As far back as the late 1980s, the letters “NX” have represented adventure, meaning New X-over (crossover). For 2024, Honda has renamed the CB500X and changed it to NX500. But the bike gets a lot more than just a name change. Overall weight is down by 7 pounds, dropping from 439 to 432, while the new cast-aluminum wheels have saved 3.3 pounds of unsprung weight alone. Other additions include standard Honda Selectable Torque Control, ECU updates for improved acceleration, new suspension settings, a new 5-inch TFT display, and new LED headlight.
At its core is a liquid-cooled 471cc parallel-twin engine that has been tuned for low- to midrange torque between 3,000 and 7,000 rpm. The engine is fed by PGM-FI fuel injection and as mentioned now comes standard with Honda’s Selectable Torque Control (traction control).
Chassis highlights include the suspension that utilizes a 41mm Showa Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) fork with 5.2 inches of travel, and preload-adjustable Showa shock with 5.3 inches of travel. Wheelbase measures 56.8 inches, while the seat height has been kept at a reasonable 32.8 inches. A pair of Nissin two-piston calipers and 296mm discs and a single-piston caliper and 240mm disc take care of braking, and ABS is standard. The new lighter cast-aluminum wheels have Y-shaped spokes and are mounted with 110/80-19 front and 160/60-17 rear rubber.
The 2024 Honda NX500 is available in Matte Black Metallic for $7,399.
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