Totally agree with you on missed opportunity. I was really hoping to see a 21/18 NX 500 instead they just rebranded it. Very disappointing in my opinion
It would have been nice if they made two different models one with the spoked wheels but I don't think it's necessary to have the 21/18 combo, there's a guy who rents these things out to go on long rides all different motorcycles and he said over the years of renting the 2019 & newer never seen a bent rim, some are beginners some are very advanced riders usually the advanced writers get different bikes but they definitely been put thru their paces, also they also have to be price conscience because the bike is already 7K+ in the USA 🇺🇸 🤷
@@oknevals because it would have 15000 km service intervals instead of 1500 km intervals? Because it would have more power? Because it would be cheaper? Because it would have less vibration? Because it could do everything a CRF1100L could do but it would be nearly 100 kg lighter and 8000 dollars cheaper?
Couldn't agree more Solid!. As a long time CB 500X owner it's a great bike but without dropping a couple of grand on it, it's a road bike with adv styling. There's definitely room for a much more off road capable version to stand alongside the venerable X. Potential for this platform was spotted by Rally Raid UK years ago, adding improved, longer travel suspension, spoked rims, switchable abs and proper protection. Guess new owners of the NX will have to look to the aftermarket (again) if they want to play in the dirt. I don't mind really, as at least it provides the opportunity for small dedicated engineering companies to keep developing their products.
Oregon Motorcycles changed nothing and did a TON of off-road on it, stock. So I disagree. Sure you CAN spend on it to improve it to YOUR tastes, but it's extremely capable off-road out of the door.
It's really nice to see Honda, Beta, Royal Enfield, Triumph, and other companies putting more focus on updating their sub-600 cc offerings. Manageable, usable power and torque is always better than numbers way high in the rev range or at speeds one can't legally achieve, and on bikes above 450 lbs.
They had to do this stunt because the competition is moving in. They feel the pressure. The new Himalayan, the kove 800, the CFmoto 450, and many more. Yes, you said it, missed opportunities by, not just Honda, but all the Japanese manufacturers. The Japanese need to up their game on dual sport, super Moto, and light unicorn adventure bikes. They are not listening to the market.
Lived here in Japan 30+ years. The 50-65 year old managers of these companies rode the "bubble" into their jobs. They never had to think, just years went by and they go promoted. They don't have clue how to do innovate etc now. AND, it is now very bad for young staff to offer an "improvement" because that offends the older guy did the original design, no matter how long ago it was. Japan is not the way it was until the mid 1990s. Just look at Sony. Sony who? most people say now. Tokyo, the biggest metropolitan area on our planet does not have 24 hours public transport. Why? Because that is disrespectful to the guy in the 1960s who said people don't need it. Years before there was even a convenience store in Japan and tens of thousands of workers who work at all kinds of hours of the night.
I really hope the CFMOTO 450 mt does well to serve as a wake up call for the legacy manufacturers, I really want to see more light weight adv bikes with a 21/18 setup.
One needs to remember how many sales those offroad specific models make in comparison to the more street versions. Maybe it isnt economically worthy for the brands to manufacture such bikes
@@the.communist western large capacity motorcycles are a tiny tiny fraction of the motorcycle market. Honda could drop it entirely and it would barely change their sales. So that argument applies equally for almost everything they sell in the west.
Moreover, in Australia (where this channel is based), the last year that model specific data is available, the top 6 selling bikes were off road. 7th was a scooter. 8th was another off road, only when you get to 9th do you see the first road only bike, the Honda CB125E.
I was looking at a new CB500X 3 years ago and told the dealer "if it had a 21" front and spoked wheels I'd buy it in a heartbeat". I think it was feedback he'd received a few times. Why won't Honda listen to their customers? I'm not spending £6699 on a bike then thousands extra on a Rally Raid kit.
Could have at least got wire wheels the dominator never had cast wheels. Just seems very odd. Also the transalp didn't become a 650 till 2000 the dominator was launched 1988. So at the time the TA was 600cc Dominator was a 650cc why now is It a smaller 500 twin !
Great analysis. Honda is obviously protecting their bigger more expensive Africa 2 bikes . They hope. I would hate to buy chinese but the cf moto 450 you showed us yesterday seemed much closer to what i want . I understand Hondas logic , I think they are about to be reminded of what they did to the industry. Show that small doesnt have to be austere low quality. I respect Honda but us old men have seen this movie before.
Yes we have!! Back in the 70's Honda basically made market segments overnight with the CB750 and the CB400. I have a feeling they think they can do it again! However back then, there wasn't China lurking in the corner waiting to take advantage of 'missed opportunities'.....is this history repeating itself, seems so!
I don't get the design. It just looks like a transalp 750. The cb500 had an aggressive look. I agree with you at the screen update point and that it is just a marketing trick.
The motorcycle industry has turned into a cargo cult, just like Hollywood. And it breaks my heart to see it. Instead of focusing on innovation and attracting new riders, they are harkening back to their glory days in a desperate bid for relevance. Harley Davidson already proved that this is a doomed long-term marketing strategy. Nostalgia-baiting is the death throes of a dying industry.
I'm not seeing many nostalgia plays from any of the biggest manufacturers and I see that as one of the problems for attracting new riders - neo-retro is hot.
All I want is the 450cc wrapped with the CRF300 Rally package. Prefer a single cylinder for simplicity but will take the twin. Why do the manufacturers not get this???
Solid mate there are big news regarding the aprox 160ish kilo ADV sector. Check out the kove800x rally and the slightly more touring focused rieju 500 adventura. The 500 adventura might share theengine with the honda 500x (rumor) but has 39l of onboard fuel due to 2 tanks. China is coming for the segment.
I have a 2022 CB500X. I took it off-road on some rocky 4x4 trails this week and had a blast. I don't have a skid plate on it and I'm not super confident off-road yet but it was super fun. Having had a taste of off-road riding now, and with so much of it in Canada, I am totally torn about selling it and getting a dual sport. As just a regular guy who doesn't test motorcycles, the CB500X is a fantastic bike for what it is, especially on terrible back roads. I love how I don't have to think about it. Just get on and go. But now I'm maybe leaning towards a dual sport. Damn it all to hell. But let's be real, all motorcycles are fun.
Had a 94 Dominator as my first bike from 04 to 06. What a fun machine. Now I have a 23 CB500X. A much more refined ride, probably better in every way. But the Dominator was just more fun.
Perfect video, even better analyse! You are so right about pointing out the disappointing truth, it is a branding exercise and a big mistake knowing that the lightweight segment is heating up. A miss for Honda, hope they are listening! Subscribed!
How many bike manufacturers have Honda reliability? Believe me if CF moto do what most Chinese manufacturers do. It won't be long before they're on par with Honda reliability. Because there's a lot of established Chinese manufacturers who have surpassed many established brands in different goods. Look at Chinese cars for example now. They're overtaking everyone else. Be it with Ice engines or electric cars. Many are quick to jump on the anti China bandwagon because they actually believe the 2 proven biggest liars on the planet. Politicians & media. Which is plain ridiculous when most haven't got a clue what the Chinese people & country really are. Everything they base their opinions on either come from politicians or media. Instead of being bothered to see for themselves & researching alternative views. Just dismissing everything Chinese when most of the brands they love & trust are actually being produced in China. Can't you see the hypocrisy in that? The Chinese enter markets with very cheap products to get their foot on the ladder. Unlike western companies who's owners & shareholders take most of the profits. The Chinese reinvest in most profits into R&D. They end up with great products that are still priced competitively. They do it with all goods. I'll bet my house on it within 10 years CF moto will be in the top 5 biggest bike brands in the world. @@HondaWanderer
Well said mate, if you read my reply to person making a comment on your statement. I say exactly how it is. By the way I've got a bit of experience of traveling to China & seeing for myself how their business's grow. Through the company I work for purchasing goods from China. It does my head in people criticizing Chinese goods based on the 2 biggest liars on the planets comments about China. The media & politicians.
I'm loving the new name. In South America we had a couple of exclusive models (the NX350 Sahara and NX400 Falcon) that kept the "NX" brand alive, so it's nice to see it return.
I agree they could do a little more, spoked wheels, and slightly more sus. But I was just thinking right before I saw this refresh, how this bike desperately needs a new color screen, and some updated looks. This now puts it firmly on my radar. The aftermarket has the rest sorted. 🤘
I totally agree with your "missed opportunity" assessment. It chaps my hide that I have to go out and put (essentially) a new suspension on the bike to make usable offroad.
The problem with the need to find something to criticize. LOL It' time to turn the page. If someone wants a Honda with a 21 inch front wheel and more suspension travel, there is the 750. Doesn't weigh and doesn't cost too much more than this bike. If they want a single cylinder, there is the 300 series. I think these changes from CBX to the NX model, although mostly cosmetic, show how Honda has evolved the CB500X project. It is no longer the old CB for quite a while already. I doubt Honda ever imagined taking that original 17 front wheel 100% street bike to today's NX500 name plate. Which in today's terms, it is perfect. I have a 2015 CB500X with a full rally raid kit, spoke wheels and all, 19-in front wheel, and more than once someone on the trail thought it was an NX bike. Two more things: Honda offers today more options on the range from dual sport to adventure bikes than any other manufacturer. And a 19-inch front wheel never stopped BMW from being acclaimed as the number 1 adventure riding machine. Don't mind my criticism, I love your channel.
@@andrewtreloar7389 He would be wanting the cake and to have it as well. LOL. Here in the US we don't have those age limitations. Not sure it is a good thing or not. But the CB500X (and this new NX500) are not bad for beginners. If I were an MX'er I would go for a KTM 350 or 500 (or Huskvarna or similar even a Honda 400 or 450). It would not be a priority to have a heavy parallel twin.
Solid, as usual you called it! A huge miss by Honda, don't know why they're so afraid to make a smaller transalp, we're not getting any younger out here!
Was hoping to see more leg room. I'm 6ft and felt very cramped in cb500x. Pegs were a little far back for my liking. I will say that after sitting on the Transalp at least 15 different times.....could possibly be one of the most comfortable seating positions I've experienced. Just my opinion. Has anyone else felt cramped in the leg area on 500x?
This is exactly what I was thinking, why Honda leave the door open for aftermarket mods when I am sure we would all rather own official Honda approved parts is beyond me. Suzuki do,it with the V storm in two version, the XT with spoked wheels and protection. I would gladly pay extra for an official more off road capable version. As a two time owner of CB500x (2014 and 2023 models) I like the additions to the new NX but still prefer the styling of 2023 CB personally. Great video, thanks for posting.
Hey Solid, another swing and a miss for Honda, it's like they don't ask what riders want, it's a great looking bike, I'm sure it will do just fine for most, but us dirt guys want a little bit more. The NX of back in the day was great, same thing with the Transalp, they just can't get over the finish line. 😢 great update mate.
After over 20 years of owning exclusively Honda's, I'll be jumping ship in 2024. Like you said, they don't seem to care about what riders want. The market is trending towards cheaper, capable ADV bikes thst offer a lot per dollar (RE Himalayan for example) This bike is the exact opposite of that.
@@domenik8339 it's a shame, I've been a Honda guy forever. I really wanted the Transalp to be that great adventure bike, it's a flop. No this with the 500. I'm holding out for the T7 extreme. One can only hope. RIP HONDA.
It's wild how Honda doesn't put a skid plate on these bikes even though they're adventure ready. Not even a crappy plastic one like the other companies do. Honda is being dumb.
Perhaps Honda went with this branding exercise because they plan a more off road capable model in the future (adding more suspension travel and ground clearance, bashplate, spoke wheels, adjustable suspension,etc.) and calling it the NX500 Dominator. Leaving the regular NX as an entry model, and the Dominator as a more capable premium model. That would be pretty great and I think it could make them heaps of money.
Nah. Just lazy thinking by executives who road a bubble into their positions due to age and joining the company before 1992. Bike sales here in Japan are down 90% since 2000. There is a reason for that.
@@the.communist yes but the Dominator name has more association with off roading. And the rally term is used by several manufacturers already. This would set Honda more apart. It's all marketing nonsense in the end. As this is basically a CBX in a new dress most of the upgrades from Rally Raid should fit. And if they don't, I'm sure they'll make new ones that do.
This bike coming out makes me think it is a stop gap for a year or so until a new model is released. It makes me less likely to get one as I think a revised bike with this design language is just around the corner.
I agree with you for the most part. I was hoping they'd have an "Adventure Sports" model with spoked wheels, maybe a 21'' front wheel, and at least an inch more ground clearance. While the majority of the power plant and suspension remain the same, it appears Honda may have tuned spring rates and dampening or at least made them more adjustable. It's also rumored they tuned the engine or gearing to improve acceleration at low RPMs and the overall power delivery. Until we see more feedback from riders who test it, we won't know for sure. Either way, that name change seems unnecessary as the NX500 appears to just be a design and performance tweaked evolution of the CB500X.
Don't care about branding.... I just got one after being bikeless for 10 years. As a returning older rider, this bike does everything I want it to do. Basically a Swiss army knife of a bike that rides effortlessly. I love it. And being a CB500x carry over, there are all kinds of aftermarket options for it.
Hi Solid, yeah it’s definitely not an NX in any way shape or form it’s an updated CB500X which would have been great with the new look and new dash. Say what you will about Chinese bikes but they are giving people what they really want in small adventure bikes now, they come with all the accessories as standard and they look brilliant. The big Japanese brands are missing out big time here. I am looking for a smaller adventure bike, I love the look of the new Triumph 400X think this will be a winner. Come on Japan the Chinese bikes are catching up big time.
Yep. I live in Japan (for a long time)... motorbikes sales domestically are down 90% since 2000. Plus the way companies are managed here now, where new/younger staff can not offer improvement suggestions, as it is seen as cliticising the older "respected" management/staff, is killing almost all innovation here. Hence the Chinese are doing what the Japanese did 50 years ago to take over so many industries and such. Like the way Detroit motor companies faded and died as a global leader in making cars. Out with the old, in with the new.
I recently commented on your video about the CF Moto 450 MT, wishing it had the features you suggest the Honda NX should have. Obviously, it is worth reflecting on the ideal and real use. We could agree that the ADV category in motorcycles is similar to the SUV category in cars: purely utilitarian vehicles that allow you to move from point A to point B, but with style. And the motorcycle has that utilitarian meaning for 99% of the population, myself included, although we would all like to belong to the 1% that transcends with its name engraved in motor sports. We could say that 5% of the public really awakens the capabilities that their pure ADVs offer them. Still, I think I'm being too generous. Luckily the public is growing, with motorcycle sales increasing in some countries and car sales decreasing, and it is increasingly biased towards the adventurous sense. But motorcycling is still a business, and profits rule: "thousands of flies don't make mistakes, they all want shit"... and they get shit. In this context, companies that have nothing to lose, because they sell just by mentioning their name, are maximizing the gap between users who really have a need for a technical motorcycle and users who give it a utilitarian use with the advantage that now They may step on some loose dirt. But luckily there are also brands that have everything to gain, taking advantage of that niche that big brands abandon. And although there is little confidence in these brands because they are new and do not have much track record in sight, we can rest assured, knowing that someone will continue to listen to the public that is not convinced of a wild machine nor is it satisfied with a simple transport.
The Dominator is like an XR with different plastics, they are reluctant to start, I had one until I got tired of fixing it... I am on my way to buy a NX, I know... two different bikes... yes, but I am also very different than 10 years ago! Apparently the NX is really reliable and confortable enough for a second passenger so I can get my old lady to join me on ride...
For what it is, this is a great option for tarmac and gravel road touring - relatively light, comfortable, affordable, fuel efficient and very good looking. Plus it's a Honda. But they really did leave the door open for the likes of the Himalayan 450 and the CF Moto 450, and could easily have produced something with just a little more offroad pedigree to grab some market share back from those two.
Pros: Gps mounting bar Cons: No bashplate And again NO Wingbadge Honda just bring back the splendid V4 Crosstourer DCT with premiums from AT & more. The Power Of Dreams ❤
I've just bought a CB500x and the only thing I would like from this new NX is the TFT screen - nothing else would make a difference for me - explains why honda were dropping prices across the range to get rid of stock before EICMA
For the touring part - another missed opportunity is the lack of a cruise control. I'll never buy a bike without it again after getting one, and I usually drive long stretches and at legal speeds.
I rode both on the same day and noticed the following improvements on the NX500 compare to the cb500x 2023 - smoother throttle response - way more comfortable seat - the front fairings feels smaller and I like the knee position better - suspensions feel better too I am 6'3 and the riding position felt a lot more natural on the NX500. I was about to buy an old cb500x and might just go for a new NX500 instead (I am guessing the cb500x resell value might drop as soon as the NX5000 hits the secondary market). I would tell people to go test ride it instead of focusing on the spec sheet.
I really hoped that this NX500 would be a real dual sport. Unfortunately not... Getting a bit a disappointed in Honda. Lots of crossover bikes, but nothing really purpose built. The new Transalp got 21/18 wheel combo, good power, light, but no cruise control, non-adjustable suspension, traction control takes ages (7 clicks) to turn off. I think they targeted CB500X owners who wanted a more power, and a 21 inch front wheel. But who knows, maybe we offroad adventure/dual sport community are the load minority, but everybody else wants these crossover bikes? Light at the end of the tunner: Africa Twin separation makes sense, a touring bike and an off-road version.
I always liked the idea of the cb500x but dont like the look of the front, i much prefer the look of the nx500. I'll do a test ride and some point, to decide between the nx500 and a used nc750x
I bought 1 in 2021 only to see an improved model in 2022. Sold it and waited until 2023 hoping for a red version only to be stuck with the green for 2 years but liked it enough to buy it. Was hoping for a color change so I could swap plastics and they do this! But they haven't announced it for the US yet so I'm in limbo.
Agreed,there is a missed opportunity if you do most of your riding off road - but if you're mainly on road it's a much more capable machine ie: smaller front wheel(19 inch),lower centre of gravity (180mm ground clearance) and less travel in the suspension (under 6 inches) plus it's tubeless - so for someone like me who spends 90 percent of my time on the road and 9 percent on gravel and less than 1 percent off road it is the best option by far...👍
Like many here, I agree with you. I was in love with the original NX bikes back in the late 80's here in the US. Some of my friends had them, and I wanted one. Honda had a golden opportunity to replace the XR650L with an NX, and this certainly does not do it. I have nothing against the CB500X (I owned one), but I'd be salivating over a true NX revival.
I have the 2023 Pearl Organic Green model which I think is much better looking. The TFT screen is nice but I don't spend much time looking at the screen so I will happily keep my bike. For new riders I'm sure they will enjoy the 2024 model
Hi there, agree with you on the missed opportunity, I have a 2023 and I miss be able to go off-road a little better, Honda could have changed a few more things around, and what is killing me is that this bike is more road oriented and yet they still didn’t put the cruise control, I’m really thinking and looking at the Himalayan 450, they same to have not lost so many opportunity for there new bike 😂
If I was standing in a Honda showroom, my choices would be either the CRF300 or the Transalp. The NX is only about 10 pounds lighter and HALF the power. The NX will attract new euro riders that need the A4 compliance, but to me, it just isn’t sufficiently lighter or cheaper than the Transalp to make sense. Compared to other brands, the 650 Vstrom, CFMoto450, Kove, and even Himalayan or Versys (where is that 400!?!?) all have compelling features that make them interesting choices. That Honda reputation will certainly add perceived value. It remains to be seen if it is actual. We are certainly spoiled for choice!
I have a 2022 cb500x and i think this "new" modell is very similar. The nev dash is looks good. But i happy with my older version. I buy it for 10-15 years so i wait a little bit befor changing it. And i think the more powerfull 750 transalp is also a good bike. But for offroaders need more choice then 300 crf and 1100 Africa. Honda have 2 beautifull engine and base modell 500/750 cm³ but needed a rally pack for ofroaders. But i like the road oriented variant cb500x. Thanks for honda for my great bike!
Oddly honda is always late to the party. This year the only reason someone will by this bike is because # 1 it's a Honda and # 2 they won't buy a Chinese bike. otherwise the category of adventure ready, off road capable 500ish cc bikes has just exploded this year. Having said that the new Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 isn't Chinese, has nearly the power & is all-round far more capable. PS, i can speak with some weight to this as I'm Honda's target customer. I've been uming and awing for sometime now over a new or at the least replacement bike from my old Honda 650 Transalp. I want a lighter more nimble and all round more engaging ( read fun ) bike for my upcoming adventure. I'll be riding primarily around Britains twisty back country lanes & green lanes avoiding motorways like the pleage. I'll be loaded up with soft luggage for weeks away and more away than not. I don't need a 100+ hp bike as where I'll be riding there's no place to use all that power and I'll be solo. I'm like many not yet ready to go down the Chinese bike route if for no other reason than lack of dealer network & they're still an unknown quality for reliability and longevity all politics aside, though I really like the look of that new Kove 800. It's been a hard choice & the CB500x was on my short list, but I've now put a deposit down & eagerly awaiting the arrival of my soon to be new Triumph scrambler 400X. All four of the big Japanese brands have really dropped the ball on this segment of the market, concentrating on too big, too shiny, too expensive, too heavy premier offerings.
@@slakk5093 I fully agree & maybe next year I'll swap over ?. We still though at this point have no idea what it'll cost or when it'll actually be available?. Also RE whilst coming along way with quality in the past few years does have a reputation of getting their customers to beta test the first year production. A year or two later they always get it fairly right so didn't fancy waiting any longer or taking the risk on a brand new model from Royal Enfield. I know I'm sorta doing the same with the scrambler 400x but triumph has an excellent reputation, excellent dealer network in the UK and the speed 400 has already been out and extensively thrashed in India for 4 months now with lots of praise and little complaint. I do think the new Himalayan is in many ways the better bike for my upcoming adventures, but think I'll give it a year.
Totally agree. Honda are doing the usual promo video with loads of extras (and weight) added though, I really doubt it's 196kg with those engine bars added
I suspect they hit a home run for the main demographics that will buy this bike - that won't be taking the bike off road but want the looks and the "possibility" of going off road. For the few riders that also want a real off roader - not sure they would take the Honda seriously and I think the market has other choices for that small slice. I also wonder what price point they would have to sell the bike for if they for a more capable dirt bike - especially if they were serious about keeping the weight low. I don't think there would be enough customers - at the higher price point where KTM becomes the other choice.
Just to add something about the NX500, I asked a TeamMoto shop when the NX500 is due and they replied not for a long time as Honda still have a lot of stock of the CB500X. I sent Honda an email for an update so hopefully they will get back to me with an answer soon.
To be honest, the frontend is what I think the Transalp should have looked like! I really like this rectangular headlight. Otherwise though, the CB looked much better. Especially in that dark green colouts.
Nowhere to go off road in UK anyway. I think it's a great bike,as the old saying goes "it it ain't broke, don't fix it". Will be chopping my VStrom 650 in for one ASAP
Am new to the industry of motorcycles so this "re-branding" means nothing to me since I only just started looking at bikes... to me it *looks* like a new bike... so they would kind of have been daft to just leave it the same as the old bike.. and in some cases I can see the confusion ocurring if they kept the same moniker of cb500x... *searches local area for cb500x* ... *gets two drastically different looking bikes* ... *is confused*
as an addendum to my upper statement... there is nothing preventing them from making a "rally-raid" edition later in the production cycle. They also do not want to cannibalize their own Dual-sport sales or make a bike that is lower on the power scale have too many upgraded componentry because it will get slagged off as being a "too heavy dual-sport that costs too much" because it will lose capability on the road if you give it 6" travel suspension and knobby tires with the same 471cc engine.. that they will have to tune to be even more grunty down low to deal with steeper terrain and rougher ground because that will be expected of it.
Its kind of the same as the trans alp. using an old name to grab some nostalgia. It looks nice, but will struggle to compete with all the 450 machines that are coming out that are lighter and have about the same power.
I was very excited when I heard of the NX500 until I hear more of the details, which means it is not what I was hoping it would be - a lot closer to being a competitor to the Tenere then it is for 2024. Maybe in the future but Honda is looking to design bikes that are the best for it's riders, so their bikes just are not going to be that dirt orientated until the market demands it.
Probably said already but wish they would have stayed with the big single but at 500, it's not so big. I had an NX650 and it thumped hard with some 'felt' vibration but the weight savings was attractive over the CB 500 X. I have an X with the Rally Raid conversion, so spoked wheels (21, and 19 I believe) and it's great but heavy in the 436# range. Would love to have seen a large bore single with additional vibration management (like 'the wife's' device has) and fuel injection and a weight more similar to the XR/XL 650s... 349# (??). That would have been a proper update and naming. Or, at least the ideas you've said. thanks! N
All good Yes........... BUT all they will come at Price reveal / Already Cbx is very expensive when you compare it with any other bike in same category ...so now with this little extras i afraid the price will be prohibited for a lot of people ( for 500cc or exactly 471 )
Does 196 kg include the model with the crash bars,fog lights and extras. I have a CB500F so hopefully I could transfer over some goodies like my topbox and centre stand. Otherwise I could just go for a new 450 Himalayan.
I love everything about the bike. And it would be a great replacement and upgrade for my Himalayan 411. But the reason I would buy a Honda is for trouble free riding. But why buy a Honda or any other bike with a known problem such as the water pump issue on the CB500X which Honda should have fixed immediately. "I have 30,000km on the bike and am on the 3rd water pump, and one failure left me stranded, but I love the bike". I don't get it. That one issue has kept me from even looking at the bike with intent to buy. I already have a bike I want to get rid of because of having known mechanical issues. I would also like to see the NX500 version with a more off road setup such as spoke wheels and a larger front tire. It would essentially be a lightweight version of the Africa twin and direct competition to the new 450 Himalayan.
I owed the cb500 x. 2019 model, great bike with excellent fule economy. With the new bike I think the tft screen there a lot of wasted space around the edge and the front headlight is to small.
It is 2023, and I am getting so tired of bikes being called "Adventure" when they are glorified road bikes and can MAYBE, just MAYBE do a VERY well maintained gravel road in Australia. They certainly can NOT do mud/dirt/clay roads with a little bit of rain unless you are a Toby Price level rider. They are not very good at riding in places where you would actually have an "adventure" in Australia. Why? you may ask... well read on. In the early-mid 1990s, living in Cairns, most/all of our dual sport riding was north of Cairns, Port Douglas, up to Cooktown, lakeland Yaraba etc, when none of the roads were 100% sealed. Of course we wanted to, when possible ride the Creb track etc. But also hundreds of other roads and tracks. 5 months a year it was a boggy swamp! Any "Adventure" bike with the front mudguard/fender, so close to the front wheel became unrideable after a few hundred meters of clay based wet road with such a fender. Why? Because it was too close to the tyre/tire, and didn't no allow the mud/clay to fling off. Rather, it actually compressed the clay/mud to the tire with each rotation. THe wheel/tyre became a solid heavy chunk of mud with no grip and quite a few extra kilograms of uneven weight. Yes, if you had the odd 10-15 meter creek crossing or muddy bit of road near a farm after some overnight rain, you are probably be ok. The fender being that close to the tyre stopped excess mud/clay flicking off and blocking the radiator/engine and if the rest of your "adventure" was dry, it was fine. The 1990s Dominator at least had a front guard/fender 4-5cm from the tire, which was ok, but not great. Dominators with the standard front fender removed, and a MX/enduro fender mounted further up, AND a guard to stop the mud getting to the air cooled engine, were way better for a FNQ "Adventure". YES, this bike looks cool!!! But what is an "Adventure bike" and where do you ride such a bike? It is am awesome "touring bike" for well maintained "non sealed" roads, and 90% bitumen riding.
Not that much of Oz is muddy like you have sometimes in NQ. For the rest of the country the 500X with suspension upgrades or RR kit worked perfectly fine for many thousands of klms off road.
Disappointed for the reasons you said, plus for the luck of the front plastic part and the poor colors. I was hoping for the classic blue white with gold rims.
As a NX650 owner I realy like the design ( Ill be honest a thought for a moment it will be more dirt capable CB500x but well its not ) I would realy want to have better suspention and 21 inch front with spokes (We may have it eventualy) and some red graphic with gold wheels. Somethink like that is missing in honda lineup and I would be for it
I believe they did just do this to get rid of its old stock but I believe they have a plan for the future. Just like the transalp I believe they will look at sales and what people want and then adjust from that. I believe they will make more and more dirt oriented bikes later but we must show them that’s what we want the same way they did with the Africa twin.
I checked and i cant get a CF Moto 450MT here in Thailand they just sell their ATV's here so the NX500 is back on the list. That being said i will buy the Triumph 400X first then wait a bit for my long range touring twin cylinder bike. t\Teh 400X will work as a tourer for now and i dont need to do anything but stick bags on it. The Honda needs a crap load of aftermarket gear to make it usable and i get sick of having to do that with Japanese bikes its getting pathetic. Although i love their build quality.
Not if they'll have a 'dirt' variant in the future like Suzuki DE/XT has now. Till' then you might be right! what I don't understand is their pricing, way too close to NC750x
I'm guessing Honda didn't further exploit the CB500x rebranding with more off-road sub-variants because they don't want to cannibalize the potential Transalp or Africa Twin buyers.
I have only one thing to say: if they make an nx750 that weights, looks and revs as good or better than this with and with more hp as well ill have to buy one...
![Why does EVERYONE buy this bike? Honda NX500 [QuickTest#37]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/--PL45RxiLA/mqdefault.jpg)
![Why does EVERYONE buy this bike? Honda NX500 [QuickTest#37]](/img/tr.png)
Totally agree with you on missed opportunity. I was really hoping to see a 21/18 NX 500 instead they just rebranded it. Very disappointing in my opinion
It would have been nice if they made two different models one with the spoked wheels but I don't think it's necessary to have the 21/18 combo, there's a guy who rents these things out to go on long rides all different motorcycles and he said over the years of renting the 2019 & newer never seen a bent rim, some are beginners some are very advanced riders usually the advanced writers get different bikes but they definitely been put thru their paces, also they also have to be price conscience because the bike is already 7K+ in the USA 🇺🇸 🤷
Does it ride well? Yes, so wind your neck in.
Home builders have managed to engine swap the CB500 engine into a CRF250X frame, so if a bloke with an angle grinder can do it, Honda can do it.
Did you mean a crf250L ?
@@chrishart8548 I could do.
Fitted to a 250 Honda alloy frame with 21/18 wheels and long travel suspension and registered for the road.
@@chrishart8548 yes! I found it. CRF250L
ruclips.net/video/DJ1nCqpRkrc/видео.htmlsi=8CcjUvZCxSynzfZd
Why would Honda do it? It doesn't make any sense. Nobody wants even their 450 that is $10k+.
@@oknevals because it would have 15000 km service intervals instead of 1500 km intervals? Because it would have more power? Because it would be cheaper? Because it would have less vibration? Because it could do everything a CRF1100L could do but it would be nearly 100 kg lighter and 8000 dollars cheaper?
Couldn't agree more Solid!. As a long time CB 500X owner it's a great bike but without dropping a couple of grand on it, it's a road bike with adv styling. There's definitely room for a much more off road capable version to stand alongside the venerable X. Potential for this platform was spotted by Rally Raid UK years ago, adding improved, longer travel suspension, spoked rims, switchable abs and proper protection. Guess new owners of the NX will have to look to the aftermarket (again) if they want to play in the dirt. I don't mind really, as at least it provides the opportunity for small dedicated engineering companies to keep developing their products.
Question: could you please define off road?
I usually run trails hence checking
Great bike but engine sucks. It should have about 550cc.
Oregon Motorcycles changed nothing and did a TON of off-road on it, stock. So I disagree. Sure you CAN spend on it to improve it to YOUR tastes, but it's extremely capable off-road out of the door.
Wrong. No one has complained about the engine at all. @@podunkman2709
It's really nice to see Honda, Beta, Royal Enfield, Triumph, and other companies putting more focus on updating their sub-600 cc offerings. Manageable, usable power and torque is always better than numbers way high in the rev range or at speeds one can't legally achieve, and on bikes above 450 lbs.
They had to do this stunt because the competition is moving in. They feel the pressure. The new Himalayan, the kove 800, the CFmoto 450, and many more. Yes, you said it, missed opportunities by, not just Honda, but all the Japanese manufacturers. The Japanese need to up their game on dual sport, super Moto, and light unicorn adventure bikes. They are not listening to the market.
Lived here in Japan 30+ years. The 50-65 year old managers of these companies rode the "bubble" into their jobs. They never had to think, just years went by and they go promoted. They don't have clue how to do innovate etc now.
AND, it is now very bad for young staff to offer an "improvement" because that offends the older guy did the original design, no matter how long ago it was. Japan is not the way it was until the mid 1990s. Just look at Sony. Sony who? most people say now.
Tokyo, the biggest metropolitan area on our planet does not have 24 hours public transport. Why? Because that is disrespectful to the guy in the 1960s who said people don't need it. Years before there was even a convenience store in Japan and tens of thousands of workers who work at all kinds of hours of the night.
I really hope the CFMOTO 450 mt does well to serve as a wake up call for the legacy manufacturers, I really want to see more light weight adv bikes with a 21/18 setup.
Who cares what you see?
One needs to remember how many sales those offroad specific models make in comparison to the more street versions. Maybe it isnt economically worthy for the brands to manufacture such bikes
@@the.communist western large capacity motorcycles are a tiny tiny fraction of the motorcycle market. Honda could drop it entirely and it would barely change their sales. So that argument applies equally for almost everything they sell in the west.
Moreover, in Australia (where this channel is based), the last year that model specific data is available, the top 6 selling bikes were off road. 7th was a scooter. 8th was another off road, only when you get to 9th do you see the first road only bike, the Honda CB125E.
@@gasdive and increasing! The mid-size ADV market is the quickest growing, followed by the small and then the large - but all ADV bikes!
I was looking at a new CB500X 3 years ago and told the dealer "if it had a 21" front and spoked wheels I'd buy it in a heartbeat". I think it was feedback he'd received a few times. Why won't Honda listen to their customers? I'm not spending £6699 on a bike then thousands extra on a Rally Raid kit.
Could have at least got wire wheels the dominator never had cast wheels. Just seems very odd. Also the transalp didn't become a 650 till 2000 the dominator was launched 1988. So at the time the TA was 600cc Dominator was a 650cc why now is It a smaller 500 twin !
get a used CB500X and a Rally Raid kit. No reason to go new.
Maybe building an off road version aint economically worthy for the brands. Most riders ride on roads
@merzto still ends up costing as much as a used T7 Without the power or the ground clearance
@@chrishart8548 and weighs nearly the same as a T7 haha its like a 20 lb difference
Great analysis. Honda is obviously protecting their bigger more expensive Africa 2 bikes . They hope. I would hate to buy chinese but the cf moto 450 you showed us yesterday seemed much closer to what i want . I understand Hondas logic , I think they are about to be reminded of what they did to the industry. Show that small doesnt have to be austere low quality. I respect Honda but us old men have seen this movie before.
Yes we have!! Back in the 70's Honda basically made market segments overnight with the CB750 and the CB400. I have a feeling they think they can do it again! However back then, there wasn't China lurking in the corner waiting to take advantage of 'missed opportunities'.....is this history repeating itself, seems so!
Yep, I wouldn't upgrade from the CRF300 to this. Alloy wheels, pretty heavy for what it is. TBH I'd skip this and go straight to the Transalp.
👏👏👏 If the TA had a user friendly airbox I would have done just that months ago 😢😢
I don't get the design. It just looks like a transalp 750. The cb500 had an aggressive look. I agree with you at the screen update point and that it is just a marketing trick.
The motorcycle industry has turned into a cargo cult, just like Hollywood. And it breaks my heart to see it. Instead of focusing on innovation and attracting new riders, they are harkening back to their glory days in a desperate bid for relevance. Harley Davidson already proved that this is a doomed long-term marketing strategy. Nostalgia-baiting is the death throes of a dying industry.
I'm not seeing many nostalgia plays from any of the biggest manufacturers and I see that as one of the problems for attracting new riders - neo-retro is hot.
All I want is the 450cc wrapped with the CRF300 Rally package. Prefer a single cylinder for simplicity but will take the twin. Why do the manufacturers not get this???
They would sell millions of them
CF moto is trying with the 450MT
Solid mate there are big news regarding the aprox 160ish kilo ADV sector. Check out the kove800x rally and the slightly more touring focused rieju 500 adventura. The 500 adventura might share theengine with the honda 500x (rumor) but has 39l of onboard fuel due to 2 tanks. China is coming for the segment.
Let's see an XR500L with that angine!
I have a 2022 CB500X. I took it off-road on some rocky 4x4 trails this week and had a blast. I don't have a skid plate on it and I'm not super confident off-road yet but it was super fun. Having had a taste of off-road riding now, and with so much of it in Canada, I am totally torn about selling it and getting a dual sport. As just a regular guy who doesn't test motorcycles, the CB500X is a fantastic bike for what it is, especially on terrible back roads. I love how I don't have to think about it. Just get on and go. But now I'm maybe leaning towards a dual sport. Damn it all to hell. But let's be real, all motorcycles are fun.
Wasn't the original NX called the Dominator?
If so, this definitely isn't...
It dominates the weight category for a sub 500cc adventure bike that's for sure 😂
great you won't be forced to buy it isn't it?
Yes it was, same engine as the XL650! Hugely capable bike and un breakable like the KLR650, but slightly more refined!
Had a 94 Dominator as my first bike from 04 to 06. What a fun machine. Now I have a 23 CB500X. A much more refined ride, probably better in every way. But the Dominator was just more fun.
Perfect video, even better analyse! You are so right about pointing out the disappointing truth, it is a branding exercise and a big mistake knowing that the lightweight segment is heating up. A miss for Honda, hope they are listening! Subscribed!
You do know this isn't aimed or marketed as an off road bike don't you ?
A badge swap was honestly the last thing I thought Honda was going to do. What a disappointment. At least CFMoto is making an effort and came through.
Do they have reliability like Honda though?
@@HondaWanderer CFmoto use license built kawasaki engine
@@CB74651 almost but not quite
How many bike manufacturers have Honda reliability? Believe me if CF moto do what most Chinese manufacturers do. It won't be long before they're on par with Honda reliability. Because there's a lot of established Chinese manufacturers who have surpassed many established brands in different goods. Look at Chinese cars for example now. They're overtaking everyone else. Be it with Ice engines or electric cars. Many are quick to jump on the anti China bandwagon because they actually believe the 2 proven biggest liars on the planet. Politicians & media. Which is plain ridiculous when most haven't got a clue what the Chinese people & country really are. Everything they base their opinions on either come from politicians or media. Instead of being bothered to see for themselves & researching alternative views. Just dismissing everything Chinese when most of the brands they love & trust are actually being produced in China. Can't you see the hypocrisy in that? The Chinese enter markets with very cheap products to get their foot on the ladder. Unlike western companies who's owners & shareholders take most of the profits. The Chinese reinvest in most profits into R&D. They end up with great products that are still priced competitively. They do it with all goods. I'll bet my house on it within 10 years CF moto will be in the top 5 biggest bike brands in the world. @@HondaWanderer
Well said mate, if you read my reply to person making a comment on your statement. I say exactly how it is. By the way I've got a bit of experience of traveling to China & seeing for myself how their business's grow. Through the company I work for purchasing goods from China. It does my head in people criticizing Chinese goods based on the 2 biggest liars on the planets comments about China. The media & politicians.
I'm loving the new name. In South America we had a couple of exclusive models (the NX350 Sahara and NX400 Falcon) that kept the "NX" brand alive, so it's nice to see it return.
I agree they could do a little more, spoked wheels, and slightly more sus. But I was just thinking right before I saw this refresh, how this bike desperately needs a new color screen, and some updated looks. This now puts it firmly on my radar. The aftermarket has the rest sorted. 🤘
I totally agree with your "missed opportunity" assessment. It chaps my hide that I have to go out and put (essentially) a new suspension on the bike to make usable offroad.
The problem with the need to find something to criticize. LOL It' time to turn the page. If someone wants a Honda with a 21 inch front wheel and more suspension travel, there is the 750. Doesn't weigh and doesn't cost too much more than this bike. If they want a single cylinder, there is the 300 series. I think these changes from CBX to the NX model, although mostly cosmetic, show how Honda has evolved the CB500X project. It is no longer the old CB for quite a while already. I doubt Honda ever imagined taking that original 17 front wheel 100% street bike to today's NX500 name plate. Which in today's terms, it is perfect. I have a 2015 CB500X with a full rally raid kit, spoke wheels and all, 19-in front wheel, and more than once someone on the trail thought it was an NX bike. Two more things: Honda offers today more options on the range from dual sport to adventure bikes than any other manufacturer. And a 19-inch front wheel never stopped BMW from being acclaimed as the number 1 adventure riding machine. Don't mind my criticism, I love your channel.
But what if they were say, 18, just coming off an MX'er, just getting into the ADV market, wanted a parallel twin and needed it to be LAMS Approved?
@@andrewtreloar7389 He would be wanting the cake and to have it as well. LOL. Here in the US we don't have those age limitations. Not sure it is a good thing or not. But the CB500X (and this new NX500) are not bad for beginners. If I were an MX'er I would go for a KTM 350 or 500 (or Huskvarna or similar even a Honda 400 or 450). It would not be a priority to have a heavy parallel twin.
@@idratherberiding3456 great perspective mate, thanks!
@@andrewtreloar7389 Thanks mate! We are together in this adventure!
A mono adventure by Honda, 500cc max with decent fuel tank and a bit of fairing would sell like bread but no, we get this washout of a bike.
YEP!!!!
Solid, as usual you called it! A huge miss by Honda, don't know why they're so afraid to make a smaller transalp, we're not getting any younger out here!
Was hoping to see more leg room. I'm 6ft and felt very cramped in cb500x. Pegs were a little far back for my liking. I will say that after sitting on the Transalp at least 15 different times.....could possibly be one of the most comfortable seating positions I've experienced. Just my opinion. Has anyone else felt cramped in the leg area on 500x?
This is exactly what I was thinking, why Honda leave the door open for aftermarket mods when I am sure we would all rather own official Honda approved parts is beyond me. Suzuki do,it with the V storm in two version, the XT with spoked wheels and protection. I would gladly pay extra for an official more off road capable version. As a two time owner of CB500x (2014 and 2023 models) I like the additions to the new NX but still prefer the styling of 2023 CB personally. Great video, thanks for posting.
Hey Solid, another swing and a miss for Honda, it's like they don't ask what riders want, it's a great looking bike, I'm sure it will do just fine for most, but us dirt guys want a little bit more. The NX of back in the day was great, same thing with the Transalp, they just can't get over the finish line. 😢 great update mate.
After over 20 years of owning exclusively Honda's, I'll be jumping ship in 2024. Like you said, they don't seem to care about what riders want. The market is trending towards cheaper, capable ADV bikes thst offer a lot per dollar (RE Himalayan for example) This bike is the exact opposite of that.
@@domenik8339 it's a shame, I've been a Honda guy forever. I really wanted the Transalp to be that great adventure bike, it's a flop. No this with the 500. I'm holding out for the T7 extreme. One can only hope. RIP HONDA.
It's wild how Honda doesn't put a skid plate on these bikes even though they're adventure ready. Not even a crappy plastic one like the other companies do. Honda is being dumb.
Perhaps Honda went with this branding exercise because they plan a more off road capable model in the future (adding more suspension travel and ground clearance, bashplate, spoke wheels, adjustable suspension,etc.) and calling it the NX500 Dominator. Leaving the regular NX as an entry model, and the Dominator as a more capable premium model. That would be pretty great and I think it could make them heaps of money.
🤞
Nah. Just lazy thinking by executives who road a bubble into their positions due to age and joining the company before 1992.
Bike sales here in Japan are down 90% since 2000. There is a reason for that.
They could do that by just making an offroad version of the cb500x n calling it "rally"
@@the.communist yes but the Dominator name has more association with off roading. And the rally term is used by several manufacturers already. This would set Honda more apart. It's all marketing nonsense in the end. As this is basically a CBX in a new dress most of the upgrades from Rally Raid should fit. And if they don't, I'm sure they'll make new ones that do.
CB 500 x owners have been saying this about the X for years....in the end they just go aftermarket, if that's their thing
This bike coming out makes me think it is a stop gap for a year or so until a new model is released. It makes me less likely to get one as I think a revised bike with this design language is just around the corner.
Yeah, its a facelift alright!
I agree with you for the most part. I was hoping they'd have an "Adventure Sports" model with spoked wheels, maybe a 21'' front wheel, and at least an inch more ground clearance. While the majority of the power plant and suspension remain the same, it appears Honda may have tuned spring rates and dampening or at least made them more adjustable. It's also rumored they tuned the engine or gearing to improve acceleration at low RPMs and the overall power delivery. Until we see more feedback from riders who test it, we won't know for sure. Either way, that name change seems unnecessary as the NX500 appears to just be a design and performance tweaked evolution of the CB500X.
Don't care about branding.... I just got one after being bikeless for 10 years. As a returning older rider, this bike does everything I want it to do. Basically a Swiss army knife of a bike that rides effortlessly. I love it. And being a CB500x carry over, there are all kinds of aftermarket options for it.
Hi Solid, yeah it’s definitely not an NX in any way shape or form it’s an updated CB500X which would have been great with the new look and new dash. Say what you will about Chinese bikes but they are giving people what they really want in small adventure bikes now, they come with all the accessories as standard and they look brilliant. The big Japanese brands are missing out big time here. I am looking for a smaller adventure bike, I love the look of the new Triumph 400X think this will be a winner. Come on Japan the Chinese bikes are catching up big time.
Yep.
I live in Japan (for a long time)... motorbikes sales domestically are down 90% since 2000. Plus the way companies are managed here now, where new/younger staff can not offer improvement suggestions, as it is seen as cliticising the older "respected" management/staff, is killing almost all innovation here. Hence the Chinese are doing what the Japanese did 50 years ago to take over so many industries and such. Like the way Detroit motor companies faded and died as a global leader in making cars.
Out with the old, in with the new.
You’re richt. I’m Honda change my CB500x for A Triumph Scrambler 400 next year.
@@keithtarrier4558 new isnt always better
@@keithtarrier4558 Very interesting, thanks for your insight. This explains why Japanese design and innovation has stalled.
@@keithtarrier4558 'cliticising' ?? PML!
Reliable, great looking, I DON'T CARE ABOUT THE NAME/BRANDING... As long as it does what I need it for, great! THANK YOU HONDA!!!
I recently commented on your video about the CF Moto 450 MT, wishing it had the features you suggest the Honda NX should have.
Obviously, it is worth reflecting on the ideal and real use. We could agree that the ADV category in motorcycles is similar to the SUV category in cars: purely utilitarian vehicles that allow you to move from point A to point B, but with style. And the motorcycle has that utilitarian meaning for 99% of the population, myself included, although we would all like to belong to the 1% that transcends with its name engraved in motor sports. We could say that 5% of the public really awakens the capabilities that their pure ADVs offer them. Still, I think I'm being too generous. Luckily the public is growing, with motorcycle sales increasing in some countries and car sales decreasing, and it is increasingly biased towards the adventurous sense. But motorcycling is still a business, and profits rule: "thousands of flies don't make mistakes, they all want shit"... and they get shit. In this context, companies that have nothing to lose, because they sell just by mentioning their name, are maximizing the gap between users who really have a need for a technical motorcycle and users who give it a utilitarian use with the advantage that now They may step on some loose dirt. But luckily there are also brands that have everything to gain, taking advantage of that niche that big brands abandon. And although there is little confidence in these brands because they are new and do not have much track record in sight, we can rest assured, knowing that someone will continue to listen to the public that is not convinced of a wild machine nor is it satisfied with a simple transport.
The Dominator is like an XR with different plastics, they are reluctant to start, I had one until I got tired of fixing it...
I am on my way to buy a NX, I know... two different bikes... yes, but I am also very different than 10 years ago!
Apparently the NX is really reliable and confortable enough for a second passenger so I can get my old lady to join me on ride...
For what it is, this is a great option for tarmac and gravel road touring - relatively light, comfortable, affordable, fuel efficient and very good looking. Plus it's a Honda. But they really did leave the door open for the likes of the Himalayan 450 and the CF Moto 450, and could easily have produced something with just a little more offroad pedigree to grab some market share back from those two.
Pros:
Gps mounting bar
Cons:
No bashplate
And again NO Wingbadge
Honda just bring back the splendid V4 Crosstourer DCT with premiums from AT & more.
The Power Of Dreams ❤
Might be an options list for spoke wheels etc. Looks top heavy and that crash bar looks crap.
Even the CB500x is top heavy and I think the NC500 will be worse
I've just bought a CB500x and the only thing I would like from this new NX is the TFT screen - nothing else would make a difference for me - explains why honda were dropping prices across the range to get rid of stock before EICMA
I agree with you about the missed opportunity.
Hopefully this is the path to a real Nx.
looks good but the suspension travel and ground clearance are disappointing
I agree, I have and love this bike. I think Honda didn’t go with spoked rims because then the price would be getting close the Transalp.
For the touring part - another missed opportunity is the lack of a cruise control. I'll never buy a bike without it again after getting one, and I usually drive long stretches and at legal speeds.
I rode both on the same day and noticed the following improvements on the NX500 compare to the cb500x 2023
- smoother throttle response
- way more comfortable seat
- the front fairings feels smaller and I like the knee position better
- suspensions feel better too
I am 6'3 and the riding position felt a lot more natural on the NX500.
I was about to buy an old cb500x and might just go for a new NX500 instead (I am guessing the cb500x resell value might drop as soon as the NX5000 hits the secondary market).
I would tell people to go test ride it instead of focusing on the spec sheet.
Great real world feedback 👍
Well would be great if we could get it in Australia, but sadly not available here.
It will be…. We are a year or so behind usually.
I really hoped that this NX500 would be a real dual sport. Unfortunately not...
Getting a bit a disappointed in Honda. Lots of crossover bikes, but nothing really purpose built. The new Transalp got 21/18 wheel combo, good power, light, but no cruise control, non-adjustable suspension, traction control takes ages (7 clicks) to turn off. I think they targeted CB500X owners who wanted a more power, and a 21 inch front wheel.
But who knows, maybe we offroad adventure/dual sport community are the load minority, but everybody else wants these crossover bikes?
Light at the end of the tunner: Africa Twin separation makes sense, a touring bike and an off-road version.
I always liked the idea of the cb500x but dont like the look of the front, i much prefer the look of the nx500.
I'll do a test ride and some point, to decide between the nx500 and a used nc750x
I bought 1 in 2021 only to see an improved model in 2022. Sold it and waited until 2023 hoping for a red version only to be stuck with the green for 2 years but liked it enough to buy it. Was hoping for a color change so I could swap plastics and they do this! But they haven't announced it for the US yet so I'm in limbo.
Agreed,there is a missed opportunity if you do most of your riding off road - but if you're mainly on road it's a much more capable machine ie: smaller front wheel(19 inch),lower centre of gravity (180mm ground clearance) and less travel in the suspension (under 6 inches) plus it's tubeless - so for someone like me who spends 90 percent of my time on the road and 9 percent on gravel and less than 1 percent off road it is the best option by far...👍
Like many here, I agree with you. I was in love with the original NX bikes back in the late 80's here in the US. Some of my friends had them, and I wanted one. Honda had a golden opportunity to replace the XR650L with an NX, and this certainly does not do it. I have nothing against the CB500X (I owned one), but I'd be salivating over a true NX revival.
It would be just what the market and Honda’s off-road lineup is missing 👍
The updates look great to this. Branding aside. The new screen alone is maybe worth me waiting
I have the 2023 Pearl Organic Green model which I think is much better looking. The TFT screen is nice but I don't spend much time looking at the screen so I will happily keep my bike. For new riders I'm sure they will enjoy the 2024 model
Hi there, agree with you on the missed opportunity, I have a 2023 and I miss be able to go off-road a little better, Honda could have changed a few more things around, and what is killing me is that this bike is more road oriented and yet they still didn’t put the cruise control, I’m really thinking and looking at the Himalayan 450, they same to have not lost so many opportunity for there new bike 😂
Man i think it looks so good.i really want one of these in white.
still like older cb looks, new here is just tft dash.
If I was standing in a Honda showroom, my choices would be either the CRF300 or the Transalp. The NX is only about 10 pounds lighter and HALF the power. The NX will attract new euro riders that need the A4 compliance, but to me, it just isn’t sufficiently lighter or cheaper than the Transalp to make sense.
Compared to other brands, the 650 Vstrom, CFMoto450, Kove, and even Himalayan or Versys (where is that 400!?!?) all have compelling features that make them interesting choices.
That Honda reputation will certainly add perceived value. It remains to be seen if it is actual.
We are certainly spoiled for choice!
I have a 2022 cb500x and i think this "new" modell is very similar. The nev dash is looks good. But i happy with my older version. I buy it for 10-15 years so i wait a little bit befor changing it. And i think the more powerfull 750 transalp is also a good bike. But for offroaders need more choice then 300 crf and 1100 Africa.
Honda have 2 beautifull engine and base modell 500/750 cm³ but needed a rally pack for ofroaders. But i like the road oriented variant cb500x. Thanks for honda for my great bike!
Where’s the 18 / 21 inch spoke wheels, long travel suspension and bash plate??? 😔 looks good though 😎
is called transalp 750
Oddly honda is always late to the party. This year the only reason someone will by this bike is because # 1 it's a Honda and # 2 they won't buy a Chinese bike. otherwise the category of adventure ready, off road capable 500ish cc bikes has just exploded this year. Having said that the new Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 isn't Chinese, has nearly the power & is all-round far more capable.
PS, i can speak with some weight to this as I'm Honda's target customer. I've been uming and awing for sometime now over a new or at the least replacement bike from my old Honda 650 Transalp. I want a lighter more nimble and all round more engaging ( read fun ) bike for my upcoming adventure. I'll be riding primarily around Britains twisty back country lanes & green lanes avoiding motorways like the pleage. I'll be loaded up with soft luggage for weeks away and more away than not. I don't need a 100+ hp bike as where I'll be riding there's no place to use all that power and I'll be solo. I'm like many not yet ready to go down the Chinese bike route if for no other reason than lack of dealer network & they're still an unknown quality for reliability and longevity all politics aside, though I really like the look of that new Kove 800. It's been a hard choice & the CB500x was on my short list, but I've now put a deposit down & eagerly awaiting the arrival of my soon to be new Triumph scrambler 400X. All four of the big Japanese brands have really dropped the ball on this segment of the market, concentrating on too big, too shiny, too expensive, too heavy premier offerings.
The himi 450 looks sweet too for that type of riding
@@slakk5093 I fully agree & maybe next year I'll swap over ?. We still though at this point have no idea what it'll cost or when it'll actually be available?. Also RE whilst coming along way with quality in the past few years does have a reputation of getting their customers to beta test the first year production. A year or two later they always get it fairly right so didn't fancy waiting any longer or taking the risk on a brand new model from Royal Enfield. I know I'm sorta doing the same with the scrambler 400x but triumph has an excellent reputation, excellent dealer network in the UK and the speed 400 has already been out and extensively thrashed in India for 4 months now with lots of praise and little complaint. I do think the new Himalayan is in many ways the better bike for my upcoming adventures, but think I'll give it a year.
ordering the white one tomorrow, love it
would love to have seen a spoked 21 /18 combo wheel size and spoked wheels. at the same time the tft display and new bodywork is a great update
Totally agree. Honda are doing the usual promo video with loads of extras (and weight) added though, I really doubt it's 196kg with those engine bars added
I'm glad the TFT display got implemented on this bike. I am not a fan of the old negative display on the CB.
I suspect they hit a home run for the main demographics that will buy this bike - that won't be taking the bike off road but want the looks and the "possibility" of going off road. For the few riders that also want a real off roader - not sure they would take the Honda seriously and I think the market has other choices for that small slice. I also wonder what price point they would have to sell the bike for if they for a more capable dirt bike - especially if they were serious about keeping the weight low. I don't think there would be enough customers - at the higher price point where KTM becomes the other choice.
Yes but whats the point of this nx then? Is just the same as a cb500x!
All it needs is more in the suspension travel.
Just to add something about the NX500, I asked a TeamMoto shop when the NX500 is due and they replied not for a long time as Honda still have a lot of stock of the CB500X. I sent Honda an email for an update so hopefully they will get back to me with an answer soon.
To be honest, the frontend is what I think the Transalp should have looked like! I really like this rectangular headlight. Otherwise though, the CB looked much better. Especially in that dark green colouts.
Or Cfmoto 450 mt.
Nowhere to go off road in UK anyway. I think it's a great bike,as the old saying goes "it it ain't broke, don't fix it". Will be chopping my VStrom 650 in for one ASAP
Am new to the industry of motorcycles so this "re-branding" means nothing to me since I only just started looking at bikes... to me it *looks* like a new bike... so they would kind of have been daft to just leave it the same as the old bike.. and in some cases I can see the confusion ocurring if they kept the same moniker of cb500x... *searches local area for cb500x* ... *gets two drastically different looking bikes* ... *is confused*
as an addendum to my upper statement... there is nothing preventing them from making a "rally-raid" edition later in the production cycle. They also do not want to cannibalize their own Dual-sport sales or make a bike that is lower on the power scale have too many upgraded componentry because it will get slagged off as being a "too heavy dual-sport that costs too much" because it will lose capability on the road if you give it 6" travel suspension and knobby tires with the same 471cc engine.. that they will have to tune to be even more grunty down low to deal with steeper terrain and rougher ground because that will be expected of it.
Its kind of the same as the trans alp. using an old name to grab some nostalgia. It looks nice, but will struggle to compete with all the 450 machines that are coming out that are lighter and have about the same power.
I was very excited when I heard of the NX500 until I hear more of the details, which means it is not what I was hoping it would be - a lot closer to being a competitor to the Tenere then it is for 2024. Maybe in the future but Honda is looking to design bikes that are the best for it's riders, so their bikes just are not going to be that dirt orientated until the market demands it.
Probably said already but wish they would have stayed with the big single but at 500, it's not so big. I had an NX650 and it thumped hard with some 'felt' vibration but the weight savings was attractive over the CB 500 X. I have an X with the Rally Raid conversion, so spoked wheels (21, and 19 I believe) and it's great but heavy in the 436# range. Would love to have seen a large bore single with additional vibration management (like 'the wife's' device has) and fuel injection and a weight more similar to the XR/XL 650s... 349# (??). That would have been a proper update and naming. Or, at least the ideas you've said. thanks! N
All good Yes........... BUT all they will come at Price reveal / Already Cbx is very expensive when you compare it with any other bike in same category ...so now with this little extras i afraid the price will be prohibited for a lot of people ( for 500cc or exactly 471 )
Maybe using 21/18 wheels would have allowed the NX title 🤷♂️
Check out the Reiju 500 Adventure, same Honda engine, bigger suspension travel and massive twin tanks front and back.
Does 196 kg include the model with the crash bars,fog lights and extras. I have a CB500F so hopefully I could transfer over some goodies like my topbox and centre stand. Otherwise I could just go for a new 450 Himalayan.
I love everything about the bike. And it would be a great replacement and upgrade for my Himalayan 411. But the reason I would buy a Honda is for trouble free riding. But why buy a Honda or any other bike with a known problem such as the water pump issue on the CB500X which Honda should have fixed immediately. "I have 30,000km on the bike and am on the 3rd water pump, and one failure left me stranded, but I love the bike". I don't get it. That one issue has kept me from even looking at the bike with intent to buy. I already have a bike I want to get rid of because of having known mechanical issues. I would also like to see the NX500 version with a more off road setup such as spoke wheels and a larger front tire. It would essentially be a lightweight version of the Africa twin and direct competition to the new 450 Himalayan.
I owed the cb500 x. 2019 model, great bike with excellent fule economy. With the new bike I think the tft screen there a lot of wasted space around the edge and the front headlight is to small.
Yes ..a bit disappointed,I will keep my cb 500 x and crf 300 l until a real unicorn sees the light😂
The 2024 Honda CRF 300L to be released next March may have some interesting changes/upgrades or are these changes just rumours?
It is 2023, and I am getting so tired of bikes being called "Adventure" when they are glorified road bikes and can MAYBE, just MAYBE do a VERY well maintained gravel road in Australia. They certainly can NOT do mud/dirt/clay roads with a little bit of rain unless you are a Toby Price level rider.
They are not very good at riding in places where you would actually have an "adventure" in Australia.
Why? you may ask... well read on.
In the early-mid 1990s, living in Cairns, most/all of our dual sport riding was north of Cairns, Port Douglas, up to Cooktown, lakeland Yaraba etc, when none of the roads were 100% sealed. Of course we wanted to, when possible ride the Creb track etc. But also hundreds of other roads and tracks. 5 months a year it was a boggy swamp!
Any "Adventure" bike with the front mudguard/fender, so close to the front wheel became unrideable after a few hundred meters of clay based wet road with such a fender.
Why? Because it was too close to the tyre/tire, and didn't no allow the mud/clay to fling off. Rather, it actually compressed the clay/mud to the tire with each rotation. THe wheel/tyre became a solid heavy chunk of mud with no grip and quite a few extra kilograms of uneven weight.
Yes, if you had the odd 10-15 meter creek crossing or muddy bit of road near a farm after some overnight rain, you are probably be ok.
The fender being that close to the tyre stopped excess mud/clay flicking off and blocking the radiator/engine and if the rest of your "adventure" was dry, it was fine.
The 1990s Dominator at least had a front guard/fender 4-5cm from the tire, which was ok, but not great. Dominators with the standard front fender removed, and a MX/enduro fender mounted further up, AND a guard to stop the mud getting to the air cooled engine, were way better for a FNQ "Adventure".
YES, this bike looks cool!!! But what is an "Adventure bike" and where do you ride such a bike? It is am awesome "touring bike" for well maintained "non sealed" roads, and 90% bitumen riding.
Who says u need to go offroad to have an adventure?
Not that much of Oz is muddy like you have sometimes in NQ. For the rest of the country the 500X with suspension upgrades or RR kit worked perfectly fine for many thousands of klms off road.
Disappointed for the reasons you said, plus for the luck of the front plastic part and the poor colors. I was hoping for the classic blue white with gold rims.
Honda can always make a more off road NX 500 later. I love the CB500X but this is better looking.
Wait till they install the detuned 270 crank motor of the transalp into the NX650 next year with Tubeless wire wheels
What’s ’keep shiney foot up’ ( did I hear that right ? ). Not familiar with that :-)
Not an NX until it has a skid plate and spoked wheels. Its a nice CB500x update though.
As a NX650 owner I realy like the design ( Ill be honest a thought for a moment it will be more dirt capable CB500x but well its not ) I would realy want to have better suspention and 21 inch front with spokes (We may have it eventualy) and some red graphic with gold wheels. Somethink like that is missing in honda lineup and I would be for it
I believe they did just do this to get rid of its old stock but I believe they have a plan for the future. Just like the transalp I believe they will look at sales and what people want and then adjust from that. I believe they will make more and more dirt oriented bikes later but we must show them that’s what we want the same way they did with the Africa twin.
I checked and i cant get a CF Moto 450MT here in Thailand they just sell their ATV's here so the NX500 is back on the list. That being said i will buy the Triumph 400X first then wait a bit for my long range touring twin cylinder bike. t\Teh 400X will work as a tourer for now and i dont need to do anything but stick bags on it. The Honda needs a crap load of aftermarket gear to make it usable and i get sick of having to do that with Japanese bikes its getting pathetic. Although i love their build quality.
what is the of the 450MT in Baht??
@@andrewtreloar7389 its not available here in Thailand
why would they do cast wheels on the nx if we already have the cbx?!
$8K for the NX500 vs $10K for the TA750 will make it a difficult choice.
Neither have cruise control.
Not if they'll have a 'dirt' variant in the future like Suzuki DE/XT has now. Till' then you might be right! what I don't understand is their pricing, way too close to NC750x
Any content on Keeway TX450R shown at Eicma
I'm guessing Honda didn't further exploit the CB500x rebranding with more off-road sub-variants because they don't want to cannibalize the potential Transalp or Africa Twin buyers.
I have only one thing to say: if they make an nx750 that weights, looks and revs as good or better than this with and with more hp as well ill have to buy one...
Still a nice bike like the NX500 will it come to the USA?
It is now 1.000€ more expensive than the cb500x and costs now 8.000€. Which is really rough for a A2 compliant bike.
Didn't Honda already establish the NX name as a road bike with the NX750? Now there's room for a more dirt focused CB500X.
My same confusion