Honda·Trail·471cc·A2 NATIF

CB500X

↘ Evolution history · 2013 → present
14
Years of production
3
Generations
471
current cc
47
Horsepower
14
Vintages

The benchmark A2 adventure bike — versatile, bulletproof, 14 years at the top. Reborn as the NX500 in 2024.

↓ Changes year by year
Gen 3 · 2024 — present
NX500 — CONNECTED ERA

Renamed NX500 in 2024, the CB500X platform gains a 5" Honda RoadSync TFT screen, the first traction control (HSTC) ever seen on a Honda 500cc, and lighter wheels. In 2026, E-Clutch becomes available as an option.

2026
EElectronics
Honda E-Clutch — NX500 E-Clutch model launched alongside standard: pull away, stop, and shift without clutch lever
E-Clutch version: 199kg. Standard version carried over at 196kg. Announced at EICMA 2025.
Medium
AAesthetics
New Pearl White colour — revised rear shock settings
Minor
2025
AAesthetics
No notable change — colours carried over
Minor
2024
AAesthetics
Renamed Honda NX500 — slightly refreshed styling
Major
EElectronics
5" colour TFT + Honda RoadSync — Bluetooth, GPS navigation, calls
Major
EElectronics
HSTC (Honda Selectable Torque Control) standard — first ever Honda 500cc with traction control
Major
CFrame
Lighter wheels -1.5kg (196kg total) — revised rear suspension tuning
Medium
Buyer radar
2026

E-Clutch + HSTC + TFT on an A2 adventure bike. Premium tech with no compromise on accessibility.

TOP BUY
2024

First ever HSTC on Honda 500cc + connectivity. The NX500 clearly outshines the 2023 CB500X.

TOP BUY
Gen 2 · 2019 — 2023
ADVENTURE OVERHAUL

Major overhaul in 2019: 19" front wheel, assertive Africa Twin-inspired trail look, longer suspension, 830mm seat. In 2022, Showa SFF-BP USD forks and dual front discs. Best A2 adventure bike in class according to MCN.

2023
AAesthetics
Final CB500X model year — new colours
Minor
2022
CFrame
Golden Showa SFF-BP 41mm USD forks (ex-conventional) — dual 296mm front discs (ex-single 310mm)
Swingarm lightened by 1kg — lighter front wheel — rear shock with 5-stage preload adjustment
Medium
MEngine
Injection refinement — improved low-rpm torque
Minor
AAesthetics
Enhanced LEDs — constant-glow indicator stalks
Minor
2021
MEngine
Euro 5 compliance — injection remapping
Medium
2020
AAesthetics
New colours — awarded MCN Best Sub-500cc Bike 2020
Minor
2019
CFrame
19" front wheel (ex-17") — 7-spoke Africa Twin style — 150mm suspension travel
Ground clearance raised to 180mm (+10mm) — seat 830mm (+20mm) — steering lock +3° (38°)
Major
MEngine
Revised valve timing + enlarged airbox — +4% torque between 3,000-7,000rpm
Major
AAesthetics
Complete styling overhaul — adventure trail look inspired by the Africa Twin — full LED
Major
EElectronics
New LCD dashboard — gear position indicator + instant fuel consumption
Medium
CFrame
Assist and slipper clutch with anti-stall — twin exhaust outlets
Medium
Buyer radar
2022

USD forks + dual discs = best gen2 spec. Unbeatable equipment-to-price in A2 adventure.

TOP BUY
2021

Euro 5, 8 years proven reliability, strong resale values. Great used buy.

GOOD PICK
2019

Significant overhaul — 19", full LED, LCD. Best entry point for a first adventure bike.

GOOD PICK
Gen 1 · 2013 — 2018
FIRST GENERATION

Revealed at EICMA 2012 alongside the CB500F and CBR500R, the CB500X shares the same 471cc platform but adopts an adventure-trail look, 170mm ground clearance, and a larger fuel tank. Natively A2.

2018
AAesthetics
Final gen1 model year — new colours including matte red
Minor
2017
AAesthetics
No notable change — colours carried over
Minor
2016
MEngine
Euro 4 compliance — smaller, lighter exhaust silencer
Medium
AAesthetics
LED headlight — longer bodywork — taller windscreen — new green colour
Medium
CFrame
Preload-adjustable fork — adjustable brake lever — 17.5L fuel tank
Medium
2015
AAesthetics
No notable change — colours carried over
Minor
2014
AAesthetics
No notable change — colours carried over
Minor
2013
MEngine
471cc DOHC liquid-cooled parallel twin — 47hp (35kW) / 43Nm. Natively A2.
180° crank, PGM-FI 34mm injection, 6-speed. Shares platform with CB500F and CBR500R.
Major
CFrame
Diamond steel frame — 41mm fork / 140mm travel — 810mm seat — 195kg
Major
SSafety
Combined ABS standard — single 320mm front disc
Major
AAesthetics
17.3L fuel tank — 170mm ground clearance — halogen lights
Major
Buyer radar
2016

Euro 4, LED, adjustable fork — the most complete gen1. Good depreciation at €3,500-4,500.

GOOD PICK
2013

First year — sound mechanicals but basic suspension and halogen lights.

OK