Honda India is set to launch the NX500, an exciting new adventure tourer, in India. This launch is particularly significant as it fills the gap left by the discontinued CB500X. The NX500 is now open for bookings at Honda Big Wing dealerships across India, with a booking amount of Rs 10,000.
The NX500 is positioned as a mid-capacity adventure touring bike, featuring a design that leans towards a rally-bike style. It has a tall windscreen and a seating position that’s designed for comfort and control during long rides. The seat height, at 830mm, is accessible for many riders, enhancing its appeal.
Underneath its adventurous exterior, the NX500 is built on a diamond frame and is equipped with a modern suspension setup including a USD fork and a monoshock. It sports 19-inch front and 17-inch rear alloy wheels with block-pattern tyres, suitable for off-road terrains. The bike ensures rider safety with twin discs at the front and a single disc at the rear for effective braking.
The heart of the NX500 is a 471cc, parallel-twin engine that delivers 47bhp and 43Nm of torque, coupled with a six-speed gearbox. This powertrain promises a blend of performance and efficiency, suitable for both touring and everyday riding.
One of the highlights of the NX500 is its technology package. It includes a five-inch TFT display with smartphone connectivity and navigation, ensuring a convenient and connected ride experience.
The Honda NX500, which replaces the CB500X, is expected to be competitively priced around the Rs 7-7.5 lakh range, making it an attractive option for adventure touring enthusiasts. It faces competition from the Kawasaki Versys 650 and the Moto Morini X-Cape.
Intriguingly, some BigWing dealers have reportedly started accepting unofficial pre-bookings for the NX500, signaling strong interest among potential buyers. The bike, unveiled at EICMA 2023, features several upgrades including a smoother engine with a crank counterweight and balancer shaft, and an updated ECU for improved acceleration. Furthermore, the NX500 benefits from lightweight wheels and a total weight reduction of 3 kg, enhancing its performance and handling.
With deliveries expected to commence around February-March 2024, the Honda NX500 is poised to become a popular choice among adventure touring enthusiasts in India.