Directed by the design theme of ‘Daily Crossover’, wherever it goes – city block, winding road, highway or gravel trail – the 2026 Honda NX500 looks the part, wearing new style that mixes compact adventure-style usability with an imposing silhouette and solidity of form.
Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
2026 Honda NX500: NO E-CLUTCH. 100% BETTER.
Introducing the 2026 Honda NX500…
Go short. Go long.
Go where you choose. Effortlessly at home in the city but built for adventure, the rugged NX500 blends a tough off-road silhouette with modern off-road-inspired design. Long-travel suspension absorbs the urban rough and tumble just as it does gravel trails helped by lightweight wheels. The 17.7L fuel tank holds plenty of range. And a relaxed riding position – and natural control of wide handlebars – are matched to an aerodynamic package that neatly channels airflow.
Power and torque remain the same for the 471cc engine – at 35kW and 43Nm – while Honda Selectable Torque Control gives reassurance in all weathers. Comprehensive spec includes 41mm Showa SFF-BP USD forks, dual discs up front worked by two piston calipers. Powerful LED headlight opens the road ahead at night while a 5-inch TFT screen offers Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity, operated by a backlit 4-way toggle switch. 2026 updates are completed by new colour options.
Where to? Your choice. The compact, versatile new NX500 delivers city agility and off-road ability. It’s comfortable too, with an aggressive rally-style fairing and large screen for wind protection. E-Clutch adds smooth, clutch-free shifting for effortless control. High-spec tech includes a 5-inch TFT display with Honda RoadSync, while the A2-compliant twin-cylinder engine offers flexible, enjoyable performance with HSTC traction management. The adventure begins.
The CB500X was originally launched in 2013 alongside the naked CB500F (now CB500 Hornet) and fully faired CBR500R, and injected crossover adventure style to Honda’s fun-focussed twin-cylinder ‘light middleweight’ trio.
Right from the start it was a motorcycle that, without fanfare, quietly got on with the job of being supremely competent and adaptable for a wide variety of owners.
The usefulness was down to a straightforward equation – a perky, well-regarded twin-cylinder engine which produced real torque and drive from low rpm while revving hard up top – plus a chassis that gave a supremely comfortable ride both around town and out on the open highway, all wrapped up in distinctive adventure styling.
It slipped between the role of short-hop commuter to weekend tourer effortlessly. Long travel suspension ironed out irregular road surfaces, wide handlebars provided leverage, and the upright riding position offered both comfort and a wide field of view for the rider.
In 2016 a first upgrade brought with it a larger fuel tank, more wind protection and taller screen, as well as LED lighting, spring preload-adjustable front forks and adjustable brake lever. The 2019 evolution delivered more sophisticated adventure style, more engine performance and a number of chassis upgrades. 2022 saw the addition of high-quality Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD forks, dual front discs, lightweight swingarm and redesigned front wheel.
For 2024 Honda’s reimagined the bike without changing in its essence. A new name – the NX500 – joined aggressively redesigned styling, premium technology and a variety of detail upgrades.
The new colours and increased flexibility ensure the NX500 continues its journey into the hearts and minds of European riders.
The letters NX have quite a history with Honda and the single-cylinder NX650 Dominator – which debuted in the late 1980s with unique mix of road and off-road style – is fondly remembered across Europe.
NX means ‘New X-over’ which is exactly what the 2026 NX500 is. Fun on a winding road, fun on a gravel trail and ready to go the distance, its all-round credentials are reinforced with an impressive update to its adventure styling. The addition of Honda E-Clutch technology means that urban commuting and trail riding are more comfortable thanks to the increased versatility the system offers.
A comprehensive specification list includes 41mm Showa SFF-BP USD forks, dual discs up front worked by dual-piston calipers. An LED headlight opens up visibility at night while a five-inch TFT screen offers Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity, operated by a simplified and backlit 4-way toggle switch.
2026 Honda NX500 Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
The 2026 NX500 will be available in the following colour options:
- *NEW* Mat Gunpowder Black Metallic with Pearl Bosphorus Blue
- *NEW* Graphite Black with Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic
- *NEW* Pearl Horizon White with Mat Crypton Silver Metallic
- Sharp adventure style incorporates aerodynamics to improve stability at speed
- LED dual headlight and taillight
- Five-inch full colour TFT screen includes Honda RoadSync connectivity for on-screen turn-by-turn navigation and access to smartphone functions
- Simple left-hand switchgear easy to use and backlit for night-time
- 41mm Showa Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks and rear shock feature fine-tuned settings
- Light-weight wheels
- Dual 296mm discs, Nissin axial mount two piston calipers
- Lively twin-cylinder powerplant equipped with Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)
- 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
- Advanced Honda technology that brings ‘next level’ sporty riding performance
- Also allows the rider to start, stop and change gear without using the clutch lever – just the gear shift pedal
- Available as an option from new
- Brings more enjoyment and flexibility across a wide range of scenarios, for a ‘next level’ riding experience
- Available for first time on A2 licence motorcycles on CBR500R, NX500 and CB500 Hornet
2026 Honda NX500 Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
Styling & Equipment
Directed by the design theme of ‘Daily Crossover’, wherever it goes – city block, winding road, highway or gravel trail – the NX500 looks the part, wearing new style that mixes compact adventure-style usability with an imposing silhouette and solidity of form
Up front, an LED headlight maintains beam penetration and throws out wide light distribution for increased visibility when riding – and cornering – at night. It’s part of a premium light package that is all LED.
Premium technology is everywhere on the NX500: a five-inch full colour TFT screen inherited from the XL750 Transalp – uses optical bonding to improve visibility in bright sunlight. By sealing the gap between the cover glass and TFT screen with resin glare is reduced, and backlight transmittance improved. It’s customisable between Bar, Circle and Simple display patterns and also offers the IOS/Android smartphone connectivity of Honda RoadSync.
It’s operated via an easy-to-use, backlit 4-way toggle-switch on the left handlebar, which allows straightforward, on-screen turn-by-turn navigation as well as the option (via a Bluetooth helmet headset) for the rider to make calls or listen to music. All an owner has to do is download the Honda RoadSync app from the Play Store or the App Store, connect to the NX500, and go.
A slim seat profile allows for free movement around the machine and aids easy ground reach and, to help manoeuvrability, the steering angle is 38° from centred to full lock. Gunmetal grey tapered steel handlebar elevate control further still. Seat height is 830mm and the upright riding position is very accommodating, while providing excellent visibility. Overall dimensions are 2,165mm x 830mm x 1,415mm, with 180mm ground clearance.
The fuel tank holds 17.5L including reserve, and, combined with the engine’s excellent fuel economy of 3.6L/100km (27.8km/l) (WMTC mode), gives a range of over 480km.
Heightening safety, Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) system operates (and self-cancels) the rear indicators during a hard-stop situation, alerting road users behind. The indicators also auto-cancel in normal use for heightened convenience in urban environments.
Chassis
Light and strong, the 35mm diameter steel diamond-tube mainframe has a tuned degree of yield that gives plenty of feedback to the rider as road surfaces change. The shape and position of the engine mounts, plus the frame’s rigidity balance, keep vibration to a minimum.
Wheelbase is 1,445mm with rake and trail of 27.5°/108mm and front/rear bias percentage of 48.7/51.3. Kerb weight is 196kg – 3kg lighter than the CB500X.
Showa 41mm Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks divide the functions – Big Piston pressure separation damper in one leg, spring mechanism in the other – and reaction and ride quality are top draw. They feature 135mm axle travel (150mm cushion stroke) and have new spring rate and damping settings to improve reaction and feel for both road and off-road riding.
The single-tube shock absorber, with 135mm axle travel (60mm cushion stroke) has new settings to match the front and its large-diameter piston ensures excellent temperature management; it offers 5-stage preload adjustment. Constructed from 2mm steel, the swingarm employs a hollow cross member – it is stiff rotationally and flexible laterally to improve handling.
Completely new for 2024 were the cast aluminium wheels. Switching from a conventional Y-shaped 7-spoke design to Y-shaped 5-spokes saved 800g front and 700g rear. This reduction of unsprung weight was in combination with the revised suspension settings to improve handling and feel in all situations. The 19-inch front is matched to a 17-inch rear; trail-pattern tyres are sized 110/80-R19 and 160/60-R17.
Dual 296mm front discs are worked by Nissin axial mount, two-piston calipers; the rear 240mm disc a single-piston caliper.
Engine
The A2-licence friendly 471cc, 8-valve liquid-cooled parallel twin-cylinder layout offers a well-proportioned balance of physical size and willing, enjoyable power output, with an energetic, high-revving character and zappy top end. And it’s very much an engine whose overall performance and character belie its relatively small capacity; peak power of 35kW arrives at 8,500rpm, with 43Nm torque delivered at 6,500rpm.
HSTC is standard and manages rear wheel traction for increased peace of mind and a real boost for rider confidence. The system compares front and rear wheel speeds to detect rear slip and controls the fuel injection to smoothly reduce torque. HSTC can also be turned off completely if the rider wishes.
Feeding the PGM-FI fuel injection is a more-or-less straight shot of airflow through the airbox and throttle bodies. Optimisation of ignition timing and air/fuel ratio equals more powerful acceleration feel from low rpm, with linear power delivery and throttle feel. The exhaust muffler features dual exit pipes, giving a sporting edge to each pulse, and a rasping high-rpm howl.
Bore and stroke are set at 67mm x 66.8mm and compression ratio is 10.7:1; the crankshaft pins are phased at 180° and a primary couple-balancer sits behind the cylinders, close to the bike’s centre of gravity. The balancer gears are scissor gears, reducing noise. The crank counterweight is specifically shaped for couple-balance and its light weight allows the engine to spin freely, with reduced inertia.
Acting as a stressed member, the engine complements the frame’s rigidity with four frame hangers. Internally the cylinder head uses roller rocker arms; shim-type valve adjustment allows them to be light, for lower valve-spring load and reduced friction.
A silent (SV Chain) cam chain has the surface of its pins treated with Vanadium, reducing friction with increased protection against wear. Inlet valve diameter is 26.0mm with exhaust valve diameter of 21.5mm. Piston shape is carefully designed to reduce piston ‘noise’ at high rpm. Friction is reduced by striations on the piston skirt (a finish that increases surface area, introducing gaps in which oil can flow for better lubrication).
The ‘triangle’ proportion of crankshaft, main shaft and countershaft is efficiently compact and the crankcases employ centrifugally cast thin-walled sleeves; their internal design reduces the ‘pumping’ losses that can occur with a 180° phased firing order. A deep sump reduces oil movement under hard cornering and braking; oil capacity is 3.2L.
A slick-changing six-speed gearbox is managed by an assist/slipper clutch, eliminating rear wheel ‘hop’ under hard braking and downshifting.
Accessories
A range of Genuine Honda Accessories designed in parallel with the motorcycle for perfect cohesion are available for the NX500, as individual innovative parts that complement the unit or grouped in packs, and ready to bolt straight on with an official Honda guarantee:
Adventure Pack
For the rigours of the open road, the Adventure Pack enhances the off-roader appearance while adding extra comfort and protection. Fog Lights improve visibility in poor weather conditions and are mounted on top of the Front Side Pipes, finished in black, which help to protect the motorcycle. The Knuckle Guards protect the hands from the cold and flying debris, while the Smoked Screen and Wheel Stripes add style. A Tank Pad shields paint from zip damage.
Travel Pack
A set of dual 16.5L semi-rigid plastic panniers with an easy attachment system combine with a Rear Seat Bag with up to 22L of capacity make traveling easier.
Urban Pack
For daily riding in and out of town this is the perfect setup; a 38L Top Box offers plenty of storage space and comes complete with Pillion Backrest and handy Inner Bag. The Main Stand allows easy chain maintenance and convenient parking on uneven surfaces.
Comfort Pack
For added comfort and practicality, the Heated Grips take the cold out of winter days, with up to 5 heat levels and memory function while being displayed on the TFT. The Wind Deflectors help keep turbulent traveling air away from the rider’s lower body. An ACC Socket offers a charging point under the seat and the 3L Tank Bag allows convenient carrying with a see-through pocket for smartphones and a rain cover.
All the accessories featured in packs can also be purchased individually
2026 Honda NX500 – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $ TBA USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ TBA CDN (includes Freight, PDI and Fees)
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ See Dealer for Pricing in GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
TBA
2026 Honda NX500 – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details
TBA
2026 Honda NX500 – Totalmotorcycle.com Europe Specifications/Technical Details
| 2026 NX500 | 2026 NX500 E-Clutch | |
| ENGINE | ||
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled 4-stroke DOHC parallel twin | |
| Engine Displacement | 471 cc | |
| Bore x Stroke (mm) | 67 mm x 66.8 mm | |
| Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | |
| Max. Power Output | 35 kw (47hp) at 8,500 rpm | |
| Max. Torque | 43 Nm at 6,500 rpm | |
| Stationary Noise Level (dB) | 90 | |
| Max Speed | 165 | |
| Oil Capacity | 3.1 L | |
| Starter | E-Starter | |
| FUEL SYSTEM | ||
| Carburation | PGM FI electronic fuel injection | |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.5L | |
| CO2 Emissions WMTC | 82 g/km | |
| Fuel Consumption | 3.6 L/100km | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | ||
| Battery Type | AGM | |
| Battery Capacity | 12 V 7.4 Ah | |
| DRIVETRAIN | ||
| Clutch Type | Wet multiplate, Assisted slipper clutch | Wet multiplate, Assisted slipper clutch, Honda E-Clutch |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed | |
| Final Drive | Chain | |
| FRAME | ||
| Frame Type | Steel diamond | |
| CHASSIS | ||
| Dimensions (L´W´H) | 2,165 mm x 83 mm x 1,415 mm | |
| Wheelbase | 1,445 mm | |
| Caster Angle | 27.5° | |
| Trail | 108 mm | |
| Seat Height | 830 mm | |
| Ground Clearance | 180 mm | |
| Kerb Weight | 196 kg | 199 kg |
| Turning radius | 2.4 m | |
| SUSPENSION | ||
| Suspension Front | Showa 41 mm SFF-BP USD forks | |
| Suspension Rear | Prolink mono with 5 stage preload adjuster, steel hollow cross swingarm | |
| WHEELS | ||
| Wheels Front | 19M/C X MT2.5 5Y-Spoke Cast Aluminium | |
| Wheels Rear | 17M/C X MT4.5 5Y-Spoke Cast Aluminium | |
| Tyres Front | 110/80R19M/C (59H) | |
| Tyres Rear | 160/60R17M/C (69H) | |
| BRAKES | ||
| ABS Type | 2-channel | |
| Brakes Front | Dual 296 mm x 4 mm disc with Nissin axial mounted two piston calipers | |
| Brakes Rear | Single 240 mm x 5 mm disc with single piston caliper | |
| INSTRUMENTS & ELECTRICS | ||
| Instruments | 5-inch TFT Meter with customisable layout | |
| Headlight | LED | |
| Taillight | LED | |
| Connectivity | Roadsync | |
| Security System | HISS | |
| HSTC | Yes | |
| Additional Features | ESS | |
All specifications are provisional and subject to change without notice.
# Please note that the figures provided are results obtained by Honda under standardised testing conditions prescribed by WMTC. Tests are conducted on a rolling road using a standard version of the vehicle with only one rider and no additional optional equipment. Actual fuel consumption may vary depending on how you ride, how you maintain your vehicle, weather, road conditions, tire pressure, installation of accessories, cargo, rider and passenger weight, and other factors.
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
