CB500-platform success
5 bikes from one engine
Honda's 471cc parallel-twin (introduced 2013) now powers CB500X / NX500 (adventure), CB500F / CB500 Hornet (naked), CBR500R (sport), Rebel 500 (cruiser), CL500 (scrambler). Five bikes off one engine — major economy of scale that makes Honda's A2 lineup the most affordable on the market.
Why the NX500 rename in 2024
Adventure styling refresh
Honda renamed CB500X to NX500 for 2024 to align with the NX-series naming convention (CB-series = naked, NX-series = adventure). Same engine, sharper bodywork, larger fairing/screen, USB-C charging, optional 5-inch TFT dash. The 2024 update was Honda finally addressing 'CB500X looks too much like a CB500F' criticism.
vs KTM 390 Adventure
Different riders
KTM 390 Adventure (399cc single, 44bhp, 158kg wet, £6,799): lighter, sharper, more dirt-capable. CB500X/NX500 (471cc parallel-twin, 47bhp, 199kg wet, £6,899): bigger, smoother, more comfortable. Both A2-friendly. KTM is for off-road-leaning riders; Honda for road-leaning.
Real cost trajectory
+10% real (vs CB500X 2016)
£5,799 CB500X in 2016 (£7,550 today) → £6,899 NX500 in 2026. Slight real-terms decrease vs 2016 launch price. Modern NX500 has more rider aids (cornering ABS, traction control). Used market in 2026: 2013-2018 CB500X £3.2-4.5k, 2019-2022 £4-5.5k for clean.
Rider aids count (2013 → 2026)
2 → 6
CB500X (2013) had ABS and FI — that's it. NX500 (2024+) added cornering ABS, traction control (HSTC), USB-C, optional TFT. Modern bike is significantly more capable on safety electronics for similar money.
Cheapest way in
£3,200 (used)
A clean 2014-2017 CB500X. 47bhp parallel-twin, A2-friendly, light enough for off-road dabbling. Pay attention to cam chain tensioner (early bikes), reg/rec, fork seals. The cheapest path to a Honda mid-adventure with full UK/US dealer support.
Why riders love it
Honda reliability + A2 capability
Honda's CB500-family parallel-twin has near-zero major reliability issues across 13 years of production. The CB500X / NX500 is Honda's most boring adventure bike in the best way — does what you ask, never breaks, 250-300 mile fuel range, comfortable for all-day distance. Cult following among A2-licence riders graduating into adventure.
