This is actually a modern looking bike that I actually like. Not everything has to be retro! It’s refreshing to have a bike presented exactly as it is. Its not retro,it’s not neo retro,it’s not futuristic, and it’s not “drawing design cues” from any other category or age of motorcycling. It’s not “trying” to be anything! It’s not built to present the rider as a certain type of person either. It just simply is what it is!
It's actually drawing cues from the *original* NX400 Which people keep mistaking as some sort of Dakar king... no, it was one of the earliest touring semi-adventure motorcycles ever. And it is great for the role.
I'm 76 and have been riding a T7 for the last two years. I've ordered an NX more or less on impulse. I dont do any hardcore dirt riding anymore and, living in Ireland, most of my riding's non-motorway, sort of secondary roads. Just hoping the wee Honda doesn't feel too wimpy. This fine video report has eased my mind a lot! Thanks.
Glad you liked it and thanks for your input. The NX is one of those bikes you actually can buy on impulse/eyes closed. It's also a lot more comfortable than the T7 ;)
@@uttamgala7186 I've owned and ridden many, many bikes since I was 13 years old and on many continents. In 2022 I sold my xt660z and Tracer 900 which paid for a Ténéré 700 out-of-the box. It's a fine machine and I've put 30,000 kms on it since then. However, it's under-utilised by me these days. I don't venture far out of Ireland now and I'm riding less and less off-road. I just take the occasional rough gravel road or farm track. Then....in December last year I bought an old but excellently conditioned Suzuki xf650 (FreeWind....unfortunate name!) I gelled with that bike in an instant. It's capable of mild off-road stuff and more than adequate for Irelands secondary roads. It'll hold the legal limit on the motorway as well with not too much discomfort.. It got me to thinking that circa 50bhp in a grown up size frame would suit me just fine. Then I spotted the Honda 500X. I read the spec and UA-cam reviews. It's quite a close match to the old 1998 Suzuki 650 in the Power/torque area. I saw the 500X was on offer here in Ireland for €8299 so went to look at one. While at the dealer I learned there was a 2024 version....the NX. It was only €700 more than the previous model and the dealer offered €9950 for my T7. I've always been a tad impulsive so.......🤔😂
In 2020, I bought a 2019 CB500X with not even 3000km on the clock. I never before considered to buy this bike, but hey, for the stupid cheap price they were selling this, I had to buy it, and was thinking to use it for a year until something more sexy and exciting would come along, and would sell it for the same price I bought it. Now, four years later, the CB is still with me and will be for many years to come. For the money, this is the most fun and capable bike on the market, and the NX will be no different.
I've got a 2021 CB500X and really rate it. Used mainly for touring, another thing I love is that I can park it up anywhere - town centres, rural spots, B&B's at night and not have the stress of leaving £20k+ of motorcycle parked up in unfamiliar places! Thinking about the NX next - very good review, thank you.
This is just a CB500X refresh, I personally think at this pricepoint people should look elsewhere. I'm looking at the Versys 650. It's not like the NX/CB500X are bad bikes, far from it, but they should come with more optionals or cost 1000€ less to be justifiable imho
@@Galf506 In the UK, the pricing creates a Small / Mid size adv bike market at £6.5-7k with the NX500 and KTM 390 Adv. The Verysys 650, V-Strom 650, Tracer 700, Tiger 660, NC750X are mid size bikes and a step up in price at £8-8.5k. An appeal of the the NX500 at 196kg is its lighter weight versus say the Verysys at 219kg. The price jump from the NX500 to the Versys is a similar jump from the Versys to say a Transalp or Tiger 850... it's like when do you stop! But it's a good situation to have so many capable bikes at sub £9k. Given the basic CRF300 Rally is only very slightly cheaper then the NX500, I think Honda would really struggle to bring the NX500 in at less than £6k.
Others have likely commented on this, but thanks, RM, for using a chest-mounted - instead of a dizzying, helmet-mounted - camera. 'Very sensible, like your choosing of off-bike narration.
Same power and performance as a '67/'68 Bonneville, the superbike of it's day. with much better economy and reliability. Genuinely all you need. Like you I had an earlier version. I'll probably go back to one.. Good watch. Ride safe 👍
@@steveparish9210 I agree. Steve Mcqueen quite liked them, too. And he should know. Great bikes with tremendous balance, proving that size isn't everything. Ride safe.
The way you put that is perfect. We’ve lost sight of the fun of smaller, less powerful, motorcycles like these after nearly 40 years of superbikes bikes. I, like many, fell for it too and have enjoyed it for nearly 30 years now, though now want less pressure of not unleashing all that power and just the fun of these smaller bikes.
I have been enjoying mine since last week. I am actually downgrading, coming from a Trident 660. My view after 300km is as follows. The NX 500 gives me something I was missing from the Trident, which was comfort and some wind protection. In my opinion the fit and finish of the small Honda is better than the Trident. Clusters, plastics, even the kickstand feel more refined. I personally do not feel much vibration, again the Trident was much more "viby", but I will wait with a final statement until the break in period is over. Along with the bike I bought various accessories, centre stand, heated grips, crash bars with fog lights, tinted windscreen, tail bag, hand guards. The final price was close to 9700€, but so far I have no regrets. It's my first semi-ADV bike and I wanted something light (I'm not a big guy) and nimble. Maybe when I get used to it I will move on to the Transalp or Tiger 900 (the only thing I miss after the Trident is a triple) or the new F900 GS. So far happy with the purchase. Thank you for the great review!
Thanks for your input. Glad you're enjoying your NX. As I said, if they hadn't brought the Transalp out, I would have happily stuck with my order for the 500X. Great little bike, although quite a drop in power compared to the Trident?? More versatile, though, of course.
@@RocketMan_Moto Of course there is a noticeable drop in power compared to the Trident, but I expected that. On the other hand, as you said, it's much more versatile and... easier to tip into corners. Not sure why that is. Thinner tyres? 🧐
I have a 2021 CB500X which I refused to trade or sell even when I bought my new 2024 V-Strom. The little CB is such a great little all-around utility bike, pretty good at everything, that even an experienced rider of 30 years both on and off road just doesn't want to let go of. It's the perfect second bike to own.
Last October we moved from The Netherlands to Spain (Alicante Provence). Sold and left my BMW K1200GT in The Netherlands. Considered the CB500X but was very afraid that de difference in Horsepower (more than 100 horses) would disappoint me too much. So I went for the Transalp. Couldn't be happier with it. Great bike. @@RocketMan_Moto
Well, what a refreshing change to have a really clear, 'real-world' review that simply makes a lot of good sense. I think we all should ask ourselves the central question posed ...... do we really need any more? I particularly like this way of doing the commentary, added after the ride, as it avoids the terrible noise conflict you always get with commentary over the engine and wind noise. Many thanks. Oh, and can we have that Himalayan 450 review please - for me it's going to be either the NX or the Himalayan, so it would be great to have a like-for-like review.
Bought one... ...in white color. Very satisfied with it, currently running it in, and getting some accessories. Just wanted to give you big big THANKS for your reviews, both of CB500X and NX500, as they have been very useful for making my final decision. Cheers from Croatia !!
I 2022 I was on a waiting list for the cb500x, a gift for surviving cancer surgery. Months of no news from Honda I gave up and went KTM. I now have a 390 Adventure with cruse control. Something you can't get on the honda. No regret, the KTM is awesome.
Watched all of your CB500x reviews, and this one sums it up. Very nice review. Sadly, it dosn't have engine temperature gauge shown on display, like 500X had, but... Anyway, seen NX in flash yesterday , at Honda Budapest (since there will not be one to see in Croatia before may 24)... liked it a lot. Thanks for your reviews !
I do like the look of these, don't need massive performance these days at my age. Would just like something that I can ride for more than 30 minutes without my backside needing a break. Great review.
I bought the model before the new NX, a 2023 Honda CB500x I had the Himilayan 450, the Triumph 400x and Cfmoto450 to check out. I wanted a centre stand and awesome breaks with sorted abs . My question is in 10 yrs time where are these bikes going to be at. Rental Honda 500x bikes are getting incredible milages. I don't care about the manufacturer, I just want a good decent reliable bike that won't let me down, I nearly bought the cfmoto 450 looks amazing but when you have to spend your hard earned cash and then having a chat wit the local Honda dealer. Deal done. Nx looks fantastic by the way. Thanks rocket man for you review of the Nx..
The NX500/CB500X is a great bike, that you really can't fault. Ultra dependable, as you say, and that's important for many. I bought my Transalp last year for exactly that reason.
Excellent real world review as always RM. So much more informative than the ‘professional’ journalists on their jollies in Malaga or Tenerife where everything about a new bike is just amazing🙄
A very fair assessment of the CB500X/NX and the only observations I would highlight are the amazing fuel economy and bulletproof reliability. I have owned a 2017 model from new and have really enjoyed riding it and still appreciate the 'less is more' character of the bike. It does everything fairly well, but if I regularly did long motorway jaunts I would definitely consider a larger capacity motorcycle with more road presence. If the Transalp had tubeless wheels I might be tempted to do some sums and enjoy the extra performance on offer! ......Cheers.
I keep looking back to the CB500X/N500X as I nearly bought one a couple of years back. Only thing I really wish these had is cruise control. Pretty much waiting on the Himalayan to get in country for a test ride before I decide if I do go for that or look back one more time at the N500
I'm not going to test ride the Himalayan, and haven't even seen one in the flesh. Didn't stop me ordering one in November... should arrive in the UK in April.
Test rode one earlier this year and can honestly say I never felt these vibrations to the degree you describe, but then neither did I with my C500x , a bike I seriously loved and regret selling to this day , it was my 2nd bike to my Goldwing DCT Tour , I ended up using the CB so much more than I expected, you’re so correct that if you ride solo then truly you do not need more
@@RocketMan_Moto that’s pretty much motorcycles full stop, it’s disheartening when I see fellow motorcyclists getting into a stupid argument over a comment about bikes with the “I’m right and you’re wrong attitude “, I mean my comment makes no sense when you think about it because I ride probably the smoothest motorbike ever made and yet I get on the CB500x and don’t notice the vibes, probably because in my subconscious I’m thinking well it only costs this much so I can forgive it
Excellent review and i totally agree with you. Just got my NX500 last week and i absolutely love it 🙂 Perfect commuter bike and easy to handle on light offroad trails.
Fantastic commuter bike. Great economy, good performance, good weather protection, nice looking thing... If it can pull to 80mph, to passing speed, without much trouble, no sensible person can say this bike is missing anything anyone really needs. I'm getting one of these, come spring.
Great review, thanks for covering all the key points in a 'real world' manner. Also, your melodic tones are oddly comforting. I feel like I've tuned into an errant episode of the original BBC Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy....
Nice video and info!! one question : how it is the feeling in comparison to a small scouter, I am asking if it's flexible enough to move through traffic..
Bought one a month ago. Everything RM stated is spot on. Although I don't really feel the vibration very much. For me, it has enough power for everything I do with it. But being 6"3, I might upgrade to a transalp in 2 years. (If they offer a tubeless option). Just for knee comfort.
7:55 I even have a "fuel range" readout on the CB125F, one of the cheapest Honda bikes sold in Europe at ~3100€ (although I got mine new for ~2800€ with the yearly new rider's bonus, ie. 10% off). AND I regularly get ~550-570km per 11L tank (~2L/100km) on that bike, on a combination of short city rides and some up to ~95 km/h out of town stretches. Riding on level roads in towns at ~50-55 km/h in 5th gear I've even seen "current consumption" go as low as 1.2L/100km (~235 British mpg/~196 US mpg).
As always, a great review. Even though it's extremely unlikely that I'd ever buy a smaller displacement machine, it's always fun to see and hear your opinions of the same. Cheers!
Great review-thanks! I own a vfr crossrunner 2019 which is great for the odd field but suited to the a-road really. I rode a transalp last year and loved the engine but being 5’10 the bike felt quite tall! I’ve had my eye on the last cbr500x and was sold but this nx500 looks like the 5’10, not quite financially settled person’s Africa twin (at last)! Great vid 👍
Any chance for a Tuareg 660 review soon? I find that your reviews always cover everything i need to know, however one bike seems missing! The 660 has pretty good reviews, as im sure you know!
Regarding the rear brake: I've tested a Husqvarna 701Enduro (street legal bike). Coming of the cb500x the rear brake of the Husky just felt brutal, probably had more bite than the front brake of the cb500x. But the 791 was something else completely, didn't even know how to ride it. The sound of the engine was extraordinary as well!
Hi RM, I doubt if you will read this, it being quite late after your posting of this video. But, here goes anyway. I got round to having an outing on a demo NX last week and I was left rather disappointed to say the least. My current bikes being the BMW F900XR and 310GS. First observation was how high and far back the foot pegs were in comparison. Whilst the engine was smooth enough it didn’t seem to have any urgency, even compared to the 310. There seemed to be an excessive amount of free play in the throttle’s action and I was immediately aware that my shoulders didn’t like the handle bar vibes. The last bike that had the same effect was the Tiger 900 with the revised crankshaft timing. I got back to dealership with tingling hands and uncomfortable shoulders. Riding home on the 310 was sheer pleasure after the great expectations turning to being such a letdown.
I read all new comments, Josh (thanks to UA-cam's software). I agree that the NX500 is all about leisurely travel from A to B. Not especially exciting, but I did find it very comfortable, even the footpeg position. It sounds as if the F900XR is the better bike for you. Strangely I didn't like mine and sold it after only a few months, which just goes to show that we're all different. Thanks for your input :)
Age 78, living in the Philippines, I just bought a Triumph Speed 400cc, having sold a T100 Bonneville I owned for 17 years. I love it. If it had not been available, this is the bike I would have bought.
This bike looks so much better than the old one. It does have a T7 look about it. I like the NX500 name, too. Throwback to the late '80s NX650. That was a great bike. Nick
I bought the 2022 CB500x and thought I needed more power, and like yourself I bought the Honda Transalp 750. In almost every way the Transalp was the better bike, but there was something special about the CB500x that I couldn't part with it. Having owned both bikes for a while now, the 500x has something special about it in the way it corners on the road, and it is so relaxing to ride. I go exploring more side roads, and actually do more adventure riding on this bike than the bigger bike. I seriously think the 500 is a more engaging ride as long as you travel mostly at normal road speeds, and it definitely has more character. It has been a mystery to me why this is so, as the Transalp is bigger, more comfortable on the road, far more powerful and in this regard is a better tourer, has far better suspension, electronic aids etc, just about as economic, and very comfortable on an adverse day. But for me the 500 is the long term keeper, I have no regrets buying this bike and I love riding it.
As I get older I'm looking to go down in weight and, inevitably, power too. I had a '22 CB500X on test to compare with my NC750X and the main takeaways were a refined and peppy motor that initially felt no less lively than the NC, much better front suspension and front brake. The only downsides I recall were a business at 60-65+mph ( largely down to running low gearing to inject some more shove at lower speeds) a really noisy / turbulent fairing and a less simple maintenance regime. In short I felt the CB to be the better bike than the NC everywhere apart from motorway blasting and so for commuting and a few weeks touring in Europe each year the CB, now NX, must surely get the nod in that comparison.
I really want an NX500 but for cross country in the US I might wish for a little more. Surprisingly at highway speeds smaller bikes don’t translate into better fuel economy over my HD or DL650. For local riding I think it’s fantastic. Love the weight, power, balance and look. It’s on my list with 50/50 tires for my back road riding.
A brilliant and honest assessment. Love your delivery and mindset. I have ridden V-Strom 650's for the past 17 years. Thought of the CB/NX500 as a replacement but would definitely chose a CFMoto 450MT instead. Don't really want to step backwards in power output. Considered Transalp 750 but would buy V-Strom 800 RE for 19" front and tubeless tyres.
Am I the only one who would like a retro version of this? It does everything you really need but I just can't stand the look of modern bikes - Insecty / Transformer style bodywork and a speedo that goes 37 41 43 40 38 35 36 42 etc - it's irritating. Round headlight, tank shaped tank and a dial speedo - it can have a small LCD for the uninteresting bits of info. Please Honda...
Just made a nearly 3000 km trip from Belgium to Lake Geneve, over the Route des Grandes Alpes to Nice, and back tot Belgium with my sun on the Route Napoleon. Me on my 2021 CB500X, he on his brandnew Nx500. Did perfectly well both, wouldn't want anything heavier/faster. Only downside was my sun's Nx consuming about 0,8 liters of engine oil during the trip. Since he only got 1000 km on the clock at departure, we're hoping this oil consumption will disappear over time.
Great video, thanks. You have by far the best intro/outro music of any motovlogger. Can I ask where it’s from? It sounds familiar but I can’t place it.
Well! Seven months into ownership now and sporting close to 10K kilometres on the clock and the 500 NX 'little big bike' is doing its job admirably. Holds its own in bigger and more exotic company for most of the time as well. Most of my riding these days is exploring the island of Ireland in stints of one - three days. I spend quite long days in the saddle and as a capable all-rounder, I cant really think of anything ever- so negative so say about this bike. I bought it kind of on impulse based on it's reputation and took delivery without even a test ride. As someone who's used to very much more powerful bikes, I did this with a wee bit of trepidation but, I'm really pleased with how this little-bit-less than half litre gem of a bike does its business. I've pasted a link below to the sort of places this bike takes me, with consummate ease and comfort. 👍👍👍 ua-cam.com/video/JNQz1BV11EI/v-deo.htmlsi=SOnkDGh0Oru8JKL8
Great video, having owned a considerable number of Hondas, my first being a lovely XBR500, i think it's a great bike. I've had considerable misgivings about the Triumphs since i first saw them, and although this is a bit more dosh, it's build quality and finish are of a different class to the Triumphs.
The NX500 looks very nice & judging by your excellent first ride review I’m sure it will be a great seller for Honda. I’ve just sold my Honda NC750X as it’s very heavy & I’m wanting to downsize. In the UK the NX is just starting to make an appearance in main dealerships but for me I’m very tempted to buy a heavily discounted NOS Honda CB500X. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this as I know you have loads of experience with these models.
If you can find a nice, low-mileage 500X, then go for that. The only real difference with the NX is the TFT screen and more modern looking(??) front end
@@RocketMan_Moto Being a Yorkshireman I have short arms & deep pockets 😂😂 my Local Honda dealer has 3x Brand New outgoing CB500X bikes reduced to clear from the showroom to make space for the replacement NX500 bikes. I’m not that bothered about the TFT screen or the backlight switchgear so the discount on the outgoing bikes makes sense to me. Many Thanks for the advice as it’s much appreciated.
@@johndavy8801 I'm still on 2017 model with a lot more flaws but, I can't find rational reason to replace it with newer model and especially not with anything else (I do own 5 bikes). The main appeal of NX for me is traction control. The X is fairly light and slides easy on crappy OEM Dunlops (which can be fun). On better tires not so much but, TC may be good idea if you ride in a lot of rain.
@@oknevals greetings from Yorkshire,many thanks for the interesting comments,especially the bit about the stock Dunlop tyres. I’ve taken the plunge & ordered a New old stock cb500x 2023 model & looking forward to many happy miles riding. Thanks for your input.
Love Rocketman's views. In regards no fuel range, I just don't see why that's important. I use the resettable-trip-odometer reading on my bike for that purpose. Perhaps I'm missing something. Once more thank you for your reviews.
At 5'6" tall and 10 stone I find that my Kawasaki Z400 with some mods is just the job for me. Your 6'2"would dwarf it!! I think the ergonomics of the bike for the user are the most important aspect as they maximise bike control in all conditions. Anyway, thanks very much for your considered reviews and sensible insights on each motorcycle!
I have a 2023 Honda CB 500 X and I just recently got the new transalp. I do not regret my purchase, but I can honestly say there was no viable reason for me upgrading except the power but to be honest with you the 500 X has plenty of power and does it all I just wanted to waste money I guess
Haha, we're all guilty of that when it comes to motorbikes. That said, as good as the NX500 is, I wouldn't swap my Transalp for one. I think it's worth the extra €3k.
Take note that among Honda's line up with the "same" 471cc parallel twin, the CB500R, CB500X, CL500, Rebel 500, it is the NX500 that is most powerful in terms of HP and torque.
Hello RM: I always enjoy your reviews, but chuckled at your need for the ambient temperature and the fuel range. You can feel the ambient temperature on your skin and just look at your fuel gauge. You know that the NX gets approximately 3.5 litres/100kms. Simple math will tell you the range. I would definitely cross any continent on the NX. Thank you for your great work and watch you don't fall over any of those cliffs. Dave from Nova Scotia, Canada
@@davidalder6558 You, sir, apparently do not ride in Southeast Asia, where an ambient temperature gauge is a fundamental piece of safety equipment. We often must choose to ride at 40 degrees or higher, or not to ride at all. Not to mention wet bulb temperature. An ambient temperature gauge for safety? Yes, please.
So would you say it's worth fitting Pro-Taper ADV Adventure bars (90mm rise) or the Adventure Tall bars (140mm) to rectify the standing up problem? Is the suspension adequate for off-roading, if you're going to go that route, or does it need re-springing, say Öhlins forks & rear spring? I have an Africa Twin but I'm always looking for a smaller runabout that might be less bother for around town & blatting about greenlaning. Are there any proper knobbly tyres that'll do OK on the NX500?
Je possède une CB500X de 2022 et j'en suis très satisfait. J'aimerais juste que la cartographie d'injection favorise davantage le couple à bas régime, ce qui a été réalisé sur la NX500. Quelqu'un sait-il si on peut reprogrammer l'ECU de la CB500X avec le programme de la NX500 ? Mon concessionnaire n'a pas su me répondre.
When Honda gets it right…it’s a result of much research and much time. I too was also looking for ways to eliminate the plastic, teardrop the tank, maybe include the center stand. IDK, opinions are like….
I love mine. It's an easy breezy ride. My only complaint is the slightest touch to the display causes scratches. I tried removing dust with a lens cloth being very gentle and it looks like I used sandpaper. Very disappointing. I ordered a screen protector but it was too late to prevent damage. The plastic is very soft. Otherwise I love this bike.
A question... My 21 500x has an irritating snatchy throttle just as it opens, it is completely cured on my 22 500x. I'm thinking about replacing the 21 with an nx500... then I read a review by visordown where he commented it had a snatchy throttle 😬 Any thoughts on that 1 point. I'm in Crete where there are zero so I can't try one...
Many Euro 5 bikes have snatchy throttles, unfortunately, but I can’t say I noticed a specific problem with the NX, at least compared to, say, the CF Moto 450 MT, which was very bad.
@RocketMan_Moto Thanks for the reply. I'll have to give one a try when I'm back in the UK. I rode an Aprilia Pegaso 650 for a good while & the throttle was like an on/off switch. It made for some hilarious moments when trying to stand across rough ground. I usually ended up laughing at the impossibility of it & sat back down! The 22 500x has v smooth response which has spoiled me I think 😁
Great review as always, but could I ask that you include a 'seat to peg' height in future reviews, This is a dimension that no manufacturer includes, but I think it is as equally important as 'seat height'.
I’ve never been to Australia, but I always think that, if I had the chance to start life over again, I’d probably head straight there. I love the idea of all that space!😊
2.... best things to do on a cb500 x / nx500 1... change front sprocket to 16 t 2... fit bar risers Took a cb500x all over morocco for a month , and it was the perfect bike !
Those two mods would definitely improve things a lot (I imagine; I've never actually tried). As you say, perfect bike for real adventuring. I can see why Itchyboots takes a simple Honda rather than an überbike like a GS.
I had a 2021 model that I thought I'd have for years and years. Sold it last fall because I wasn't riding it enough. It was fast enough but it was fairly heavy compared to my dual sport
As an owner of NX500 worst thing to me is seat comfort and handlebar vibrations. If i am riding it more than 1 hour it starts to hurt my rear to a point i need to stop and take a break, and my right arm go slightly numb. Brakes are actually amazing but only after 500km .At least front one, rear is just ok .
It's no surprise to me that the Transalp is better on the highway, but I'm curious about how much worse it is for filtering in city traffic... In case you do filter, how do they compare?
Nice review .I am still a happy CBX rider ( 2017 model) .Having sat on both the NX and Transalp,I would like to move up to the Transalp for the extra bit of power for touring and overtake but not without it being Tubeless; I wonder if this will ever happen.
Thanks, Richard. Tubeless doesn't bother me personally, but I see so many people being put off by it that I'm sure Honda will have to respond. Maybe the 2025 model??
After owning 3 CB 500x’s, I was getting a bit bored with the bike. I went into the showroom 2 days ago and compared the NX alongside the ADV 350, I wish Honda would do something about the plain looking colours, needless to say I came away with the ADV, having always been a big bike owner, I have to say the ADV is actually a breath of fresh air. Early days, a change is often an eye opener 😳😳😳
Ah, you're preaching to the converted :) I'm lucky in that I have a Transalp and an ADV. The Transalp is very nice, but I use the scooter at least 2 or 3 times every day for running errands. I wouldn't be without the practicality of a scooter.
@@erkutgurun I started on xt250. Then bought 500x and Super Tenere. My last three bikes were 150cc, 350cc and 200cc. X is hardly a beginner bike if there is such thing at all. That whole beginner bike thing is nonsense.
I have a 2019 Vespa GTS 300, whch is rather heavy for what it is. I'm looking for something that is not too much of a handful. I don't want anything too powerful, too heavy, to be nimble around town, where I ride 90% of the time. But I also would like something a bit more power on tap for the highway/interstate. An occasional dirt road or fire road perhaps, but that would be rare. And I want to keep it as affordable as possilbe. I'm looking at this or its CB 500 version as a possible solution. Any other good suggestions?
Hello Rocketman, I have a question, did you ever find a cure for the noisy drive train on the ADV 350 I have the same noise on mine & would like to find an answer to solve it. Regards, Frank.
Another satisfying review. Thank you. Im stuck at the minute between this and the adv350. Very surprised that given the extra power and additional engine capacity the NX gets the same if not slightly more mpg. Thats significant. Problem is sacrificing the underseat storage. I also wonder whether they could add in the fuel rabge with a software update ?
Hi,it seems a nice bike ,like the front end or the lack of it. Unless I've missed it have you any plans on testing the honda cl500 scrambler? Would like your views on one,given where you live, weather n twisty roads.
On my second 500x. They are just so easy to ride. Question is - does it have the same gearing? It feels like it reving too hard at higher speeds and a quick check revealed that the speedo over-reads by around 8%.
Did you need to use the horn & hit the indicators instead? I wish Honda had left the horn button where everyone else has it! A chap on the Honda stand at MC Live told me it moved when Honda introduced DCT switchgear, for uniformity.
A really nice, practicaI bike, with all the power I would need for public roads👍👍. I quite agree with your comments on the beauty of moderately powered and moderately priced motorbikes. But, I remember your negative comments on the air-cooled Interceptor, which has a bit more torque than the NX500 and is not at all boring to look at or listen to😁😁.
I really didn't gel with the Interceptor, mainly because it does nothing very well. The NX is much more versatile - touring, off-road, commuting... the RE isn't especially good at any of those. And it's massively over-hyped :)
I am 65 and returned to biking after nearly 40 year break. What inspired me was my youngest son letting me have a naughty round the block go on his cb500x…I was smitten. I would say my son has done 50000 miles on his 500x in 3 years travelling everywhere in Europe. He is 6feet tall and has been very happy with it. Biking travels UA-cam channel with Nick is very similar. I bought a cb500x last may and have loved it. However, I am RM’s height with long legs and I ride with a cushion on my seat for mor leg room. My dilemma, if I dare call it that, is would I be better off with the Transalp? More leg room, pegs further forward and I imagine better suspension to cope with England’s awful roads. I sit on the Transalp and find it fits me perfectly, though the new Tiger 900 rally pro with the seat on high setting is even better. The extra power would help to get to nice riding areas, though feel no need for it when riding nice roads. I ride a lot and want to protect my back, so the Transalp feels like the perfect upgrade for me…a simple bike that adds in most areas apart from maybe city handling. It encourages me to hear what you say about feeling free on a simple bike as I have been considering the Tiger 900 rally pro….but honestly the new screen I think is too big, suits the 1200 better. And I just know I don’t want to be messing about with a screen. How about a really stripped down version of the Tiger rally pro…like the 850 sport!
Nice dilemma to have😊 If money were no object, I would get the Tiger 900 Rally Pro in a heartbeat. It is expensive, though, and that’s why I’m happy with the Transalp for the moment. It offers more room and more power than the NX500 without costing too much more.
Great review. How did you find the low speed fueling? I had a 2019 model which had very bad snatchiness at low speed. Almost dangerous in small roundabouts. I also found it top heavy with a full tank, but you state that the NX is not. Internesting.
I think the 2023 is also a bit snatchy, but I was taught that slipping the clutch on roundabouts is the best practice for managing uneven power delivery, whether caused by accidental rider input or poor fuelling, so that might be worth a think.
How is the wind protection for the shoulders and head? Giving the higher fairing, I'd expect it to be better. This is one of the issues that the cb500x has when doing long rides on the highway.
They both have about 150mm of travel, which isn't the best for off-roading, but the Honda FEELS more capable
9 місяців тому+1
Having a carbed w650 and a 1999 VW golf 1.9.tdi that my mechanic says I shouldn't trade for anything in this world, I tend to gravitate twards less is more. Off course I can see the allure of a GS1300, but maybe, just maybe the new...900gs is my sweetspot.
As I say at the end of this video, given my size & weight (187cm / 90kg), and the fact that I do quite a few motorway miles, I think the Transalp was the right choice for me. However, if you're slightly smaller and/or less experienced, then the NX is perfectly adequate.
![CF MOTO 450MT vs Himalayan, Honda NX500 & Triumph 400X - Best Adventure Bike? [QuickTest#41]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/T85xMsOtlwo/mqdefault.jpg)
![CF MOTO 450MT vs Himalayan, Honda NX500 & Triumph 400X - Best Adventure Bike? [QuickTest#41]](/img/tr.png)
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This is actually a modern looking bike that I actually like. Not everything has to be retro! It’s refreshing to have a bike presented exactly as it is. Its not retro,it’s not neo retro,it’s not futuristic, and it’s not “drawing design cues” from any other category or age of motorcycling. It’s not “trying” to be anything! It’s not built to present the rider as a certain type of person either. It just simply is what it is!
Agreed, refreshingly 'basic' :)
It's actually drawing cues from the *original* NX400
Which people keep mistaking as some sort of Dakar king... no, it was one of the earliest touring semi-adventure motorcycles ever. And it is great for the role.
there was a drawing concept of this bike in 2014 exactly as is recently
I'm 76 and have been riding a T7 for the last two years. I've ordered an NX more or less on impulse.
I dont do any hardcore dirt riding anymore and, living in Ireland, most of my riding's non-motorway, sort of secondary roads. Just hoping the wee Honda doesn't feel too wimpy.
This fine video report has eased my mind a lot! Thanks.
Glad you liked it and thanks for your input. The NX is one of those bikes you actually can buy on impulse/eyes closed. It's also a lot more comfortable than the T7 ;)
May I ask why not the Transalp?
He already said he bought it on impulse.
@@uttamgala7186 I've owned and ridden many, many bikes since I was 13 years old and on many continents.
In 2022 I sold my xt660z and Tracer 900 which paid for a Ténéré 700 out-of-the box.
It's a fine machine and I've put 30,000 kms on it since then.
However, it's under-utilised by me these days.
I don't venture far out of Ireland now and I'm riding less and less off-road.
I just take the occasional rough gravel road or farm track.
Then....in December last year I bought an old but excellently conditioned Suzuki xf650 (FreeWind....unfortunate name!)
I gelled with that bike in an instant. It's capable of mild off-road stuff and more than adequate for Irelands secondary roads.
It'll hold the legal limit on the motorway as well with not too much discomfort..
It got me to thinking that circa 50bhp in a grown up size frame would suit me just fine.
Then I spotted the Honda 500X. I read the spec and UA-cam reviews.
It's quite a close match to the old 1998 Suzuki 650 in the Power/torque area.
I saw the 500X was on offer here in Ireland for €8299 so went to look at one.
While at the dealer I learned there was a 2024 version....the NX.
It was only €700 more than the previous model and the dealer offered €9950 for my T7.
I've always been a tad impulsive so.......🤔😂
In 2020, I bought a 2019 CB500X with not even 3000km on the clock. I never before considered to buy this bike, but hey, for the stupid cheap price they were selling this, I had to buy it, and was thinking to use it for a year until something more sexy and exciting would come along, and would sell it for the same price I bought it. Now, four years later, the CB is still with me and will be for many years to come. For the money, this is the most fun and capable bike on the market, and the NX will be no different.
I've got a 2021 CB500X and really rate it. Used mainly for touring, another thing I love is that I can park it up anywhere - town centres, rural spots, B&B's at night and not have the stress of leaving £20k+ of motorcycle parked up in unfamiliar places!
Thinking about the NX next - very good review, thank you.
It's exactly that - refreshingly stress-free ownership :)
This is just a CB500X refresh, I personally think at this pricepoint people should look elsewhere. I'm looking at the Versys 650. It's not like the NX/CB500X are bad bikes, far from it, but they should come with more optionals or cost 1000€ less to be justifiable imho
@@Galf506 In the UK, the pricing creates a Small / Mid size adv bike market at £6.5-7k with the NX500 and KTM 390 Adv. The Verysys 650, V-Strom 650, Tracer 700, Tiger 660, NC750X are mid size bikes and a step up in price at £8-8.5k. An appeal of the the NX500 at 196kg is its lighter weight versus say the Verysys at 219kg. The price jump from the NX500 to the Versys is a similar jump from the Versys to say a Transalp or Tiger 850... it's like when do you stop! But it's a good situation to have so many capable bikes at sub £9k. Given the basic CRF300 Rally is only very slightly cheaper then the NX500, I think Honda would really struggle to bring the NX500 in at less than £6k.
So you don’t mind if they steal a 9k bike ?
Others have likely commented on this, but thanks, RM, for using a chest-mounted - instead of a dizzying, helmet-mounted - camera. 'Very sensible, like your choosing of off-bike narration.
Thanks, Ken. Good to know my efforts are appreciated👍😊
Same power and performance as a '67/'68 Bonneville, the superbike of it's day. with much better economy and reliability.
Genuinely all you need. Like you I had an earlier version.
I'll probably go back to one..
Good watch.
Ride safe 👍
Thanks, you too :)
Everything you say is true but the 68 Bonnie is gorgeous. My brother had one 😊
@@steveparish9210 I agree. Steve Mcqueen quite liked them, too. And he should know. Great bikes with tremendous balance, proving that size isn't everything.
Ride safe.
The way you put that is perfect. We’ve lost sight of the fun of smaller, less powerful, motorcycles like these after nearly 40 years of superbikes bikes. I, like many, fell for it too and have enjoyed it for nearly 30 years now, though now want less pressure of not unleashing all that power and just the fun of these smaller bikes.
@@RichardS-qh8mi go for it! I ended up buying a Himmy 460. Love it! Even she likes riding on the back, too. Win - win. Ride safe 👍
I have been enjoying mine since last week. I am actually downgrading, coming from a Trident 660. My view after 300km is as follows.
The NX 500 gives me something I was missing from the Trident, which was comfort and some wind protection. In my opinion the fit and finish of the small Honda is better than the Trident. Clusters, plastics, even the kickstand feel more refined.
I personally do not feel much vibration, again the Trident was much more "viby", but I will wait with a final statement until the break in period is over.
Along with the bike I bought various accessories, centre stand, heated grips, crash bars with fog lights, tinted windscreen, tail bag, hand guards. The final price was close to 9700€, but so far I have no regrets. It's my first semi-ADV bike and I wanted something light (I'm not a big guy) and nimble. Maybe when I get used to it I will move on to the Transalp or Tiger 900 (the only thing I miss after the Trident is a triple) or the new F900 GS.
So far happy with the purchase.
Thank you for the great review!
Thanks for your input. Glad you're enjoying your NX. As I said, if they hadn't brought the Transalp out, I would have happily stuck with my order for the 500X. Great little bike, although quite a drop in power compared to the Trident?? More versatile, though, of course.
@@RocketMan_Moto Of course there is a noticeable drop in power compared to the Trident, but I expected that. On the other hand, as you said, it's much more versatile and... easier to tip into corners. Not sure why that is. Thinner tyres? 🧐
Narrow section tyres do help a lot👍
How far do you go on a tank roughly?
I've rented an NX500 in Portugal for 3 days and loved it. Perfect gabarit and power for me as a 5.6" light lady.
Nice. Where were you in Portugal? The NX is a very good ‘little’ bike. Thanks for your input👍😊
Sounds like a very nice bike. Thanks for the test RM and all the beautiful scenery, never get tired of the ocean view and cliffs 😊
I was very lucky with the weather on test day. It’s been poor here for the last 3 weeks🤨
Sir, you have a wonderful voice. Great review.
Thank you, Fred :)
I have a 2021 CB500X which I refused to trade or sell even when I bought my new 2024 V-Strom. The little CB is such a great little all-around utility bike, pretty good at everything, that even an experienced rider of 30 years both on and off road just doesn't want to let go of. It's the perfect second bike to own.
I agree👍
Bought the 2023 Transalp about three weeks ago for the exact same reasons. Great video, Thnx for sharing.
I'm very happy with my Transalp. It's sort of an NX500++
Last October we moved from The Netherlands to Spain (Alicante Provence). Sold and left my BMW K1200GT in The Netherlands. Considered the CB500X but was very afraid that de difference in Horsepower (more than 100 horses) would disappoint me too much. So I went for the Transalp. Couldn't be happier with it. Great bike. @@RocketMan_Moto
Great choice👍
Well, what a refreshing change to have a really clear, 'real-world' review that simply makes a lot of good sense. I think we all should ask ourselves the central question posed ...... do we really need any more? I particularly like this way of doing the commentary, added after the ride, as it avoids the terrible noise conflict you always get with commentary over the engine and wind noise. Many thanks. Oh, and can we have that Himalayan 450 review please - for me it's going to be either the NX or the Himalayan, so it would be great to have a like-for-like review.
Many thanks for your kind words of encouragement😊 I’m keenly waiting for my RE dealer to get a Himalayan demonstrator in🤞
Bought one... ...in white color.
Very satisfied with it, currently running it in, and getting some accessories.
Just wanted to give you big big THANKS for your reviews, both of CB500X and NX500, as they have been very useful for making my final decision.
Cheers from Croatia !!
Thanks for that, much appreciated. And enjoy your NX, it’s a great bike👍😊
I 2022 I was on a waiting list for the cb500x, a gift for surviving cancer surgery. Months of no news from Honda I gave up and went KTM.
I now have a 390 Adventure with cruse control. Something you can't get on the honda.
No regret, the KTM is awesome.
Great bike, but not many dealers in PT unfortunately :(
Congratz on surviving the cancer!
Amazing ride, i had it for some time, it's fitted with top notch components, and very zippy!
Has it broken down yet?
@@andyhorton1472 why should it? Had far more problems with my Suzuki than my KTM
Hoping to see this and several other new platforms come to the US soon. Appreciate your very level headed approach to the review.
Thank you. I believe the NX will be landing in NA very soon :)
Watched all of your CB500x reviews, and this one sums it up. Very nice review.
Sadly, it dosn't have engine temperature gauge shown on display, like 500X had, but...
Anyway, seen NX in flash yesterday , at Honda Budapest (since there will not be one to see in Croatia before may 24)... liked it a lot.
Thanks for your reviews !
Thanks for your input, and for watching all my 500X videos👍😊
I do like the look of these, don't need massive performance these days at my age. Would just like something that I can ride for more than 30 minutes without my backside needing a break. Great review.
Thanks. I’m not familiar with your backside, but I would have thought the NX would be ok for an hour or so.
@@RocketMan_Moto Nice one.
I bought the model before the new NX, a 2023 Honda CB500x I had the Himilayan 450, the Triumph 400x and Cfmoto450 to check out. I wanted a centre stand and awesome breaks with sorted abs . My question is in 10 yrs time where are these bikes going to be at. Rental Honda 500x bikes are getting incredible milages. I don't care about the manufacturer, I just want a good decent reliable bike that won't let me down, I nearly bought the cfmoto 450 looks amazing but when you have to spend your hard earned cash and then having a chat wit the local Honda dealer. Deal done. Nx looks fantastic by the way. Thanks rocket man for you review of the Nx..
The NX500/CB500X is a great bike, that you really can't fault. Ultra dependable, as you say, and that's important for many. I bought my Transalp last year for exactly that reason.
After MT07 i missed a temperature indicator on my CB500x. Sensible is a spot on description for this bike😀
Sensible, but can still be great fun, imo😊
How come you switched to this from MT07? Thanks.
Excellent real world review as always RM. So much more informative than the ‘professional’ journalists on their jollies in Malaga or Tenerife where everything about a new bike is just amazing🙄
Glad you enjoyed it😊
A very fair assessment of the CB500X/NX and the only observations I would highlight are the amazing fuel economy and bulletproof reliability. I have owned a 2017 model from new and have really enjoyed riding it and still appreciate the 'less is more' character of the bike. It does everything fairly well, but if I regularly did long motorway jaunts I would definitely consider a larger capacity motorcycle with more road presence. If the Transalp had tubeless wheels I might be tempted to do some sums and enjoy the extra performance on offer! ......Cheers.
Hopefully the Transalp 2.0 will get tubeless and the cruise control that everyone seems to be craving
I keep looking back to the CB500X/N500X as I nearly bought one a couple of years back.
Only thing I really wish these had is cruise control.
Pretty much waiting on the Himalayan to get in country for a test ride before I decide if I do go for that or look back one more time at the N500
I’m looking forward to testing the Himalayan, too
I'm not going to test ride the Himalayan, and haven't even seen one in the flesh.
Didn't stop me ordering one in November... should arrive in the UK in April.
Test rode one earlier this year and can honestly say I never felt these vibrations to the degree you describe, but then neither did I with my C500x , a bike I seriously loved and regret selling to this day , it was my 2nd bike to my Goldwing DCT Tour , I ended up using the CB so much more than I expected, you’re so correct that if you ride solo then truly you do not need more
I think, like wind blast, vibration is a very personal affair. It varies from one rider to the next, even on the same bike👍😊
@@RocketMan_Moto that’s pretty much motorcycles full stop, it’s disheartening when I see fellow motorcyclists getting into a stupid argument over a comment about bikes with the “I’m right and you’re wrong attitude “, I mean my comment makes no sense when you think about it because I ride probably the smoothest motorbike ever made and yet I get on the CB500x and don’t notice the vibes, probably because in my subconscious I’m thinking well it only costs this much so I can forgive it
Excellent review and i totally agree with you. Just got my NX500 last week and i absolutely love it 🙂 Perfect commuter bike and easy to handle on light offroad trails.
Great! Enjoy👍😊
Fantastic commuter bike. Great economy, good performance, good weather protection, nice looking thing...
If it can pull to 80mph, to passing speed, without much trouble, no sensible person can say this bike is missing anything anyone really needs.
I'm getting one of these, come spring.
It’s certainly a nice bike. Enjoy😊👍
Which color you chose?
@@monkeytheo I'd like a deep red. I'm single again, for one thing, and I'd rather draw an eye in traffic than not.
Speeding tickets be damned.
@@Brian-qg9bm being seen is a good argument for red. Haven't thought too much about that tbh. I'd choose white I guess and put some decals on it.
@@monkeytheo Hard to see red at night.
Great review, thanks for covering all the key points in a 'real world' manner. Also, your melodic tones are oddly comforting. I feel like I've tuned into an errant episode of the original BBC Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy....
😂👍
This is a awesome city & little off road bike 🙌
Great review!
Thanks, Chris😊
Nice video and info!! one question : how it is the feeling in comparison to a small scouter, I am asking if it's flexible enough to move through traffic..
Thanks! One of the best ‘proper’ bikes in traffic, but a scooter will always win in the city😊
Bought one a month ago. Everything RM stated is spot on. Although I don't really feel the vibration very much. For me, it has enough power for everything I do with it. But being 6"3, I might upgrade to a transalp in 2 years. (If they offer a tubeless option). Just for knee comfort.
I'm the same. Tubless conversion looks easy though, basically sealing the spokes with either polyurethane sealant or a fancy tape. Diyable and cheap.
Yes, there's quite a bit more room on the Transalp, although I am thinking of getting a high seat from Touratech to be able to stretch out a bit more
Those conversion kits have a habit of failing after a few days/weeks, so be careful :)
@@RocketMan_Moto Ian from big rock moto did a tubeless conversion on his transalp. It didn't look very confidence inspiring.
Yes, I saw that. Leaked after a couple of hours😟
Excellent review as usual.
Thank you, John :)
7:55 I even have a "fuel range" readout on the CB125F, one of the cheapest Honda bikes sold in Europe at ~3100€ (although I got mine new for ~2800€ with the yearly new rider's bonus, ie. 10% off). AND I regularly get ~550-570km per 11L tank (~2L/100km) on that bike, on a combination of short city rides and some up to ~95 km/h out of town stretches.
Riding on level roads in towns at ~50-55 km/h in 5th gear I've even seen "current consumption" go as low as 1.2L/100km (~235 British mpg/~196 US mpg).
😊👍
Spot on again.
Thank you👍😊
What a really good, clear straight to the point review. Really refreshing thanks 👍
Thanks, Mark😊
As always, a great review. Even though it's extremely unlikely that I'd ever buy a smaller displacement machine, it's always fun to see and hear your opinions of the same. Cheers!
Thanks, Mikey :)
Great review-thanks! I own a vfr crossrunner 2019 which is great for the odd field but suited to the a-road really. I rode a transalp last year and loved the engine but being 5’10 the bike felt quite tall! I’ve had my eye on the last cbr500x and was sold but this nx500 looks like the 5’10, not quite financially settled person’s Africa twin (at last)!
Great vid 👍
Thanks, Adam. The NX is significantly smaller/lighter than the Transalp (in a good way)👍😊
Cool review bro, I have my eye on this hip little cycle.
Thanks😊👍
Any chance for a Tuareg 660 review soon? I find that your reviews always cover everything i need to know, however one bike seems missing! The 660 has pretty good reviews, as im sure you know!
I’d love to but unfortunately the Aprilia dealer in the Algarve is hopeless and never has any demo bikes in🙁
Excellent review, nice changes looks good
Thanks, Peter😊
Regarding the rear brake: I've tested a Husqvarna 701Enduro (street legal bike). Coming of the cb500x the rear brake of the Husky just felt brutal, probably had more bite than the front brake of the cb500x.
But the 791 was something else completely, didn't even know how to ride it. The sound of the engine was extraordinary as well!
The NX's brakes are, I think, deliberately soft so as to avoid any mistakes by over enthusiastic beginner riders
for a new bike, I think the proportions are nice and design is very understated, which I appreciate
Agreed😊
Hi RM, I doubt if you will read this, it being quite late after your posting of this video.
But, here goes anyway. I got round to having an outing on a demo NX last week and I was left rather disappointed to say the least. My current bikes being the BMW F900XR and 310GS.
First observation was how high and far back the foot pegs were in comparison. Whilst the engine was smooth enough it didn’t seem to have any urgency, even compared to the 310.
There seemed to be an excessive amount of free play in the throttle’s action and I was immediately aware that my shoulders didn’t like the handle bar vibes. The last bike that had the same effect was the Tiger 900 with the revised crankshaft timing.
I got back to dealership with tingling hands and uncomfortable shoulders. Riding home on the 310 was sheer pleasure after the great expectations turning to being such a letdown.
I read all new comments, Josh (thanks to UA-cam's software). I agree that the NX500 is all about leisurely travel from A to B. Not especially exciting, but I did find it very comfortable, even the footpeg position. It sounds as if the F900XR is the better bike for you. Strangely I didn't like mine and sold it after only a few months, which just goes to show that we're all different. Thanks for your input :)
@@RocketMan_Moto Many thanks for your reply, it is appreciated. I enjoy your videos and honest comments. Vive la difference!
Absolument😊
Age 78, living in the Philippines, I just bought a Triumph Speed 400cc, having sold a T100 Bonneville I owned for 17 years. I love it. If it had not been available, this is the bike I would have bought.
I really like - and desire - a Speed 400. Unfortunately, they’re just not suited to the type of riding I do (off-road & motorway). Ride safe😊👍
This bike looks so much better than the old one. It does have a T7 look about it. I like the NX500 name, too. Throwback to the late '80s NX650. That was a great bike. Nick
Agreed :)
I bought the 2022 CB500x and thought I needed more power, and like yourself I bought the Honda Transalp 750. In almost every way the Transalp was the better bike, but there was something special about the CB500x that I couldn't part with it. Having owned both bikes for a while now, the 500x has something special about it in the way it corners on the road, and it is so relaxing to ride. I go exploring more side roads, and actually do more adventure riding on this bike than the bigger bike. I seriously think the 500 is a more engaging ride as long as you travel mostly at normal road speeds, and it definitely has more character. It has been a mystery to me why this is so, as the Transalp is bigger, more comfortable on the road, far more powerful and in this regard is a better tourer, has far better suspension, electronic aids etc, just about as economic, and very comfortable on an adverse day. But for me the 500 is the long term keeper, I have no regrets buying this bike and I love riding it.
Completely agree. The Transalp is the better bike in an objective, measurable way, but the CBX/NX is more endearing👍😊
As I get older I'm looking to go down in weight and, inevitably, power too. I had a '22 CB500X on test to compare with my NC750X and the main takeaways were a refined and peppy motor that initially felt no less lively than the NC, much better front suspension and front brake. The only downsides I recall were a business at 60-65+mph ( largely down to running low gearing to inject some more shove at lower speeds) a really noisy / turbulent fairing and a less simple maintenance regime. In short I felt the CB to be the better bike than the NC everywhere apart from motorway blasting and so for commuting and a few weeks touring in Europe each year the CB, now NX, must surely get the nod in that comparison.
I agree with you and would take the NX over the NC any day, mainly because I like being able to venture off road (a bit)
Great review, amazing quality and production video
Thanks, Tiago :)
I really want an NX500 but for cross country in the US I might wish for a little more. Surprisingly at highway speeds smaller bikes don’t translate into better fuel economy over my HD or DL650. For local riding I think it’s fantastic. Love the weight, power, balance and look. It’s on my list with 50/50 tires for
my back road riding.
You’re right, smaller capacity bikes can struggle on the highway
Another good review
Thank you for your continued appreciation :)
I'm chopping my Vstrom in for one. Great review, loving your work fella!
Thanks, Roger. You really can’t go wrong with the NX👍😊
@@rogerkay8603 may I ask why?
@@GJS-live VStrom was wrong for my use case, too tall, too heavy, (as a commuter, would have been okay for Motorway but not filtering into London)
Great detailed review!
Thanks, Pete👍😊
A brilliant and honest assessment. Love your delivery and mindset.
I have ridden V-Strom 650's for the past 17 years.
Thought of the CB/NX500 as a replacement but would definitely chose a CFMoto 450MT instead.
Don't really want to step backwards in power output. Considered Transalp 750 but would buy V-Strom 800 RE for 19" front and tubeless tyres.
I’m looking forward to trying the 450MT👍😊
Am I the only one who would like a retro version of this? It does everything you really need but I just can't stand the look of modern bikes - Insecty / Transformer style bodywork and a speedo that goes 37 41 43 40 38 35 36 42 etc - it's irritating. Round headlight, tank shaped tank and a dial speedo - it can have a small LCD for the uninteresting bits of info. Please Honda...
There are a few retro-style 350 Hondas around the corner, but models based on the 500 engine would sell better here in Europe for sure
...the CL500?
The cb1100 still exists
But this kinda is a 90's retro style. Ok Speedo is digital, but everything else looks just like a Kawasaki Tengai KLR 650
@@Geshmaal Yes, I suppose that's it. But it's not great really.
Just made a nearly 3000 km trip from Belgium to Lake Geneve, over the Route des Grandes Alpes to Nice, and back tot Belgium with my sun on the Route Napoleon. Me on my 2021 CB500X, he on his brandnew Nx500. Did perfectly well both, wouldn't want anything heavier/faster. Only downside was my sun's Nx consuming about 0,8 liters of engine oil during the trip. Since he only got 1000 km on the clock at departure, we're hoping this oil consumption will disappear over time.
I’d love to do the Route Napoleon with one of my sons one day. Unfortunately none of them has a bike licence🤔
Great video, thanks. You have by far the best intro/outro music of any motovlogger. Can I ask where it’s from? It sounds familiar but I can’t place it.
DIIV, Under the Sun :)
@@RocketMan_Moto ah no wonder I recognised it… I used to listen to diiv a lot, especially their first album oshin. Great driving music!
Certainly is👍😊
Thank you for the honest review!
Glad you found it useful👍😊
nice view!you make good question:do we need more to enjoy riding? 30000 euros BMW 1300 GS vs 7300 Honda NX 500,are we 4 times Happier?
Merci, Alain. Oui, c'est exactement ça - 4x plus chère, mais 4x mieux ??
Not at all lol
Just 4x broker 😢🤪
👍
Well! Seven months into ownership now and sporting close to 10K kilometres on the clock and the 500 NX 'little big bike' is doing its job admirably.
Holds its own in bigger and more exotic company for most of the time as well.
Most of my riding these days is exploring the island of Ireland in stints of one - three days.
I spend quite long days in the saddle and as a capable all-rounder, I cant really think of anything ever- so negative so say about this bike.
I bought it kind of on impulse based on it's reputation and took delivery without even a test ride.
As someone who's used to very much more powerful bikes, I did this with a wee bit of trepidation but, I'm really pleased with how this little-bit-less than half litre gem of a bike does its business.
I've pasted a link below to the sort of places this bike takes me, with consummate ease and comfort.
👍👍👍
ua-cam.com/video/JNQz1BV11EI/v-deo.htmlsi=SOnkDGh0Oru8JKL8
Great feedback, glad you're enjoying this 'little big bike' so much. Thanks for sharing, ride safe :)
Hope you get to test the new Himalayan as well. Would love to hear how it compares. Thanks for yet a great and honest review!
Thanks for watching. Himalayan is on my list😊
Great video, having owned a considerable number of Hondas, my first being a lovely XBR500, i think it's a great bike. I've had considerable misgivings about the Triumphs since i first saw them, and although this is a bit more dosh, it's build quality and finish are of a different class to the Triumphs.
Yes, and the dealer network :)
The NX500 looks very nice & judging by your excellent first ride review I’m sure it will be a great seller for Honda. I’ve just sold my Honda NC750X as it’s very heavy & I’m wanting to downsize. In the UK the NX is just starting to make an appearance in main dealerships but for me I’m very tempted to buy a heavily discounted NOS Honda CB500X. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this as I know you have loads of experience with these models.
If you can find a nice, low-mileage 500X, then go for that. The only real difference with the NX is the TFT screen and more modern looking(??) front end
@@RocketMan_Moto Being a Yorkshireman I have short arms & deep pockets 😂😂 my Local Honda dealer has 3x Brand New outgoing CB500X bikes reduced to clear from the showroom to make space for the replacement NX500 bikes. I’m not that bothered about the TFT screen or the backlight switchgear so the discount on the outgoing bikes makes sense to me. Many Thanks for the advice as it’s much appreciated.
Go for it and enjoy👍😊
@@johndavy8801 I'm still on 2017 model with a lot more flaws but, I can't find rational reason to replace it with newer model and especially not with anything else (I do own 5 bikes). The main appeal of NX for me is traction control. The X is fairly light and slides easy on crappy OEM Dunlops (which can be fun). On better tires not so much but, TC may be good idea if you ride in a lot of rain.
@@oknevals greetings from Yorkshire,many thanks for the interesting comments,especially the bit about the stock Dunlop tyres. I’ve taken the plunge & ordered a New old stock cb500x 2023 model & looking forward to many happy miles riding. Thanks for your input.
The CB500X are a very very capable bike. Enough power for roads and easy to ride on gravel/dirt and roads.
I agree. Great fun👍😊
Love Rocketman's views. In regards no fuel range, I just don't see why that's important. I use the resettable-trip-odometer reading on my bike for that purpose. Perhaps I'm missing something. Once more thank you for your reviews.
😊👍
At 5'6" tall and 10 stone I find that my Kawasaki Z400 with some mods is just the job for me. Your 6'2"would dwarf it!!
I think the ergonomics of the bike for the user are the most important aspect as they maximise bike control in all conditions.
Anyway, thanks very much for your considered reviews and sensible insights on each motorcycle!
Thanks, Stan😊👍
Excellent review and tutorial.
Thank you :)
Hmm, I wonder how it compares with the Tiger Sport 660?
The Tiger Sport 660 is much more powerful, but it can't go off road. Completely different bike really :)
I have a 2023 Honda CB 500 X and I just recently got the new transalp. I do not regret my purchase, but I can honestly say there was no viable reason for me upgrading except the power but to be honest with you the 500 X has plenty of power and does it all I just wanted to waste money I guess
Haha, we're all guilty of that when it comes to motorbikes. That said, as good as the NX500 is, I wouldn't swap my Transalp for one. I think it's worth the extra €3k.
@@RocketMan_Motooh yea! Those induction noises alone are great!
👍😊
Temptation! 😂
Take note that among Honda's line up with the "same" 471cc parallel twin, the CB500R, CB500X, CL500, Rebel 500, it is the NX500 that is most powerful in terms of HP and torque.
True, but the differences are very small😊
NX500 has 37.1kW(thats 49.73HP) while the CB500X has only 35kW or only 46.91 hp. Am telling you that it's no very small.
Hello RM: I always enjoy your reviews, but chuckled at your need for the ambient temperature and the fuel range. You can feel the ambient temperature on your skin and just look at your fuel gauge. You know that the NX gets approximately 3.5 litres/100kms. Simple math will tell you the range. I would definitely cross any continent on the NX.
Thank you for your great work and watch you don't fall over any of those cliffs.
Dave from Nova Scotia, Canada
@@davidalder6558 You, sir, apparently do not ride in Southeast Asia, where an ambient temperature gauge is a fundamental piece of safety equipment. We often must choose to ride at 40 degrees or higher, or not to ride at all. Not to mention wet bulb temperature. An ambient temperature gauge for safety? Yes, please.
So would you say it's worth fitting Pro-Taper ADV Adventure bars (90mm rise) or the Adventure Tall bars (140mm) to rectify the standing up problem? Is the suspension adequate for off-roading, if you're going to go that route, or does it need re-springing, say Öhlins forks & rear spring? I have an Africa Twin but I'm always looking for a smaller runabout that might be less bother for around town & blatting about greenlaning. Are there any proper knobbly tyres that'll do OK on the NX500?
I think you’d need to respring it for anything but occasional off-road use. Out of the factory it’s just too soft.
Je possède une CB500X de 2022 et j'en suis très satisfait. J'aimerais juste que la cartographie d'injection favorise davantage le couple à bas régime, ce qui a été réalisé sur la NX500. Quelqu'un sait-il si on peut reprogrammer l'ECU de la CB500X avec le programme de la NX500 ? Mon concessionnaire n'a pas su me répondre.
Good question. Anyone?
When Honda gets it right…it’s a result of much research and much time. I too was also looking for ways to eliminate the plastic, teardrop the tank, maybe include the center stand. IDK, opinions are like….
It wouldn’t take much to turn this into the ‘perfect’ bike👍
When they put the DCT on this, I am ready to buy. Or make it an option...
You might get an eClutch option one day, but I doubt they’ll put DCT on this engine
I love mine. It's an easy breezy ride. My only complaint is the slightest touch to the display causes scratches. I tried removing dust with a lens cloth being very gentle and it looks like I used sandpaper. Very disappointing. I ordered a screen protector but it was too late to prevent damage. The plastic is very soft. Otherwise I love this bike.
The first thing to do with any new TFT screen is fit some protective film👍
A question...
My 21 500x has an irritating snatchy throttle just as it opens, it is completely cured on my 22 500x. I'm thinking about replacing the 21 with an nx500... then I read a review by visordown where he commented it had a snatchy throttle 😬
Any thoughts on that 1 point.
I'm in Crete where there are zero so I can't try one...
Many Euro 5 bikes have snatchy throttles, unfortunately, but I can’t say I noticed a specific problem with the NX, at least compared to, say, the CF Moto 450 MT, which was very bad.
@RocketMan_Moto Thanks for the reply. I'll have to give one a try when I'm back in the UK. I rode an Aprilia Pegaso 650 for a good while & the throttle was like an on/off switch. It made for some hilarious moments when trying to stand across rough ground. I usually ended up laughing at the impossibility of it & sat back down! The 22 500x has v smooth response which has spoiled me I think 😁
Super essai! Exactement mon souci là Transalp un grosse en largeur la NX500 un peu trop light! Je suis trop indécis ou alors autre chose en 650 ccm?
Pour moi, la Transalp est juste ce qu’il faut👍😊
1,82m pour ma part, il faut quand même que je me confronte à la Transalp 750. Au plaisir RM
182, ça devrait aller. Elle s’affaisse pas mal quand on monte dessus…
Merci pour les conseils and quality reviews in general.
Obrigado😉
Great review as always, but could I ask that you include a 'seat to peg' height in future reviews, This is a dimension that no manufacturer includes, but I think it is as equally important as 'seat height'.
Thanks, Kevin. That's a good idea, I'll try to remember to take my tape measure on future tests :)
@@RocketMan_Moto You are a good man. 👍. Enjoy your reviews here in Australia. Similar climates perhaps? 🙂
I’ve never been to Australia, but I always think that, if I had the chance to start life over again, I’d probably head straight there. I love the idea of all that space!😊
2.... best things to do on a cb500 x / nx500
1... change front sprocket to 16 t
2... fit bar risers
Took a cb500x all over morocco for a month , and it was the perfect bike !
Those two mods would definitely improve things a lot (I imagine; I've never actually tried). As you say, perfect bike for real adventuring. I can see why Itchyboots takes a simple Honda rather than an überbike like a GS.
@@RocketMan_MotoToo heavy 🥵gs
Yes. And expensive, difficult to repair, dealers in west Africa..?
I had a 2021 model that I thought I'd have for years and years. Sold it last fall because I wasn't riding it enough. It was fast enough but it was fairly heavy compared to my dual sport
Thanks for your input👍😊
As an owner of NX500 worst thing to me is seat comfort and handlebar vibrations. If i am riding it more than 1 hour it starts to hurt my rear to a point i need to stop and take a break, and my right arm go slightly numb. Brakes are actually amazing but only after 500km .At least front one, rear is just ok .
Oh yes and and all that fancy display and they couldn't ad outside temp.
I agree about the vibes and the ambient temperature. Thanks for your input👍😊
It's no surprise to me that the Transalp is better on the highway, but I'm curious about how much worse it is for filtering in city traffic... In case you do filter, how do they compare?
I don’t do much riding in heavy urban traffic, but I’d say the NX is slightly easier. It’s quite a bit lighter and narrower than the Transalp.
Nice review .I am still a happy CBX rider ( 2017 model) .Having sat on both the NX and Transalp,I would like to move up to the Transalp for the extra bit of power for touring and overtake but not without it being Tubeless; I wonder if this will ever happen.
Thanks, Richard. Tubeless doesn't bother me personally, but I see so many people being put off by it that I'm sure Honda will have to respond. Maybe the 2025 model??
After owning 3 CB 500x’s, I was getting a bit bored with the bike. I went into the showroom 2 days ago and compared the NX alongside the ADV 350, I wish Honda would do something about the plain looking colours, needless to say I came away with the ADV, having always been a big bike owner, I have to say the ADV is actually a breath of fresh air. Early days, a change is often an eye opener 😳😳😳
Ah, you're preaching to the converted :) I'm lucky in that I have a Transalp and an ADV. The Transalp is very nice, but I use the scooter at least 2 or 3 times every day for running errands. I wouldn't be without the practicality of a scooter.
Thanks for the description. Looks like a ideal basic beginner bike.
It is, but it’s also a lot of fun for more experienced riders. People complain about it being boring, but I don’t think it is😊👍
What is beginner bike?
@@oknevals This one could be a perfect beginner bike. I started with a HOnda CB400 for example.
@@erkutgurun I started on xt250. Then bought 500x and Super Tenere. My last three bikes were 150cc, 350cc and 200cc. X is hardly a beginner bike if there is such thing at all. That whole beginner bike thing is nonsense.
I have a 2019 Vespa GTS 300, whch is rather heavy for what it is. I'm looking for something that is not too much of a handful. I don't want anything too powerful, too heavy, to be nimble around town, where I ride 90% of the time. But I also would like something a bit more power on tap for the highway/interstate. An occasional dirt road or fire road perhaps, but that would be rare. And I want to keep it as affordable as possilbe. I'm looking at this or its CB 500 version as a possible solution. Any other good suggestions?
The NX would be a good choice, but maybe also look at the Triumph Speed 400/400X and the CF Moto 450MT
I can't find a review of the 2021 onwards NC750x on your site. I'm torn between that and this NX500
Dealers don’t tend to have NCs on demonstration, as it’s such an old model. A friend has just bought one, though, so I may be able to test his soon.
Hello Rocketman, I have a question, did you ever find a cure for the noisy drive train on the ADV 350 I have the same noise on mine & would like to find an answer to solve it.
Regards, Frank.
Unfortunately not. I put lighter rollers in 3 months ago, but the noise is just as bad🤨
Another satisfying review. Thank you. Im stuck at the minute between this and the adv350. Very surprised that given the extra power and additional engine capacity the NX gets the same if not slightly more mpg. Thats significant. Problem is sacrificing the underseat storage. I also wonder whether they could add in the fuel rabge with a software update ?
As with the Transalp, I think ‘luxuries’ like fuel range are deliberately left out so that we gravitate towards the Africa Twin🤨
Great review!
Thank you, Julian :)
Hi,it seems a nice bike ,like the front end or the lack of it.
Unless I've missed it have you any plans on testing the honda cl500 scrambler? Would like your views on one,given where you live, weather n twisty roads.
I'd like to test the CL500, but my dealer hasn't had a demo bike in yet
On my second 500x. They are just so easy to ride. Question is - does it have the same gearing? It feels like it reving too hard at higher speeds and a quick check revealed that the speedo over-reads by around 8%.
I didn't feel any big difference over the 2023 model
Did you need to use the horn & hit the indicators instead? I wish Honda had left the horn button where everyone else has it! A chap on the Honda stand at MC Live told me it moved when Honda introduced DCT switchgear, for uniformity.
Yes, very annoying, but as a Transalp & ADV350 owner, I’m used to the switch position🙄
A really nice, practicaI bike, with all the power I would need for public roads👍👍. I quite agree with your comments on the beauty of moderately powered and moderately priced motorbikes. But, I remember your negative comments on the air-cooled Interceptor, which has a bit more torque than the NX500 and is not at all boring to look at or listen to😁😁.
I really didn't gel with the Interceptor, mainly because it does nothing very well. The NX is much more versatile - touring, off-road, commuting... the RE isn't especially good at any of those. And it's massively over-hyped :)
Tried a demo run on one. Lovely bike but really needs another 10 - 20bhp. Otherwise you have to plan well ahead for overtakes.
I think every bike with less than, say, 160hp could benefit from an additional 10-20hp ;)
I am 65 and returned to biking after nearly 40 year break. What inspired me was my youngest son letting me have a naughty round the block go on his cb500x…I was smitten. I would say my son has done 50000 miles on his 500x in 3 years travelling everywhere in Europe. He is 6feet tall and has been very happy with it. Biking travels UA-cam channel with Nick is very similar.
I bought a cb500x last may and have loved it. However, I am RM’s height with long legs and I ride with a cushion on my seat for mor leg room. My dilemma, if I dare call it that, is would I be better off with the Transalp? More leg room, pegs further forward and I imagine better suspension to cope with England’s awful roads. I sit on the Transalp and find it fits me perfectly, though the new Tiger 900 rally pro with the seat on high setting is even better. The extra power would help to get to nice riding areas, though feel no need for it when riding nice roads. I ride a lot and want to protect my back, so the Transalp feels like the perfect upgrade for me…a simple bike that adds in most areas apart from maybe city handling. It encourages me to hear what you say about feeling free on a simple bike as I have been considering the Tiger 900 rally pro….but honestly the new screen I think is too big, suits the 1200 better. And I just know I don’t want to be messing about with a screen. How about a really stripped down version of the Tiger rally pro…like the 850 sport!
Nice dilemma to have😊 If money were no object, I would get the Tiger 900 Rally Pro in a heartbeat. It is expensive, though, and that’s why I’m happy with the Transalp for the moment. It offers more room and more power than the NX500 without costing too much more.
Great review. How did you find the low speed fueling? I had a 2019 model which had very bad snatchiness at low speed. Almost dangerous in small roundabouts. I also found it top heavy with a full tank, but you state that the NX is not. Internesting.
I suppose it's all relative: compared to my Transalp, the NX feels much less top-heavy and low-speed fueling is also better
I think the 2023 is also a bit snatchy, but I was taught that slipping the clutch on roundabouts is the best practice for managing uneven power delivery, whether caused by accidental rider input or poor fuelling, so that might be worth a think.
How is the wind protection for the shoulders and head? Giving the higher fairing, I'd expect it to be better. This is one of the issues that the cb500x has when doing long rides on the highway.
At 187cm / 6'2" I would need a taller screen
Hi, do you think suspension travel is more and better than triumph scram 400x?
They both have about 150mm of travel, which isn't the best for off-roading, but the Honda FEELS more capable
Having a carbed w650 and a 1999 VW golf 1.9.tdi that my mechanic says I shouldn't trade for anything in this world, I tend to gravitate twards less is more. Off course I can see the allure of a GS1300, but maybe, just maybe the new...900gs is my sweetspot.
I’m looking forward to trying the 900 GS
I’m looking forward to you testing the 900GS as it’s on my radar…any idea when you’re getting one RM?
As I appreciate your considerations, a direct question, if you were to face the purchase again, which would you bet on, NX500 or Transalp? Greetings
As I say at the end of this video, given my size & weight (187cm / 90kg), and the fact that I do quite a few motorway miles, I think the Transalp was the right choice for me. However, if you're slightly smaller and/or less experienced, then the NX is perfectly adequate.