5 Things to Know Before Buying the Honda NX500 in India
The Honda NX 500 marks Honda’s return to the mid-capacity adventure motorcycle segment in India. Positioned as a more road-friendly ADV, it replaces the CB500X and targets riders looking for a comfortable touring motorcycle with mild off-road ability. Before you book one, here are five key things you should know about the Honda NX 500.
How much power does the Honda NX 500 make?
The Honda NX 500 is powered by a 471cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine. It produces 47.5PS of power and 43Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed gearbox. This engine is known for its smoothness and linear power delivery, making it suitable for both city riding and long-distance touring.
On the highway, the NX 500 feels relaxed at cruising speeds, with enough performance for quick overtakes without feeling aggressive or intimidating.
How comfortable is the Honda NX 500 for touring?
Comfort is one of the NX 500’s biggest strengths. It gets an upright riding posture with wide handlebars, a well-padded seat and mid-set footpegs. The suspension setup, consisting of Showa USD front forks and a rear monoshock, is tuned for stability and comfort over long distances.
The bike handles broken Indian roads reasonably well, though it is more road-focused than hardcore adventure motorcycles.
How heavy is the Honda NX 500 and what is the seat height?
The Honda NX 500 has a kerb weight of around 196kg, which is manageable for a middleweight ADV. The seat height is approximately 830mm, which may feel tall for shorter riders, especially in city traffic.
Once on the move, the weight is well-balanced, and the bike feels stable rather than cumbersome.
What features does the Honda NX 500 offer?
The NX 500 comes equipped with a 5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity, switchable traction control, dual-channel ABS and multiple riding aids. LED lighting is standard, and the bike also gets a tall windscreen for better wind protection on highways.
While it doesn’t offer multiple ride modes, the overall feature list covers the essentials expected in this segment.
What is the price of the Honda NX 500 in India?
The Honda NX 500 is priced at around Rs 5.90 lakh (ex-showroom, India). As a CBU model, its pricing is higher than some rivals, which may limit its appeal for budget-conscious buyers.
On-road prices vary significantly by city due to higher insurance and registration costs. At this price point, it competes with motorcycles like the Kawasaki Versys 650 and Suzuki V-Strom 650.
In summary, the Honda NX 500 is best suited for riders who prioritise comfort, refinement and long-distance touring ability over hardcore off-road performance or aggressive pricing.
