2024 Honda NX500 – First Look

The new fairings draw some inspiration from the new Transalp, with a similar-looking silhouette, enough to wonder why Honda went with the NX branding instead of tying it to the larger adventure bike.

The five-inch TFT display is also inherited directly from the Transalp, but with a new optical bonding to improve visibility in bright environments. The NX500 also receives new backlit switchgear on the left handlebar and smartphone connectivity via Honda’s RoadSync app.

Apart from the updated bodywork, the most obvious visual change is to the wheels. In replacing the previous 7-spoke wheels with the new 5-spoke design, Honda was able to reduce the weight of the front wheel by 1.8 pounds, and the rear wheel by 1.5 pounds. That’s a combined 3.3-pound reduction in unsprung weight.

The suspension remains the same Showa 41mm Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) and preload-adjustable rear shock, but the NX500 receives updated spring rate and damping settings designed to improve feel for both on- and off-road riding.

The brakes are the same as on the CB500X, with dual 296mm front discs with axial-mount two-piston calipers, and one 240mm rear disc with a single-piston caliper.

The 471cc Parallel-Twin engine returns unchanged from the CB500X, with a claimed peak output of 46.9 hp at 8,600 rpm, and 31.8 lb-ft. at 6,500 rpm. The fuel injection settings have been updated to improve low-rpm acceleration and overall power delivery, and Honda added a switchable traction control system. As with its predecessor, the NX500 offers an assist/slipper clutch and six-speed transmission.