Honda NX500: A New Benchmark in Middleweight Adventure Touring
In a world where adventure biking is rapidly gaining traction, Honda has introduced the NX500, a bike that promises to redefine the middleweight ADV segment. Designed for both the daily commuter and the weekend warrior, the NX500 brings together the best of both worlds. Here’s an in-depth look at why this bike deserves your attention.
Rugged Aesthetics and Thoughtful Design
The first thing that strikes you about the Honda NX500 is its commanding presence. It exudes a rugged, muscular charm that’s sure to turn heads. Building on the design ethos of its predecessor, the CB500X, the NX500 sports a completely redesigned front fascia, featuring a new headlight surrounded by a sleek shrouding panel. The side panels are also revamped, contributing to a look that’s both cohesive and modern.
In terms of ergonomics, Honda has hit the mark with a well-contoured seat designed for long-distance comfort, integrated seamlessly with the bike’s flowing lines. The overall build quality is excellent, reflecting Honda’s commitment to delivering premium motorcycles. The seat height of the NX500 is 830 mm, making it accessible for a wide range of riders while still providing a commanding view of the road.
Advanced Ride and Handling
Underneath its striking exterior, the NX500 houses advanced ride and handling components. The transition from traditional telescopic forks to upside-down Showa forks at the front marks a significant upgrade, promising enhanced stability and control. The rear monoshock, coupled with a 19-inch front wheel and a 17-inch rear wheel, ensures that the NX500 handles a variety of terrains with ease.
This bike is equipped with Dunlop Trailmax tires, which, unlike other Dunlops, perform impressively both on and off the road. The suspension setup is adept at absorbing city bumps and potholes at lower speeds, while maintaining composure on the highway. However, at higher speeds, the suspension can feel a bit soft, making the bike somewhat wallowy over undulations.
Performance-Driven Powertrain
At the heart of the NX500 lies a 471cc parallel-twin engine, a tried-and-true powerplant carried over from the CB500X. With 47 BHP at 8,600 RPM and 43 Nm of torque at 6,500 RPM, this engine strikes a balance between performance and efficiency. It offers a broad power band, allowing for flexible riding styles—from relaxed cruising to spirited bursts of speed.
One minor drawback is the throttle response in the first and second gears, which can be a bit abrupt. However, once past this initial choppiness, the bike delivers smooth and predictable power, making it a joy to ride. The transmission is precise, with a clutch that feels both light and responsive, ideal for varied riding conditions.
Versatility in Touring and Off-Roading
While the NX500 shines as a touring bike, it doesn’t shy away from off-road adventures. It boasts 181 mm of ground clearance, and the 19-inch front wheel allows it to tackle rougher terrains confidently. However, the riding position, particularly when standing up, isn’t as conducive to aggressive off-road riding. This is a bike that prioritizes comfort and versatility over hardcore off-road capability.
For those looking to push the limits off the beaten path, there are other models in Honda’s lineup better suited to the task. Yet, for the majority of riders, the NX500 offers more than enough off-road prowess to handle unexpected trails and backroads.
Essential Features and User-Friendly Ergonomics
In terms of features, the NX500 strikes a balance between essential functionality and modern convenience. It comes with a vibrant color TFT screen, smartphone connectivity, and a straightforward user interface controlled by a joystick. The bike also includes a traction control system that can be easily disengaged with a single button press.
One ergonomic quirk is the positioning of the horn above the indicator switch, which might take some getting used to. Nonetheless, this is a minor inconvenience in an otherwise thoughtfully designed-cockpit.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 471cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled |
| Power | 47 BHP @ 8,600 RPM |
| Torque | 43 Nm @ 6,500 RPM |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Seat Height | 830 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 181 mm |
| Front Suspension | Upside-down Showa forks, non-adjustable, 41 mm diameter |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock |
| Front Wheel | 19-inch with Dunlop Trailmax tires |
| Rear Wheel | 17-inch with Dunlop Trailmax tires |
| Brakes (Front) | Twin 296 mm discs with twin-piston calipers |
| Brakes (Rear) | Single 240 mm disc |
| Weight | 196 kg (curb weight) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.5 liters |
| Features | Color TFT screen, smartphone connectivity, traction control (disengageable) |
| Price | Rs. 5.9 lakh (ex-showroom) |
| Design Highlights | Redesigned headlight, sleek shrouding panel, cohesive and modern aesthetics |
| Ergonomics | Comfortable touring seat, mid-mounted foot controls, user-friendly cockpit |
| Intended Use | Versatile for touring, daily commuting, and light off-roading |
Conclusion: A Worthy Contender in Its Class
Priced at Rs. 5.9 lakh ex-showroom, the Honda NX500 offers a compelling package. It combines Honda’s renowned reliability and refinement with a stylish, capable, and versatile motorcycle. Whether you’re commuting through city traffic, embarking on a long tour, or exploring light off-road trails, the NX500 is equipped to handle it all.
In a segment brimming with options, the Honda NX500 stands out as a well-rounded, highly desirable middleweight adventure bike. It’s not just a successor to the CB500X; it’s a leap forward, setting new standards for what riders can expect from an adventure touring motorcycle. Test ride one today, and experience firsthand the blend of performance, comfort, and style that the NX500 has to offer