Is The Honda Nx500 Worth Your Money? - In-depth Review!

[@somersetlevellersmtb5564]

Worth every penny!! Such good value for money!!

[@exeterrider]

I think so too...and it will be for 10s of thousands of miles

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

Would simply agree.

[@peterprior1]

Excellent as usual Steve. This would be on my shortlist of I wanted a modern looking bike

[@exeterrider]

You and me both!👍

[@rocketrollsvlogs7625]

Great review. I particularly didn't care for your 2019 review, but don't believe i blamed you just because the bike wasn't your cup of tea. I loved the bike and it was my perfect first bike. Honda has consistently made improvements nearly every two years on this bike and I've owned a 2015 CB500X, Africa Twin, and think i want to return to this New Generation NX500. It sips gas, and is very flexible. It makes an awesome urban commuter/suburban commuter. It can go highway, but it isn't happiest there. It's happiest on a winding country road, or a tamed dirt/gravel pathway. Not a race track, not a single track trail, and not a major highway for hours and hours (although i have done all three with it).

[@exeterrider]

Totally mate, The improvements made are all the things I was moaning about on the 2019....The NX is now a real winner for me...I think its a really good bike!

[@BlakesPipes]

Nice review buddy. Another great location to talk about the bike. Still loving the video capture at the end of the video. Looks like a safe choice for a standard motorcycle of today with no real highs and no lows. It's vanilla! And that's my favorite anyways. 😊

[@exeterrider]

Thanks, Yeah its a nice easy bike to "just go" on, no dramas. hope you're doing ok all the way over there!

[@BlakesPipes]

​@@exeterridernice easy bike! I think that is what I should have said. I think I am fine. I am doing " nice and easy" . 😅 discouraged at the moment, but in no trouble. I am thankful for the tobacco pipe for my time to think clearly at times. Enjoying drawing and making logos for my little channel and need to stream line it so I can save time playing on this platform . Summer is about 30 days away and the heat will be my enemy. I have gotten relaxed with protection on these very hot days. 90 and humid is not fun and very uncomfortable while riding. Thanks for asking. Hope things are also well for you and finding your peace in life.

[@exeterrider]

@@BlakesPipes Ahh I get you Blake, I'm kind of the same to be honest, perhaps its that time of year. But keep punching my friend , you are a thoroughly decent fellow (I sound like a proper Englishman now) so just do what is right for you. Thanks for your continued support ,keep that sense of humor pumping and be good to yourself dude.

[@uk8835]

great review thanks - this will be my next bike- its all you need .

[@alq1967]

I like your review because of your attitude. I like no nonsense bikes that do the job. Hondas are probably my favourites... Ducati too!

[@exeterrider]

I appreciate that! Thanks sir!

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

You are right. A detailed work here. Very enjoyable. I like it too.

[@AshTek_Biker]

Brilliant review. I love my Honda CB500x 2022 model. definitely some great upgrades on the NX500 I would love to have. But in the end, I won’t miss it. Such as traction control and the new TFT screen. CB500x 22 is a perfect bike for me at the moment. All I wanted out of a bike. Great mileage and very reliable bike.

[@exeterrider]

The 22 was another good improvement on the 19 that I rode. It's a real good looking bike you have for sure, It's going to serve you very well I'm sure. I'm really pleased for you after what you went through with the other one. Lots of memories will be made on your 500x : )

[@flatcapcaferacer]

Very well done, didn't know anything about the bike before....thanks.

[@exeterrider]

No worries, I had no idea myself till 3-4 weeks ago! They kept it quiet.

[@paulegan7250]

A good honest review of what appears to be a nice bike, Thanks Steve.

[@exeterrider]

Thanks Paul, Yes there isn't much not to like on this one. thanks for stopping by again.

[@birchwoodbiker]

Great Vid, nice to see you still got the MIGHTY NC, Hoping to be down your way the next bank holiday meeting ICEDIDI

[@exeterrider]

Ohh wow that's great. Are you going to the SB rideout?

[@birchwoodbiker]

@@exeterrider Yes

[@birchwoodbiker]

@@exeterrider Going to be a long day, meeting Solo Moto UK Derek riding from Warrington, may have to bring tent🤣

[@WilliamAndrewPhilipBodie]

I think there is more to this bike than just a short trip. Thank you very much for the video. did Njoy it alot 😀

[@exeterrider]

Glad you enjoyed it, Thanks , yes I'd like to take one on a decent run 👍

[@paul5683]

I guess that I'm not the only person that appreciates some good wind protection on a motorcycle. Naked bikes seem like they are alright around town but highway travel is getting pelted by every bug and piece of gravel that is on the road.

[@exeterrider]

Yeap, constantly trying to look through the bugs isn't fun😎

[@afc85]

Would the screen fit on the hornet 500. It's the same front end? Could be useful for my annual trip to spain

[@johndiehardmclean23]

I honestly reckon I'd have bought 1 of these,if I'd even knew they were coming out! 🤬😂👍 Great all rounder review mate & not long now until we get free drinks all day & night from that Peaky fella! 😎✌️

[@exeterrider]

I really liked it john compared to the previous iterations of this bike. It will be good to meet up mate yes....but I'm going to avoid peaky like the plague. I dont want to be associated with someone with that colour beard. Its just too "off brand" for my channel, so ill be hiding away in a bush if i see him.

[@johndiehardmclean23]

@@exeterrider 😮🤣😂🤣👍

[@pielight7449]

Really good, concise but thorough and well presented review. Im pondering getting a bike just for the country lanes (which I tend to avoid on my BMW K1600 GT) and this is one of a number on my radar - as well as RE Himalayan, SCRAM, Classic, W800 etc etc...too much choice! 🤪 Just something to consider with standing with clutch pulled in....I avoid this soley because of unnecessary wear on the clutch thrust bearing, rather than a risk of my hand slipping and bike lurching etc.

[@exeterrider]

Thanks for watching mate....Yes this would be a good laner, try the Himalayan as well because that will also work so well....You're height and riding style will determine what come out you're wallet . K1600 is amazing! Yes I am also very conscious about holding in the clutch at the lights and my mechanical sympathy OCD doe kick in big time, but when sat at the lights the overriding thought is wanting to get away from the cagers first to safety... That being said, there is nothing I cringe at more when people do that in a car/van/lorry. Thanks buddy

[@quinnpeaksbiker]

Great review, good to see honda making improvements and developing the range 👍👍

[@exeterrider]

We agree there. Thanks 🙏👍

[@christianweller4288]

A good assessment of the NX and its place in the Honda line up relative to the NC and the other 500s. I've always had my doubts about the CB 500X, it, ticked a lot if boxes but only after spending another grand and to fix the gearing, suspension, seat and screen. By which time it's worth considering the NC750 and then once you've hit that price point there's many other bikes worth considering. Thanks for the perspective.

[@podunkman2709]

NC750 is completely different type of motorcycle. Nothing to compare.

[@exeterrider]

I wasn't trying to compare, It was more a case of trying to show the differences and why some folk may be better off saving a bit more to buy the NC rather than the 500.

[@exeterrider]

Thanks Christian, Yes the NC is worth a punt,and for the money there are others bikes in that secment but not tour ready as the NC in my bok....all swings and roundabouts I guess.

[@jimsadler8704]

Nice machine, ER, and your usual excellent in depth review.

[@exeterrider]

Thank you kindly Jim. Does what it says on the tin bike.

[@craigyllyn]

Blooming good review. I was filming yesterday and was praising Hondas suspension plushness. It’s something they’ve cracked nicely. The 500 twins seem worthy bikes. A bike to appreciate maybe. But not quite a fine wine like the NC?

[@exeterrider]

The NC is for bigger solo touring/city commuter that will munch the traffic up and be ready for bigger motorway miles as well. The 500 is much the same but prefers shorter hobs and isn't trying to be a tourer like the NC. The 500 is for cider drinking folk, while the NC is weekend away folk in a hotel drinking shorts. For clarity, I've got the drinking shorts bit done, just need the hotel now!

[@craigyllyn]

@@exeterrider 😂😂😂 love that analogy 👍👍👍

[@economicalrides]

Morning Exmouth. That was a nice spot for the intro but typical that when you arrived it turned into Piccadilly flippin' Circus 😂 This is a good looking bike with a very nice spec. It's probably the sort of bike that wouldn't be a disappointment to anybody who bought one. If I could only have one bike in the garage, I would definitely consider this one. A 500 twin feels about right for everything I'd ever need. Anything bigger than that seems like overkill to me. Too much money spent for too little gain and too much fuel burned on every ride ! I'm ECO you know 😝 A very entertaining self-deprecating review from your good self as always Steve. Right, I need to get this sodding Himalayan 450 test ride video done - I will send everybody to your Himalayan 450 review because my video is just a quick blast with first impressions. Cheers Steve, love to you and the Exmouth crew, George and Mildred ❤🐕

[@exeterrider]

I can't wait to see your video on it Ken, I liked it as you can tell so it will be intresting to hear you're thoughts on it as a 411 owner. The 500 is a cracking bike, and all the things I disliked about the 2019 has all been sorted . Looking forward to your vid Thanks Ken

[@economicalrides]

@@exeterrider 😂👍🏻 Best to keep those expectations low Dave, just sayin' 😉

[@Paul-67]

Great review ER👍🏻

[@exeterrider]

Thanks 👍

[@THE_SNAPP]

Great review, great scenery...great content. I will watch this bike for a year and maybe finally move on from my g310gs. I am getting a sexond bike this summer...leaning towards the RE Shotgun. Anyway, as usual, top-level video.

[@exeterrider]

Thanks mate, you are in for a treat with the Shotgun, not that I have tried it but it looks great.

[@THE_SNAPP]

@@exeterrider I'll test ride it in a couple weeks. Would love to see you review it.

[@exeterrider]

@@THE_SNAPP I am due to have one for a a months loan sometime this year....I have sat on one and it felt "right"

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

Enjoyed the review ER. It is on my list for this year. Will see if I can get one for a test ride. :) Is the suspension too soft?

[@exeterrider]

Thanks RRR, I found the suspension set just right. quite firm infact, set for road riding. Hope your well : )

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

@@exeterrider I see. Great. Thanks ER.

[@1990-t1j]

Nice jacket. The NX - good name - is an improvement over the old model.

[@exeterrider]

It is for sure, so much better in every area. Thanks, and yes the jacket is cool.

[@chrishart8548]

Do you mean the old NX650

[@1990-t1j]

@@chrishart8548 No. I meant I like the name. Good improvement on the CB500X.

[@Trottsatclevedon]

Nice review, I am considering 'downsizing' to a 500cc and hired a CB500X in Tenerife last Feb and really enjoyed it. My only question, or perhaps observation, is other reviewers say not at its best on a motorway stint (if needed) and bit buzzy at 70 and over, sweet spot being 65 ish ?? Think you said fine at 80mph. I do lot touring and avoid motorways, but occasionally a necessary need to eat a few miles.

[@exeterrider]

Well the buzz can change from bike to bike. Overall I'd say that all things considered ,its a 500 and i think it does rev higher than I'd like from 70 onwards ,but in time the revs will beat down the vibes a bit once the engine settles in. Overall ,if its only seldom you use the motorway then I'd not worry about it....if its more a motorway thing you want then the NC750 is really good at it. Thanks

[@davidphillips7255]

A Honda CB 500 can easily cruise at 7000 revs all day long. My 1972 Honda ran at 7000 rpm about an honest 85 mph for many thousands of miles more than 50 years ago. Currently my Burgman 400 runs at 7000 plus at highway speeds. I do use full synthetic and watch my oil level daily. The bikes are engineered for it.

[@exeterrider]

100%👆

[@ozoutdorz2584]

I'm very interested in trying this bike, it looks promising. However, such a shame we can't get this in Australia....😢

[@exeterrider]

Yes that makes no sense to me!? Hopfully in time you will be able to buy these? 👍

[@Iamwhatiam76]

It’s worth for money but Honda should include crashbar,Hand guards and skid plate as standard.

[@exeterrider]

I think it's better as it's so people have the option of what they want to add myself. Thanks for watching 👍📺

[@morgancuthbert7619]

Steve, would you pick the Translap over the 500? I appreciate it’s more money but I found it such an improvement over the smaller bike. Great professional review, as always.

[@exeterrider]

Yes, absolutely for me, The Transalp is exceptionally good in most areas , I think its worth the extra, but nothing wrong with the 500 either... The Transalp is a little more "evergreen". It's worth the extra. Thanks for your support Morgan.

[@podunkman2709]

NX is typical road (better say city) bike...for rather short guys. Transalp is ADV bike. Two DIFFERENT categories. This is evident.

[@leeinwis]

@@podunkman2709 Damn straight, first thing I think of when i'm off road is , "I wish I was on a 459 pound bike"

[@chrishart8548]

I would actually pick the NX500 over the Transalp. Or even better an older 600 transalp

[@tlagha8632]

Thank you very much for your honest review. I love watching your videos. I cannot decide between the ADV 350 and this beautiful Nx500 Bike. which one is better for every day commute to work in the traffic city, and Sunday rides? Thanks

[@exeterrider]

Thanks, how old are you, do you struggles to get on a bike? The NX is more engaging than the scoot, so umpires anything is stopping you then I'd say NX👍

[@tlagha8632]

@@exeterrider thank you very much for your quick reply😊my height is 5’6.🤝

[@exeterrider]

NX👍😎

[@robshaw2319]

Hi. You may have already made your choice but I had an ADV350 for 18 months and put over 9k miles on it. A totally brilliant vehicle. I toured Scotland on it (from York), used it for several camping trips, commuted and just rode it for fun. I loved it. I was seduced by the thought of a Triumph Speed 400, bought one but never really liked it. I'm now back on the last of the CB500Xs (nearly an NX500 therefore) and I love it. Its got the chilled/relaxed feel of the ADV350 but handles better and feels more rewarding to ride. The CB/NX can't compete on comfort and storage but it feels a nicer place to be. Just.

[@exeterrider]

@@robshaw2319 yeap both good bikes in their own way. No wrong decision there. Good to hear you enjoyed the ADV👍

[@thepeakybiker]

I like the look of this but think it would be better as an off road bike Great review

[@exeterrider]

Thanks Peaky, It would need some new rubber at least for some off road fun. Good bike for what it is. Thanks bud

[@davidledgerton7914]

Had a recent test ride on one, not for me very buzzy, none existent back brake. I preferred the ride on the CL500 BUT like the look of the NX500

[@exeterrider]

Brakes could be better but I have had a lot worse. A few have said it was buzzy but i didnt really find it that bad.

[@lilynorthover8378]

It's a nice looking bike, it's a practical bike, it's going to be a reliable bike and it's plenty fast enough for every day. Not my style but for people that like the tourer/adventure look, why wouldn't you. Shame you only had it for the day but would you "rough track" it?

[@exeterrider]

I would'nt rough track it the way it comes out the box, wrong tyres etc but I'm sure it would be able to tackle some heavy stuff I expect. Thanks

[@PierreDoemont]

Beautiful!!!! Pierre of Brussels May 08 2024

[@joedudz]

Good every day bike and short tours.

[@exeterrider]

Couldn't agree more 👍

[@splodge5714]

Great review of a decent bike but I'm more tempted by a new Honda Forza 350.

[@exeterrider]

I didn't know there was a new one, just had a look and looks great!

[@adam346]

Honda are trying to make it a more engaging experience by having shorter gearing... I have a friend with a z900 and while he wouldn't give it up for the world, he is kind of jealous I can wring through all my gears and still maintain somewhat legal speeds... he goes into 2nd and breaks any and all speed limits w/o really trying... but when you can go from stop to screaming through 6th in like 11 seconds, that can be pretty fun. Of course there is the trade off that now it's "more work" but that is kind of why I like bikes? It's all more work... I could have a car with an automatic and just cruise a long but I choose to have a manual bike.

[@exeterrider]

I think you're right there...and it is more work but I have to say it's refreshing when i get on a bike with longer gears...its a trade off both sides ,but both sides is fine :)

[@ianhalliwell8604]

Looks like a typical high end Honda but at a reasonable price and Honda really do know how to build a 500cc engine. Like it lots, do you really need to spend 24 grand on a GS, can't see why.

[@exeterrider]

Quite right, you get just as much enjoyment from both bikes

[@thodoris3790]

so,if i want something more powerfull,transalp is the way to go?

[@exeterrider]

Yes the Transalp is superb👍😊

[@leeinwis]

I'm guessing yes !

[@exeterrider]

Its a Honda : )

[@leeinwis]

@@exeterrider I have a 250l rally , more sporty than people think .

[@RodKrisBisdakMotovlog]

That's really cool and great review bro 111 L

[@exeterrider]

Thanks 🙏👍

[@Bob-oo7sm]

James from bridge let me take that bike out .I just didn't get on with it .went to cms and Chris let me Take out the 450 Himalayan.I ordered the Himalayan as it suits me better .

[@exeterrider]

The Himalayan is a awesome bike...I just wish they would get them rolled out. Great news Bob!

[@Bob-oo7sm]

@@exeterrider Chris said end of this month for my white tubeless model.think I was second person to take out the Himalayan as only had 70 miles on clock.cms such friendly people and very helpful.

[@pielight7449]

@Bob....What were the main pros and cons that made you go for the Himalayan?

[@Bob-oo7sm]

@@pielight7449 when I sat on Honda it felt like I was sat on bike rather them part of the bike..I thought the Honda was gutless. It didn't have a sole to me .when riding Himalayan it just felt better and for me a lot more comfortable.I'm sure the Honda is a very good bike.but the Himalayan has more fun feel and a sole.also you get a lot more on the Himalayan .center stand rear rack etc.

[@exeterrider]

Good points there Bob, Thanks for coming back. I'd agree the Himalayan has more soul, although the 500 perhaps has a sweeter engine...no wrong choice the re really.

[@tojj29]

Not for me I don't think, great review though 👍

[@exeterrider]

Thanks for watching!👍

[@drd3816]

Bar risers,windscreen, up a tooth on the front sprocket and new tires Road 6 is my choice--plus boxes which come down here with the rest of the ADV setup for peanuts from the factory mind you they make this bike here [TH] I will get mine in a few weeks and do big KM solo touring like i did on my Honda Rally but with more comfort. I want a smallish bike here big bikes are a pain in the butt to find parking. I will get a Transalp for Canada where the roads suit that cc. I like the soft Honda suspension i dont need my spine shortened any more than it is thank you very much

[@exeterrider]

Sounds good to me, that will be a nice set up. Thanks for watching 🙏👍😎

[@kwakithailand]

Where are to riding around in Thailand, mate?

[@drd3816]

@@kwakithailand The South right now did 8000km down here during the heatwave . Now moving to the best part of the country for riding :Chiang Mai...its amazing. Where are you located in TH? Mountains everywhere and twisty roads up North i love it...then off to Isan to explore for a month or so i have not been to Isan yet and its a big area so a fair bitt to see here still...my plan is to get a bike in the UK and ride the countryside there in summers for a few years with some jaunts over to Spain and Portugal. Bucket list stuff. Its partly why I watch UK bike reviews...plus i am getiing an NX500 this month in ADV pack.

[@kwakithailand]

@@drd3816 8000 clicks during the hotv+ season? That's quite an achievement, mate 💪 The north is AWESOME for us bikers, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, The Loop of the 1,000 Curves (which are actually closer to 1,500, if we count closely), or along the Mekhong River's edge from Nong Khsi (border check point) down to Mukdahan... 🇹🇭 is Biker's paradise 👍 At the moment (and for the next few months) I'm at our residence on the Mekhong River's edge in Nakhon Phanom. Hit me up once close by, mate 🤝

[@drd3816]

@@kwakithailand Nice! Will do you are on the far edge of the country i cant wait to poke around for a few months in Isan...i am selling my 400X Triumph and will be on a 'proper" touring bike haha...the lock boxes will make my life easier on the NX500 and the NX is still small enough to manoeuvre around without feeling tiny. Perfect for these roads i think. Talk later and happy rainy season it cant come soon enough getting heaps of rain down in Trang here yesterday the air is clear now its nice

[@user-jr1cs6ob3m]

Did they change the gearing

[@exeterrider]

Not sure tbh, I don't think so, but there was a remap.

[@guernseybozrah]

How would you rate it against the Moto Morini?

[@exeterrider]

Moto morini is a bteer mile muncher and feels bigger and "Big Tour Ready" but that means nothing if you can't get the parts for it or have a local dealer ....Honda have good spares back up, ultra reliable, and have a better package within the brand.

[@CornishMotorcycleDiaries]

Of no interest to me whatsoever Steve, but that ain't your fault. Fortunately there are alternatives which do fit 😄

[@exeterrider]

Yeap fair comment mate.

[@kenbrooks7794]

Quite an attractive bike in an ugly/pretty sort of way. I fancy it's a bit porky {for its engine size) though at 196 kilo?

[@exeterrider]

For me 196 is just a figure. It rides light enough and thats what counts for me tbh. Handles well too on the road. Thanks mate

[@NooBiker]

Is it in competition with the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450?

[@exeterrider]

Very different but share some similar spec sheets numbers. The NX feels slightly more road focused to me. The 450 is is a little more 50/50 I'd say.

[@NooBiker]

@@exeterrider ok, so kind of in competition but depends what you want from something of that style and spec, is what I think you're saying

[@exeterrider]

@@NooBiker Exactly that, and many folk can be "brand snobs" , Both decent bikes for sure....so much choice these days!

[@volt8684]

I have not seen it in the flesh but I think it looks cheap. Isold my NC750 due to questionable build quality. This bike does not excite me at all. It sounds quite harsh and noisey. I can see why cf Moto et al are becoming more and more options as I feel the accountants are ruining brands

[@NooBiker]

Hi @@volt8684 thanks for the reply. Compared to the Himalayan what do you feel has better build quality?

[@wozza59]

I really wanted to like the NX500, however after a road test I hated it. I found the engine very buzzy, I also felt the engine was revving far higher than it actually. At the end of my road test I had pins and needles in my right foot which I still had 2days later. I know there’s plenty of people who love this engine, but on a personal level I have no idea why. Many years ago when Honda first released this new 500 engine I had a test ride of the CB500 and found it buzzy back then yet all these years later Honda haven’t refined the engine at all.

[@exeterrider]

OK thats intresting...I have ridden a few of those engines now, I haven't found them as buzzy as many others but very good to hear your view on it. Thanks for watching mate.

[@podunkman2709]

Buzzy NX engine? 😂 No way. This is not true. I tested it recently. U did rev it up to 8000? 😂

[@drd3816]

this guy is funny--people ride across continents on the CBX but he cant walk for two days haha--brand hater

[@drd3816]

he is a copy paste job too--same comment on other NX reviews--weird dude maybe need psychotropic medication adjustments

[@Valencia-27]

I owned the 2013 CB500X for years. I used to run at 80mph for hours on the interstates. I found it incredibly smooth for a 471cc engine. No buzziness through the pegs or handlebar.

[@olethorhermansen5696]

I think you ignored a couple of obvious flaws, no centerstand and no functional mudguards. You will miss the centerstand the first time you have to service the inevitable chain, and those nicely curved exhaust pipes will be caked with dirt the first time you ride the bike in the rain. Centerstand and mudguard extender can be bought as extras, I know, but we shouldn't have to.

[@exeterrider]

Thats almost the "norm" though with most bikes these days sadly.

[@olethorhermansen5696]

@@exeterrider You're right, but all the more reason to mention it, I think. If noone complains about it, the manufacturers have no reason to change it.

[@ekimandersom4478]

There is no bike on the market that is “finished” as stock. As long as the price is ok I don’t find it an issue.

[@exeterrider]

That's pretty much my take aswell tbh.

[@ToxicVaccines_HivHoax]

How is this bike in motorway speeds? Do you feel much vibration on the handle bars, and footpegs? How does it compare to the 750 in terms of vibration levels? Also, what are the fuel economy mpg, numbers for both bikes? Thanks.

[@exeterrider]

Hi, its pretty good...A little more twitchy than the 750 X but slightly more engaging in some ways, the NX will return about 83mpg, the NC will be about 73mpg average . Hope that helps