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.
The usefulness was down to a straightforward equation – a perky, well-regarded twin-cylinder engine which produced real torque and drive from low rpm while revving hard up top – plus a chassis that gave a supremely comfortable ride both around town and out on the open highway, all wrapped up in distinctive adventure styling.
It slipped between the role of short-hop commuter to weekend tourer effortlessly. Long travel suspension ironed out irregular road surfaces, wide handlebars provided leverage, and the upright riding position offered both comfort and a wide field of view for the rider.
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 2019 evolution delivered more sophisticated adventure style, more engine performance and a number of chassis upgrades. 2022 saw the addition of high-quality Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD forks, dual front discs, a lightweight swingarm and redesigned front wheel.
For 2024 Honda’s equation for this bike is improving, but not changing in its essence. The name is new, however. The NX500 is carving out its own identity, with aggressively redesigned styling, premium technology and a variety of detail upgrades that are sure to continue its journey into the hearts and minds of South African riders.
Model overview
The letters NX have quite a history with Honda and the single-cylinder NX650 Dominator – which debuted in the late 1980s with a unique mix of road and off-road style – is fondly remembered across Europe.
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 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 2024 NX500 will be available in three colour options: Grand Prix Red, Darkness Black, and White.
Styling and equipment
A new LED headlight design maintains beam penetration but throws out wider light distribution for increased visibility when riding – and cornering – at night. It is matched to a new LED taillight. All other lighting is also LED.
Premium technology – in the form of a brand new, five-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 is 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 fuel tank holds 17,5 litres including reserve, and, combined with the engine’s excellent fuel economy of 3,6l/100km (27,8km/l), gives a range of over 480km.
Chassis
Light, strong and unchanged for 24YM, 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.
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 five-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 at the front and 700g in the 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.
Engine
The 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.
An addition for 2024 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.
Bore and stroke are set at 67mm x 66,8mm and compression ratio is 10,7:1; the crankshaft pins are phased at 180° and a primary couple-balancer sits behind the cylinders, close to the bike’s centre of gravity. The primary and balancer gears use scissor gears, reducing noise. The crank counterweight is specifically shaped for couple-balance and its light weight allows the engine to spin freely, with reduced inertia.
Acting as a stressed member, the engine complements the frame’s rigidity with four frame hangers. Internally the cylinder head uses roller rocker arms; shim-type valve adjustment allows them to be light, for lower valve-spring load and reduced friction.
A slick-changing six-speed gearbox is managed by an assist/slipper clutch, eliminating rear wheel bounce under hard braking and downshifting.
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.
Technically speaking – Honda NX500
Engine: 471cc, parallel twin, double overhead cam, 4 valves per cylinder
Power: 35kW @ 8 600rpm / 43Nm @ 6 500opm
Drive: 6-speed gearbox with assisted slipper clutch, chain
Fuel tank capacity: 17,5 litre
Seat height: 830mm
Tyres: 110/80/19 front, 160/60/17 rear
Brakes: 2-piston, 296mm double disks (front); single piston, 240mm single disk (rear)
Weight: 196kg (wet)
Price: R124 799
