NEW Honda NX500 | A Brutally Honest Review | There's Just One Problem... 

After 55 yrs of riding, I have learned this truth: Buy the motorcycle that makes your heart skip a beat; the one that you love to turn and look at as you walk away from it after parking, or when you see your reflection in a shop window. The one that, when you are stopped at a traffic light or gas station, makes old men cry from sentimentality, because they used to own one or want one. The one that makes people who don't ride, want to get on the back and ride with you, or inspires them to take up riding. Motorcycles are not minivans; sure, we can choose a bike for practicality, and we can also eat only vanilla ice cream. Feel free to be bland. Thank you, Mr Darcy & The Old Man, for pointing out the blandness of this motorcycle. The only time I would ride this bike would be at night, so there would be no chance of me accidentally seeing it, and no possibility of anyone recognizing me on it. Designs like this being fed to buyers now and accepted as normal are a mix of hideous proportions, awkward shapes, and a betrayal of design principles which, not too many decades ago, considered form and beauty as a prerequisite, though not exclusive to functionality. Edward Turner, for example, who designed some of the most beautiful motorcycles ever created, which also set speed records, the Triumph T100 & T120, would be aghast if he could see the hideous creation that is the Honda NX500, brought to us by the same company who built the original Fireblade and the CB750; both world beaters. We are not required to spend our hard earned money on substandard designs which look so strange that history will never look upon them as classic or beautiful. Many utilitarian household items which are completely functional have been designed more cleverley than this motorcycle; a toilet comes to mind.

So in summary - it does everything well, it’s good build quality, it’s cheap to buy and run and it’s reliable. But you don’t like it’s looks - which is a subjective thing.

So much disdain towards this bike from many comments around here, even comparing it to toilets and such. You don't understand this bike. It's not meant for a nice, relaxing sunday ride to the pub. This bike is built to be capable. It's literally available in almost every corner of the world and it can do whatever you ask of it. It is meant for people that actually use it as a vehicle, rather than just a therapist (there's nothing wrong with that either!). Mr Darcy mentioned "you wouldn't want to do any off roading on it" - actually, you would. CB500X is actually one of the most popular off road tourers out there. You won't win any races, but you can definitely go pretty much everywhere with it. You get rally raid parts if you want to race it or jump it, but if you're not short, it would probably be better to just switch to a T7 or something else. It is stupid reliable and long lived, even for a Honda. There are many over 300-400k km on the odometer, with no parts required other than normal maintenance (oil, filters, pads and tires). This is a true globetrotter. And it is one of the few bikes that are sold pretty much anywhere in the world. I wouldn't call it hideous, but as an owner, I do understand why you say it's an ugly duckling that also sounds like a vacuum. Because it is / does, as it comes stock. However, I got mine fully farkled up (skid plate, crash bar, luggage, auxiliary lights, hand guards, screen, etc) and it looks different (I have the cb500x, not this version). It looks good, rugged, more "complete", if it makes any sense. I also have an exhaust that actually makes it sound nice and bassy, while not looking like a huge garbage can. And I rode mine through twisties, touring, city traffic, rocky single tracks, forest service roads, sand, rain, cold, fully loaded with a passenger, whatever. This thing is an underdog, it doesn't look like it can do it, but it actually does do it, whatever you want it to do. Calling this a toilet-like substandard utilitarian bike that will be forgotten by time is a statement of someone that spends more time looking at a bike parked in the garage than actually riding it. This is a bike for riders, not owners. While you spend your time gawking at your pretty motorcycles, 500x owners put miles on them. Which one is a better motorcycle then? One that is pretty to look at while gathering 15k miles in 15 years, or one that actually takes you places? Most probably both, but judging this bike poorly because it's not pretty is like judging a Harley because it's not capable of much. The harley is still cool to look at and lug around to your local pub, just as this is cool to actually ride for hundreds of thousands of miles with complete trust in its reliability. One of the few remaining modern UJMs.

Nothing wrong with the styling, it’s subjective. I think most cruisers are hideous, others love them and that’s fine. Ride safe.

I have it for almost two months, and it is in white color. I don't find it ugly nor beautiful. But, since I bought it, all I got from people were the positive comments. Not single one negative. Cheers !

i think they don’t really like the style. i could be wrong though.

*I love the grounded reality of this channel!!!* Retirement took a toll on my finances, but with my involvement in the digital market, $27,000 weekly returns has been life changing. AWESOME GOD❤️

Pretty sure this is NOT the best place to say this, BUT, reviewers need to stop commenting on the looks of a bike. It's irrelevant. I'M into it. I think it looks great. THAT'S why I'm watching reviews on RU-vid. Rather, here's what I want to know: is it "vibey", is it under/over-powered, is it uncomfortable for person of size X, is maintenance a pain, etc. I don't care if the reviewer likes the way it looks; I'VE already answered that question for myself just by seeing photos of it. Ok, ending on a positive note: I DO really like your channel and think you guys put out great content. Thank you!

Calling it hideous is a bit over the top, bland perphaps, but it's honest and practical. Which is not what you would call most retro-classic-cruisers.

What i haven't seen anyone say about this bike, and how it seems to me, is that it's a modern UJM. It does everything fine, doesn't excell anywhere. It's the perfect comfy commuter, that can also trundle down a dirt track on occasion and doesn't mind sitting on the highway for hours. I like this for the same reason I like my Vstrom, it just works and its unpretentious. It's a bike to be daily ridden in any weather as a means of transport. I think it's great.

Looks are subjective so there’s no real point in wasting a quarter of the video complaining about how you don’t like the way it looks.

That was extremely harsh, Honda did not want to “do this in a classic way”. It’s not a classic bike, it’s a small adventure bike. Looks are subjective and IMHO, it’s a great looking bike for this particular niche.

Although not a bike I'd personally choose, I think the NX500 is a very nicely styled bike: The double reverse-chevron shapes, the diamond elements when you're sitting on the bike and the trapezoidal, double-stacked headlight are all evocative of other popular bikes like Yamaha's Tracer GT, some of the latest KTMs and BMW's XR. The use of black plastic for the wearable/exposed parts is a good idea and look cheap to replace. I especially like how the side pods give good weather protection. The saddle looks comfortable and places the pillion a little higher to avoid helmet-headbutts. The screen is tall and narrow to avoid buffeting, but looks capable of taking the wind-pressure off the jacket closure area. As you say, Darcy: the bike rides & handles well and is easy to manoeuvre. It's clearly designed to be an accessible, comfortable machine with good economy. Whilst I understand your preference for a retro scrambler/trail bike look, that is not something likely to appeal to most potential riders of this machine - the peanut tank/round headlight/plank seat look is from WAY before their time. And anyway: retro bikes have been in vogue for some time now. I wonder if we'll see them fade away soon now everyone over 50 has dipped their toes into that pool? Overall, I consider this to be a stylish, practical and fun bike for someone commuting, hacking about at weekends and doing the occasional solo tour. Nice job, Honda! 👍

Well, hmm. The thing is that I can’t help but like it. Barkbusters, skid plate, fender extender and some bags and you have a legit transcontinental 500cc. Not many of those. It will get you to work and back every day. It will roll up miles. Contrary to what you say, I think it can be pretty… fun, yeah, pretty fun. As far as looks, I would say, “durable”., which I seriously appreciate and even find an aesthetic value in it. They maybe need to work on the “fun” or “pretty” part for sure. But do not touch durable. What they should do imo is not copy Triumph or whatever classic line meme etc, but they should revise the seat, say, and make the comfort incredible without regard for cost on that one item. Really. Make the future comments become, “I thought it was a plain bike to look at, but this is the best seat I ever sat on.” Right now it’s not a great seat, it affects use, so that is something real. Replace every zinc bolt, nut and washer with stainless ones, or sell kits to do it yourself. Sell a purpose-made muffler made by Arrow or somebody. Play to strength. Durable, practical, comfortable, solid, fun. It sort of reminds me of what people said about K75’s. I love those ugly K75’s and bemoan their passing, full disclosure. I did not like K100’s and up from there to this day. But the humble K75 was something different and certainly was not winning loveliness prizes for classic moto design lines to match classic British - or even German - machines. Or H-D classic lines. None of it. So anyway, I don’t have one of these honda 500s, but I like them quite a bit. Disclosure, I am a fairly old guy with a very long list of owned bikes, a recovering classic BMW addict who dislikes current BMWs quite a lot and have a Moto Guzzi. Which is a bike I like as much as any bike I haver ever had. Will not ever be done with this wonderful, imperfectly perfect, rock of an M-G. Still, I do like that 500 Honda NX platform. So I respectfully completely disagree with you on this one. Sorry for going on about it, but so did you…

It's a modern looking bike. Inoffensive and utilitarian. It's designed to do a job/tick a box and that's it and many will be happy with it. They maybe drive Kia cars.

Your love of Harley's and modern classics is well established, but I do think you're a little too close-minded about anything remotely modern. I think this is a decent looking, extremely functional all rounder, and good value as well. A bike for someone who wants to ride a bike as regular transport, not just pose on a big cruiser.

While this bike is not particularly handsome, I would say it looks purposeful and well put together.

To me it looks awesome. Previous model was vanilla.

We appreciate the fact that you tell us straight up what you think of the bikes, without fear of recrimination. " It's a bit ugly, but a reliable steed" and "if it were me, I'd buy the Royal Himalayan 450 with it's more curvy look and analogish dials".

The old man looks younger with the short beard

I know that exhaust noise on videos is not at all faithfully reproduced, but there are simply too many motorbikes these days that sound like my mum's old sewing machine.

Something I have noticed with these modern bikes is that they look good with a rider aboard, but weird without one. I think its to do with balancing the front fairing with the human on board so it looks better

It is not a head turner, but a great value for the money. If I would have to pick one, would go for the black version. NIce video. Enjoyed.

Just wanna say, I bought moto guzzi v9 bober today. I am really excited. Thank you 🎉

V85 is probably the most classic looking adv on sale right now?

Ok, so my two cents is that it's an ultra modern styled bike that is an alternative to all the retro stuff that's coming out. Yeah, i don't think it represents me personally, but i also think it's a smart looking thing. My friend hates retro styling, so he'd probably go for this. Each to his own I guess.

the 2022 CB 500 X, which this bike is based on, is a remarkbly good bit of kit for the outlay. It's really frugal, great ergonomics, handles well and is good fun when you pin it on UK B roads. Will benefit from a decent quality slip-on and Michelin Road 6s or similar...you'd be hard pressed to find a more accomplished, super-reliable all rounder at this price.

The Old Man suddenly appears much younger! 😁👍

I think it’s a great looking bike. Especially for the price point it’s such a well rounded bike…Honda nailed this one.

Thank you for the review. You look better with the shorter beard . My very young hot girlfriend loves older guys with short beards. I won’t publicly say what she said about you. Complementary.

I like the looks

A great workhorse. LED lights are good, screen easily improved, upright, comfy slim and 85 mpg which gives it 250+ mile range. And decent service intervals. Oh and it does have connectvity which also uses the TFT screen to give directions when using your phone as a Sat Nav. Able to fit a multitude of top box and pannier options as well. Looks are also subjective, I like its rugged Tonka Toy looks. I bought one after looking at all the options including the new Himalayan (top heavy, poor wind protection, the original Himmy is nicer) and Triumph Scrambler ( great looks, not practical for me and would look hidious with panniers and big screen). Its dull, steady and reliable with no handling suprises, and when im using it for work in all weathers thats just what I need. I do have a Speed Twin 1200 though for looks and general posing though, but if I wanted to do a spot of touring, the Honda would be far and away the better choice. Jack of all trades, master of none as they say.

I like, um, er, uh…I like the look of its reliability. There! I found something. All jokes aside, I don’t think it looks all that bad. Ok, one more joke. She has a great “personality”.

That Honda engine would not match a retro styled motorcycle. It would look pretentious and once you'd start it, the sound would give it away, let alone the ride. I say that as a proud Enfield 350 owner; you don't need to throw retro styling at everything and anything. Certainly not at a plastic budget friendly Honda. It is, what it is. A contemporary, reliable, economical motorcycle with an upright seating position. Closer to a scooter than an adventure bike in fact. Sure, you can throw a Rally Raid kit on it and it will take you around the globe. That's what the design language is all about. But until you do, it's that good ol' boring 500, refreshed. Long comment...anyhow love your channel boys, great content and brilliantly presented! Fun!

i actually think its not bad, i mean for the current A2 class adventure motorcycles; it has tons of functionality at the price it comes with, it has the honda-type of reliability, and if you get the black model, put an arrow slip-on exhaust, put a smaller license plate holder, a pair of slim dark hand guards i think it actually looks quite good. Especially, what made me buy it: knowing that all other competitors (in the A2 class) are made in china (voge, cf moto, zontes are a few) or in india (ktm comes to mind) and reminding that this is a brand new honda, quality of construction and design balance are completely on the honda side. also, as a roman would say: "de gustibus non est disputandum", or "there's no disputing about taste", so my comment is kind of wrong from the start, i just wanted to defend my newly bought bike.. to conclude, here in Italy i heard lots of positive feedback, sad that it has to be so heavily criticised.. (English is not my main language, sorry if it is not written as good as I wanted it to be)

Thank goodness someone else finds it ugly! i preferred the look of the old CB500x

No one ever said a GS1200 is beautiful, but everyone buys them. My impression is for the money it's a very well made bike. Honda reliability.

So what is the difference from cb500x😅 Omg they call it new model and leave the same troubles as CB500. The windshield cant adjust… same bike just changed plastic a bit and they call it NX not CB anymore. Sounds like iphone 14 and 15 (add type C)

In my opinion honda has lost it. Was interesting about a decade and a half ago, now looks are boring and the engines tame. I do own a 6th gen VFR I love, the engine is more than enough for me and the looks is timeless. The AT looks alright but its to big for my 5´7. Awaiting to see if they can put some more ponies in the CRF-L.

I think all ‘adventure’ bikes look a bit odd. I wouldn’t buy one. Each to their own though 👍

I have the previous iteration - a '23 plate CB500X.....a much better looking machine IMHO. I even turn around and sneak a look when it's parked up!

The Himalayan looks like it was thrown together from used and different parts. It's a very ugly bike. No ergonomics, no style, no looks at all. Nobody is buying it here in the US. The Honda is so nicely put together.It is in a hole better and higher class than that 450cc Himalayan. No comparison.

A good review actually. You sold me. I work as bike courier and I want one. More comfortable posture than my current 500, wind protection, slim & light and easy in traffic honda reliability and I'll stick on mudguard extension.

I agree with not loving every bike, but I have to say, once you get to know it, have a few adventures on it and it's dependable, it's hard not to start loving it

Looks like a good all rounder,commuting,touring,if you can only afford one bike this would be on my list,it gets the job done.

To be honest I think it looks far better than the other Honda 500’s with this same engine. Saying that it is not for me, I would prefer something with character like a MotoGuzzi.

I think it looks cool and I’d love to own one, which is clearly subjective. The only thing I wish it had is spoked wheels.

Looks fine. RE might have better looks but not the reliability. Good all round bike.

USB C is an opional accessory for this...and so is the body hugging crash bars...

It really is not a pretty thing, but the practicality and value for money are quite good. Loading luggage on it and (in my case) hop over to England for a few days should be okay. Comparing it to something like a BMW GS, which basically does the same things, makes the Honda the winner for me.

I actually rather enjoy reviews from people who might not rave about a bike ( or any product really ) but give it a completely fair shake. I admit I've had my eye on the NX500 as well as Honda's other 500's for when I feel confident enough to move up from my old CG125, so a balanced review is deeply appreciated. Also the Ol' Man looked better with a full beard!

I think it looks great

dunno, I think it has a 70-80's sci-fi vibe to it's looks, which makes me insta-like how it looks.

Sorry I have to disagree with you on the looks of the Honda and Himalayan. The Himalayan looks like an overgrown grasshopper with the most hideous paint colors and styling that I have seen on a motorcycle and the Honda having a more appealing adventure bike style. Which one would I buy for intended purpose, hands down the Royal Enfield, it is the far superior adventure machine and would get my dollars every time. Now on the other hand, if the Honda had the same features of the new CF Moto 450MT, suspension and spoke wheels, more offroad worthy, then Honda would be back in the running. For me, intended use and function outweighs how good something looks.

Looks are subjective it looks amazing

It’s a great bike, perfect A2 compliant tourer. How old is Darcy jr, gives the impression like he’s ready for pipe and slippers.

The CB500X looked ok, dunno why the chose to make it look more homogenised

Looks like a minivfr1200x

Beauty is in the eye of each beholder.......I quite like the styling. And........it's a Honda...........near bomb proof reliability. My XL1000 Varadero will celebrate its 20th birthday next April. It's never let me down....just keeps on going.......

It is a beautiful bike, much better looking than almost any European model. I've been a rider since the early '70s appreciate new bikes that look new and modern, not old and ugly Royal Enfield's.

Its not a looker but sure reliable 👍🏼

You yourself look old school and cruiser type guy. So all your criticism is based on your personal opinion.

Jesus guys four minutes to says it’s bloody ugly get on with the review!

I rode a CB500X its predecessor because I have a back issue, and my XSR was hurting my back. A fellow at Superbike Factory recommended it as a proper solid bike with amazing ergonomics. I hated the way I looked. Took it for a spin and fell in love. I found a nice green one that was a bit nicer and it has grown on me. I prefer the CB500X I think they have made it worse somehow 😂. Love the beard either way. Do whatever you fancy at the time. I change it up regularly and sometimes regret it, too. It grows back, haha. It's so lovely to see you back. Keep up the great work you two, and congratulations on the 100k!

I prefer the old CB500x. I think they rushed to give it a facelift and came up with an uglier one.

a soulless a to b er that probly go for ever wit a little tlc

It's alright.

Good to have your old man back you bath work good together . Why am I saying old i'm 66. Time to get my B M W 1971 R75 / 5 out early one Sunday morning before the traffic come out to kill me.

I love the new look, and this bike was built for me. A commuter/runabout. I wouldn't expect either of you to fall in love it for a couple of reasons. One you two are pretty tall (I'm 5'10") and you definitely could feel comfortable on a larger bike. I have owned both a CB500X and an Africa Twin. Both fun bikes, but neither the cruisers that you two seem to really go for. You are right though that this makes a great A2/Beginner bike.

Bring back the long beard Ol' man.

Just another Honda ....... over complex , over weight and poor performing . Nothing changes, another Japanese yawn .

I'm very interested in this bike as an adventure bike. I would choose this bike over a Royal Enfield for several reasons: 1) Honda motorcycles are proven reliable 2) dealers and support is widely available. However, if I end up getting this bike I would have to put another $3,000 - $4,000 of mods into it, spoked and tubeless rims, rally suspension, different tires, crash bars, skid plate, handlebar risers.... If a person were to make these changes this bike would easily go around the world but it would require some time and money to make these changes.

Honda Owns the small to mid commuter market in some large global markets. Lots of dual sport/adv style bikes. Their owners don’t care about turning heads or rock hopping. They care about getting from point a to point b reliably. In that respect… Honda has a winner. For riding enthusiasts who require a little personality from their ride… Other bikes will fit the bill.

You need to see and ride the Honda CL500 scrambler. More to your liking I bet.

Just a short one, most of people are reading “left to right” Cinematically, it looks better when you’re facing the reading direction when alone in a video 9:33 than 10:35 Nice channel though ❤

The Honda XL250 and 500 looked great, would love a new one of those. New Himalayan is almost there, reminds me of an XL

Good looking bike in my eyes. And The Ol' Man looks younger without all the hair. 👍

Another great review guys. Unfortunately, it's a Honda so ... zzzzzzz S

I don’t know if you two are the right guy to review pointy plastic bikes! I had a look at one and I do generally agree with many points you’ve made. I was underwhelmed with the look of it. I wouldn’t call it ugly but it does look “budget”. We know the engine is good but boy if it ever aesthetically challenged. The TFT display is nice, the lighting is contemporary, but the rest is meh. It’s way too tall as far as I’m concerned because this is not really an off road bike. Honda isn’t fooling anyone. I would buy it based on reputation for reliability and frugality but there is certainly no passion in that purchase.

Beside subjective charging of the look, this motorcycle has much more features than most of its competitors: Extremely longrange capability up to 480 kilometres (mine takes only 3,3 lt/100 km), double braking discs, anti hopping clutch, upside down fork, smooth clutching lever for city driving, excellent digitally instruments with a programmable upshift lightning, etc, etc

Honda is a STINGY, strange company. They, without effort, CAN equip this thing with a box-rack, center stand and a charging point ( at least a 12V outlet ). but they don't. The looks = a subjective issue. To me the last 500X looks better. The NX, also, comes with 3 shitty colors. CB, at least, had a nice green. This has only basic 3 versions, out of which - only the red is, somehow, possible to look at - without puking. The system is slightly, better, but it is still, half-baked. Honda cares very little about the owners of their lower end line..... 🤷‍♂🤷‍♂

I have the earlier model with bulbous shaped fairing and the inner bell shape amplifies road noise like an extra speaker. Honda are acknowledging this with this design change. I only wished more bikes had this hexagonal shape and narrow tall skinny dakar type profile like Ducati Desert X. Two design choices that jarr are where the curves of tank meets the sharp angles and the front fender. But as a package I'd say its pretty tight.

Well, looks are something very subjective. I had more classic looking bikes in the past, but I changed to a Honda Transalp 750 because I needed a bike to take myself and wife to long trips in a comfortable way. My last one was a 1.350 km and I have no complaints about anything on the bike... it's just perfect.

Ultimately, this is not a bike that suits your channel and that's why it's fair to criticise the looks and overall design. For me, I think it's the perfect way into the Adventure bike world starting with an A2 licence compliance bike. It's a Honda and that comes with a huge benefit of reliability, price of servicing and repairs, good running costs and insurance costs should be competitively cheaper than other types of bikes. Colours are a bit dull - black, red or white,but that's typical of bike manufacturers these days. It's well balanced, fairly light and nimble on the road, easy to move around and a good riding position that adventure bikes provide. Is it a good bike? Absolutely in its genre and price bracket, but if you're looking for a good looking bike that stands out? Not really.

Tubeless spoke wheels, usb port, adjustable suspension, both ajustable levers, retractable foot levers, twin cylinders etc... for less money, I like Hondas (I had/have several) but please wake up Honda the competition is waking all over you (CFMoto 450 MT or the RE Himalayan 450)

Basically a CB500F,or Hornet as Honda label the latest version (sacrilege if you've ever owned a "real Hornet") with an ugly fairing tacked on and a few minor mods,very lazy Honda. I've got a 500F after decades of more powerful and bigger bikes and I really like it,mostly used as a commuter and exploring the Dartmoor lanes where it's light weight and ease of use make it ideal. I've had 120 mpg showing on the "live fuel reading) before now,long-ish stretch of 30 mph average speed cameras. When I first got it I really thought the fuel gauge was faulty as it didn't budge for mile after mile,so yes it's not the most exciting bike but it's still fun,very easy to use and very frugal. No mistake though,that NX fairing is just plain ugly while the unfaired F/Hornet is quite a nice-looking bike.

One of the best looking adventure bikes made is the CRF300 L rally . The CB500X looks good in red also…this the NX500 bike is perhaps let down by the black front halves of the fairing , a few integrated graphics stickers could do wonders in that dead space. A quiet bike is handy when you have neighbours who whine about listening to 3 minutes of a motorcycle starting up ….they still whinge though 😊. Honda reliability is priceless .

The beard looks better than the bike, IMHO.

Its like everything from Japan in last 44 years. Universal garbage. Only kawasaki's W800 stands out as a real world bike. Japan needs to get back to the 70's and again build the classics that people want!!!! Come on japan you can do it! 😊😊 Ol man would look well in a kilt 💙🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

I just recently got into bikes and settled on the cb500x to start on. While researching I said well it's almost new year model let's see if I should get that... I saw that nx visual redo and well.. I'm the proud owner of '23 cb500x lmao. JESUS CHRIST that nx styling is hideous.

I think it is a fine looking machine, though I do prefer the more rounded fairing on the CB500X from the year before. It's the same bike except for that altered fairing and a new instrument screen. But, I read that the new fairing has improved aerodynamics, and is not just changed for the sake of a new look, like the name is changed apparently just for the sake of a new name that makes the marketing guys feel like they are doing something.

In terms of looks, it's like a honda civic, not beautiful, not ugly, just...fine. This is a utilitarian bike. I actually think the luxe are upgraded from the last generation

"Motorbike Snobs"~ This bike is safe, reliable, techy and thanks to Honda it performs much better than my Aerial Square 4. (50 miles and its rear gasket is leaking oil) I think it looks great and with computer algorithms this is what people will buy/desire! I rather drive my Prius than my Frog-eyed Sprite! 70th decade and I enjoy the retro look but it really sucked in the day for safety reliability and power.

The ol' Man can pull off any beard! I really think Honda made their CB500X uglier with this iteration. The 500x was at least just an adventure bike, nothing fancy looking, but you knew what you'd get in that segment anyway. But the NX500 is just boring, no design risks taken for the sake of "better safe than sorry" and probably aerodynamics. It just doesn't look interesting, with no hidden details that you can find after looking at it for 5 minutes, no character. It's a great ride, but that's about it. I also really hope they'll someday make their 500cc a 270°, so many bikes in their lineup that would benefit from the better sounding engine.

One thing I don’t like about the “modern classic” label on bikes is the idea that bikes with classic, timeless designs are somehow retro. And so they get pushed into a class of their own. There’s something to be said for a modern riding experience in a classic, timeless design. Come on, Honda, give me something that will still look good in 50 years.

'Good, balanced review = basically all-good, except for appearance, which is subjective. The pillion seat is "a bit like a perch." It would be pretty unusual - and comical - to see a 6'2" male passenger on most smaller-displacement bikes, at least in the U.S., where the pillion rider is almost-always a smaller female.

I find the Look okay Not good Not bad

Honda NX500 is a practical bike that would be a good choice for commuting or as a second bike, but those looking for a stylish adventure bike might want to consider other options..But I don't like its design bro

I have to agree! In my opinion it has been a huge downgrade in terms of styling compared to its predecessor the CB500X. All these comments about it’s practicality seem to forget the CB500X was just as practical except for the screen (which they could have just fitted to it) without looking hideous.

Nx500 is much better in looks and performance than re 450 the only thing that i dont like the 500 is, it doesn't have a spoke rim wheel which is good for offroads.