EICMA: Honda CB500X becomes NX500 for 2024

Just as the CB500 cops a name change to fall under the Hornet banner in 2024, the long-legged CB500X will be known as the NX500 from next year onwards.

Harking back to the NX650 Dominator of the late 1980s, the move sets the tone for a new range of soft-roaders to join the Honda line-up. Because, if there weren’t more ‘NX’ bikes slated for release, we would have expected Honda to simply shuffle the 500 under the existing Transalp or Africa Twin banners.

Largely unchanged from the current CB500X, the NX500 gets an updated headlight, a five-inch TFT dash, new suspension settings as well as revised bodywork and aerodynamics.

The NX500 is 3kg lighter than the CB500X at 196kg (kerb) and, just as it is in the Hornet, the 471cc parallel-twin power plant is carried over unchanged, but Honda’s traction-control system has been fitted.

Its soft-road appeal is highlighted by its upright ergonomics, decent wind protection, engine and hand guards fitted as standard, its 19-inch front and 17-inch rear hoops mounted to what are now lighter cast wheels.