2024 Honda 500 twin range updates
Honda revives NX model code with NX500 ADV machine, plus new Hornet 500 and uprated CBR500R
Honda’s headed back to the 1980s for a re-brand of its excellent CB500 X mini-adventure machine, renaming it the NX500, after the NX650 Dominator and NX250 Japanese home market crossover machines from four decades ago.
And it’s also given the CB500F roadster the Hornet moniker, joining the 750 and 1000 members of the family, while the CBR500R sportsbike keeps its identity for 2024 – but gets the same upgrades to engine and chassis as the other two A2 models.
Starting with the NX500, with NX meaning New X(Cross)-over, it’s had a styling overhaul from the CB500 X, with aggressive new bodywork and looks, new LED lighting all round and a 5” full colour TFT dash. The frame is the same steel diamond tube design as before, with revised settings on the Showa 41mm SFF-BP forks and rear shock, and lighter cast aluminium wheels, with a 19” front rim.
On the engine front, the 471cc parallel twin motor doesn’t get any more power, so it can keep its 35kW/47bhp A2 status, but the big news is the addition of traction control and new fuel injection settings for better low-down grunt.
That engine spec is shared with the CB500 Hornet and CBR500R, with the Hornet essentially a styling exercise, gaining a more streetfighter look compared with before, along with the colour LCD dash upgrade, traction control, and backlit handlebar swichgear. And the Honda CBR500R applies the same recipe to the sports sector, with new RR styling, the traction control and dashboard upgrades, and Bluetooth phone connectivity.
TECH HIGHLIGHTS
All models
- 471cc 8-valve DOHC twin-cylinder powerplant now equipped with Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)
- New PGM-FI settings improve low-rpm acceleration and power delivery across the rev-range
- Assist/slipper clutch eases upshifts and manages rear wheel through downshifts
NX500
- Sharp new adventure style incorporates aerodynamics to improve stability at speed
- New LED headlight and taillight
- New 5-inch full colour TFT screen includes Honda RoadSync connectivity for on-screen turn-by-turn navigation and access to other smartphone functions
- New, simplified left hand switchgear easy to use and backlit for night-time
CB500 Hornet
- New streetfighter style incorporates aerodynamics that improve steering and agility
- New LED headlight and taillight
- New 5-inch full colour TFT screen includes Honda RoadSync connectivity for on-screen turn-by-turn navigation and access to other smartphone functions
- New, simplified left hand switchgear is easy to use and backlit for night-time
CBR500 R
- New supersport style inspired by CBR1000RR-R Fireblade incorporates updated aerodynamics to improve steering and feedback
- New dual headlight and taillight
- New 5-inch full colour TFT screen includes Honda RoadSync connectivity for on-screen turn-by-turn navigation and access to other smartphone functions
- New, simplified left hand switchgear easy to use and backlit for night-time