Honda CB500X vs. NX500: is it worth paying the difference?

A day off, and you’ve got three browser tabs open. In one, a 2020 CB500X with 14,000 miles (about 22,500 km) at a price that makes you smile. In another, a barely used 2023, pricey but tempting. In the third, the new NX500, with a color screen and a dealer warranty. The question is what you’re overpaying for at each step.

In this short article I’ll answer exactly that. It isn’t a road test: it’s a comparison built from spec sheets, launch coverage in the motorcycle press and official documents, all checked in October 2026. Prices change, so treat them as a reference and confirm them with your dealer.

In short: All three share the same 471 cc parallel twin, good for about 47 hp · The 2019 CB500X brought the 19” front wheel · The 2022 got twin front discs and an inverted fork · The NX500 (2024 onward) adds a TFT dash, RoadSync and traction control · If the tech doesn’t matter much to you, a 2022-2023 in good shape usually gets you the most bike for your money.

Three bikes, one 471 cc engine

What all three share is the heart of the bike: a liquid-cooled, eight-valve 471 cc parallel twin. Current NX500 spec sheets put it at about 47 hp (35 kW) and 43 Nm of torque (about 31.7 lb-ft) at 6,500 rpm. The 2026 NX500 spec sheet on Motorcycle.com and Honda’s UK page give the same numbers; the only thing that changes from one market to another is where peak power arrives, at 8,500 or 8,600 rpm.

Did the engine change from one generation to the next? Not much. In 2019 Honda reworked the intake, injectors, valve timing and exhaust, and Rider Magazine reported a claimed 3 to 4 percent gain in midrange power, right where you do most of your riding. The NX500 didn’t get a new engine either: according to Ultimate Motorcycling, what changed from the 2022 was the ECU calibration, aimed at better acceleration.

On the highway at 65 or 70 mph (about 105 to 113 km/h), none of the three runs out of breath, and if you’re coming from a small bike, none of them will scare you. So the engine won’t help you decide. What sets them apart is the front end and the dash.

What each generation brought, from the CB500X to the NX500

2019-2021: the 19-inch wheel and more travel

With the 2019 update, the CB500X really earned its “X.” Rider Magazine’s test notes that the front wheel went from 17 to 19 inches and that suspension travel grew 0.4 inches at both ends, to 5.3 inches up front and 5.9 in the rear. The windscreen grew 0.8 inches and now has two positions. That bigger front wheel is what gives the bike its adventure side, since it rolls over potholes and light dirt more easily.

What it lacks compared with the newer bikes: it has a single front disc and a conventional fork, with no traction control and no color dash. In exchange, it’s cheaper. You’ll miss that second disc most when you carry a passenger and luggage.

2022-2023: twin discs and an inverted fork

In 2022 it was the front end’s turn. Launch coverage from that year reports that the single 310 mm disc gave way to two 296 mm discs and that the conventional fork was replaced by a 41 mm Showa SFF-BP inverted fork. The bike also got a lighter swingarm, a redesigned front wheel and changes to the rear shock. No other year changed this bike’s hardware as much.

Can you feel it? An inverted fork is stiffer, and that usually means more precise steering when you brake hard or turn into a corner. Just don’t expect race suspension: the fork still has no compression or rebound adjustment, and the only thing you can adjust is the rear shock’s preload. The bike brakes better and feels more planted, but it’s still the same CB500X.

NX500 (2024 model year onward): tech and refinements

In the United States, the NX500 took the CB500X’s place starting with the 2024 model year. Ultimate Motorcycling explains that the chassis didn’t change; what’s new is a 5-inch TFT dash with backlit switches, traction control you can adjust or switch off, five-spoke wheels and a refreshed design. Honda’s European spec sheet also confirms that it works with Honda RoadSync, the system that links the dash to your phone over Bluetooth.

It also lost a little weight: about 7 pounds (just over 3 kg) less than the CB500X, 3.3 of them from the new wheels. According to the spec sheets we checked, the NX500 weighs 432 pounds (196 kg) ready to ride. It’s a small difference, and you’ll notice it mostly when you push the bike around the garage.

Brakes and suspension: how much does daily riding change?

Both the 2022-2023 CB500X and the NX500 share the same setup of twin 296 mm front discs and a 41 mm inverted fork with about 5.9 inches (150 mm) of travel. The difference between the two in your daily riding is minimal. The difference compared with a 2019-2021 is real but moderate.

If your typical riding is city and highway, and money is tight, a 2019-2021 with brakes in good shape is more than enough. From my experience with the 2021 CB500X, I can tell you it’s a very forgiving bike, easy to ride and light compared with others in the same segment on the market. For tall riders it fits perfectly; if you’re a little shorter, you’ll need to get used to its height, which isn’t extreme either.

If you carry a passenger, travel with luggage or ride down mountain passes, the 2022-and-later front end is an upgrade worth paying for. And whatever bike you ride, technique rules: go over the drills in Motorcycle confidence, which get more out of any brake than any accessory will.

Tech and dash: what’s actually new on the NX500

If you’re going to pay more for the NX500, this is why. The CB500X models have an LCD dash with the basics. The NX500 gets a 5-inch full-color TFT screen, with layouts you can customize and Bluetooth through RoadSync, so you can use your phone as a travel aid. Its HSTC traction control can be adjusted or turned off.

Do you need it? That depends on how you ride. Traction control is a backup for when the pavement is wet or you hit road paint or loose gravel, and that gives a lot of beginners peace of mind. The color screen is easier to read in full sun. If RoadSync interests you, check first which features your phone supports. And keep in mind that none of this makes you a better rider: set up your phone before you take off and keep your eyes on the road.

Is there an NX500 with E-Clutch?

Yes. In the United Kingdom, Honda sells it for £6,999 and lists 199 kg (about 439 pounds) ready to ride, and there are reports of its launch in India and South Africa. In Mexico, Autocosmos reported on July 10, 2026, that two versions were arriving, the standard one and the E-Clutch, which costs five thousand pesos more. The U.S. is another story: we couldn’t find it on Honda’s official U.S. sites, so we don’t take it for granted. If you’re interested, ask your dealer directly.

Prices and specs as of October 2026

The table pulls together what we could verify. List prices are approximate and don’t include taxes or fees, and in the U.S. there’s also a separate destination charge of about $600, according to Motorcycle.com.

The NX500’s price has moved around. It launched in 2024 at $7,399, according to Ultimate Motorcycling. For 2026, Motorcycle.com’s spec sheet lists $6,899, and there are reports that the price came down. Since some press reports give other figures, check powersports.honda.com or ask your dealer before you run the numbers. In Mexico, Autocosmos reported MXN 149,990 for the standard version and MXN 154,990 for the E-Clutch; confirm it on Honda Mexico’s site or at a dealership.

So what does that mean for you? It all comes down to how much the used 2022-2023 CB500X you’re looking at has dropped. If there’s about $1,500 to $2,000 between it and a new NX500, the warranty and the tech make the NX500 worth it. If the used one is $3,000 cheaper, it’s probably the better buy.

How to inspect a used CB500X

This list works for any generation. Keep it on your phone and take your time, even if the seller is in a hurry.

1. Paperwork and VIN. The title (in the U.S.) or the invoice (in Mexico) has to match the bike’s VIN. If something doesn’t add up, be wary.
2. Recalls. Enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or call the NHTSA hotline at 1-888-327-4236. As far as we could verify, a 2021 recall covered about 262 CB500X and CBR500R ABS units from 2019-2020: the ABS modulator had excess grease and could leak brake fluid. Honda fixes it free of charge. We didn’t find another one for 2021-2023, but confirm it with your VIN.
3. Chain and sprockets. The maintenance schedules we checked call for inspecting chain lubrication and slack every 600 miles (1,000 km); confirm it in the manual for your year. Look for stiff links, rust, hooked sprocket teeth and slack that changes as you turn the wheel. If the chain and sprockets are already worn, plan on buying the full kit.
4. Valves. According to the maintenance schedules for this bike, valve clearance is checked at 16,000 miles (25,600 km). Ask for proof. If the bike is past that mileage with no record, take the cost of the check off the price, and confirm the exact interval in the manual for your year.
5. Brakes. The fluid should look clean (it’s changed every 2 years), the discs shouldn’t have a lip on the edge, and both the pedal and the lever should feel firm. On ABS models, the warning light comes on at startup and goes off once you start rolling.
6. Fork and seals. Look for oil on the fork tubes. If it’s a 2022 or later, check that the inverted fork has no scratches.
7. Coolant and leaks. Check the level and the color, and look under the engine for stains.
8. Crashes. Bent levers or levers with scraped tips, scratched engine covers and dented wheels are signs of a crash the seller may not mention.
9. Test ride. Ask to start it cold, so it hasn’t been warmed up before you arrive. Listen to the engine as it starts and, once you’re rolling, make sure the bike doesn’t pull to one side.
10. Tires. Check the manufacturing date (the last four digits of the DOT code: week and year). If they’re more than five years old, have a specialist look at them and consider replacing them even if they still have tread.

If it’s your first big bike, bring along a mechanic you trust. And before you ride it home, take a look at Getting started.

CB500X or NX500: who each one is for

The 2019-2021 CB500X is for when budget rules and you want a reliable bike for commuting, weekend rides and the occasional short trip. You settle for simpler brakes and a basic dash, but you keep the 19” wheel.

The 2022-2023 CB500X is the one we recommend most if you want the platform’s best hardware without paying for tech you may not use. It has twin discs, the inverted fork and the same proven engine. If you travel with a load or plan to ride the highway regularly, it’s worth the extra money. If that kind of route is new to you, read Your first time on the highway, and if you’re already thinking about going farther, the guide to a solo motorcycle road trip.

The new NX500 is for anyone who wants a warranty, a color dash, traction control and a bike with no history, or who navigates with their phone a lot. If you want it with E-Clutch, make sure it’s sold in your country, because we couldn’t verify it in the U.S. And if you’re still not sure a mid-size bike is right for you, take a look at the best beginner motorcycles.

One more thing, about safety: not even the most expensive bike replaces a riding course or full gear, meaning a certified helmet, jacket, gloves, pants and boots. If you’re still learning, start there.

Frequently asked questions

Is the NX500 the same bike as the CB500X?

Mostly, in chassis and engine. The motorcycle press agrees that the frame is the same; what changes is the TFT dash, the traction control, the wheels and some suspension and ECU tweaks.

How much horsepower does the NX500 have?

About 47 hp (35 kW) and 43 Nm of torque (31.7 lb-ft) at 6,500 rpm. Those are the same figures quoted for the CB500X models with this engine, and they vary a little by market.

How often do the CB500X valves need adjusting?

Every 16,000 miles (25,600 km), according to the CB500X maintenance schedules, and the spark plugs get replaced at the same service. Confirm the figure and the procedure in the manual for your model year.

Are there recalls on the CB500X?

Yes, at least one. At NHTSA we found a 2021 recall for 2019-2020 units with ABS, for a possible brake fluid leak. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, because there may be newer campaigns.

Does the NX500 have an automatic clutch?

Sort of. There’s the NX500 E-Clutch, which works the clutch for you when you pull away, shift and stop. You still shift with your foot, and the clutch lever is still there if you want to use it. According to Autocosmos it’s sold in Mexico, among other markets. In the U.S. we couldn’t confirm it in official sources, so ask your dealer.

Is the CB500X good for beginners?

Yes, with some caveats. It weighs over 430 pounds (about 195 kg) and the NX500’s seat sits at about 32.8 inches (833 mm), so it calls for respect from a new rider. On the other hand, the power comes in smoothly, and with a course and practice plenty of people ride it as their first bike.

So, which one should you buy?

If you’ve got money to spare and want the newest bike, go for the NX500. If you’re after the best front end without paying for the screen, a 2022-2023 CB500X you’ve inspected carefully is the most balanced buy. And if the budget won’t stretch any further, a well-kept 2019-2021 takes you to the same places with the same engine. In the end, the bike’s condition matters more than the year on the title, and the gear you wear and the hours you put into learning matter even more.

Photos
Cover: illustration created with artificial intelligence for Milla x Milla.
Photo 1: the author’s 2021 Honda CB500X, personal archive.
Photo 2: Lancia Dude, via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 · cropped.
Photo 3: Chanokchon, via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0.
Photo 4: Chanokchon, via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0.
Photo 5: illustration created with artificial intelligence for Milla x Milla.
Photo 6: the author’s 2021 Honda CB500X, personal archive.
Photo 7: photopach mx, via Pexels · Pexels License.
Photo 8: illustration created with artificial intelligence for Milla x Milla.
Photo 9: the author’s personal archive.
Photo 10: illustration created with artificial intelligence for Milla x Milla.