Since 2013, Honda’s CB500X has been synonymous with crossover fun and adventure. Featuring a twin-cylinder engine which produced real torque and drive from low rpm while revving hard up top, it was ideal for both weekday commutes and weekend exporing.
In 2016 a first upgrade brought with it a larger fuel tank, more wind protection and taller screen, as well as LED lighting, spring preload-adjustable front forks and adjustable brake lever. The 19YM evolution delivered more sophisticated adventure style, more engine performance and a number of chassis upgrades, while 22YM saw the addition of high-quality Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD forks, dual front discs, lightweight swingarm and redesigned front wheel.
Now, Honda has taken it a step further with the 24YM NX500, which offers aggressively redesigned styling, premium technology and a variety of detail upgrades.

Main features
The NX500 mixes compact adventure-style usability with an imposing silhouette and solidity of form. 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.
Premium technology – in the form of a 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 four-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. All an owner has to do is download the Honda RoadSync app from the Play Store or the App Store, connect to the NX500, and go.
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.
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.

The engine
The 471cc, 8-valve liquid-cooled parallel twin-cylinder layout offers a good balance between physical size and 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 600r/min, with 43Nm of peak torque delivered at 6 500r/min.
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.
A slick-changing six-speed gearbox is managed by an assist/slipper clutch, eliminating rear wheel ‘hop’ under hard braking and downshifting.
With a price tag of R124 799, the Honda NX500 certainly gives you a whole heap of biking bang for your buck.