Honda NX 500 2026 — Specifications

It is discreet, it goes everywhere, and it carves its own path—the NX 500. Versatile and fun, it's one of the most interesting motorcycles in the 500 family at Honda. It can be fitted with crash bars, saddlebags, handguards, a top case—and since this year, the E-Clutch system. What is it? The E-Clutch... Sorry, let me explain. Honda has developed a robotic clutch that handles gear transitions instead of your left hand. It first appeared on the CB 650 R (the roadster) and CBR 650 R (the sportbike). It now offers its services on the 500s as well.

With the "i-cloutch," you don't stall, you don't use the lever, there's only the foot working to change gears. Less abrupt than a quickshifter, the system can be adjusted to three types of feel in its use (Hard/Medium/Soft). A real plus for comfort in the city, even if its use removes some learning for young recruits. Want a little more technical explanation of how it works? See the end of the article.*

The confrontation with the new F 450 GS is shaping up to be even more tense than usual. BMW is also launching a clutch with unprecedented assistance design. A battle in progress.

As time passes slowly, the NX 500 is gradually forging its identity; which is nothing other than a marked stylistic change from the very well-known CB 500 X! It could have followed the perpetual evolutions with the addition here and there of small modifications that would have done it the greatest good, but no. In the body as in the looks, the little CB 500 X has transformed into the NX 500. Two letters that change nothing about its destination: the NX 500 remains true to itself, being one of the favorite machines for new motorcyclists, and for those who aim for a reasonable and pragmatic purchase.

These two letters evoke a reminiscence of the brand's glorious past: the Honda NX 650. It had its heyday in 1988 with two silencers under the seat, an RVFC cylinder head, and a road trail look. Perfectly in the image of this name of barbarian that we knew so well: the Dominator! Finally, to conclude the list of NXs, we must add the NX 125 Transcity and NX 250, solid and valiant machines.

Flashback to the CB 500 X: launched in 2013, at the same time as the sportbike CBR 500 R and the roadster CB 500 F, the trail CB500X brought a breath of adventure… see SUV. In 2016, the CB 500 X evolved for the first time, benefiting from a larger fuel tank and better protection thanks to a taller screen. In 2019, it saw a deeper evolution of its style with increased engine performance and a small list of modifications to the chassis. Finally, in 2022, the CB 500 X offers Showa SFF-BP forks with a diameter of 41 mm and a lightweight swingarm, a double front disc and a redesigned front rim.

Abracadabra, here is the NX500. The two letters mean "New X-over," to adapt to modern customary language. The entire front has been redesigned, in a more rally-raid and streamlined style. This facelift is sufficient to make it look like a new motorcycle. A face and straight shoulders unequivocally evoke adventure at the end of the hood, while everything else comes from the CB 500 X of yesterday. To do this, we keep the same mechanical base, namely a 471 cm3 twin-cylinder engine offering a maximum power of 35 kW (47.5 hp) at 8,600 rpm and a torque of 43 Nm (4.38 mkg) at 6,500 rpm. This makes it compatible with the A2 standard. On the NX 500, with its reasonable power, few riding aids are now offered, other than the famous HSTC torque control, supplied as standard. It compares the difference in speed of the front and rear wheels to detect any loss of traction. Note also the presence of a slipper clutch that facilitates gear changes.

Since the CB 500 X, this NX loses 3 kg on the scale to display a total weight in running order of 196 kg. A large part of this reduction comes from the new aluminum alloy rims, with a 7 to 5 spoke design, allowing to reduce the unsprung weight by 800 g at the front and 700 g at the rear. The NX 500 retains its double front discs with a diameter of 296 mm, covered by 2-piston calipers and its single rear disc of 240 mm pinched by a single-piston caliper.

No change to the seat height, which is at 830 mm, but the narrow seat favors foot placement on the ground. The tank retains its 17.5 liters of fuel, guaranteeing that it will not hinder handling. In terms of comfort, it is now equipped with a 5-inch TFT screen, borrowed from the XL 750 Transalp and a new front headlight optics. Well done, the left handlebar controls are backlit and offer three instrumentation modes: bar, circular or simple. Connected via Bluetooth and a smartphone application, the dashboard allows you to make phone calls or listen to music.

Finally, the NX 500 is complemented by a number of option packs: Adventure, Travel, Urban and Comfort.

-Adventure Pack Mounted on a black tubular protection that protects the machine, two fog lights improve visibility. Handguards prevent debris projections and limit the effects of cold while tinted graphics and rim stickers add to the style. A tank protector is also provided.

-Travel Pack A set of semi-rigid side cases with a capacity of 16.5 l with quick fasteners and support is associated with a 22 l capacity saddlebag.

-Urban Pack A 38 l top case with backrest and interior bag is offered. A center stand, always appreciated for maintenance, completes this pack.

-Comfort Pack A pair of heated grips with power (5 levels) that is memorized and displayed on the TFT screen. Additional deflectors allow to divert the airflow from the lower body, a 12 V socket located under the saddle offers a welcome charging point while a 3 l tank bag with a transparent pocket and a rain cover allows easy access to useful items.

Honda CB 500 X versus its replacement the NX 500 - two twins with different faces

Michaël Levivier - Photos manufacturer

-When the clutch lever is activated, the Honda electronic clutch system reactivates in less than one second above a certain engine speed, and after 5 seconds at low speed. If the driver wants to deactivate the system, he can do so via the control located on the left handlebar. Manual mode is indicated by the letter "M" on the dashboard.

-The E-Clutch allows you to select a feel for gear changes, by adjusting the force required on the pedal. Three settings are available: hard, medium and soft, each of which can be selected independently for up and down shifts. It also informs you if the selected gear is too high.

-It manages engagement and disengagement based on several parameters, including vehicle speed, throttle opening angle, engine speed, pressure on the gear shift pedal, angle of the clutch engagement motor reducer, intermediate shaft speed, and gear ratio. The clutch is actuated by a two-motor actuator located in the right engine case. During engagement or disengagement, ignition advance and fuel injection are also controlled, ensuring smooth and jerk-free gear changes in all circumstances.