Between the early 80s and late 00s, motorcycles got more and more dedicated, with each kind of motorcycle being designed to fulfill a specific function. We are now seeing riders rejecting this concept and demanding more from one motorcycle. Bikes that can do more than one thing well are more in demand than ever before.
Adventure bikes (and ADV-tourers) have answered this call for added versatility. We now have a selection of these bikes that are all equally adept at handling long stretches of highway, mountain passes, and at least some level of off-road competence. The one thing that most of these relatively tall bikes struggle with is commuting. Aside from the new crop of entry -level machines, that can now do that, too.
An Incredibly Versatile Segment
Everyone is talking about the CFMoto Ibex 450 right now. Adventure enthusiasts often speak of the “unicorn” ADV, a bike that ticks every possible box, and just like CFMoto proudly claims, the Ibex is the “unicorn nobody saw coming.” It really is that good, but we can’t say for sure how long it will stay “that good.” These 450 engines have been around for some time in other markets, and it is safe to say that they are not quite as reliable as any of the Japanese alternatives.
Speaking of which, Kawasaki just launched the KLE500. It is priced well, but its suspension does not offer the same level of adjustability as the Ibex. Several compromises were made to accommodate the 451cc twin, most notable of which is its meager ground clearance. The bike in question is even less off-road oriented, but in our opinion, that is what makes it even more versatile.
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The Honda NX500 Works For Almost Every Kind Of Ride
MSRP: $6,899
Honda just knocked $500 off the asking price of the NX500. This will be great news for those looking for a versatile adventure-tourer like this, and at the same time, pretty disappointing for anyone who just bought a 2025 model. This price drop is clearly in response to the launch of the aforementioned KLE500. While Honda was confident enough that customers wouldn’t necessarily flock to CFMoto, they knew that they might think twice when looking at the cheaper Kawasaki. While the Kawasaki certainly has potential, the NX500 is very much a known quantity and offers more in a couple of key areas.
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A Reliable 471cc Twin-Cylinder Engine
Power 47 Horsepower
This accessible 471cc parallel-twin goes in everything from the CBR500R sports bike to the Rebel 500 cruiser. All these bikes represent entry-level motorcycles and sit right on the 47-horsepower limit for the A2 license throughout most of Europe. The NX500 is certainly not “just” a beginner bike. With it being such an effective all-rounder, it really can appeal to any level rider looking for a simple, efficient motorcycle.
An Efficient Commuter
As is the case with almost every modern parallel-twin, most of its torque is available between 3,000 and 7,000 RPM, offering riders access to its power under real-world riding conditions. Unlike most of the competition, it has a 180-degree crank, as opposed to the more fashionable 270-degree crank. As a result, it feels a little different to ride compared to the growing contingent of faux V-twins. The main difference between this bike and all its competitors is how efficient it is. With a fuel economy of 65 MPG, coupled with the peace of mind you get with owning any Honda product, it really is an ideal commuter bike.
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The NX500 Is The Practical Choice
In terms of features, everything you need is there. It has ABS and traction control – traction control is switchable, ABS is not – and a TFT dash. This is more or less all you really need, and at this price point, all you are going to get. It is also a very comfortable bike with decent wind protection, and riding for several hours at a time is certainly within its scope. The kind of practicality the NX500 has on offer is something of a double-edged sword.
It is a bike that works with appliance-like efficiency, will take you anywhere you want to go, including off-road when the mood arises, yet is consistently derided. Not because it is bad at anything, but rather because it simply doesn’t stand out at all, really. It is about as neutral as a motorcycle can get. While any bike can be fun to ride, a motorcycle purchase is usually an emotional one, and the NX500 simply doesn’t evoke any emotion. Suffice it to say, it is not for everyone.
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The Big Question
Adventure bikes are all expected to offer a “Jack of all trades” persona. In some respects, the NX500 is almost too versatile and has become the proverbial “master of none.” It can do everything, but, unfortunately, it doesn’t really do anything particularly well. Only the individual rider will be able to say for certain if that is really what they want from their motorcycle.
This is a bike that can accommodate any level and any size rider, and will genuinely work for any kind of ride, from short city commutes to long-distance adventure rides. Ironically, its incredible versatility is precisely what makes it desperately mediocre. It is this mediocrity that makes it a bit of a hard sell. While it is about as dependable as anything out there, there are just so many other bikes competing in this space that are able to tug at the heartstrings.
Chassis, Suspension, And Weight Specifications
|
Chassis |
Steel diamond |
|
Front Suspension |
41mm inverted Showa SFF-BP fork (5.9-inch travel) |
|
Rear Suspension |
Single shock (5.3-inch travel) |
|
Weight |
432 lbs |
Source: Honda Powersports