ADV UPDATE | HONDA NX500 | More than a CB500X? 

Totally agree with you on missed opportunity. I was really hoping to see a 21/18 NX 500 instead they just rebranded it. Very disappointing in my opinion

Home builders have managed to engine swap the CB500 engine into a CRF250X frame, so if a bloke with an angle grinder can do it, Honda can do it.

It's really nice to see Honda, Beta, Royal Enfield, Triumph, and other companies putting more focus on updating their sub-600 cc offerings. Manageable, usable power and torque is always better than numbers way high in the rev range or at speeds one can't legally achieve, and on bikes above 450 lbs.

I really hope the CFMOTO 450 mt does well to serve as a wake up call for the legacy manufacturers, I really want to see more light weight adv bikes with a 21/18 setup.

Couldn't agree more Solid!. As a long time CB 500X owner it's a great bike but without dropping a couple of grand on it, it's a road bike with adv styling. There's definitely room for a much more off road capable version to stand alongside the venerable X. Potential for this platform was spotted by Rally Raid UK years ago, adding improved, longer travel suspension, spoked rims, switchable abs and proper protection. Guess new owners of the NX will have to look to the aftermarket (again) if they want to play in the dirt. I don't mind really, as at least it provides the opportunity for small dedicated engineering companies to keep developing their products.

They had to do this stunt because the competition is moving in. They feel the pressure. The new Himalayan, the kove 800, the CFmoto 450, and many more. Yes, you said it, missed opportunities by, not just Honda, but all the Japanese manufacturers. The Japanese need to up their game on dual sport, super Moto, and light unicorn adventure bikes. They are not listening to the market.

Yep, I wouldn't upgrade from the CRF300 to this. Alloy wheels, pretty heavy for what it is. TBH I'd skip this and go straight to the Transalp.

Reliable, great looking, I DON'T CARE ABOUT THE NAME/BRANDING... As long as it does what I need it for, great! THANK YOU HONDA!!!

Let's see an XR500L with that angine!

Great analysis. Honda is obviously protecting their bigger more expensive Africa 2 bikes . They hope. I would hate to buy chinese but the cf moto 450 you showed us yesterday seemed much closer to what i want . I understand Hondas logic , I think they are about to be reminded of what they did to the industry. Show that small doesnt have to be austere low quality. I respect Honda but us old men have seen this movie before.

Wasn't the original NX called the Dominator? If so, this definitely isn't...

All I want is the 450cc wrapped with the CRF300 Rally package. Prefer a single cylinder for simplicity but will take the twin. Why do the manufacturers not get this???

The motorcycle industry has turned into a cargo cult, just like Hollywood. And it breaks my heart to see it. Instead of focusing on innovation and attracting new riders, they are harkening back to their glory days in a desperate bid for relevance. Harley Davidson already proved that this is a doomed long-term marketing strategy. Nostalgia-baiting is the death throes of a dying industry.

I really hoped that this NX500 would be a real dual sport. Unfortunately not... Getting a bit a disappointed in Honda. Lots of crossover bikes, but nothing really purpose built. The new Transalp got 21/18 wheel combo, good power, light, but no cruise control, non-adjustable suspension, traction control takes ages (7 clicks) to turn off. I think they targeted CB500X owners who wanted a more power, and a 21 inch front wheel. But who knows, maybe we offroad adventure/dual sport community are the load minority, but everybody else wants these crossover bikes? Light at the end of the tunner: Africa Twin separation makes sense, a touring bike and an off-road version.

I was looking at a new CB500X 3 years ago and told the dealer "if it had a 21" front and spoked wheels I'd buy it in a heartbeat". I think it was feedback he'd received a few times. Why won't Honda listen to their customers? I'm not spending £6699 on a bike then thousands extra on a Rally Raid kit.

I don't get the design. It just looks like a transalp 750. The cb500 had an aggressive look. I agree with you at the screen update point and that it is just a marketing trick.

A badge swap was honestly the last thing I thought Honda was going to do. What a disappointment. At least CFMoto is making an effort and came through.

I'm loving the new name. In South America we had a couple of exclusive models (the NX350 Sahara and NX400 Falcon) that kept the "NX" brand alive, so it's nice to see it return.

I totally agree with your "missed opportunity" assessment. It chaps my hide that I have to go out and put (essentially) a new suspension on the bike to make usable offroad.

I agree they could do a little more, spoked wheels, and slightly more sus. But I was just thinking right before I saw this refresh, how this bike desperately needs a new color screen, and some updated looks. This now puts it firmly on my radar. The aftermarket has the rest sorted. 🤘

Solid mate there are big news regarding the aprox 160ish kilo ADV sector. Check out the kove800x rally and the slightly more touring focused rieju 500 adventura. The 500 adventura might share theengine with the honda 500x (rumor) but has 39l of onboard fuel due to 2 tanks. China is coming for the segment.

Perfect video, even better analyse! You are so right about pointing out the disappointing truth, it is a branding exercise and a big mistake knowing that the lightweight segment is heating up. A miss for Honda, hope they are listening! Subscribed!

A mono adventure by Honda, 500cc max with decent fuel tank and a bit of fairing would sell like bread but no, we get this washout of a bike.

The problem with the need to find something to criticize. LOL It' time to turn the page. If someone wants a Honda with a 21 inch front wheel and more suspension travel, there is the 750. Doesn't weigh and doesn't cost too much more than this bike. If they want a single cylinder, there is the 300 series. I think these changes from CBX to the NX model, although mostly cosmetic, show how Honda has evolved the CB500X project. It is no longer the old CB for quite a while already. I doubt Honda ever imagined taking that original 17 front wheel 100% street bike to today's NX500 name plate. Which in today's terms, it is perfect. I have a 2015 CB500X with a full rally raid kit, spoke wheels and all, 19-in front wheel, and more than once someone on the trail thought it was an NX bike. Two more things: Honda offers today more options on the range from dual sport to adventure bikes than any other manufacturer. And a 19-inch front wheel never stopped BMW from being acclaimed as the number 1 adventure riding machine. Don't mind my criticism, I love your channel.

Solid, as usual you called it! A huge miss by Honda, don't know why they're so afraid to make a smaller transalp, we're not getting any younger out here!

Was hoping to see more leg room. I'm 6ft and felt very cramped in cb500x. Pegs were a little far back for my liking. I will say that after sitting on the Transalp at least 15 different times.....could possibly be one of the most comfortable seating positions I've experienced. Just my opinion. Has anyone else felt cramped in the leg area on 500x?

Hi Solid, yeah it’s definitely not an NX in any way shape or form it’s an updated CB500X which would have been great with the new look and new dash. Say what you will about Chinese bikes but they are giving people what they really want in small adventure bikes now, they come with all the accessories as standard and they look brilliant. The big Japanese brands are missing out big time here. I am looking for a smaller adventure bike, I love the look of the new Triumph 400X think this will be a winner. Come on Japan the Chinese bikes are catching up big time.

This is exactly what I was thinking, why Honda leave the door open for aftermarket mods when I am sure we would all rather own official Honda approved parts is beyond me. Suzuki do,it with the V storm in two version, the XT with spoked wheels and protection. I would gladly pay extra for an official more off road capable version. As a two time owner of CB500x (2014 and 2023 models) I like the additions to the new NX but still prefer the styling of 2023 CB personally. Great video, thanks for posting.

I agree with you for the most part. I was hoping they'd have an "Adventure Sports" model with spoked wheels, maybe a 21'' front wheel, and at least an inch more ground clearance. While the majority of the power plant and suspension remain the same, it appears Honda may have tuned spring rates and dampening or at least made them more adjustable. It's also rumored they tuned the engine or gearing to improve acceleration at low RPMs and the overall power delivery. Until we see more feedback from riders who test it, we won't know for sure. Either way, that name change seems unnecessary as the NX500 appears to just be a design and performance tweaked evolution of the CB500X.

I agree with you about the missed opportunity.

Perhaps Honda went with this branding exercise because they plan a more off road capable model in the future (adding more suspension travel and ground clearance, bashplate, spoke wheels, adjustable suspension,etc.) and calling it the NX500 Dominator. Leaving the regular NX as an entry model, and the Dominator as a more capable premium model. That would be pretty great and I think it could make them heaps of money.

would love to have seen a spoked 21 /18 combo wheel size and spoked wheels. at the same time the tft display and new bodywork is a great update

I bought 1 in 2021 only to see an improved model in 2022. Sold it and waited until 2023 hoping for a red version only to be stuck with the green for 2 years but liked it enough to buy it. Was hoping for a color change so I could swap plastics and they do this! But they haven't announced it for the US yet so I'm in limbo.

Hey Solid, another swing and a miss for Honda, it's like they don't ask what riders want, it's a great looking bike, I'm sure it will do just fine for most, but us dirt guys want a little bit more. The NX of back in the day was great, same thing with the Transalp, they just can't get over the finish line. 😢 great update mate.

Totally agree. Honda are doing the usual promo video with loads of extras (and weight) added though, I really doubt it's 196kg with those engine bars added

To get more attention on the model , yet you can’t find a CB500X in the states on a showroom floor driving up the dealer costs if you do .

I recently commented on your video about the CF Moto 450 MT, wishing it had the features you suggest the Honda NX should have. Obviously, it is worth reflecting on the ideal and real use. We could agree that the ADV category in motorcycles is similar to the SUV category in cars: purely utilitarian vehicles that allow you to move from point A to point B, but with style. And the motorcycle has that utilitarian meaning for 99% of the population, myself included, although we would all like to belong to the 1% that transcends with its name engraved in motor sports. We could say that 5% of the public really awakens the capabilities that their pure ADVs offer them. Still, I think I'm being too generous. Luckily the public is growing, with motorcycle sales increasing in some countries and car sales decreasing, and it is increasingly biased towards the adventurous sense. But motorcycling is still a business, and profits rule: "thousands of flies don't make mistakes, they all want shit"... and they get shit. In this context, companies that have nothing to lose, because they sell just by mentioning their name, are maximizing the gap between users who really have a need for a technical motorcycle and users who give it a utilitarian use with the advantage that now They may step on some loose dirt. But luckily there are also brands that have everything to gain, taking advantage of that niche that big brands abandon. And although there is little confidence in these brands because they are new and do not have much track record in sight, we can rest assured, knowing that someone will continue to listen to the public that is not convinced of a wild machine nor is it satisfied with a simple transport.

Hi there, agree with you on the missed opportunity, I have a 2023 and I miss be able to go off-road a little better, Honda could have changed a few more things around, and what is killing me is that this bike is more road oriented and yet they still didn’t put the cruise control, I’m really thinking and looking at the Himalayan 450, they same to have not lost so many opportunity for there new bike 😂

Man i think it looks so good.i really want one of these in white.

ordering the white one tomorrow, love it

Any content on Keeway TX450R shown at Eicma

The Dominator is like an XR with different plastics, they are reluctant to start, I had one until I got tired of fixing it... I am on my way to buy a NX, I know... two different bikes... yes, but I am also very different than 10 years ago! Apparently the NX is really reliable and confortable enough for a second passenger so I can get my old lady to join me on ride...

The updates look great to this. Branding aside. The new screen alone is maybe worth me waiting

I wonder when it will be released in Oz mate...Any ideas?

This bike coming out makes me think it is a stop gap for a year or so until a new model is released. It makes me less likely to get one as I think a revised bike with this design language is just around the corner.

Agreed,there is a missed opportunity if you do most of your riding off road - but if you're mainly on road it's a much more capable machine ie: smaller front wheel(19 inch),lower centre of gravity (180mm ground clearance) and less travel in the suspension (under 6 inches) plus it's tubeless - so for someone like me who spends 90 percent of my time on the road and 9 percent on gravel and less than 1 percent off road it is the best option by far...👍

Pros: Gps mounting bar Cons: No bashplate And again NO Wingbadge Honda just bring back the splendid V4 Crosstourer DCT with premiums from AT & more. The Power Of Dreams ❤

Boy I agree 100%, maybe a rally version next year or two? Rally Raid version???

I think its more then just looks in design department, looking at frontal area from the front looks like they tried to address the buffetting issue with TA "side winglets" basically integrated into design here. Many reviewers said that addon on TA gets rid of a lot of buffeting.

I've just bought a CB500x and the only thing I would like from this new NX is the TFT screen - nothing else would make a difference for me - explains why honda were dropping prices across the range to get rid of stock before EICMA

Does 196 kg include the model with the crash bars,fog lights and extras. I have a CB500F so hopefully I could transfer over some goodies like my topbox and centre stand. Otherwise I could just go for a new 450 Himalayan.

Probably said already but wish they would have stayed with the big single but at 500, it's not so big. I had an NX650 and it thumped hard with some 'felt' vibration but the weight savings was attractive over the CB 500 X. I have an X with the Rally Raid conversion, so spoked wheels (21, and 19 I believe) and it's great but heavy in the 436# range. Would love to have seen a large bore single with additional vibration management (like 'the wife's' device has) and fuel injection and a weight more similar to the XR/XL 650s... 349# (??). That would have been a proper update and naming. Or, at least the ideas you've said. thanks! N

I'm glad the TFT display got implemented on this bike. I am not a fan of the old negative display on the CB.

I’m buying one to replace my NT1100 a great mini tour bike for a chap approaching his 70th year the NT’s 238 kg weight finally has me beaten unfortunately as I was really enjoying the bike 😢well done Honda 😮

Hopefully this is the path to a real Nx.

looks good but the suspension travel and ground clearance are disappointing

I have a 2022 cb500x and i think this "new" modell is very similar. The nev dash is looks good. But i happy with my older version. I buy it for 10-15 years so i wait a little bit befor changing it. And i think the more powerfull 750 transalp is also a good bike. But for offroaders need more choice then 300 crf and 1100 Africa. Honda have 2 beautifull engine and base modell 500/750 cm³ but needed a rally pack for ofroaders. But i like the road oriented variant cb500x. Thanks for honda for my great bike!

For the touring part - another missed opportunity is the lack of a cruise control. I'll never buy a bike without it again after getting one, and I usually drive long stretches and at legal speeds.

Might be an options list for spoke wheels etc. Looks top heavy and that crash bar looks crap.

To be honest, the frontend is what I think the Transalp should have looked like! I really like this rectangular headlight. Otherwise though, the CB looked much better. Especially in that dark green colouts.

Spot on, Solid.

Check out the Reiju 500 Adventure, same Honda engine, bigger suspension travel and massive twin tanks front and back.

why would they do cast wheels on the nx if we already have the cbx?!

As a NX650 owner I realy like the design ( Ill be honest a thought for a moment it will be more dirt capable CB500x but well its not ) I would realy want to have better suspention and 21 inch front with spokes (We may have it eventualy) and some red graphic with gold wheels. Somethink like that is missing in honda lineup and I would be for it

I was very excited when I heard of the NX500 until I hear more of the details, which means it is not what I was hoping it would be - a lot closer to being a competitor to the Tenere then it is for 2024. Maybe in the future but Honda is looking to design bikes that are the best for it's riders, so their bikes just are not going to be that dirt orientated until the market demands it.

Like many here, I agree with you. I was in love with the original NX bikes back in the late 80's here in the US. Some of my friends had them, and I wanted one. Honda had a golden opportunity to replace the XR650L with an NX, and this certainly does not do it. I have nothing against the CB500X (I owned one), but I'd be salivating over a true NX revival.

I believe they did just do this to get rid of its old stock but I believe they have a plan for the future. Just like the transalp I believe they will look at sales and what people want and then adjust from that. I believe they will make more and more dirt oriented bikes later but we must show them that’s what we want the same way they did with the Africa twin.

Hopefully they will eventually do that more dirt capable version 🤞

I have the 2023 Pearl Organic Green model which I think is much better looking. The TFT screen is nice but I don't spend much time looking at the screen so I will happily keep my bike. For new riders I'm sure they will enjoy the 2024 model

Still a nice bike like the NX500 will it come to the USA?

I rode both on the same day and noticed the following improvements on the NX500 compare to the cb500x 2023 - smoother throttle response - way more comfortable seat - the front fairings feels smaller and I like the knee position better - suspensions feel better too I am 6'3 and the riding position felt a lot more natural on the NX500. I was about to buy an old cb500x and might just go for a new NX500 instead (I am guessing the cb500x resell value might drop as soon as the NX5000 hits the secondary market). I would tell people to go test ride it instead of focusing on the spec sheet.

I always liked the idea of the cb500x but dont like the look of the front, i much prefer the look of the nx500. I'll do a test ride and some point, to decide between the nx500 and a used nc750x

If I was standing in a Honda showroom, my choices would be either the CRF300 or the Transalp. The NX is only about 10 pounds lighter and HALF the power. The NX will attract new euro riders that need the A4 compliance, but to me, it just isn’t sufficiently lighter or cheaper than the Transalp to make sense. Compared to other brands, the 650 Vstrom, CFMoto450, Kove, and even Himalayan or Versys (where is that 400!?!?) all have compelling features that make them interesting choices. That Honda reputation will certainly add perceived value. It remains to be seen if it is actual. We are certainly spoiled for choice!

All it needs is more in the suspension travel.

Anybody knows what is the helmet in the video ?

Its kind of the same as the trans alp. using an old name to grab some nostalgia. It looks nice, but will struggle to compete with all the 450 machines that are coming out that are lighter and have about the same power.

I owed the cb500 x. 2019 model, great bike with excellent fule economy. With the new bike I think the tft screen there a lot of wasted space around the edge and the front headlight is to small.

I'm 5'7. Novice rider. Was going to buy the 500X, but now I'm torned between these two. Which one to get please help?

The 2 CB500x 's that I owned ( 2016 / 2017 ) came in at 180kg wet ?

Why no spokes on the new "NX"

Nowhere to go off road in UK anyway. I think it's a great bike,as the old saying goes "it it ain't broke, don't fix it". Will be chopping my VStrom 650 in for one ASAP

What’s ’keep shiney foot up’ ( did I hear that right ? ). Not familiar with that :-)

The 2024 Honda CRF 300L to be released next March may have some interesting changes/upgrades or are these changes just rumours?

Wait till they install the detuned 270 crank motor of the transalp into the NX650 next year with Tubeless wire wheels

Just to add something about the NX500, I asked a TeamMoto shop when the NX500 is due and they replied not for a long time as Honda still have a lot of stock of the CB500X. I sent Honda an email for an update so hopefully they will get back to me with an answer soon.

All good Yes........... BUT all they will come at Price reveal / Already Cbx is very expensive when you compare it with any other bike in same category ...so now with this little extras i afraid the price will be prohibited for a lot of people ( for 500cc or exactly 471 )

Riuje the Spanish motorcycle company seem to use the CB500X as a basis for their 500 model. Save frame engine etc etc, but with a different style. Worth a look for disgruntled CB500X owners.

Hopefully it’s better on the highway as some people increase the front sprocket but the clock was out. Surely it should be steady up to 80mph

Or Cfmoto 450 mt.

It’s a bodykit….but. A beautiful looking body kit. So that’s a plus.

Where’s the 18 / 21 inch spoke wheels, long travel suspension and bash plate??? 😔 looks good though 😎

I suspect they hit a home run for the main demographics that will buy this bike - that won't be taking the bike off road but want the looks and the "possibility" of going off road. For the few riders that also want a real off roader - not sure they would take the Honda seriously and I think the market has other choices for that small slice. I also wonder what price point they would have to sell the bike for if they for a more capable dirt bike - especially if they were serious about keeping the weight low. I don't think there would be enough customers - at the higher price point where KTM becomes the other choice.

I have only one thing to say: if they make an nx750 that weights, looks and revs as good or better than this with and with more hp as well ill have to buy one...

Looks more serious as an off-roader than my 500X, even if it isn't.

Disappointed for the reasons you said, plus for the luck of the front plastic part and the poor colors. I was hoping for the classic blue white with gold rims.

the original honda NX500 dominator was my very first bike ever and i LOVED it. it kicked deep that this bike is named the same as my teen love whilst have nothing to do with it. i drive motorcycles for almost 15 years now and currently I'm selling my cf moto 650gt to downsize to a small dualsport / adv. the CRF 300L rally seems to fit my needs perfectly but to be honest, it's quite expensive (specially compared with the announced price of the new NX500! wtf!) and of course, i'd feel more compfortable having 30+ hp than 27. so the new NX500 made two mistakes in my opinion. 1. it's not the CRF 450/500L the whole world is waiting for (for real! even suzuki and honda cancelled their sub 600cc adventure bikes for the european market! WHY?!?) 2. it's NOT an NX500! they can call it whatever they want but it's nothing but a CB500X 2.0! i guess I'm still going to buy an CRF 300L Rally due to the lack of alternatives when my current bike has gone.

Maybe using 21/18 wheels would have allowed the NX title 🤷‍♂️

I love everything about the bike. And it would be a great replacement and upgrade for my Himalayan 411. But the reason I would buy a Honda is for trouble free riding. But why buy a Honda or any other bike with a known problem such as the water pump issue on the CB500X which Honda should have fixed immediately. "I have 30,000km on the bike and am on the 3rd water pump, and one failure left me stranded, but I love the bike". I don't get it. That one issue has kept me from even looking at the bike with intent to buy. I already have a bike I want to get rid of because of having known mechanical issues. I would also like to see the NX500 version with a more off road setup such as spoke wheels and a larger front tire. It would essentially be a lightweight version of the Africa twin and direct competition to the new 450 Himalayan.

Yes ..a bit disappointed,I will keep my cb 500 x and crf 300 l until a real unicorn sees the light😂

Not an NX until it has a skid plate and spoked wheels. Its a nice CB500x update though.