Dirt Focused HONDA CB500X Coming? | ADV NEWS Update | Honda NX500
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- čas přidán 27. 07. 2024
- #advnews #chroniclesofsolid #hondanx500
Adv news update as Honda has been on a trademark rampage. It looks like Honda is going to be making a more dirt focused CB500X adventure bike but is that all the possibilities or could we be getting something else more like the old Dominator motorcycle from Honda?
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COS
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Anything that fills the gap between the crf300 and the Africa Twin would be very welcome whether it's a twin or a single
Optional dct would be also very welcome
Transalp.
@DJAguitars
A futuristic Paris-Dakar Honda CB125X and a modern XR600/650R Honda CB125M with 500cc and 650cc engines alternatives ......
That's a great comment
Definitely. I want a daily one bike. One for the road for the week and also off-road on the weekends. A 500 single or twin would b perfect
Hey Solid. My biggest gripe with new adventure bikes is the price. Spending 20 to 40k on a bike to adventure on to me just sounds ludicrous. I hope honda can add something to the market that the others are not. I don't need tech or 200 horsepower. Just a bike to get out on. I guess that's why I still keep the trusty old DR.
And on top of everything you said, bikes that are way too heavy for off road, and electronics that are not needed and just drive up the price.
Meh. Most of those bikes are ridden by Dentists on their second divorce going as far as a coffee shop.
Honestly, it's like who spends $120k on a Landcruiser to go bush? I'm only beating up a car that costs that much if Work pays the bills. Fortunately they used to...
I have a dr650 for single track/ riding around town and a cb500x for long offroad trips (does great with some luggage, protection and tires). I paid $6500 CAD for dr650 already setup for single track and $8,000CAD for the cb500x with all the adv mods already. This is less than a single new tenere 700, which is considered mid-priced for an ADV.
I used to own a ktm 1190r. It was an awesome bike. It was fun on the road. It was fun off road. And I did use it. Victorian high country, Otway's. But... it was expensive to buy and crash. It was really big. And at only 5'9" I struggled with the height. Plus if you are on your own and you drop it out the bush it was not easy to pick up depending on the terrain. Also the electronic aids are exciting in the showroom but after a while you get sick of all the fussing. You just want to jump on and ride.
I'm keen as for a new CB500X with some rally raid upgrades to improve off road performance.
I bought a used Cb500x rally raid for 6200. Even brand new you are under 12k.
The NX500 absolutely needs to be Hondas’s “rally raid” version of the CB500X. All the things you mentioned and so many of us have been clamoring for.
But a CB500X "Rally Raid" is still mostly a street bike, because taking a liquid cooled fuel injected bike deep into the bush is not a very good idea. At best it would be a trail bike that really shouldn't be taken too far from civilization.
@@BillySBC nobody with any real riding experience sees any variant of the CB500X as a real “off road” bike, genuine dual sport or enduro bike. What it could be, with spoke wheels, a little more suspension travel, better ground clearance and a few other details is a very viable, reasonably priced ADV bike. A reasonable compromise of on road performance, reasonable soft luggage capacity and better capability for light off road, dirt roads, sensible two track dirt performance. It’s all a matter of perspective.
@@stephaniemusick171
Okay so you agree with me, but when you say "ADV Bike" I think of an actual dual sport motorcycle, because if you're going to take it exploring and adventuring you're going to be getting out in the bush sometimes, going to places where XR650L's and DR650's go. And this is the problem I have with the KLR650, I'm not really sure what Kawasaki is thinking with that bike, because are you really gonna want an electric fuel pump, fuel injectors, injector wiring, fuel injection logic module, water pump, coolant hoses, thermostat, and radiator out on the trail with you just to fail in the middle of nowhere and leave you stranded? ADV bikes, true ADV bikes, need to be SIMPLE AS POSSIBLE... they should not be loaded up with STREET BIKE FAILURE PARTS...
@@BillySBC when I say ADV bike, I think of the modern interpretation of that, a bike that is very capable on highways and freeways, can cruise in high speed traffic effortlessly and still have something left for passing, if needed. The bike has to have the ability to easily carry good soft luggage and all the kit that makes camping more pleasant than just a hammock, a blanket and a few Cliff bars. Think Triumph Tiger, BMW GS, KTM 890 and 1290, Yamaha T7 Tenere, Aprillia Tuareg, etc. I would just like us to have a much more moderate price point and simplicity. I’ve owned a 2003 X650L, a 1998 DR650, several XR500s, a KTM 604 and a LC4, Yamaha IT enduros and YZ moto crossers of several displacements, a KX500, a Husqvarna 250XC, etc., so i know what a “real dirt bike” is. I’ve also owned a 1996 and a 1999 Triumph Tiger 900 and a 1995 BMW R1100GS, so I know what an ADV bike is too. This is semantics. As for liquid cooling, fuel injection, ABS, any other “modern” technology being a failure point “in the bush,” I live in the Western U.S., we have a lot of “bush” and everything in between. I have no problem trusting a modern liquid cooled, fuel injected bike to be reliable anywhere I might choose to ride it.
@@stephaniemusick171
You have no problem trusting that stuff? So you live by faith then? I don't have faith in electronics, I have faith in simplicity and myself to fix it if it fails on me, which I do not want it to do in the middle of nowhere... I do not want to have to pull out my Garmin Mini-2 and have to hit the "SOS" button and have myself and my motorcycle airlifted by chopper back to civilization. I've owned many many bikes over many many years, and I do all the work on my own stuff, so believe when I say I know what I'M TALKING ABOUT. Your faith in all this unnecessary sophistication is fine until a stick goes through your radiator, until your fuel injector quits, until your electric fuel pump fails, ect... ect... No adventure bike that anyone intends to really get offroad with should be liquid cooled and fuel injected, I'm sure if you think about that for a while you'll agree.
I had me a full RallyRaid converted CB500X and i often wondered why Honda didnt make a bike like that themself
I just got the stock version
First bike ever
How is to ride the rallyraid in comparison?
I took mine off-road today for the 1st time
It becomes more capabel offroad but its kinda stuck between what it is, and what it wants to be
It's like a mini Africa Twin
People already call the CB500X the Halfrica Twin. Now it will really fit that name if they they give it spoked wheels and better suspension. I can't help but think they'd call it a CRF, not an NX though, since the Africa Twin carries that CRF name as well. Who knows, Honda has a tendency to do some crazy(both good and bad lol) stuff once in a while.
@@mmaaddict78 One of my bikes is a heavily modded CRF250L which I have been calling the Africa Single. Just wish it could be either a 350 single or a 400-500 twin while still weighing under 350 lbs wet. Many of us don't want those humongous heavy bikes for off-road use.
@@suzyamerica4679 There isn’t really a lot of options in that weight/displacement category. I have a KTM 350, but it sucks on roads. I ended up getting a bmw r1200gs for longer rides. Just have to pick my battles on that big pig of a bike lol. Hopefully that NX500 will fill the gap between 250/300L and CB500X.
@@mmaaddict78 And if they can make the NX500 as a properly injected 6speed bike, all the better.
Dear Honda: Ditch the failed CRF450RL. Give us a CRF450/500 Rally single-cylinder patterned after the 300 Rally with a mild low-maintenance engine.
That being said, I'd go for Solid's concept for the CB500X.
This is the bike we want. The service intervals were too much for the crf450l. Give it the longer intervals, and a stiff enough suspension, charge what you have to for enough suspension for a 200 pound guy and luggage. Keep it about 360 pounds, and you'll never need to design another adventure bike. The crf450lrally concept bike from 2 years ago was perfect.
Even better a futuristic Paris-Dakar Honda CB125X and a modern XR650R Honda CB125M with 450-500cc, 600-650cc engines.....
i just finished the mae hong son loop through the mountains in Thailand on a 2018 CB500X and i realised how much more i'd have to shift on the CRF250L Rally that i initially wanted to rent and how much slower i would climb the steep inclines. Also the slipper clutch not only feels comfortable its also a great safety feature when downshift on a 20% decline right before the hairpins.
I was also astounded by the fuel economy of the CB500X. I often saw 2.x L/100km at 70kmh in the display a straight run. That's better then the CRF250L! The egine runs and sounds amazing and it's really fun to drive! The only thing i missed was: more and better suspension and possibly slightly bigger wheels. More ground clearance and lower weight would be a nice bonus. I found the fuel range more then sufficient to never make me nervous for finding the next gas stop, but a bigger tank never really hurts a suppose.
The bike was very manoeuvrable but weirdly missed some of the turning radius that my ATAS has.
I about to sell my 2018 ATAS because who drives 200kmh or 1-100 in 3 seconds? You'd only need it if you go 2 up or travel with tons of luggage, and if you'd do that, you wouldn't be doing more than an occasional gravel road.
I also recently bought a CRF250LR which i now kind of regret after riding the CB500X
All in all, i cant wait for a more off road cable CB500!
you were on a 2018? Starting in 2019 the front wheel is already 19 inch. I have a 2020 and I would say it's very good for ADV riding. An extra inch of ground clearance and slightly better suspension would be nice though. I can see why shorter riders enjoy the low ground clearance though.
I am definitely interested in this. As a bigger rider, I’m loving my 300L Rally but might upgrade if I can get a little more power while retaining most of the capability
As much as I'd like to see a single cylinder ultra light weight 500cc Honda Rally with performance suspension I must admit that a dirty version of the CB500X would sell like mad. If they can keep the weight and seat height down as well as the comfort up it will cut into the RE Himalayan /KTM390 ADV market pretty deeply.
KTM 490 Enduro + Adventure (R?) Husqvarna Norden 501. Futuristic Paris-Dakar Honda CB125X with 500 and 650cc engines....
Owning both a Rally-Raid CB500X and a CRF300L, I can see why a handful of people have [successfully] attempted to shoe-horn that 471cc twin into the earlier 250L chassis...
Of course a manufacturer would have to use a slightly more beefy chassis and running gear, but if you can imagine that CB500X engine in essentially an XR650R chassis, with a decent size tank and small fairing (ie. very much the Dominator mould) then you'd have a VERY capable all-terrain bike.
Actually would love a NX500, either of those versions/options I would seriously consider. Im in the market to buy so hope they announce something soon. The updates to the CB500X this year are really good, so add dirt wheels and yeah im keen
I have a 2020 cb500x and its actually great for ADV riding with a few mods. I dont have any rally raid or suspension mods and I would still do any 2-track adventure with it, just not single track.
@@alphawolf2993 Rally Raid rode a modified CB500X across the simpson desert. Pretty impressive. Can find the video here on youtube
That idea of a XR650L with a fairing and fuel injection would be awesome. Fantastic reliability with a great price point. I’ve had several XR650Ls and the bike is fantastic, does everything, just misses a fairing and FI.
Man, I'm a Honda guy, but I have the new 2022 KLR 650, I love it !
@@markcollins5026 good tontear your feedback on the KLR650. I was hoping Honda did the same with the XR650L
@@markcollins5026 One question, is it still UN-KILLABLE? Haha
@@gokulkrishm51 man, I've had my new KLR seven months now and no problems !
@@markcollins5026 Good to hear! Keep her healthy and ride safe, my man!
Using the NX naming on the CB500X would only make sense if they went and made it better suited for the bumps, because you cant exactly add another X in there without it sounding stupid.
On the other hand, they could just fix the CB500X itself to be all that we want it to be. The NC series exists for people who want to ride road and sit comfy. The CB500X really should just do what it looks like it can do.
In a similar vein however, Honda grabbed back the Trans Alp name, and heartbreakingly, absolutely nothing has happened there…so maybe they just want to keep their old names. They probably have a whole office just keeping tabs on names and designations being Japan and all.
The new 'TransAlp' is mooted to be using the new 751cc parallel twin engine platform (which is going in a Hornet style naked model too), will almost certainly incorporate a DCT option, and most likely have 17/19" wheels to differentiate it from the Africa Twin - ie/ more of a 'soft roader'...
Conversely, this new NX500 is almost certain to utilise the existing 471cc CB parallel twin engine (so no DCT option), and if they do put it in a more dirt focussed chassis that would make complete sense - since it wouldn't directly compete with anything else in their range. The CB500X would still likely remain as a budget-priced 'all-rounder', while the NX500 would offer a genuine mid-size/lighter weight option that the larger 'Adventure' bikes for genuine dual-sport style riding.
Imagine that CB500X engine in essentially an XR650R chassis, with a decent size tank and small fairing (ie. very much the Dominator mould) and you'd have a VERY capable all-terrain bike.
You keep teasing us, let’s hope Honda can do something like this in 2022 and not sometime in 2025.
So many things about the big manufacturers, particularly Honda, I don't understand. They have been producing this bike since 2013 and they haven't listened to a dambed thing the customers are crying out for. If they were listening to their customers they would already be producing something like the Rally Raid upgrades within 2 or 3 years of the bikes initial launch. Good on Rally Raid for doing what Honda is totally incapable of doing. Listening to the customers.
As always Solid, an excellent thought provoking video.
If they do a cb500x variant that was a more dirt focused adventure touring like the yamaha tenere 700 but for the same price as the current cb500x they would sell like crazy.
It would be awesome if they could outfit it with a rear gas tank and massive front storage compartment like the nc750. That extra storage would be great for moto camping, or you could replace the storage with a massive aux fuel tank for over 500 mile range.
Oh yes!!! Crossing fingers with you here. "Big single with a faring that can do a proper hardcore offroad riding, but can also do a multi-day adventure trips, and sit on a highway without too much difficulty!" I am one of those people!
awww yisss so much this please. CB500x with a couple more inches of travel, wheel upgrades, a few pounds less weight and right around current cb500x pricing and I'm sold.
Just testrode a cb500x 2022. The new big piston suspension was really impressive. Also liked the torquier engine tuning. This engine with just a little more suspension could be a unicorn. Still summer is here and I can't wait, so I am probably just buying a T7.
IF you can find one and not pay several thousand over MSRP because the bike is in high demand with low availability.
I just got mine. Never rode a bike before. Seems so easy
@@fabioasterix750 It's a great choice. Probably the best first bike you can buy. Honda has really polished the bike over the years and like you said, it's so easy to ride.
Crf450L detuned with extended maintenance intervals could be another option, that would be better than 500 twin.
@Brent Kellner
Imagine a modern XR650 - Honda CB125M and a futuristic Paris-Dakar CB125X with 450, 500 and 650cc engines...
HONDA CB650X !!! Same bike as CB500x, but increased power and capability. Similiar to Suzuki V-strom 650. Made for dirt. Without added electronics.
Even better:
1. Honda CRF500L and CRF650L Africa Twin and in Enduro sport version.
2. A futuristic Paris-Dakar hybrid Honda CB125X with a 450-500cc and 650cc engines. Low tech, low weight.
3. A modern XR650R Baja1000 racer Honda CB125M with 450-500cc and 650cc engines. Low tech, low weight.
All under 10k. Compare with road bikes like Honda CB500F, CB650R, CBR650R and so forth! Honda has the tools and know how and can use parts from its naked, sports and enduro bikes to build these long awaited models. But we do not have time to wait any longer! Eicma 2022 is already too far away. Hoped that KTM would move its production to CF Moto and surprise the motorcycle community by launching 490 Enduro and Adventure along with Husqvarna Norden 501 already this summer!
I've done the 250 single for about 3 years and after moving I'm wanting something bigger. The upgraded 22 500X has been in my crosshairs, but I've been seeing all the CL500/NX500 talk and I'm getting psyched up about a 500 twin scrambler or ADV bike.
Honda please don't screw this up. We want mid 300 lbs, 21 front, 18 rear, and a 4 gallon tank. That's what 90% of the comments always say for a light weight adv/rally bike. The 300l is nice but just not enough power. The 450l didn't have range and lacked comfort when hitting tarmac.
Not to mention the atrociously short maintenance intervals on the 450L which make it super impractical for long distance ADV trips. It’s basically a race bike that you can ride on the road to get to the gas station. They really missed the mark with it as a dual sport bike.
Current CB500X weighs in at 430lbs... I would hope for some shaved weight. But honestly I'd be shocked if it was sub 400lbs. Still be pretty cool though.
In addition to wheels and suspension, I would want to know they have somehow included proper attachment points for a robust bash plate.
No matter how much I want it, I doubt Honda is going to develop a brand new ICE for any purpose. The cost of developing a new motor, getting it past the US, California and Euro emissions requirements, and designing a new frame requires a forecast lifespan of the new bike of decades.
Although I believe ICEs are going to be needed to meet the range requirements of ADV and dual sport bikes for quite some time, the industry as a whole will almost certainly be all electric for new bikes in less than 20 years. This makes anything ICE-based and brand new a tough sell at the boardroom level.
A more realistic hope, and one that could get my money, would be a spoked 21/18 version of the CB500X with upgraded suspension. I would be surprised and very pleased to see such a bike at the same weight as the current bike. Perfect for long term ADV riding in South America, India and SE Asia.
The big question here is why they use the NX moniker instead of CRF. That makes me think they are not going to do what I hope they will. Ah well, we are not short of choices.
Could this come to market at the same time as the KTM 490 parallel twin? THAT would be a nice comparison video!
Cheers!
They need to make a CRF450RL Rally & make the NX500 an off road variation of the CB500X. Perhaps that would even allow them to go back to 17s and make the CB more road focused again. 🤔
@@FXSTB Could be. Or leave the CB500X as a 19/17 like the Ducati multistradas and the CB500R as the street version of this lightweight twin.
I feel like this will be the "half-rican twin". Which if done right, would be awesome for smaller riders who want to use a little bigger bike, I'm betting on the bikes using the twin from the cbr500/rebel/cbx
I was just talking today about how I wish Yamaha would make a very modern XT500 / T5 in that XSR700/900 price range… I REALLY hope Honda makes a true Dual Sport 500, and not just another tech filled 450lb street bike… I can’t say I’m optimistic, but I am hopeful.
Any News about KTM 490 ADV or Norden 501?
I would be shouting from the heavens if there was!
KTM with it´s 490 platform may be launched at Eicma 2022... Is it this 450cc engine from CF Moto that KTM will put in 490 Enduro (R?) and 490 Adventure (R?) as well in Husqvarna 501 Norden? czcams.com/video/P7Gl4t8xjKc/video.html
What do you guys think, is there enough power in the upcoming KTM490 Enduro (R?) and Adventure (R?) If KTM tunes it to 490cc with still low end talk and midrange for offroad riding? Just fear that enduro without the single cylinder engine will not be as much "enduro" but heavy and not so offroad capable.... And that the 490 adventure will not be R-version either but a heavy 390 copy with a slightly larger engine. Maybe KTM goes the same way as the rest of the manufacturers and plays safe on "the old heavy adventure wave that ended 2018 and is not at all ready to race in the real world....
Just got done riding a 2013 CB500X on Tail of the Dragon and surrounding North Carolina roads, here in the US and my 2022 should arrive in a few weeks! I'm definitely interested in seeing the NX500 become an off-road CB500X HOWEVER, if that happens... Honda, PLEASE stay tubeless for the wheels. It needs to be an ADV and I really don't want to be changing tubes on the side of a highway because of a nail. Make a CRF450RL Rally and stay tubed on that!
Also, dig your channel Solid. 👏 Keep on keeping on man. 🤘🏻
Use to have a nx650 dominator great bike took it on a motocross track once and I was amazed how it handled it.
I owned a CRF250L and chopped it in against a CB 500X. The CRF was a good trail bike (albeit a bit heavy) and the CB500X makes a great commuter, tourer, light gravel trail explorer, but both bikes suffer from trying to appeal to two markets....a dual sport that you could travel on, and a road bike that can be taken off-road. The fact is, you really need specific bikes for specific types of riding. Weight is the key factor: a lightweight trail bike is a chore for touring (if there's any reasonable highway mileage involved) and a heavier road-oriented bike is a hindrance in the dirt. The 471 parallel twin engine used in the X is a little gem; the frame and suspension would need upgrading......a 500 NX makes perfect sense to me, provided they can keep the weight around the 175kg mark.
There are some riders who took matters into their own hands and built themselves a Honda CRF500L travel bike out of a e.g Honda CB500 engine and CRF250L frame. This autumn, the Kove Colove 450 Rally, Husqvarna Norden 501, KTM 490 Enduro and KTM 490 Adventure will probably be launched at Eicma. So we'll see .... but it should have happened this summer ... for who the hell can wait any longer for these damn motorcycle manufacturer delays .....
yes that would be quite nice... the Dakar winning bike on the picture is the NXR750... v-twin similar to the AT... its being displayed at the Honda Collection Hall near Tokio... Honda already had a modern single... the NX250... beautiful hassle-free enduro/touring engine. quite a few people back then wished Honda would release a 500/650 version to 'upgrade' the NX650 with it. things went differently, the NX/XRL kept its (also beautiful!) aircooled RFVC, while the XR650R got a totally new/different sporty short stroke similar to the european enduro bikes...
I've been thinking of picking up a CB500X but I think I'll wait a while and see what the NX turns out to be.
Man, I've always been a Honda guy, but I have the new 2022 KLR650, I love it, but Honda needs a middle weight dual sport/adventure, thumper in it's line up, no twin for me !
I will drop a deposit on a NX500 when it is released! Hope it makes it to the USA. Bring it Honda! Nice report Solid. Thank you
Nice one Solid.
I’ve got a ‘99 Suzuki XF650 and it’s pretty close to the mark, but a bit too soft for proper off-road.
It’s a pity they never kept developing it because it just needs to be a bit more off-road friendly and it would be perfect like the Hondas.
Think Slightly more road friendly dr650 and your getting close i recon.
Keep up the good work mate.
Thanks Rob
That was excellent. I hope for the twin and the cb500x with the different pieces you mentioned. The engine and frame are fine. I do not want a big single. You did a good job explaining and contrasting the two possible bikes, and I think and hope and bet you are right, that it will be the twin, the slightly or somewhat changed cb500x. It is irresistable if motojournalists say it handles the street like the cb5oox.
Honda farted in the 1980's and 90's, except for maybe the cb400 4, and it wasn't until Suzuki's dl1000 and dl650 that things got back on track to what is desirable to own and ride for non-cruiser owners. Okay, the BMW r1100GS may have had the first concept, but it was a specialized idea too expensive and big and heavy to really change the consumer market. The V-Strom did. I had been looking for it all through the 80's and 90's, and when the dl1000 appeared at my Honda dealer I was super impressed and shocked. Finally the CB bikes of the 60's and the 70's (I had one) were back, with a rack on the back even and the CL bikes dirt road capability. What is not to like? The cb500x exemplifies the best of the 70's and 60's. The NXC may be even better if it is close or identical the the cb500x on the paved street. The reviews across the spectrum will tell the truth of that.
I don't think that ultra dirt or rather dual sport capability is wanted in the NX500. Buy a real dual sport if you want that. I would buy the crf300L to learn dirt biking. The NX does not need to be that. 😀
Yep. Came to EICMA this year. So you get a bonus for your work. Looks very close to the CBX, but with nice upgrades. Just no spoked wheels yet
I know you are more the guy of true off-road things and not the hipster Scrambler stuff, but are you going to cover if the rumors of Honda CL 500 get true? I am very curious and interested in a Honda 500 Scrambler.
I love two wheels, I'd consider covering scrambler news if people are interested🤔
Solid in the US. A twin makes much more sense. If they can make it light it will be perfect for some off-road stuff and you can also get on our interstates where traffic moves at 75 to 80 miles an hour. Only a single just can't do that comfortably for long periods of time
Good point mate, I always forget about the speed difference in the US and EU
Hey Solid, love your channel. As a Kiwi suffering under the new ABS laws like you guys are I often wonder if a rebirth of the classics with a minimal tech face lift (a bit like the KLR650) wouldn’t be the most practical and cost effective option. Why not an update on the original NX650 or indeed the DR650, fuel injection maybe, ABS for sure, hell maybe a suspension tickle up too. Just before the ABS law kicked in dealers here were ordering and selling DRs 30 at a time, who wants all the electronics of and high price of a KTM690, the power sure is nice but then the maintenance is more too.
Just used mine off-road first time
First bike
So fun
I had a Dominator (slightly dodgy name 😮) back in the day,and at the time never really appreciated what an awesome bike it was,21 inch front,spoked wheels,bombproof electric start 650 single,some weather protection,decent tank range,and with the right tyres good off road capabilities,but if they base it on the CB500x and make a more manageable mini Africa Twin without too much tech and a decent price it’s a welcome addition.
I've wanted a 500X since it came out. I've ridden multiple different model years and I really liked it but same for me - not off road enough. In Canada, to get the Rally Raid lvl3 kit, it's almost like buying two 500X's so I've held off. If I could get one from the factory, I'd be all over it. I used to race motocross but I'm older and more broken now from the Army and I feel like the 500X "Adventure" would give me enough capability to play in the dirt and still be a practical commuter/travel bike.
On the mark Solid! I think it is more likely they will bring a more dirt focus for the NX to the CB500X bike. I have been looking at the CB500XA but it would need the RR treatment for me to purchase. I do long for a modern NX Dominator of yea years past. That would also put pressure on Suzuki to improve the DR platform. 😁
I'd love to see a 500 single Solid as you say it'd be ace to have a dr650 for the modern era I can see it ending up being the twin engine though which I think would be a shame and a missed opportunity let's hope Suzuki join in an give us a FI euro DR650 for those of us in the UK.
Man, I agree keep it a big thumper !
You may look at the Voge 650DSX ;)
Man, I got the new 2022 KLR650, just what the doctor ordered !
Just got the 2022 CB500X and fit it with SW-Motech accessories.. I have to install a switch to defeat ABS. With the right tires it is ready for legit offroad, maybe not perfect in dirt, maybe not perfect suspension, a bit heavy, but it checks all the boxes for right amount of power, reliable, and get back home on the pavement when done. And do every other possible task, in comfort and style. Really, I see no downside. I like the idea of an NX500 with the 471 cc, etc. that you suggest. It will get a lot of love...
Nooooooo! No more buzzy singles!!!! A smooth twin--that is what is needed for this niche.
Husqvarna 701 Enduro / Supermoto and Gas Gas ES700 Enduro / Supermoto for example is not buzzy, but to heavy! Single cylinder engines are crucial to the weight ratio that many customers aka riders have been demanding to bring down ever since the 500-650cc dual sport bikes disappeared in the late 90's in many countries. Baja1000, FIM hard core enduro Romania and Dakar Rally lead the development in single cylinder engines. Husqvarna Norden 501 will have a twin cylinder engine, become heavier and worse to drive off-road. The same with KTM 490 Enduro and 490 Adventure. You also want to keep a little sense of motorcycle riding. Otherwise you can just as easily go electric. There must of course be room for both twin and single cylinder engines. Unfortunately, the big4 has not listened to its customers aka riders around the world and abandoned plated two strokes and single cylinder engines. Hardcore drivers fight for and drive only plated two-stroke enduros, uphill and gnarly single track and connecting roads. As it looks now, the younger generation in the western world and in Asia; which is so incredibly important for the future of the motorcycle community, is driving 250-500cc single cylinder dualsport and supermoto from e.g KTM Husqvarna Suzuki Bajaj CF Moto Yamaha Kayo and so forth! So all the engines have their function. Single motors play their significant role for offroad riding with lightweight adv, dualsport bikes and traveling enduros that many riders around the world can afford.
i'm sold on honda dependability and finish. i'm not sold on the porky adventure lineup. the AT, nc750x, and cb500x and all too heavy. i own a 2016 AT dct that can be a bone crusher beast and back breaker to pick up. i'd definitely like to downsize to a 750 transalp or a 500 with more ponies. can't wait to see what's coming. keep your spy vids coming. good job!
I've had the 2021 CB500X for a year, ridden it offroad and have been touring Sicily with it. That bike has the basis to be a very good adventure bike but lacks some important features out of the box. It needs a proper bash plate (fit the rally raid one) because that oil sump and filter are horribly exposed. And it also needs better suspension. Once you start loading the bike up, you realise how soft and underdampened the suspension. Luckily there are plenty of after market options to fix these issues but you kinda wish honda put some more effort, especially in the suspension. Other than that, if you're riding solo and weigh under 90kg, power is enough and the fuel economy is ridiculously good. You can stretch a tank full of fuel for up to 400-500km. That's just insane and lends a lot of adventure credentials to this bike.
A single 500 would be nice as it would be lighter and probably have better low end. At the same time that single would give up a lot of 'cruising comfort' and make it a not very good adventure bike. I think it will be a more dirt focused twin as you said. Honda is not going to do a ton of R&D on a single when they have a proven twin. That said I don't think the 'dirt focus' will be very well done so I wouldn't get too excited about it.
It would be nice if while making it a more capable offroader, they also upped the horsepower. They keep the CB's at 42 Hp for beginner license types in Europe, but we all know Honda can pull a lot more horsepower out of a 500 than that.
CBX 500X-XX would be my choice for a name to make it stand out. Follows the nomenclature of the CBR-1000R-RR..RRRRRRRRRR.
Give it suitable suspension for high speed off-road and call it done. Broken frames be damned
Seems like Honda could build a "RallyRaid" equivalent for a lot less money than I could... That certainly gets my vote!
I own a 500X now and I bought it actually over the Africa twin at the time because I planned to do the Rally raid conversion kit to it. As things would happen I now have a need a bigger street focused ADV bike for two up touring so my 500X is on its way out. But 5 years ago when I bought mine I would have jumped all over this. Still hoping for a transalp so I can split the difference between the AT and the CB on the next bike
If I didn't already own and ride a DR650 the most POWERFUL dual sport known to man, I might be interested.
If Honda is looking to build the NX500 as light as possible they do have the CRF450L that they could very easily put a big bore kit on, lower the compression a tad for more durability. I like the twin engine but the single but from what I’ve read out there (unverified) the CB500X engine weighs around 68kg (150lbs.) where the CRF450 engine is around 30kg (66lbs.) If you want the NX500 to be around 150kg (330lbs.) it will have to be a single.
...additionally (for perspective) the CB500X has a HP(46.94) to Weight (434lbs.) ratio of 9.25 lbs. per HP. With a 200lb rider (with gear and tools) you’re at 13.5 lbs. per HP. The current CRF450L engine is rated (by Honda) at 41.7 HP so with the same 200 lb rider you could have a 363 lb. NX500 for a comparable experience. If you could get weight of the bike down to 330 lbs., and bumped it’s displacement and output to around 54 HP (KTM is claiming 58 on the 500 exc-f) you’re would have a similar HP to Weight of a Tenere 700! ...(around 9 HP per lb. with 200 lb. rider) ...a T7 experience that’s just a lot lighter? Count me in!!!
a more off road version of the current CB500X would be my preference...
As a happy owner of a 2021 CB500X,would love to see a NX500 version,mostly a bit lighter and more capable off road,would trade in happily.
I would love to see a 500 cc offroad focused (dual sport / enduro) from Honda. That would be my bike if the weight is right.
Just add a bit more suspension travel, an ABS off switch, and an OEM skid plate option. That would satisfy most of the riders who like this bike, but only take it off road occasionally,
The CB500X has been in my top 3 bike list for a while, with this "upgrade" it might just turn into my #1.
I really hope you are right 😊
I got the NX 250 great all around bike !
NX 500 with twin engine will have more than 200 kg ! - so for sure, that´s nothing for
OffRoad !
Not really... people have shoehorned that engine into a CRF250L chassis, and the result is somewhere around the 350lb/160Kg mark... Of course a factory chassis and running gear would need to be slightly more substantial to handle the extra power, but I think it is perfectly feasible to produce something in the region of 175Kg (although knowing Honda it will be more likely 185Kg) if they can keep genuine dual-sport/trail performance in mind.
Imagine that CB500X engine in essentially an XR650R chassis, with a decent size tank and small fairing (ie. very much the Dominator mould) and you'd have a VERY capable all-terrain bike.
So Solid... Now that we have confirmed the 750 Transalp Does that change your prediction for the 500 Dominator?
With the 500x, 750 Transalp and the Africa Twin all sitting in that middleweight ADV range it seems a little unlikely they'll release a 4th middleweight ADV.
Perhaps we'll see a revamp of the 450L platform wich would more closely follow the NX historical roots.
I think this is an absolute no brainer for Honda. Rally Raid have already proven the business case and all Honda have to do is exploit it. The 500 on the CB500 bikes is super reliable and efficient and although boring, it will make a perfect light weight adventure bike that will challenge the likes of the Tenere.
Hey Solid, question about the CRF300L - whats it like to stand up on. Im 6'2" - would the ergos suit me ?
Sounds VERY interesting to me... I've long been eyeballing the KTM 390adv and had written off the 500x as not being offroad worthy enough. But an Nx500 sounds a bit more appealing. Similar power to the 390 but more torque and not as high reving. And it would come with Honda Reliability. I think it would definitely be a smart move for Honda.
A 500 cc single would be awesome.
I have a cb500x lvl 2 rally raid and it's freaking awesome. I hope it's just a cb500x with better suspension and ground clearance, kuz it's pretty great not gonna lie.
This is something that interests me. I think that the bike is basically sound but I didn’t buy it because it would require too much work to make it as dirt worthy as I’d like.
Cbx500 with the dirt trim would be great
any composition of adventure bike with a wet weight under 180kg is a welcome, a low seat height is a big plus , add a price tag under 8k€ and I am ready to buy. the new nx500 will probably be over 190kg dry...
Im in the US...I would really love to see the ADV750 sold here. I bought my now exwife an ADV150 and I absolutely adore the damn thing. Its fun to ride. I suspect that i'm going to have to go to Columbia and buy one, ship it to mexico then ride it across the border...to have one here. When the few that are brought to the US, they sell for a premium price.
Because of the vibration into the handle bars(and other considerations) they need to put a 270 degree crank into the CB 500X's motor.
Exactly!!! Stretch the CB out too it's way too cramped!
I'd like to see a compact V4 Dual Sport bike that can be optioned up to a full on ADV and in between.
Either one of these bikes would suit me. As long as it's < 180kg (quite achievable i reckon, even as a twin), 200mm + travel, 21/18, 400km range, and under 15k rideaway i will be interested. 👍
Realistically the weight will probably be between 190 and 200, but everything else is quite feasible.
Since big 1800cc twins in the market now, it's time for revival of the 650cc single as enduro and allround travel bike.
Hell yeah!
Now that would be my unicorn…
Yes please....
Hey another fantastic and informative video; Yes I would like to see a better lighter 500x from Honda however being a not so tall person the bloody seat height is just too much....there is the cost of buying and installing a lowering kit but that is for only 20mm, not quite enough. My constant complaint with manufacturers is the failure to provide seat height choice!!!! David...Adelaide...Tiger 900GT Low.......
Cheers David
Lust Racing 30mm
National Cycle 38mm
Sorry. I thought you were talking about cb500x.
Solid what are your thoughts on the Honda Transalp CRF 850 that was leaked a little while ago?
Would like to an upgraded dirt focussed cb500x as they are a great bike,especially with rally raid upgrades
too little, too late. Just bought an Aprilia Taureg. Honda is gonna regret not getting their bike to the market earlier, spent too much time and effort making things bigger when the buying community wanted smaller.
Could it be the Unicorn? I guess it depends on how off road capable it is.
You mean dualcorn aka adventurecorn :-> Honda CRF500L and CRF650L Africa Twin and Enduro sport. Also a modern XR650R Baja1000 Honda CB125M and a futuristic Paris-Dakar hybrid Honda CB125X with 450-500cc and 650cc engines.
The 750 Transalp is coming so that should fill the gap?
The CB500x seems to be selling well as it is, why drastically change it? Use the same engine & frame for the NX500, but a different body kit to give it a more retro look.
Cb 500x, Nx 500, or A modernized Dominator 500 cc. you can call it what you want but it has to be lighter and most important, spoke wheels with 21 inches in front.
I would rather pay a little bit more for the bike with a proper suspension from the start, than as is with crf 300 and cb500x, where I have to spend extra money and time to get a proper suspension afterward.
A dirt oriented CB500X with twin cylinder engine would be fantastic.
Bike just like the super four 400cc but in a 500cc parallel twin .Exactly what I'd like to see also some better paint choices like metal flake metallics and spoke wheels
They need a true T700 competitor. That’s what sells. That’s what people want. But Honda might drop the ball like the AfTwin by making it an electric nightmare.
Even more light weight and aggressive offroad competitor! The T700 is by the way far too heavy and top heavy. Yamaha also need a follow up with the Ténéré XT450-500 T4 T5 and XT600 T6. Honda could launch a CRF500L and CRF650L Africa Twin and Enduro sports models and a futuristic Paris-Dakar hybrid Honda CB125X with 450-500cc and 650cc engines.In the scenario you describe Honda goes electric nightmare, there is hope for dual sports and adv bikes from: Kayo, CF Moto, Baja Motosports, Kove - Colove and Excelle 450 Rally, CCM GP450 / 650 Rally, KTM 500 Exc aka Us dual sport version with longer service intervals, KTM 490 Enduro R and 490 Adventure R and follow up with KTM590 Enduro R and 590 Adventure R, Husqvarna Fe501 with longer service intervals aka Us dual sport version, Husqvarna Norden 501 and 601, Husqvarna 501 and 601 Enduro, Gas Gas follows up with ES500 and ES600 Enduro, Triumph 450-650cc dual sports and enduro series and more models and more manufacturers who understand the global market. The motorcycle industry has been so stubbornly conservative and customers have been let down for far too long, ever since the late 90's! Nowadays, other manufacturers buy old drawings from KTM, Husqvarna, the Big4 and others for dual sports and traveling enduro models and start producing new ones exactly what customers want; low-tech low-weight long service intervals good build quality, high reliability and reasonable prices. What riders have been able to afford and requested for so many years on forums, at motorcycle dealers, articles, discussions within the motorcycle community, irl and via video platforms.
If it ever costs way, and I mean way less than the new tenere 700, then Honda may do something with it in europe, where licences legislation means a 500cc would grab a lot of under 21 riders
If Yamaha do a follow up with Ténéré eg: XT 300 T3, XT400-450 T4, XT500-550 T5, XT600 T6 lightweight and not top heavy and reasonable priced! Compare with Yamaha MT03, MT07, XSR700, WR250R, WR250F, WR450F and so forth! Honda Suzuki Kawasaki should do the same. Collaborate to keep the cost down: low tech, lightweight, 500-600cc tops deplacement, resonable priced!
The one thing we don’t need is another 400lb. bike or 182 kg.
CBX. sounds great
A 500cbx with a retuned engine delivering about 10 more horse power and a bit more torque, spoked wheels ( possibly with a 21" front wheel ), adjustable suspension would fill a big gap. And would sell well if not too much more $ than the current cbx
Why are spoked wheel better for off-roading?
I want to own a place in Europe & have a nice CB500X always there waiting for me to get around when I fly there. That would be great.
Rumors of Gas Gas 400 Enduro and Adventure models. If Gas Gas followed up with 500cc and 600cc, it would be heaven :->
I’m thinking 300 Rally with the 500 twin engine, light enough to be capable off road but strong enough to load up and head to South America..