Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has launched the NX500, for ₹5,90,000 (ex-showroom New Delhi). The bike will replace the CB500X that was taken off the Honda website a couple of months ago. The bookings for the motorcycle were already opened a couple of days ago.
NX500 – What is it?
The NX500, which stands for ‘New X-over’, features a new style that combines compact adventure-style usability with an imposing silhouette. The bike has a new all-LED headlight and tail lamp, a new 5-inch full-colour TFT screen with smartphone connectivity, and an emergency stop signal feature. The bike is powered by a 471cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke DOHC engine that delivers 46.9 hp power and 43Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox with an assist/slipper clutch and a switchable Honda Selectable Torque Control system.
The bike has a steel diamond-tube mainframe, a 19-inch front and a 17-inch rear trail-pattern radial tyres, and new cast aluminium Y-shaped 5-spoke alloy wheels. The bike also has Showa 41mm upside-down front forks and a Pro-Link mono-suspension at the rear with a 5-stage preload adjuster. Braking duties are performed by dual 296 mm front discs and a 240 mm rear disc with dual-channel ABS as standard. To maintain its adventure character, the rear ABS can be switched off.
The NX500 is available in three colour schemes – Grand Prix Red, Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic and Pearl Horizon White. The bike can be booked at HMSI’s premium BigWing dealerships across India. The deliveries will start from February 2024.
In terms of competition, the NX500 will go up against the Royal Enfield Himalayan 452. However, there is a stark difference in the price considering that the NX500 is a completely built-up unit (CBU) and attracts custom duties and more taxes. The other contender in the similar price range is the Benelli TRK 502 which is priced at ₹5.85 lakh. The TRK 502 us due for an update and we could see the new version later this year.