Thanks for the video. I have a 2021 CB500x which I bought in Chile for trips I do in Patagonia. It wasn’t my first choice but it was affordable. 3 trips and 20,000kms later I love it so much I ordered a NX to ride here in Canada. What is so great? Huge range due to 17litre tank and amazing fuel economy. Buttery smooth engine that will cruise happily all day on the highway at the speed limit and this is important because the distances are huge. Tubeless tires! Not a wheel or tire issue despite the very rough roads and tracts I’ve ridden. I use KTC80s. Light and easy to maneuver through congested towns and even into the odd hotel lobby. I’ve gone places on this bike that I would not venture on a much heavier machine. I added a Rally Raid bash plate that has seen contact a few times. Also some fork rubbers to keep the dust out. Barkbuster hand guards and soft Enduristan bags have protected the bike on the inevitable low speed crashes. The CB and NX are highly underrated rough road travel bikes. Looking forward to my new white NX.
Just been to Marrakech and back on mine.Over 5000 miles. I'm 6 feet tall and it was surprisingly comfortable. As you say its a very approachable bike and easy to ride but I'll stick to tarmac with it and use a 300Rally for off road. SW Moth have now launched their accessories.....including a bash plate.
Have one as an alternate bike to my big one 1300. Also, it is delightful to ride it all day long as an experienced rider, this could well be the very best bike for beginners! Upside down fork, double breaking discs, anti hopping Clutch, excellent display and very fine gear box for driving 450 kilometers with a Single tank-fuel......🎉🎉🎉
The reintroduced TransAlp and the NX500 both had the opportunity to be the lightweight off road capable ADV bike that's powerful enough to cruise on highways that we've been begging for but once again, the big motorcycle companies are mocking us with ADV styled street bikes.
@@Motoeuro - I'm more interested in the 500 cc Kove Rally reimagined as an ADV bike. Love the huge fuel capacity. The 500 cc Ibex from CF Moto is close to what the market has been begging for for decades. The big moto manufacturers area a cartel that refuses to sell us what we want, but the Chinese are getting close.
@@Liberty4Ever Agreed. Give it 5 years for a bigger dealer network and there will be huge changes in attitudes I think - I remeber whne Japanese bikes were called 'Jap Crap' look what happened there! Cheers
I visited honda dealership a week ago to see and check new NX500. I'm 192 cm tall and I feel great compare to my duke 390. NX500 from my perspective is perfect for me. I'm going to order soon this baby.
Why first touring bike? I'm 66 and have been touring since 1979. I would say it looks like a perfect touring motorcycle for an experienced rider. I picked up a used SV650 in May at half the price and love it, but I would definitely consider a red NX500 if I were to buy a new motorcycle. No more big motorcycles for me please.
My favorite thing about my old CB500X was the engine and gas mileage. It was a beast on a tour. I was thinking of gettin a new CB500X but this NX500 is a no-brainer. This after having gone from CB500X to Africa Twin; I'm going back. An outstanding commuter bike, that you can take out for a weekend road (even dirt road) adventure. It appears to be more of a baby TransAlp then a baby Africa Twin. I love the accessory package and would still add a bash-plate and side cases.
I don't know where the guy from (probably British) but very good and understandable, clear English voice, thanks for that in the name of not native viewers!
He's speaking proper English. Of course he's British. I have never understood why people who live in the penal colonies (Australia and USA) do not take the time to learn to speak English properly. Can you explain that please?
The NX/500X is a great real world touring bike. It certainly doesn’t need laugh out loud (sic) power, only someone who rides like a prat would consider that necessary on public roads. Why do reviewers put so much emphasis on motorway performance? Motorways are not the natural home of any motorcycle other than a cruiser, the Honda belongs on B roads where it excels. It’s seating position makes it a comfortable, capable touring bike, being perched on top would not improve it at all.
Just my opinion! I did make it clear W’ways are not the natural playground for the NX. Throttle goes both ways, I’d rather have power there when needed / wanted. Cheers
The chassis and handling of the cb500x is amazing but it was let down by budget componentry (no SP version) and not enough power. The nx500 should have a bigger brother in the same chassis with the same platform. Better components and a bigger engine.
new channel for me. have the rally. 1st bike. first and only time in Newcastle was 1990. world cup (much Mcewans after the loss) Tina Turner over the fence at Gateshead. learnt the local speak. good memories.
Love seeing your take on bikes ❤ but I don’t know where you got the 250mm ground clearance from?(perhaps by crossing stats with the standard Africa Twin) everywhere else I look I see it holds the same 180mm the CB500X had… No suspension length difference or chassis hence makes sense there will not be such a big difference. BTW the shifter is adjustable to fit your dancing shoes as well as your MX boots 😅
Have always been a fan of the cb500x. There’s plenty of aftermarket upgrades out there. Rally raid makes parts for suspension and chassis upgrades. Love the updates they’ve made with the NX can’t wait to see them in the US.
It’s a great bike, if the best I can do is pick on lack of bash plate, or USB, then hopefully viewers ‘get it’. RR kits are not cheap, I wonder what the overall cost would be after a Stage 1 or 2 upgrade?
@@Motoeuro I figure if you’re really wanting the most out of that chassis to fully utilize the engine you’d be into it about as much as buying a transalp out right, but with a better weight and suspension set up than the transalp stock.
1st time visiting your channel and gotta say you have a wonderful cadence and demeanor that is very well suited to your review style. Happy to subscribe! cheers from Canada!
There are plenty of great after market accessories so it’s not important that Honda don’t offer a baseplate. I’m sure that a lot of the bikes sold will go off the tarmac, the 500X is very capable on loose surfaces.
I would like to think some of the NX’s would see some light dirt. I simply find it odd that Honda offer so many accessories but the first one I’d pick isn’t even on offer.
It seems like a perfect beginner's bike. My son's eyeing it for his first - I approve. And just as I wanted to type something to the tune, glad it didn't fall over... Ahaha, the "Ooooh" is unforgettable! Thank you, love your reviews.
@@oknevals I started paying attention when he said he'll buy it (as soon as he can afford it, so it still may be years! :D). With what he has on his mind: A2 licence that he has, manageable power and approachable stature, travel capability, and a reasonable price... I see nothing better. Of course, motorcycles aren't the most rational of things, but rationally, I'd be hard-pressed. It beats the naked Honda sibling, because you can put cases on it and a pillion. I love the new RE Himalayan - actually all of them - but single-cyl traveling, say from our Belgrade to a beach in Greece, is not happy going. The other REs can't match the practicality. I still mistrust the growing and increasingly attractive Chinese army - plus, those are unsellable second-hand. This isn't a fighting argument! :)
@@borisbabich A lot depends on how tall and strong your son is. Also, how he plans on using it. I can't imagine more appropriate bike for Serbia or whole Balkan region. It is still heavy and powerful for first bike and there are a lot of fun dirt roads where 500X requires more experience. It was my second bike after Yam xt250 that I trashed off road but, I'm still keeping it in the stable. First bike is learning bike and you may pretty much write it off. It will be dropped and trashed. I would also check on crf300 or kawi versys 300 (although they come with tube tires). Maybe even xt250 or klx230 as they are air cooled. Over there you may also have Suz V-strom 250. That may be another good start and it can take you to Greece. Any bike can. I don't think people cruise there for hours over 100-120kmh. I was doing 200+ miles days in Texas on my xt250. I wouldn't go with Indian bikes. They are cool but not reliable (I have two of them).
@@oknevals All good points. He's just under 180 (5'11" cca) and is very fit. He's also 25 - so not a kid - a car drive with 7-8 years under the butt and two seasons of commuting on my SH150. So, he is my kid, but also a full adult who mercifully behaves normally in traffic. Yes, the NX is on the heavier side, but it shouldn't be much more of a problem than, say, the nidget Strom or the Versys. He has a clear vision of what he wants to do with the bike and, it's within that context, that I agree with his choice. More - from what I keared about the bike since I started looking, it seems downright, akh, well, ideal. 😊 If it happens, then he'll also have an intercom and, just like when he started driving a car, we'll go riding, chattering about the do and don't and hopefully setting him off on a life of fun, safe riding. I appreciate your thoughts - really spot on.
The old Honda cb 500 1994 to 2002 was a far better model than these new low powered models they churn out today. The TFT Screens are rubbish compared to the old analog clocks and if we want sat navs we can simply buy them. The old cb 500 was 57bhp and wasn't bogged down with needless rider mode crap on the handlebars. Rider modes and TFT Screens should only be fitted as an extra for those that like all that but l think we should have a choice. We all have maps on our phones.
@mikerider58 unfortunately Mike, engines have to comply with euro standards to meet emissions regulations, furthermore there's more choice now than there ever was so there's a bike for everyone now. To add, manufacturers are supplying engines to fall in the A2 categories to attract the new crowd in, hence the lower power, but in fairness engines now are far and away more efficient than back then and undoubtedly more reliable. Honda cb500x are still running with well over 120k on the clock as are the Tracer cp2 engines.
I once had a cb500x with the full rally raid level 2 kit installed. It was a fantastic small adv bike and frankly i regret selling it. The low center of gravity makes it feel light and nimble, and make it weirdly easy to pick ip when dropped. I did single track with it and it did pretty damned well comsidering it is a 430lb twin cylinder bike!
Ive tested a 2023 CB500x and loved it in many ways, BUT, couldn't get past the vibration at motorway speeds....it really was an issue for me. I was hoping that Honda solved it with this bike but it doesn't sound like it. I wonder if its because of the 180 degree twin configuration on the engine. I am holding out for the CFMoto450MT in the hope that doesn't have similar issues (given its a 270 degree twin). Thoughts?
They've talked about improving the vibration problem with every new model upgrade of this bike. Journalists all said the same thing. I guess it's just promo talk...
5:40 because bashplate possible mounts are not suited for absorbing impacts, due to oil pan design, if you mount a aftermarket bashplate and you hit something even at very low speed, the mounting would snap and punch a hole in the oil pan, i ready this experience just 2 days ago
Don't really need a bash plate if you don't ride rough trails. Not all adventure bikes are designed to be off road chargers. Probably 80% might take it on a rougher trail once and never venture there again. They watch videos then try it and realize it isn't easy, even with the right bike. A gravel road is the hardest road they will ever travel.
Nice and succinct! Well done! I am sure the parts suppliers will design a bash plate in no time and I really think this an ideal ADV bike to start,on for a young person. In France you can buy one with an A2 license, as in all EU countries. Not sure for the UK.
hundreds of kms off road on my 2019 500x if not thousands.... if you are smart the bashguard is not needed...and there's lots of aftermarket ones to choose from.
This new NX is a disappointment for me cause it's just an updated CB500X. Don't get me wrong. I own a CB500X and absolutely love it , and on every ride, it puts a big smile on my face. But when I heard that Honda was reviving the NX line, I was excited and hoping for a lightweight 500cc thumper. Nope. Great review by the way.
Observations: My inseam is 36"+ (huge props for including yours) so that does raise some concern for me. Although a Russell Day Long seat would cure that ASAP. Bash plate; it seems to me a decent OEM bash plate is as rare as hens teeth with people opting for after market anyway so maybe Honda just said F@#$ it, let the aftermarket supply it. Now we wait for the boys at Rally Raid to provide some juicy bits for it. :^)
@@chrishart8548reason not a 600 becouse some countrys limted to cc buy here listrance in lot country in eu and uk. my transalp only 55bhp that prefect not need anymore or less. it amzing offroading. gone places a norden failed get to. nx500 is what a transalp is but it not got the spoked wheels 21 inch.
So when the dealership rogered you for the new crash bars or the transalp repair, did you keep the old ones? Would have been worth a few quid after some paint...
Honda doesn't make sense. This motor could fit in a CR frame.. light, great suspension, 21in front wheel can do everything off road and cross country or motocross track..add a 500 water cooled twin and tubeless tires and it will be the best bike. The bike everyone wants.. sorry Kove. Single won't do it. Sorry CF Moto 500 pounds is not off road.. and China build quality is why people buy Honda. No reason for this bike w Transalp at $10k
I think this is a better bike than the transalp for what i do... I don't need nor want 85hp. The CB500X is the perfect bike for many ppl... I've had everything from the CRF250 rally, 2019 cb500x non abs & 2021 Africa twin adventure sport... Prefer the CB500X
great little bike if people have their eyes open to what it really is, adventure though LOL, this = a great road tourer that will be as reliable as a cockroach. That said, the Rieju aventura legend makes mincemeat of this - same engine, better everything else
You seem like a very nice person, but there's some things you've missed. It has 180 mm clearance, not 250mm. This, along with cb500x, is actually very commonly used off road and it's often found globetrotting. Many people take it on serious off road because the seat is low and it's relatively light / easy to maneuver (albeit you can't ride it as fast as a proper off road bike). They probably see too much dirt for their design, and a simple google search would clear this up. It's also one of Rally Raid's "special" bikes. It's much more competent than it looks. There are TONS of skid plates, crash bars, hand guard and whatever else. I don't mean bug spoilers, I mean actual crash worthy skid plates and bars that complete the frame to make it a makeshift cradle-like structure, connecting the back of the frame to the front of the frame. Shifter can be adjusted to fit your foot. It does get low on power when on a highway, especially two up, that is right, but it is also very nippy below 60 mph. However, it has a carry capacity of 189 kg, which is on the higher side among bikes. The "decent" 17.2 l tank is actually huge if you consider the fuel efficiency. This bike can go much farther than most bikes available right now. Twin disks have been available since the 2022 model. This bike also lasts ridiculously long, most probably due to it's simplicity and low compression ratio. It sounds ok stock, but one advantage is this bike can be fitted with an aftermarket silencer / can, without changing the whole evac piping. It is on the smaller side, yes, which makes it better in the city, less so on the highway. The TFT thing, I don't know, it might be a matter of preference, but I've yet to meet riders that actually want the TFT. People I've met are more like "it's cool, yeah, but not a game breaker". You also forgot to mention the windshield, most often a little too short for proper wind protection, but easily fixable with an extender. Also, I like your presentation style :)
How is the NX500 if you want to carry a passenger? I want to do some adventure touring a passenger and I’m wondering if the comfort is okay with a pillion.
@@kerjnerm681 it should be fine, but I didn’t have the opportunity to try it! I would add to this that if you want to carry a pillion most of the time, you may need the Alp as it has far more power for 2-up, Cheers
Annoys me that Honda refuses to have cruise control as an option on Adventure bikes under than the Africa Twin. The CB500x/NX500 or NX750 or even the Transalp would greatly benefit from it as they are great touring machines. For that reason if I ever upgrade my CB500x I will be looking elsewhere.
Great review, I've been looking at these while I'm looking at selling the Tenere 700 I got for dad unfortunately it's worked out to tall an to much for him with his stage 3b/4 prostate cancer time for a lower seat an something more managable :)
Ah yes, the NX500 - the bike that should have vaulted Honda ahead of the CF Moto and RE in the small displacement ADV niche and instead tells everyone that they really aren't interested in listening to what the market wants. As a result, the 450MT and Himi 450 will outsell the NX500 by a large margin
250mm ground clearance??? i don't believe that, my 701 has only 270mm, my g310gs with rally raid lvl2 had only 240mm. honda says it is 180mm i think in reality it is much smaller then that.
Lovely bike but it should have at least 500cc (even owners believe they have 500cc engine 😅) and optional quickShifter. It's too weak even for beginners (A2 owners could limit power with software - we are in 2024)
I am not sure what's Honda's market play here but this bike is priced almost as the new Hornet, I'd rather buy that one and skip the no tarmac beautiful country roads. Transalp is the better choice in this segment if you got the budget. Overpriced , minus the minus accessories . The new CFmoto 450 MT will destroy the NX500 , comes right out the box with more accessories and better equipped for the off-road and the price gap is to be considered. They need to offer better competition. Dissapointed :(
So the same bike with higher price! And still no hand and crash guards, engine plate, laguage rack included... Thats insult for me as a consumer. I do off-roading on TET with my cb500x, but next bike I try will be chinese! (450MT, royal 450...) and I just dont care if they broke up.
🦘 Ah, English spoken with just a hint of Geordie - the most colourful of English accents/dialects - especially in its broad form. Useful review - convincing me stick to my gorgeous 2021 Grand Prix red CB 500X .... 25,000 km young, still going smooth and strong in all terrains and surfaces (with the help of Michelin Anakee Adventures) and only drinking 3.1L/100 km.
![Why is EVERYONE Buying the HONDA NX500 ? [QuickTest#37]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/--PL45RxiLA/mqdefault.jpg)
![Why is EVERYONE Buying the HONDA NX500 ? [QuickTest#37]](/img/tr.png)
Thanks for the video. I have a 2021 CB500x which I bought in Chile for trips I do in Patagonia. It wasn’t my first choice but it was affordable. 3 trips and 20,000kms later I love it so much I ordered a NX to ride here in Canada. What is so great? Huge range due to 17litre tank and amazing fuel economy. Buttery smooth engine that will cruise happily all day on the highway at the speed limit and this is important because the distances are huge. Tubeless tires! Not a wheel or tire issue despite the very rough roads and tracts I’ve ridden. I use KTC80s. Light and easy to maneuver through congested towns and even into the odd hotel lobby. I’ve gone places on this bike that I would not venture on a much heavier machine. I added a Rally Raid bash plate that has seen contact a few times. Also some fork rubbers to keep the dust out. Barkbuster hand guards and soft Enduristan bags have protected the bike on the inevitable low speed crashes. The CB and NX are highly underrated rough road travel bikes. Looking forward to my new white NX.
Just been to Marrakech and back on mine.Over 5000 miles. I'm 6 feet tall and it was surprisingly comfortable. As you say its a very approachable bike and easy to ride but I'll stick to tarmac with it and use a 300Rally for off road. SW Moth have now launched their accessories.....including a bash plate.
Nice! Hope you've made a video of your trip!
I use my ATV for off road hahaha!
For the bash plate. I think CB500X's should be perfectly fit with it. Since it's technically the same bike.
From Gen.3 CB500X owner.
Thanks for that :D
Have one as an alternate bike to my big one 1300. Also, it is delightful to ride it all day long as an experienced rider, this could well be the very best bike for beginners! Upside down fork, double breaking discs, anti hopping Clutch, excellent display and very fine gear box for driving 450 kilometers with a Single tank-fuel......🎉🎉🎉
The reintroduced TransAlp and the NX500 both had the opportunity to be the lightweight off road capable ADV bike that's powerful enough to cruise on highways that we've been begging for but once again, the big motorcycle companies are mocking us with ADV styled street bikes.
Fair point, I hear ya! Especially when Kove can knock-out an 800cc ADV twin at 185kgs! Cheers 👍
@@Motoeuro - I'm more interested in the 500 cc Kove Rally reimagined as an ADV bike. Love the huge fuel capacity. The 500 cc Ibex from CF Moto is close to what the market has been begging for for decades. The big moto manufacturers area a cartel that refuses to sell us what we want, but the Chinese are getting close.
@@Liberty4Ever Agreed. Give it 5 years for a bigger dealer network and there will be huge changes in attitudes I think - I remeber whne Japanese bikes were called 'Jap Crap' look what happened there! Cheers
@@Liberty4Ever
That's right.
They won't produce a complete package cause then, no one will buy the next one, so they're mocking us.
I visited honda dealership a week ago to see and check new NX500. I'm 192 cm tall and I feel great compare to my duke 390. NX500 from my perspective is perfect for me. I'm going to order soon this baby.
Top! Its a cracking bike :D Have fun!
@@Motoeuro We don't get no NX or 500x in 2024 😭here.
Great first touring bike or for those just wanting a nice chill touring/commuter bike.
Great work Honda 👍.
If you don't have it you're just guessing .
Why first touring bike? I'm 66 and have been touring since 1979. I would say it looks like a perfect touring motorcycle for an experienced rider. I picked up a used SV650 in May at half the price and love it, but I would definitely consider a red NX500 if I were to buy a new motorcycle. No more big motorcycles for me please.
My favorite thing about my old CB500X was the engine and gas mileage. It was a beast on a tour. I was thinking of gettin a new CB500X but this NX500 is a no-brainer. This after having gone from CB500X to Africa Twin; I'm going back. An outstanding commuter bike, that you can take out for a weekend road (even dirt road) adventure. It appears to be more of a baby TransAlp then a baby Africa Twin. I love the accessory package and would still add a bash-plate and side cases.
I don't know where the guy from (probably British) but very good and understandable, clear English voice, thanks for that in the name of not native viewers!
He's speaking proper English. Of course he's British. I have never understood why people who live in the penal colonies (Australia and USA) do not take the time to learn to speak English properly. Can you explain that please?
@@fuglbird hehe me neither, I am not a native speaker so...
Thanks for the video. The more learn about the new 'CB 500X/NX 500" the more I think it is the bike for me. CHEERS!
I get my red and black NX 500 next week brand new!!!! :))
I bought this in Thailand in white.
5800€ here.
Can’t get much better for that price.
Cheap!
The NX/500X is a great real world touring bike. It certainly doesn’t need laugh out loud (sic) power, only someone who rides like a prat would consider that necessary on public roads. Why do reviewers put so much emphasis on motorway performance? Motorways are not the natural home of any motorcycle other than a cruiser, the Honda belongs on B roads where it excels. It’s seating position makes it a comfortable, capable touring bike, being perched on top would not improve it at all.
Just my opinion! I did make it clear W’ways are not the natural playground for the NX. Throttle goes both ways, I’d rather have power there when needed / wanted. Cheers
It lacks power for long distance touring including fast roads, not relaxed in that role. More suitable power for that is around 70hp, not below 50....
Some of us live in places like Texas, where traveling from one city to the next puts most people into another country.
The chassis and handling of the cb500x is amazing but it was let down by budget componentry (no SP version) and not enough power. The nx500 should have a bigger brother in the same chassis with the same platform. Better components and a bigger engine.
Lovely commentary, simple and to the point. This bike ticks most of the boxes for me.
I bought this and sold my Triumph 900 Rally Pro what a relife!
Triumph not good?
Great video, lots of points other reviews have not mentioned, thank you!
The 12 V outlet, mainstand and bach plates is pretty cheap so no big deal for me!
I lover her more than my GS ! 🥰
new channel for me. have the rally. 1st bike. first and only time in Newcastle was 1990. world cup (much Mcewans after the loss) Tina Turner over the fence at Gateshead. learnt the local speak. good memories.
Love seeing your take on bikes ❤ but I don’t know where you got the 250mm ground clearance from?(perhaps by crossing stats with the standard Africa Twin) everywhere else I look I see it holds the same 180mm the CB500X had…
No suspension length difference or chassis hence makes sense there will not be such a big difference.
BTW the shifter is adjustable to fit your dancing shoes as well as your MX boots 😅
Ops. Have I messed up here? Must check…..! Cheers :D
And dancing with the shifter is what we want to do. Thank you for making me smile a cloudy morning.
Nice video. Other things that don't match the transalp - weight and price.
Have always been a fan of the cb500x. There’s plenty of aftermarket upgrades out there. Rally raid makes parts for suspension and chassis upgrades. Love the updates they’ve made with the NX can’t wait to see them in the US.
It’s a great bike, if the best I can do is pick on lack of bash plate, or USB, then hopefully viewers ‘get it’. RR kits are not cheap, I wonder what the overall cost would be after a Stage 1 or 2 upgrade?
@@Motoeuro I figure if you’re really wanting the most out of that chassis to fully utilize the engine you’d be into it about as much as buying a transalp out right, but with a better weight and suspension set up than the transalp stock.
@@S_fromm43
It's 10 kg lighter and 45ps down on the transalp.
Great video, could listen to you talking bikes all day.
Bless ya! Cheers :D
1st time visiting your channel and gotta say you have a wonderful cadence and demeanor that is very well suited to your review style. Happy to subscribe! cheers from Canada!
There are plenty of great after market accessories so it’s not important that Honda don’t offer a baseplate. I’m sure that a lot of the bikes sold will go off the tarmac, the 500X is very capable on loose surfaces.
I would like to think some of the NX’s would see some light dirt. I simply find it odd that Honda offer so many accessories but the first one I’d pick isn’t even on offer.
It seems like a perfect beginner's bike. My son's eyeing it for his first - I approve. And just as I wanted to type something to the tune, glad it didn't fall over... Ahaha, the "Ooooh" is unforgettable!
Thank you, love your reviews.
Ha ha! Cheers, will be an excellent choice for your lad :D
It is far from perfect beginner's bike but, it is one of bikes that makes sense and probably best value overall.
@@oknevals I started paying attention when he said he'll buy it (as soon as he can afford it, so it still may be years! :D). With what he has on his mind: A2 licence that he has, manageable power and approachable stature, travel capability, and a reasonable price... I see nothing better. Of course, motorcycles aren't the most rational of things, but rationally, I'd be hard-pressed.
It beats the naked Honda sibling, because you can put cases on it and a pillion.
I love the new RE Himalayan - actually all of them - but single-cyl traveling, say from our Belgrade to a beach in Greece, is not happy going. The other REs can't match the practicality.
I still mistrust the growing and increasingly attractive Chinese army - plus, those are unsellable second-hand.
This isn't a fighting argument! :)
@@borisbabich A lot depends on how tall and strong your son is. Also, how he plans on using it. I can't imagine more appropriate bike for Serbia or whole Balkan region. It is still heavy and powerful for first bike and there are a lot of fun dirt roads where 500X requires more experience. It was my second bike after Yam xt250 that I trashed off road but, I'm still keeping it in the stable. First bike is learning bike and you may pretty much write it off. It will be dropped and trashed. I would also check on crf300 or kawi versys 300 (although they come with tube tires). Maybe even xt250 or klx230 as they are air cooled. Over there you may also have Suz V-strom 250. That may be another good start and it can take you to Greece. Any bike can. I don't think people cruise there for hours over 100-120kmh. I was doing 200+ miles days in Texas on my xt250. I wouldn't go with Indian bikes. They are cool but not reliable (I have two of them).
@@oknevals All good points. He's just under 180 (5'11" cca) and is very fit. He's also 25 - so not a kid - a car drive with 7-8 years under the butt and two seasons of commuting on my SH150.
So, he is my kid, but also a full adult who mercifully behaves normally in traffic. Yes, the NX is on the heavier side, but it shouldn't be much more of a problem than, say, the nidget Strom or the Versys.
He has a clear vision of what he wants to do with the bike and, it's within that context, that I agree with his choice. More - from what I keared about the bike since I started looking, it seems downright, akh, well, ideal. 😊
If it happens, then he'll also have an intercom and, just like when he started driving a car, we'll go riding, chattering about the do and don't and hopefully setting him off on a life of fun, safe riding.
I appreciate your thoughts - really spot on.
Disagree with the motorway comment, hence the missing bash plate. Commuting / touring first, light off roading second
Just my opinion, to me, the NX was excellent but at a faster pace she kind of ran-out a little. Cheers for watching and commenting :D
@@MotoeuroCorrect!
The old Honda cb 500 1994 to 2002 was a far better model than these new low powered models they churn out today.
The TFT Screens are rubbish compared to the old analog clocks and if we want sat navs we can simply buy them.
The old cb 500 was 57bhp and wasn't bogged down with needless rider mode crap on the handlebars.
Rider modes and TFT Screens should only be fitted as an extra for those that like all that but l think we should have a choice.
We all have maps on our phones.
@mikerider58 unfortunately Mike, engines have to comply with euro standards to meet emissions regulations, furthermore there's more choice now than there ever was so there's a bike for everyone now. To add, manufacturers are supplying engines to fall in the A2 categories to attract the new crowd in, hence the lower power, but in fairness engines now are far and away more efficient than back then and undoubtedly more reliable. Honda cb500x are still running with well over 120k on the clock as are the Tracer cp2 engines.
@@mikerider58 it's the A2 license that did it. It had to be heavy and only have 47hp. The old gpz500s had 60hp and was a good all round bike really.
Excellent review, it's a very usefull point of view.
Another excellent video and review, Dave. Great production values, as always. Keep up the great work, hope you’re well.
Cheers buddy!
Nice video, just planning on updating my cb500x 22' for the white one 24'.
2:10 indeed, except 1 small "detail" they removed coolant temperature...
The most significant new thing in this video is the lovely grey Arai Tour X5. 😂
Ha ha!!! Its a nice hat! 😂
I would love to see 1 episode about a sportbike from you. Keep it up!
The gear lever is easily adjustable, i did that in my CB500X to fit my 44BR foot (45 EU size).
I once had a cb500x with the full rally raid level 2 kit installed. It was a fantastic small adv bike and frankly i regret selling it. The low center of gravity makes it feel light and nimble, and make it weirdly easy to pick ip when dropped. I did single track with it and it did pretty damned well comsidering it is a 430lb twin cylinder bike!
The NX feels so light, even pulling it backwards out my garage it’s a breeze! Hides that weight well, cheers for watching! 😀
Awesome review. Love the updates!
Cheers Stephen much appreciated :D
I just had the optional bashplate in my hand at the honda dealer. So yes they have one.
Oh! Wonder why it's not in their accessory brochure! Was it a third-party one perhaps by SW Motech?
@@Motoeuro No original equipment, but in Thailand i must add.
I think thats also where they build them
Ive tested a 2023 CB500x and loved it in many ways, BUT, couldn't get past the vibration at motorway speeds....it really was an issue for me.
I was hoping that Honda solved it with this bike but it doesn't sound like it.
I wonder if its because of the 180 degree twin configuration on the engine.
I am holding out for the CFMoto450MT in the hope that doesn't have similar issues (given its a 270 degree twin).
Thoughts?
Yeah, those vibes were a put off for me too - WIsh they had bored this out to a genuine 550, cheers :D
They've talked about improving the vibration problem with every new model upgrade of this bike.
Journalists all said the same thing.
I guess it's just promo talk...
The only thing i wish to see at the future is somethin like Tenere 900 🙂
Do you hear Yamaha ? !!
cheers from Greece man !! A Tenere 700 lover !!
Too top heavy
It’s a great motorcycle, but it doesn’t make you dream. And when we buy a bike, the first thing we want is the dream.
Yeah, but does it kind of depend what you do with it?
The Ford Sierra of the bike world
5:40 because bashplate possible mounts are not suited for absorbing impacts, due to oil pan design, if you mount a aftermarket bashplate and you hit something even at very low speed, the mounting would snap and punch a hole in the oil pan, i ready this experience just 2 days ago
I had cb500x great bike on fuel . Nx is a great looking bike . I now have afrcia twin but its harder on fuel but better suspension.
Try to use the cb500x plate bash, and engine guard is also same
Don't really need a bash plate if you don't ride rough trails. Not all adventure bikes are designed to be off road chargers. Probably 80% might take it on a rougher trail once and never venture there again. They watch videos then try it and realize it isn't easy, even with the right bike. A gravel road is the hardest road they will ever travel.
Yup, agreed :D
Nice and succinct! Well done! I am sure the parts suppliers will design a bash plate in no time and I really think this an ideal ADV bike to start,on for a young person. In France you can buy one with an A2 license, as in all EU countries. Not sure for the UK.
Yeah A2 here 👍 cheers!
Unfortunately, Honda USA only brings the black version to the USA.
Red is nice but the black is bad ass , grow up 😏😏.
Great review.
Thanks for watching, much appreciated 👍
Seems perfect for first timers, commuters, and boring riders. Also will make a first time crave more power…good marketing.
Дякую за чудовий огляд мотоцикла!)
Дуже вітаю, дякую!
hundreds of kms off road on my 2019 500x if not thousands....
if you are smart the bashguard is not needed...and there's lots of aftermarket ones to choose from.
This new NX is a disappointment for me cause it's just an updated CB500X. Don't get me wrong. I own a CB500X and absolutely love it , and on every ride, it puts a big smile on my face. But when I heard that Honda was reviving the NX line, I was excited and hoping for a lightweight 500cc thumper. Nope. Great review by the way.
Yeah, the days of the thumper are well over in Europe sadly 😔Cheers for your company!
let's be honest, those motorcycles are used for 99% of the distance on tarmac, and then a 2 cylinder engine is much better suited
@@Tonyx.yt. Agreed, cheers!
Nice review. Can it hit 80 mph while not vibrating you to numbness? I did take a spin here but they would not let me take it on the freeway.
Observations: My inseam is 36"+ (huge props for including yours) so that does raise some concern for me. Although a Russell Day Long seat would cure that ASAP.
Bash plate; it seems to me a decent OEM bash plate is as rare as hens teeth with people opting for after market anyway so maybe Honda just said F@#$ it, let the aftermarket supply it.
Now we wait for the boys at Rally Raid to provide some juicy bits for it. :^)
Fair point! Cheers :D
Very nice and honest review.
a new domi that was a modern version of the drz400 would be a huge success me thinks
I experience wind buffetting on my new NX500 at 60miles+ per hour.
Thats the downside.
I come from the crf250l and i think the nx500 feels terrible on bumpy gravel roads.
Great video bonny lad
Cheers buddy!
Nice review.. can’t wait to get one
Great review. You from Newcastle area ??
Yup! Cheers 👍
i think should have been the transalp. i love my 600 transalp. had nx500 with spoked wheels 21 front wheel. it be prefect
If it had spocked wheels and it was a NX600 I would consider one.
@@chrishart8548reason not a 600 becouse some countrys limted to cc buy here listrance in lot country in eu and uk. my transalp only 55bhp that prefect not need anymore or less. it amzing offroading. gone places a norden failed get to. nx500 is what a transalp is but it not got the spoked wheels 21 inch.
@@WrightWayAround I wish we got the 400 versions of these.
@@chrishart8548 had crf450l rally did hightway speeds prefect under 200kg i think thay sell off the floor y chinesse doing it seen a gap in the market
@@WrightWayAround were they not an awful lot of money for a 450. Wasn't the ktm 690 cheaper. M
Nice review! Which is the difference to the CB500X? Is the NX more capable off roading or just the same? :-) cheers from Spain
So when the dealership rogered you for the new crash bars or the transalp repair, did you keep the old ones? Would have been worth a few quid after some paint...
Ground clearance is 181 MM not 250 MM ✌️
Yeah, ops. Messed up there! Cheers :D
Looks nice, but i am awaiting cfmoto 450mt :)
Yeah, thats looks awesome! And cheaper too!
Cf is beautiful,but its chinesee
@@miragef191 Yeah, I get that but they are getting very good at bikes, like the Kove 450 Rally.... Im tempted! Cheers
@@miragef191cf moto is in a totally different class of Chinese made. There atv and utvs, are outstanding, and have been for many years.
Honda doesn't make sense. This motor could fit in a CR frame.. light, great suspension, 21in front wheel can do everything off road and cross country or motocross track..add a 500 water cooled twin and tubeless tires and it will be the best bike. The bike everyone wants.. sorry Kove. Single won't do it. Sorry CF Moto 500 pounds is not off road.. and China build quality is why people buy Honda. No reason for this bike w Transalp at $10k
I think this is a better bike than the transalp for what i do... I don't need nor want 85hp. The CB500X is the perfect bike for many ppl... I've had everything from the CRF250 rally, 2019 cb500x non abs & 2021 Africa twin adventure sport... Prefer the CB500X
great little bike if people have their eyes open to what it really is, adventure though LOL, this = a great road tourer that will be as reliable as a cockroach. That said, the Rieju aventura legend makes mincemeat of this - same engine, better everything else
You seem like a very nice person, but there's some things you've missed.
It has 180 mm clearance, not 250mm.
This, along with cb500x, is actually very commonly used off road and it's often found globetrotting. Many people take it on serious off road because the seat is low and it's relatively light / easy to maneuver (albeit you can't ride it as fast as a proper off road bike). They probably see too much dirt for their design, and a simple google search would clear this up. It's also one of Rally Raid's "special" bikes. It's much more competent than it looks.
There are TONS of skid plates, crash bars, hand guard and whatever else. I don't mean bug spoilers, I mean actual crash worthy skid plates and bars that complete the frame to make it a makeshift cradle-like structure, connecting the back of the frame to the front of the frame.
Shifter can be adjusted to fit your foot.
It does get low on power when on a highway, especially two up, that is right, but it is also very nippy below 60 mph. However, it has a carry capacity of 189 kg, which is on the higher side among bikes.
The "decent" 17.2 l tank is actually huge if you consider the fuel efficiency. This bike can go much farther than most bikes available right now.
Twin disks have been available since the 2022 model.
This bike also lasts ridiculously long, most probably due to it's simplicity and low compression ratio.
It sounds ok stock, but one advantage is this bike can be fitted with an aftermarket silencer / can, without changing the whole evac piping.
It is on the smaller side, yes, which makes it better in the city, less so on the highway.
The TFT thing, I don't know, it might be a matter of preference, but I've yet to meet riders that actually want the TFT. People I've met are more like "it's cool, yeah, but not a game breaker".
You also forgot to mention the windshield, most often a little too short for proper wind protection, but easily fixable with an extender.
Also, I like your presentation style :)
That thing costs $10k in Costa Rica 😢
If only we could get it in Australia, then they will see plenty of dirt..
sand
@@leeinwis that too
Thanx man 👍
How is the NX500 if you want to carry a passenger? I want to do
some adventure touring a passenger and I’m wondering if the comfort is okay with a pillion.
@@kerjnerm681 it should be fine, but I didn’t have the opportunity to try it! I would add to this that if you want to carry a pillion most of the time, you may need the Alp as it has far more power for 2-up, Cheers
I like the white also. Thanks
honda missed the trick by not providing 21' front wheel
HimDave, do you like the new Arai?
Yeah! Really nice, all day comfy too :D Cheers!
Annoys me that Honda refuses to have cruise control as an option on Adventure bikes under than the Africa Twin. The CB500x/NX500 or NX750 or even the Transalp would greatly benefit from it as they are great touring machines. For that reason if I ever upgrade my CB500x I will be looking elsewhere.
Yeah, I find it odd too. When so many other marks have it as stock. Cheers
Great review, I've been looking at these while I'm looking at selling the Tenere 700 I got for dad unfortunately it's worked out to tall an to much for him with his stage 3b/4 prostate cancer time for a lower seat an something more managable :)
It will be perfect - low seat, good power, and comfortable. Best to your dad 🙌
@@Motoeuro thanks mate really appreciate the reply :) n best wishes
Best 🔥🔥
Ah yes, the NX500 - the bike that should have vaulted Honda ahead of the CF Moto and RE in the small displacement ADV niche and instead tells everyone that they really aren't interested in listening to what the market wants. As a result, the 450MT and Himi 450 will outsell the NX500 by a large margin
Prefer the black myself. The NX decal is nowhere to be seen thankfully
250 mm ground cl.?,specs say 181mm.
Yup! Messed up on that one! No idea where I got 250mm from..... Ops.
@@Motoeuro 😂👍
Between you and Vtold, the negativity is almost unbearable.
Negative? Crikey! You want to see me on a real rant! Ha ha! Cheers for your company :D
Well presented and objective I'd say. 😉🦘
So I guess this makes
Sahara 300: Fetus
CB150X: Zygote
It's 30kg heavier than the nx650.
It's a (very) different category to the 650.
Only Honda knows why the chose to rename the cb500x
This is 7500€ in Portugal
Perfect 👍 B.R. Kodi
Hi , what is the brand of crash bar ? Thanks
Hi, its a Honda accessory from the dealers, cheers :D
@@Motoeuro thanks
250mm ground clearance??? i don't believe that, my 701 has only 270mm, my g310gs with rally raid lvl2 had only 240mm. honda says it is 180mm i think in reality it is much smaller then that.
Ha! yeah a few spotetd that mistake! It's more like 180mm - Ops.....! Added an amendment to video description 👍 Cheers for ths!
Spoked wheels ?
Fair point, just cast but tubeless. Not sure many of these will see much dirt TBH, cheers :D
Lovely bike but it should have at least 500cc (even owners believe they have 500cc engine 😅) and optional quickShifter. It's too weak even for beginners (A2 owners could limit power with software - we are in 2024)
I hear ya..... :D
Crazy heavy
Start working out .
@@leeinwis Cool thanks.
I am not sure what's Honda's market play here but this bike is priced almost as the new Hornet, I'd rather buy that one and skip the no tarmac beautiful country roads. Transalp is the better choice in this segment if you got the budget. Overpriced , minus the minus accessories . The new CFmoto 450 MT will destroy the NX500 , comes right out the box with more accessories and better equipped for the off-road and the price gap is to be considered. They need to offer better competition. Dissapointed :(
Very good points there!
ground clearance is still 180 mm same as the ougoing cb500x
Ops. Looks like I've messed up here! Durrrrrr......
This is about the sleepiest presentation I've seen in a long time. Feels like someone is reading a kid's book about motorcycles
So the same bike with higher price! And still no hand and crash guards, engine plate, laguage rack included... Thats insult for me as a consumer. I do off-roading on TET with my cb500x, but next bike I try will be chinese! (450MT, royal 450...) and I just dont care if they broke up.
Damn that thing is 45 kilos heavier than my DRZ400 😳
a old ass dualsport single cylinder beign lighter than a modern parallel twin crossover motorcycle? NO FKG way 🤣
These aluminum rims are not suitable for any offroad riding. To name it a baby-transalp, Honda should give us an option with steel spokes.
Part of the reason why I think 99.9% of these will not see any dirt. But easy, dry tracks should be do-able I guess, cheers :D
They are used by a US tour company in patagonia, they said no problems with the wheels (though they were 7 spoke, not 5 like the nx
It's all you need really
Yeah, I get that - For me an extra 20 ponies would have sealed the deal! Cheers for watching!
It’s not the baby Transalp. This bike has an easily accessed air box.
😂😂😂😂😂
So, this bike is too short to you, huh?
You sit 'in' the bike not on it. My spider like legs make it a tiny bit uncomfortable - Thanks for watching :D
@@Motoeuro ok, dude!
I’m a big fan.
Your job with bikes it’s an inspiration to me…
It's a 500. Give it a break for not ripping your arms off.
100%, just my opinion - 47hp was never going to set you on fire, its grand for what it is. Cheers
🦘 Ah, English spoken with just a hint of Geordie - the most colourful of English accents/dialects - especially in its broad form. Useful review - convincing me stick to my gorgeous 2021 Grand Prix red CB 500X .... 25,000 km young, still going smooth and strong in all terrains and surfaces (with the help of Michelin Anakee Adventures) and only drinking 3.1L/100 km.