first for a Honda motorcycle. By sealing the gap between the cover glass and TFT screen with resin glare is reduced, and backlight transmittance improved. It’s customisable between Bar, Circle and Simple display patterns and also offers the IOS/Android smartphone connectivity of Honda RoadSync.
This new feature – alongside a simplified, easy-to-use, backlit 4-way toggle-switch on the left handlebar – allows straightforward, on-screen turn-by-turn navigation as well as the option (via a Bluetooth helmet headset) for the rider to make calls or listen to music.
Gunmetal grey tapered steel handlebar elevate control further still. Seat height is 830mm and the upright riding position is very accommodating, while providing excellent visibility. Overall dimensions are 2,165mm x 830mm x 1,415mm, with 180mm ground clearance.
A slim seat profile allows for free movement around the machine and aids easy ground reach and, to help manoeuvrability, the steering angle is 38° from centred to full lock.
the 35mm diameter steel diamond-tube mainframe has a tuned degree of yield that gives plenty of feedback to the rider as road surfaces change. The shape and position of the engine mounts, plus the frame’s rigidity balance, keep vibration to a minimum.
Wheelbase is 1,445mm with rake and trail of 27.5°/108mm and front/rear bias percentage of 48.7/51.3. Kerb weight is 196kg – 3kg lighter than the CB500X.
Showa 41mm Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks divide the functions – Big Piston pressure separation damper in one leg, spring mechanism in the other – and reaction and ride quality are top draw. They feature 135mm axle travel (150mm cushion stroke) and have new spring rate and damping settings to improve reaction and feel for both road and off-road riding.
The single-tube shock absorber, with 135mm axle travel (60mm cushion stroke) has new settings to match the front and its large-diameter piston ensures excellent temperature management; it offers 5-stage preload adjustment. Constructed from 2mm steel, the swingarm employs a hollow cross member – it is stiff rotationally and flexible laterally to improve handling.
Completely new are the cast aluminium wheels. Going from a conventional Y-shaped 7-spoke design to Y-shaped 5-spokes saves 800g front and 700g rear. This reduction of unsprung weight works with the revised suspension settings to improve handling and feel in all situations. The 19-inch front is matched to a 17-inch rear; trail-pattern tyres are sized 110/80-R19 and 160/60-R17.
Dual 296mm front discs are worked by Nissin axial mount, two-piston calipers; the rear 240mm disc a single-piston caliper.
Accessories
A range of Genuine Honda Accessories designed in parallel with the motorcycle for perfect cohesion are available for the NX500, as individual innovative parts that complement the unit or grouped in packs, and ready to bolt straight on with an official Honda guarantee:
Adventure Pack
For the rigours of the open road, the Adventure Pack enhances the off-roader appearance while adding extra comfort and protection. Fog Lights improve visibility in poor weather conditions and are mounted on top of the Front Side Pipes, finished in black, which help to protect the motorcycle. The Knuckle Guards protect the hands from the cold and flying debris, while the Smoked Screen and Wheel Stripes add style. A Tank Pad shields paint from zip damage.
Travel Pack
A set of dual 16.5L semi-rigid plastic panniers with an easy attachment system combine with a Rear Seat Bag with up to 22L of capacity make traveling easier.
Urban Pack
For daily riding in and out of town this is the perfect setup; a 38L Top Box offers plenty of storage space and comes complete with Pillion Backrest and handy Inner Bag. The Main Stand allows easy chain maintenance and convenient parking on uneven surfaces.
Comfort Pack
For added comfort and practicality, the Heated Grips take the cold out of winter days, with up to 5 heat levels and memory function while being displayed on the TFT. The Wind Deflectors help keep turbulent traveling air away from the rider’s lower body. An ACC Socket offers a charging point under the seat and the 3L Tank Bag allows convenient carrying with a see-through pocket for smartphones and a rain cover.
