Thanks for the video. I have a 2021 CB500x which I bought in Chile for trips I do in Patagonia. It wasn’t my first choice but it was affordable. 3 trips and 20,000kms later I love it so much I ordered a NX to ride here in Canada. What is so great? Huge range due to 17litre tank and amazing fuel economy. Buttery smooth engine that will cruise happily all day on the highway at the speed limit and this is important because the distances are huge. Tubeless tires! Not a wheel or tire issue despite the very rough roads and tracts I’ve ridden. I use KTC80s. Light and easy to maneuver through congested towns and even into the odd hotel lobby. I’ve gone places on this bike that I would not venture on a much heavier machine. I added a Rally Raid bash plate that has seen contact a few times. Also some fork rubbers to keep the dust out. Barkbuster hand guards and soft Enduristan bags have protected the bike on the inevitable low speed crashes. The CB and NX are highly underrated rough road travel bikes. Looking forward to my new white NX.
Honda doesn't make sense. This motor could fit in a CR frame.. light, great suspension, 21in front wheel can do everything off road and cross country or motocross track..add a 500 water cooled twin and tubeless tires and it will be the best bike. The bike everyone wants.. sorry Kove. Single won't do it. Sorry CF Moto 500 pounds is not off road.. and China build quality is why people buy Honda. No reason for this bike w Transalp at $10k
I think this is a better bike than the transalp for what i do... I don't need nor want 85hp. The CB500X is the perfect bike for many ppl... I've had everything from the CRF250 rally, 2019 cb500x non abs & 2021 Africa twin adventure sport... Prefer the CB500X
The NX/500X is a great real world touring bike. It certainly doesn’t need laugh out loud (sic) power, only someone who rides like a prat would consider that necessary on public roads. Why do reviewers put so much emphasis on motorway performance? Motorways are not the natural home of any motorcycle other than a cruiser, the Honda belongs on B roads where it excels. It’s seating position makes it a comfortable, capable touring bike, being perched on top would not improve it at all.
Just my opinion! I did make it clear W’ways are not the natural playground for the NX. Throttle goes both ways, I’d rather have power there when needed / wanted. Cheers
Love seeing your take on bikes ❤ but I don’t know where you got the 250mm ground clearance from?(perhaps by crossing stats with the standard Africa Twin) everywhere else I look I see it holds the same 180mm the CB500X had… No suspension length difference or chassis hence makes sense there will not be such a big difference. BTW the shifter is adjustable to fit your dancing shoes as well as your MX boots 😅
Have always been a fan of the cb500x. There’s plenty of aftermarket upgrades out there. Rally raid makes parts for suspension and chassis upgrades. Love the updates they’ve made with the NX can’t wait to see them in the US.
It’s a great bike, if the best I can do is pick on lack of bash plate, or USB, then hopefully viewers ‘get it’. RR kits are not cheap, I wonder what the overall cost would be after a Stage 1 or 2 upgrade?
@@Motoeuro I figure if you’re really wanting the most out of that chassis to fully utilize the engine you’d be into it about as much as buying a transalp out right, but with a better weight and suspension set up than the transalp stock.
Just been to Marrakech and back on mine.Over 5000 miles. I'm 6 feet tall and it was surprisingly comfortable. As you say its a very approachable bike and easy to ride but I'll stick to tarmac with it and use a 300Rally for off road. SW Moth have now launched their accessories.....including a bash plate.
The old Honda cb 500 1994 to 2002 was a far better model than these new low powered models they churn out today. The TFT Screens are rubbish compared to the old analog clocks and if we want sat navs we can simply buy them. The old cb 500 was 57bhp and wasn't bogged down with needless rider mode crap on the handlebars. Rider modes and TFT Screens should only be fitted as an extra for those that like all that but l think we should have a choice. We all have maps on our phones.
@mikerider58 unfortunately Mike, engines have to comply with euro standards to meet emissions regulations, furthermore there's more choice now than there ever was so there's a bike for everyone now. To add, manufacturers are supplying engines to fall in the A2 categories to attract the new crowd in, hence the lower power, but in fairness engines now are far and away more efficient than back then and undoubtedly more reliable. Honda cb500x are still running with well over 120k on the clock as are the Tracer cp2 engines.
Have one as an alternate bike to my big one 1300. Also, it is delightful to ride it all day long as an experienced rider, this could well be the very best bike for beginners! Upside down fork, double breaking discs, anti hopping Clutch, excellent display and very fine gear box for driving 450 kilometers with a Single tank-fuel......🎉🎉🎉
There are plenty of great after market accessories so it’s not important that Honda don’t offer a baseplate. I’m sure that a lot of the bikes sold will go off the tarmac, the 500X is very capable on loose surfaces.
I would like to think some of the NX’s would see some light dirt. I simply find it odd that Honda offer so many accessories but the first one I’d pick isn’t even on offer.
Don't really need a bash plate if you don't ride rough trails. Not all adventure bikes are designed to be off road chargers. Probably 80% might take it on a rougher trail once and never venture there again. They watch videos then try it and realize it isn't easy, even with the right bike. A gravel road is the hardest road they will ever travel.
This new NX is a disappointment for me cause it's just an updated CB500X. Don't get me wrong. I own a CB500X and absolutely love it , and on every ride, it puts a big smile on my face. But when I heard that Honda was reviving the NX line, I was excited and hoping for a lightweight 500cc thumper. Nope. Great review by the way.
I don't know where the guy from (probably British) but very good and understandable, clear English voice, thanks for that in the name of not native viewers!
My favorite thing about my old CB500X was the engine and gas mileage. It was a beast on a tour. I was thinking of gettin a new CB500X but this NX500 is a no-brainer. This after having gone from CB500X to Africa Twin; I'm going back. An outstanding commuter bike, that you can take out for a weekend road (even dirt road) adventure. It appears to be more of a baby TransAlp then a baby Africa Twin. I love the accessory package and would still add a bash-plate and side cases.
The reintroduced TransAlp and the NX500 both had the opportunity to be the lightweight off road capable ADV bike that's powerful enough to cruise on highways that we've been begging for but once again, the big motorcycle companies are mocking us with ADV styled street bikes.
@@Motoeuro - I'm more interested in the 500 cc Kove Rally reimagined as an ADV bike. Love the huge fuel capacity. The 500 cc Ibex from CF Moto is close to what the market has been begging for for decades. The big moto manufacturers area a cartel that refuses to sell us what we want, but the Chinese are getting close.
@@Liberty4Ever Agreed. Give it 5 years for a bigger dealer network and there will be huge changes in attitudes I think - I remeber whne Japanese bikes were called 'Jap Crap' look what happened there! Cheers
Great review, I've been looking at these while I'm looking at selling the Tenere 700 I got for dad unfortunately it's worked out to tall an to much for him with his stage 3b/4 prostate cancer time for a lower seat an something more managable :)
I visited honda dealership a week ago to see and check new NX500. I'm 192 cm tall and I feel great compare to my duke 390. NX500 from my perspective is perfect for me. I'm going to order soon this baby.
Cb 500x was the most dull tedious bike I have owned and couldn't wait to get shot of it...this is the same bike with some lipstick Honda really need to put some effort into bike design they are just lazy and completely misunderstand the market
5:40 because bashplate possible mounts are not suited for absorbing impacts, due to oil pan design, if you mount a aftermarket bashplate and you hit something even at very low speed, the mounting would snap and punch a hole in the oil pan, i ready this experience just 2 days ago
Ive tested a 2023 CB500x and loved it in many ways, BUT, couldn't get past the vibration at motorway speeds....it really was an issue for me. I was hoping that Honda solved it with this bike but it doesn't sound like it. I wonder if its because of the 180 degree twin configuration on the engine. I am holding out for the CFMoto450MT in the hope that doesn't have similar issues (given its a 270 degree twin). Thoughts?
They've talked about improving the vibration problem with every new model upgrade of this bike. Journalists all said the same thing. I guess it's just promo talk...
1st time visiting your channel and gotta say you have a wonderful cadence and demeanor that is very well suited to your review style. Happy to subscribe! cheers from Canada!
great little bike if people have their eyes open to what it really is, adventure though LOL, this = a great road tourer that will be as reliable as a cockroach. That said, the Rieju aventura legend makes mincemeat of this - same engine, better everything else
new channel for me. have the rally. 1st bike. first and only time in Newcastle was 1990. world cup (much Mcewans after the loss) Tina Turner over the fence at Gateshead. learnt the local speak. good memories.
Observations: My inseam is 36"+ (huge props for including yours) so that does raise some concern for me. Although a Russell Day Long seat would cure that ASAP. Bash plate; it seems to me a decent OEM bash plate is as rare as hens teeth with people opting for after market anyway so maybe Honda just said F@#$ it, let the aftermarket supply it. Now we wait for the boys at Rally Raid to provide some juicy bits for it. :^)
hundreds of kms off road on my 2019 500x if not thousands.... if you are smart the bashguard is not needed...and there's lots of aftermarket ones to choose from.
Lovely bike but it should have at least 500cc (even owners believe they have 500cc engine 😅) and optional quickShifter. It's too weak even for beginners (A2 owners could limit power with software - we are in 2024)
@@chrishart8548reason not a 600 becouse some countrys limted to cc buy here listrance in lot country in eu and uk. my transalp only 55bhp that prefect not need anymore or less. it amzing offroading. gone places a norden failed get to. nx500 is what a transalp is but it not got the spoked wheels 21 inch.
Nice and succinct! Well done! I am sure the parts suppliers will design a bash plate in no time and I really think this an ideal ADV bike to start,on for a young person. In France you can buy one with an A2 license, as in all EU countries. Not sure for the UK.
Annoys me that Honda refuses to have cruise control as an option on Adventure bikes under than the Africa Twin. The CB500x/NX500 or NX750 or even the Transalp would greatly benefit from it as they are great touring machines. For that reason if I ever upgrade my CB500x I will be looking elsewhere.
So when the dealership rogered you for the new crash bars or the transalp repair, did you keep the old ones? Would have been worth a few quid after some paint...
You seem like a very nice person, but there's some things you've missed. It has 180 mm clearance, not 250mm. This, along with cb500x, is actually very commonly used off road and it's often found globetrotting. Many people take it on serious off road because the seat is low and it's relatively light / easy to maneuver (albeit you can't ride it as fast as a proper off road bike). They probably see too much dirt for their design, and a simple google search would clear this up. It's also one of Rally Raid's "special" bikes. It's much more competent than it looks. There are TONS of skid plates, crash bars, hand guard and whatever else. I don't mean bug spoilers, I mean actual crash worthy skid plates and bars that complete the frame to make it a makeshift cradle-like structure, connecting the back of the frame to the front of the frame. Shifter can be adjusted to fit your foot. It does get low on power when on a highway, especially two up, that is right, but it is also very nippy below 60 mph. However, it has a carry capacity of 189 kg, which is on the higher side among bikes. The "decent" 17.2 l tank is actually huge if you consider the fuel efficiency. This bike can go much farther than most bikes available right now. Twin disks have been available since the 2022 model. This bike also lasts ridiculously long, most probably due to it's simplicity and low compression ratio. It sounds ok stock, but one advantage is this bike can be fitted with an aftermarket silencer / can, without changing the whole evac piping. It is on the smaller side, yes, which makes it better in the city, less so on the highway. The TFT thing, I don't know, it might be a matter of preference, but I've yet to meet riders that actually want the TFT. People I've met are more like "it's cool, yeah, but not a game breaker". You also forgot to mention the windshield, most often a little too short for proper wind protection, but easily fixable with an extender. Also, I like your presentation style :)
It seems like a perfect beginner's bike. My son's eyeing it for his first - I approve. And just as I wanted to type something to the tune, glad it didn't fall over... Ahaha, the "Ooooh" is unforgettable! Thank you, love your reviews.
@@oknevals I started paying attention when he said he'll buy it (as soon as he can afford it, so it still may be years! :D). With what he has on his mind: A2 licence that he has, manageable power and approachable stature, travel capability, and a reasonable price... I see nothing better. Of course, motorcycles aren't the most rational of things, but rationally, I'd be hard-pressed. It beats the naked Honda sibling, because you can put cases on it and a pillion. I love the new RE Himalayan - actually all of them - but single-cyl traveling, say from our Belgrade to a beach in Greece, is not happy going. The other REs can't match the practicality. I still mistrust the growing and increasingly attractive Chinese army - plus, those are unsellable second-hand. This isn't a fighting argument! :)
@@borisbabich A lot depends on how tall and strong your son is. Also, how he plans on using it. I can't imagine more appropriate bike for Serbia or whole Balkan region. It is still heavy and powerful for first bike and there are a lot of fun dirt roads where 500X requires more experience. It was my second bike after Yam xt250 that I trashed off road but, I'm still keeping it in the stable. First bike is learning bike and you may pretty much write it off. It will be dropped and trashed. I would also check on crf300 or kawi versys 300 (although they come with tube tires). Maybe even xt250 or klx230 as they are air cooled. Over there you may also have Suz V-strom 250. That may be another good start and it can take you to Greece. Any bike can. I don't think people cruise there for hours over 100-120kmh. I was doing 200+ miles days in Texas on my xt250. I wouldn't go with Indian bikes. They are cool but not reliable (I have two of them).
@@oknevals All good points. He's just under 180 (5'11" cca) and is very fit. He's also 25 - so not a kid - a car drive with 7-8 years under the butt and two seasons of commuting on my SH150. So, he is my kid, but also a full adult who mercifully behaves normally in traffic. Yes, the NX is on the heavier side, but it shouldn't be much more of a problem than, say, the nidget Strom or the Versys. He has a clear vision of what he wants to do with the bike and, it's within that context, that I agree with his choice. More - from what I keared about the bike since I started looking, it seems downright, akh, well, ideal. 😊 If it happens, then he'll also have an intercom and, just like when he started driving a car, we'll go riding, chattering about the do and don't and hopefully setting him off on a life of fun, safe riding. I appreciate your thoughts - really spot on.
🦘 Ah, English spoken with just a hint of Geordie - the most colourful of English accents/dialects - especially in its broad form. Useful review - convincing me stick to my gorgeous 2021 Grand Prix red CB 500X .... 25,000 km young, still going smooth and strong in all terrains and surfaces (with the help of Michelin Anakee Adventures) and only drinking 3.1L/100 km.
I am not sure what's Honda's market play here but this bike is priced almost as the new Hornet, I'd rather buy that one and skip the no tarmac beautiful country roads. Transalp is the better choice in this segment if you got the budget. Overpriced , minus the minus accessories . The new CFmoto 450 MT will destroy the NX500 , comes right out the box with more accessories and better equipped for the off-road and the price gap is to be considered. They need to offer better competition. Dissapointed :(
250mm ground clearance??? i don't believe that, my 701 has only 270mm, my g310gs with rally raid lvl2 had only 240mm. honda says it is 180mm i think in reality it is much smaller then that.
I once had a cb500x with the full rally raid level 2 kit installed. It was a fantastic small adv bike and frankly i regret selling it. The low center of gravity makes it feel light and nimble, and make it weirdly easy to pick ip when dropped. I did single track with it and it did pretty damned well comsidering it is a 430lb twin cylinder bike!