Honda NX500

The Honda NX500’s appearance is a combination of modern elements and design cues reminiscent of the CB500X. The latter’s sharp beak has been removed, giving the NX500 a more mature and restrained appearance. Its ‘rally-style face’ features an assertive-looking trapezoidal LED headlight. It comes with sturdy turn signals for more visibility at all times. And, like its predecessor, it also gets a decently-sized transparent windscreen upfront. 

Moreover, the NX500’s side profile looks sporty and brutish at the same time. Blacked-out naked elements and smooth aluminum finishes make up this adventure-tourer’s silhouette on the road. Additionally, its sporty, bright-coloured branding decals enhance its sharp, muscular side fairings. At the back, it features a triangular LED tail light, which is also given to some of its new-gen cousins, and another pair of slim turn signal lights. 

Unlike the CB500X, the NX500 comes with a 5-inch TFT display that can be linked to the Honda RoadSync app. Its TFT instrument panel displays all the necessary information and indicators that the rider should take note of while on the go such as the speedometer, tachometer, gear indicator, fuel indicator, and warning icons among others. 

In addition, this adventure-tourer is equipped with a wide dual-stepped seat, which provides you and your pillion with great cushioning and support both on short and long rides. To make its high seat height a bit more manageable, the NX500 also comes with foot pegs, pillion steps, and a handle bar for your passenger. 

In terms of dimensions, the Honda NX500 measures 2,163 mm in length, 830 mm in width, 1,417 mm in height, and 834 mm in seat height. This adventure-tourer also comes with a 1,443-mm wheelbase and a 181-mm ground clearance.

The Honda NX500 is equipped with a 41-mm Showa USD Fork suspension at the front and a Prolink Monoshock Absorber with a 5-Stage Pre-Load Adjuster and Steel Hollow Cross Swingarm at the rear. Thanks to this setup, you and your pillion will be able to enjoy this bike’s impressive ability to absorb bumps on urban roads and light off-road trails. This setup also does a great job concealing this adventure-tourer’s weight on the road, allowing you to comfortably maneuver through tight traffic and, at the same time, confidently hit sharp turns.

Powering the Honda NX500 is a 471-cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, 4-valve, DOHC, parallel twin engine that produces a maximum power output of 37.1 kW (50 PS) and a maximum torque of 44.7 Nm. This adventure-tourer comes mated to a 6-speed manual transmission gearbox with Honda’s E-clutch. 

The NX500’s engine delivers a punchy power delivery, enabling the rider to effectively perform quick overtakes on free-flowing expressways. Operating this adventure-tourer’s manual transmission gearbox is also less intimidating, thanks to Honda’s assisted slipper clutch feature. 

Aside from these, one of this bike’s strongest assets is its outstanding fuel economy. It boasts an impressive 29.9-kmpl WMTC fuel consumption. That said, its engine remains economical even when you are frequently cruising at high speeds on the highway or filtering through tight city traffic.   

In terms of safety, the NX500 is equipped with Honda’s Selectable Torque Control and Ignition Security System, as well as a dual-channel anti-lock braking system. This adventure-tourer utilizes dual discs with Nissin Axial-mounted two-piston calipers for front braking and a single disc with a single-piston caliper for the rear.

The Honda NX500 hits a sweet spot for discerning buyers who are in the market to buy a middleweight bike that offers a mix of long-distance touring comfort and respectable light off-roading capability. Considering how well-rounded this bike is, it is truly worth every peso.