Bike Files: Honda NX500

NX500? Isn’t that the road in Scotland?

Ha that’s the NC500, or the North Coast 500 as it is properly known. This is NX500, which is Honda’s road biassed adventure bike which can be ridden on an A2 licence.

I’ve never heard of it…

That’s not too surprising, as Honda only introduced the NX moniker in 2024. It’s an evolution of the CB500X, which had been around for more than a decade earlier. It’s a member of the company’s popular range of 500cc models, which includes the Hornet (roadster), CBR500R (sports bike), CMX500 Rebel (cruiser) and CL500 (scrambler). They sell by the barrow load and rightly so, they’re all brilliant bikes.

What’s so good about them?

What we particularly like about the Honda 500s is the blend of performance, specification and value for money. They’ve been designed specifically to meet A2 licence regulations, which means that they deliver bang on the 47bhp allowed under the rules. Unlike some smaller capacity A2 bikes, they feel like full-sized motorcycles.

That gives them an appeal beyond simply younger riders, with the NX in particular making a great all-round motorcycle for anyone wanting a no-nonsense everyday ride.

^{NX500 provides a bridge towards bigger motorcycles.}

Tell us more…

The Honda NX500 has a punchy 471cc parallel-twin engine, which is well proven with over a decade’s service under its belt.

Physically it’s the biggest of the Honda 500 range, thanks to its 19” front wheel and slightly longer travel suspension. The 830mm seat height is taller than average but, thanks to the narrowness of the saddle, it is still easily manageable for all but the shortest of riders. The upside is that the ‘big bike’ proportions make for something that looks bigger than the engine capacity would suggest.

It’s a pseudo adventure bike (we say pseudo because the cast alloy wheels and road biassed tyres limit its off-road chops) with all the benefits that brings. The riding position is upright and commanding, and it makes for a really comfy everyday bike. Combined with a big fuel tank and good fuel economy, it’s an excellent commuter, competent tourer and surprisingly capable when called upon to provide some Sunday morning smiles.

But it’s still quite basic, right?

Sure, it’s not festooned with the latest tech in the way that an Africa Twin or Transalp is, but that’s actually part of the appeal.

It is a model which has undergone a gradual metamorphosis since its introduction as the CB500X back in 2013 and this has all added up to a motorcycle which has decent cycle parts, that are a notch or two above what they were a decade ago (witness the twin front disc brakes and Showa big piston forks) and a solid spec.

New for the NX incarnation is a very decent TFT dashboard which, while not as all singing and dancing as more expensive models in the Honda range, does make the view from the cockpit a step above what you’d expect for the price and capacity.

Where it does lack, to an extent, are in the electronics department. Basic traction control was a new addition that came with the transition from CB to NX, but that’s about it as far as rider aids go. Honda offers accessories, either individually or bundled as packs, to spec the NX500 up – including parts like luggage options, USB charging points, alternative screens and heated handlebar grips.

So what does the Honda NX500 ride like?

With 47bhp, the NX500 offers spirited enough performance. There was a time when bikes with that sort of power would be classed as superbikes, and while it ain’t no Fireblade, the NX500 offers a theoretical 100mph top speed and enough performance to remain interesting.

The tall riding position and tight turning circle make it an excellent city bike, and while the slightly basic suspension and tyres will be shown up when ridden in a spirted manner, in truth it is more than capable for everyday riding.

Being a beginner friendly set-up, the motor offers a flat and accessible power delivery. The gearbox is smooth and the clutch is light. While A2 laws have been designed to give riders under the age of 25 manageable motorcycles on which to learn the ropes, it’s a perfectly plausible option for more experienced riders needing an everyday bike and would be a good choice for older riders wanting to downsize to a more manageable adventure bike.

^{Urban adventures are right up this Honda's street.} 

What are the alternatives to the Honda NX500?

Considering how mainstream the NX500 appears on paper, there are surprisingly few direct competitors.

For A2 licence holders specifically looking for an adventure bike, the BMW G 310 GS and KTM 390 Adventure are obvious choices, although their single cylinder engines are less powerful and the bikes a little less ‘big’ in their feeling.

For a ‘true’ adventure bike, the Royal Enfield Himalayan is a popular choice (albeit more off-road capable and physically bigger with its 21” front wheel and longer travel suspension). Fantic’s Caballero 500 Rally is a left-field option we like, but it’s a good bit less mainstream than the Honda and lacks the Japanese manufacturer’s big dealer network too. For direct rivals, Chinese firm Voge’s 525DSX is £1000 cheaper and a virtual clone of the Honda.

If you hold a full licence, there are more options open to you. The new generation of Chinese made bikes, like the Moto Morini X-Cape 650 and various offerings from the likes of Benelli, CF Moto and Voge, which offer mid-range adventure riding on a budget, while motorcycles including the BMW F 850 GS, Triumph Tiger Sport 660 and Yamaha Tracer 7 offer a similar concept, albeit with a bit more performance and spec (for a bit more money). 

Perhaps the NX500’s stiffest competition comes from within. It’s one of five models in the ‘CB500’ range and they’re all very good. The NX is the adventure flavoured option, but if you fancy something a bit sportier, more retro or with some naked aggression, Honda will have you covered with that too.