Honda NX500 On and Off Road Test and Review

[@Patrick-l3y]

Recently sold my XR 150 and bought the NX 500. Plenty of powerfor me. Quick, comfortable, nimble, fun, great around town and on our dirt (sand) roads. Older (63) & Beginner rider, and having a blast on it. Greetings from South Carolina, USA.

[@davidmatthews3093]

My 500X has a bash plate, crash bars, upgraded rear shock and bigger foot pegs and is a capable off-road adventure bike. I downsized to it from a bigger far more powerful sports tourer and since getting my 500X my annual mileage has doubled. It’s the best touring bike that I have ever owned which can cope with all the road surfaces I travel on when adventure touring. For more serious off-road riding I ride a Voge 300 Rally although from time to time one of my boys rides the Voge and I accompany them on the Honda. It’s never been in a situation where I have needed to give up and turn around. Honda got it dead right with both the 500X and the NX, they built the sort of bikes that real people need. For most people the idea of riding enduro bikes across continents is a thing of dreams, reality says they do what the Hondas do perfectly.

[@motophoenix5951]

I bought one of these in April this year and I am very pleased with it. Up until last October my main ride was a 1993 BMW R100GS PD I had had it since early 1995 and had put nearly 500000 miles (800000 km) on it, until I managed to run it into a crash barrier on a French motorway and bent the frame. It took me quite a while to make up my mind to finally let the Beemer go. But I had been thinking about buying a smaller lighter bike, since a smaller lighter bike suits my riding style which involves minimal motorway work. I am really glad things worked out so well with the Honda; it is a very nice bike. I think your assessment of it hits the spot, I can't really find anything that I disagree with.

[@guit156]

Congratulations, Dad! Familiar with the bike in the CB config, and it's a great standard bike. Now, as for the dad part, I just took one of my daughters (who's now 37) for a moto camping trip. I've been waiting years for the opportunity to do this, and it was a huge treat. My kids grew up backpacking/bike packing with us, but this trip was special. Your day will come. One tip, however. My daughter rode a Ninja 650 without any luggage. No problem. Dad's Super T can take the whole load, which swelled with "why nots." When you take a trip with your son or daughter, put him/her on something that can carry more than a small tail bag, and split the rest between you and your wife. Cheers.

[@ADingoTookMyDasco]

A friend of mine has a 50 km commute to work & I recommend this bike based on his needs & budget. Thanks for confirming my suspicions about the bike.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yep. I should have mentioned that it would also do well as a commuter.

[@waltermitty7452]

@@DifferentSpokesTV I think this looks like a great bike. But now that the TransAlp is out, it just seams so much better for a bit more money and a few more pounds. Yes $4,000 more is a lot of money, but don’t you think it’s justified? Before the TA was out, there was such a big gap between the Africa Twin and the 500x. But the TA sort of cuts that difference in half…slots in between both and for me, would be hard not to get before the NX. What do you think?

[@andik.4235]

Good to see that the brand new dad is still capable to do the bikes justice. Nice video and congrats.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yes! Thank you! We’re getting back into the groove and Brooke takes up the slack with the little one.

[@raulsalanaranjo6565]

It’s not the bike you want, it’s the bike you need.

[@robertlindstrom540]

This would be my pick. Also propably why Kawa has not yet released a Versys 500. They know that this is the one to beat, and that is not easy. So they will tinker still for an unspecified period of time. It will come soon, I think but beating perfection at this price point is no easy task. When the time comes for me to downsize this is one top option. I liked the older version too but this one is better looking. And by now we know that these are practically bullet proof.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

I have a feeling that we’ll see a Versys 500 by next year.

[@ronbatt756]

Congratulations on the new family addition!

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thank you!! All the best to you and yours!

[@Brian-qg9bm]

Great fuel economy, big tank/long range, 8,000 mile service interval, 19" front wheel, good weather/bug protection, decent suspension with a good amount of travel... this might be the perfect bike for Alaska. On a fine day, if the mood strikes you, you could get from Soldotna to Fairbanks with just one fuel stop. I wouldn't think anything of running 100 miles, just to watch the sun rise.

[@markrenton5791]

I just come from crf250l to nx500 and it was a real downer on bumpy gravel roads, but much better on tarmac roads. I took the bumps so hard. I wish i had money to keep both. Good video.

[@geraldburmeister9637]

With upgraded springs front and rear, a 3.5 gallon ims tank and a seat concepts hand guards skidplate and radiator guard and tusk panniers it makes a pretty capable bike that can maintain 70mph on the interstate with decent range. I would like a more capable road bike but don't want to reoutfit another bike and lose offroad ability. I'm afraid I'd feel like you if I bought the nx or a cb. I did a 3000 mile trip this summer about 40% on Virginia and Tennesee TAT routes were awesome on the 250l and wouldn't want to take enjoyment from that part of the trip or future adventures. The interstate sucks no matter what bike I'm on so I don't want to give up offroad enjoyment.

[@markrenton5791]

@@geraldburmeister9637 I am thinking about maybe change the nx to a crf300 rally or l. Or maybe buy the husky te250 and keep the nx, but then i have to do some serious saving this winter. I am a little worried about the quality on the husky.

[@geraldburmeister9637]

@@markrenton5791 Plain and simple I'm not a rich man and am not risking any of my cash on anything iffy I don't care how much fun it is. My nearest Husky Ktm dealer is 85 miles away so they just aren't for me. I have several Hondas so I can deal with 1 dealer for all my oem parts and if i have a breakdown there are Honda dealers about everywhere. I'm sure the te250 would be a blast though!

[@davidmatthews3093]

Buy a Voge 300 Rally for your second bike, better and cheaper than the CRF.

[@markrenton5791]

@@davidmatthews3093 Thanks for the advice, but that brand makes me also worried about the quality even more then Husky.

[@orientationandmobilitywith5902]

Great video! Yes, it looks like a bike that I would like. 😊

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thought so :)

[@thodoris3790]

why you havent tested the vstrom800de yet?i d like to watch your opinion.i cant deside between transalp and vstrom,altought i find vstrom a little bulky and i lean more to the transalp.as a parent myself,two teen boys,i wish you the best for the new member!

[@diggy-d8w]

I had looked at the 500x several years back & the suspension was a big reason I didn't care for her but I'm starting to see that no matter what bike we end up with, we can get them to do most of what we want them to do for us. A few mods & things are pretty good to go but I starting to think we've got too many choices? I knew that sounds funny but we do. Ride safe, peace.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Good point. I’m complaining about this bike not being great on singletrack when almost no owner will take one there. It’s good on the road where it will spend 99% of its time.

[@diggy-d8w]

Yeah, I'm here b/c the bike does look good & I know it's a Honda = Bullet Proof ! I've been saving for a bike for 7-8months now & I'm doing a lot of deep research. I'm guessing my use will be 80% - 90% on the roads, I think I'd want it capable to go offroad if I needed to RUN?! Don't tell anyone I said that, lol. For a dual sport to be alright for ME on the Roads I'd want her to be able to go 100-120mph, top speed. But to use it at 75% of that meaning at 75MPH she'd ride good at my highway speed & not be all revved out or vibrating screws loose. I do think I saw this bike comfortably does the 75MPH & is not pinned out in her revv range. Being able to go the speed limit at a comfortable pace for the bike is the biggest problem for dual sports I look at but I do think the 500x can do the highway & do a gravel road w/ no problem. You know, I'm changing my "INTENT" as I research.... most do that after they've spent their money. When I started I wanted a 60% - 40% Road to Dirt bike.... that's changed to 80%-90% Road use = 10-20% dirt. So thanks for helping me to get my bearings. thanks for the vids & the time peace

[@drd3816]

4500km on mine so far touring boxes down here in Thailand--excellent little bike--its a halfrica twin--i in white love the Rally look too

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Nice! Perfect all rounder for exploring Thailand.

[@drd3816]

@@DifferentSpokesTV Ya its surprisingly light feeling--I am used to single cylinders dual sports enduros etc and this bike feels small and easy to move around and i am a string 6 foot 200 pound guy but down here its crowded and hard to find parking in town but i can still ride on highways smoothly as well as manage in town--really nice cross purpose bike and of course Honda reliability too--i will test ride the TransAlp for Canada likely better for the logging roads there but i think i would do fine buying another NX500 there too--its very versatile and priced so well, great range. It just needs a seat update and windscreen extender and luggage and off you go --best selling big bike in Thailand at the moment and i can see why. I have big heavy touring bike owners grilling me about the NX500 everywhere they want something lighter. Its weak spot is very high speed travel and string headwinds or mountains...it will do it but not like a litre bike would

[@MechanizedMedic]

I hope the XR500L is the next revival for Honda. Make it light enough to replace both the XR650L and CRF450L.

[@X-7-JAMES]

I’m 5’-11” with a 30” inseam. It seems this bike would offer a comfortable ride on long distances, yes? Great review.

[@X-7-JAMES]

@@thereturnofthemacI think you’re right, thanks. I will head to a local dealer.

[@TheQuietBeast]

I bought the latest CB500X (2023), it has actually most upgrades you are talking about except the new display. You should have compared with that instead (or the 2022, same there). But what made me pick the older was styling, not fond of the NX sharp looks, and like you said, who needs TC on this bike 😀

[@neonsamurai1348]

I had interest in the Himalayan 450 now that it is releasing in North America, but the total price came out higher than the NX500, thanks to an eye watering 900$ freight, plus 500$ PDI, and the dealership charging 200$ over MSRP on the preorder, totaling over 1,600CAD above MSRP, or 9,622CAD before taxes! I can get any other bikes in this segment for less than that new. Bikes with better resale, better dealership networks, better reliability, etc.

[@christophepoteaux3932]

Honda needs to make a 550cc of 600cc version with 60hp.. that would the perfect adv

[@jimmybonello3647]

Cant wait for it, until next May

[@Alexanderpaal67]

Nice review on a good bike. Great to see tubeless & gps mounting bar. Airfilter location ? Any air temprature indicator ? Milage to empty indicator ?

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks! I didn’t check but the air filter is probably under the seat. It doesn’t have mile till empty but there is a fuel gauge.

[@veljkovic92]

Great video as usual, just add metric values on the screen as well, please. 👍

[@joegregory109]

I’m not sure why so many reviews spend the bulk of the time talking about this bike’s under performance off road, I don’t see it as an “adventure” bike at all, it just has similar ergo’s

[@chiefenumclaw7960]

You're lucky Canada got the int'l color scheme. Here in the states, we got the same matte black colors as the Trans Alp. I'm hoping somebody comes out with an aftermarket decal kit that resembles the Africa Twin.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yes, they have the AT coloured Transalp in Europe so hopefully they do the same for the NX.

[@OriginalUsername9000]

TC isn't about reduced traction in consistently low grip conditions like rain, it's about sudden changes of grip that you can't react to fast enough, same as with ABS. Engine power isn't really relevant to TC, if your grip goes to 0 then you will get wheelspin with 15 or 150 HP and if it happens at a bad moment you will be in trouble.

[@igneous85]

Compelling bike. Always like enough power but not too much to wring out on the road and plenty of km/l. And decently good looking to someone who don't care for how bikes have looked for a while now.

[@johnelaschat2462]

Yes the exhaust would be an issue riding in the woods. I love to see these bikes come out though. I have a 1990 nx250. The exhaust on it is designed like one of a dirtbike.

[@jululugz2893]

My father had an nx but it is nx125 samee looks unfortunately I did not ride because it was crashed and I was too young back then (below 10 years old).

[@podunkman2709]

There is a one in 43634359376473583452342345 chance that the exhaust will catch on something while riding off-road. Exhausts pointed towards the moon are marketing because they look 'cool'. Honda, however, 'doesn't know' this and makes exhausts that don't interfere with use. On a motorcycle, for example, you carry luggage and the exhaust next to the seat is an obstacle (all those weird saddlebags moved 5 meters away from the exhaust on the right side).

[@pberardis]

I’m in the USA, have about a thousand miles on my NX500, and love the bike for the most part. I’m a competitive dirt rider and this bike is not for off road in New England, maybe elsewhere. Only significant mod so far is an MRA Vario windscreen to get rid of the buffeting (I’m 5’9”). I’ve added a 16 tooth front sprocket and it has made the bike much more enjoyable, as it put an end to the constant need for shifting. My only minor complaint is numb bum after an hour. I have a Seat Concepts kit in the box, but haven’t had a chance to install it. My major complaint is no Honda RoadSync phone connectivity for the USA. Why not, when everyone else gets it??

[@DiveTrainerDan]

I am more excited for a SCL750. That 750 motor would be amazing on a scrambler style motorcycle.

[@brianm5753]

i like small bikes like the 250s because they start to leak, piston starts to slap and bearings start to get loose right when I've saved enough money to buy another cheap replacement

[@roberthambly9926]

I have been looking at the NX500 or the Transalp the foot pegs are back a lot further than I thought on the NX than the Transalp. I wasn't allowed to ride it so I'm just assuming the pegs being back that far would be uncomfortable no? The Trans alp pegs are right where I would expect them to be. If anyone has thoughts on this I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks nice video

[@marsoelflaco5722]

I really like motorbikes!✌🏾

[@gordonwallin2368]

Nice, how's the family? Take care. Cheers from the Pacific West Coast of Canada.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

All good, thanks! The little one is changing and growing weekly. It’s a wonder to see. All the best!

[@thodoris3790]

this how the new transalp should be

[@sammemrys8195]

It seems like Honda might just have added a different letter to the CB500X for this bike. I remember your review of your wife's 500X and it is very similar to this one, no? Still, a nice addition to the Honda 500 lineup, but deserving of the NX moniker? 🤔

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

It’s a nice bike but not much like the traditional NXes.

[@podunkman2709]

We are not in 80s anymore. Last thing I need is single cylinder, primitive engine.

[@millinutz]

So, it's just a typical Honda..., a bike for the masses, an everday ride for the guy that wants a bike, but doesn't wanna stand out in a crowd. The only thing Honda has going in it's favour is it's reliability. I've lived a good life with my Suzukis and Brits, and have never had the feeling of missing out by never owning a Honda. If I needed something in this catogory, i'd go for the CF Moto MT400. Here you get all you need, but with less frills, and less of ya hard earned bucks. Congratulations to you both on the arrival of the newest member in the Different Spokes Team!

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks, much appreciated! The Brooke and Cassidy are doing well and we’re having a great summer.

[@martyn_g]

A work colleague’s CF is off the road waiting for parts - he’ll be back on his bike in 4 months.

[@clickbaitpro]

Not everyone wants to be an attention seeker

[@Ozzy62863]

Opinions on spoked vs cast wheels for off-roading? Cast wheels sufficient enough for most situations?

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

I’d say cast wheels are fine unless you get into very rocky terrain. But most people will never take this bike off roading in a place like Moab, UT.

[@greatbigeye2506]

Looks like a great street bike but if I even did any light off roading I would get a CRF300LS.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yep. This will do a lot better on pavement though.

[@mechcavandy986]

I wish it were a 650. My BMW R1200 Nine T Scrambler just weighs 20 lbs more wet.

[@bnolsen]

Vstrom 650 is still the right answer.

[@millinutz]

Agreed.

[@podunkman2709]

No. We are not in 90s anymore

[@dougsmith7580]

I had one but found it too tall and heavy for my ancient bones to move around safely. Top heavy and tip toes are unnerving.

[@roadwarrior8560]

NX750 with the transalps engine, cmon Honda, it makes sense!

[@sputnik5991]

In terms of seating position, do you feel that the klr650 could be ridden more comfortably for longer periods than the nx? I am the same height as you and I'm tossing up between the two although I weight 220lb.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

The KLR is definitely more spread out, especially in terms of leg room. However, the NX is waaay better on pavement. If you like to ride sporty the NX is the better bike. The KLR is better if you’re content to cruise more slowly and spend more time off road. I’d sit on them at the dealer before making a decision.

[@burkaanc]

I didnt think T7 need traction control before I broke my leg after rear wheel slipped while accelerating on some dirt or grass poking through asphalt, unlucky save of a low side.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Sorry to hear that. The T7 has a lot more power than the NX though and I always turn that stuff off on dirt so TC wouldn’t save me.

[@burkaanc]

@@DifferentSpokesTV It was on road, just an old parking lot at the end of a road where tc would generally be on

[@blackbuttecruizr]

Not my cuppa, but is probably gonna be a big seller.

[@kaybatbat1124]

Anyone paint one of these yet? They're only avail in flat back in the states.

[@randymcgiveron3268]

Change the traction control button to an ABS off button...YES+

[@bmp72]

The 180 crank is a big no for me.

[@Jeffyinthehills]

I want a plain jane bike like the xr 150. Traction control and other non wanted gizmos just drive the price higher and takes away from the riding experience. Keep it until they can build an old school bike

[@pawelwolski1316]

I, unfortunately, am done with Hond (possibly wrong move, time will tell). Having to spend $3500 to get my 300 Rally to suspend properly, keep making power past 8000k rpm, having a USB plug (still no passing light switch)..........Watching over the years Honda not fixing, improving the bike, done. The NX500 is the same story, striped down, no real world features, road oriented bike. I got the MT450 here in Europe. Would have loved to buysuch bike by Honda, would have paid more. But they don't make such bike, and I am not interested in the big heavy stuff. Let's see how the MT450 will hold up the time.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yep, the MT is making a big splash. Brands like CF Moto and Royal Enfield are really emerging globally.

[@turdbomitch9007]

Wire wheels would have been nicer

[@podunkman2709]

This is fantastic bike but....as city commuter. I'm 185 and I'm too cramped on this bike. Engine is too weak as well - it should have 500cc at least (even owners believe it is 500cc engine 🙂)

[@rainerlovesjapan9468]

Would have fitted with mud tires🩵🏍️

[@droflivelife]

Can't say touring worthy when you can't even get cruise control as an option.

[@martyn_g]

Aftermarket will fill the void.

[@ferkuzuel]

👍👍👍👍

[@creativeleodaily]

I drove it last week and I don't know why I found it very boring, with a boring design choice, it's certainly not cheap and design definitely could've been better 😢

[@billscott1601]

Why on earth would you ride that thing off road in the first place.

[@corujariousa]

I always appreciate Honda reliability but this is one bike in which the design does not help the sale pitch.

[@martyn_g]

You know what CB stands for? City bike. That’s why it looks the way it does.

[@corujariousa]

@@martyn_g Thanks but this video is about the NX500. Many Honda CB coded bikes look good.

[@geregivan]

old fashion dr 650 se

[@ryanbrandenburg1882]

Its close to being cool. Buuuut it got out done by cfmoto ibex 450. And if ktm drops the new 390 models this will fall way short

[@predragkardashian3730]

No cruise control = not buying!

[@adam346]

182cm is about 5'10".

[@BrianSmith-ql5nj]

Versys x 300

[@Nando_]

I would say everyday ride changed nothing

[@MujoNovak]

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.

[@GESproducciones]

It's incredible that the bike that could be the unicorn we're all waiting for, Honda has turned it into the most boring bike on the market.

[@pauls8456]

Exciting often = more$, less reliable, lower resale, more damage as you push it too far of road etc

[@ianhalliwell8604]

Boring that's subjective, some of us find a GS or a Ducati boring. It's each to their own.

[@jimtim2002]

Well that's a personal opinion.... For me this was my dream bike and I was overjoyed when picking it up at the dealer🤩

[@veljkovic92]

I once judged bikes by the specs/looks. Not doing that since practice of riding them often showed different face. I couldn't believe how Transalp handles and rides before test riding it. I believe Honda did amazing thing with agility and balance on this one as well.

[@wokeamerica142]

​@@ianhalliwell8604lol I've never met anyone who thought Ducati aa boring

[@davidrd4676]

No cruise. Not for me

[@martyn_g]

Mate. The aftermarket will sort that.

[@eduardopedrotti446]

Sadly, the bike just looks boring.

[@jamessouthworth1699]

You don't look at it, you ride it. It's up to YOU to go have fun.

[@eduardopedrotti446]

@jamessouthworth1699 you know that feeling, when you park, and look back to your bike like " wow", i like this feeling. Otherwise I don't see me riding a machine that I don't desire. And yet I know that nx500 is one of the best bikes out there ( despite the lack of extras and technology ), but you look ad the bike and hmmm, just boring

[@groMMit1981]

Honda needs to up its game with Royal Enfield, CF Moto and other challenges providing better product for far less.

[@vasudevrameshbabu3427]

On which aspect does Royal Enfield provide a better product?

[@groMMit1981]

@@vasudevrameshbabu3427 Got a problem with India?

[@vasudevrameshbabu3427]

@@groMMit1981 No, but with Royal Enfield, because I use its bikes for 13 years and I know that it’s quality is compromised