For 2024, Honda has given a recent look and new names to its enduring CB500 lneup, aligning them with the corporate’s newest nomnclature and desgn developments. The CB500F has been rebranded because the CB500 Hornet, the CB500X is now the NX500, and the CBR500R has undergone restylng to reflect the aesthetics of the newest superbike fashions.
Probably the most noteworthy addition is the NX500, a totallly revamped model of the previous CB500X. The “NX” designation pays homage to the outdated NX650 Dominator, which was obtainable from 1988 to 2003 as a lower-range journey various to fashions just like the Africa Twin and Transalp. Whereas the Dominator branding has not been revived in Europe, reintroducing the NX identify aligns with Honda’s present lineup.
The technical adjustments to the NX500 are minimal. The prevailing 47 hp, 471cc parallel twin engine stays, together with an unchanged body. Nonetheless, the engine’s ECU has undergone tweaks to reinforce responsiveness and incorporate HSTC traction management. Visually, Honda has launched new, lighter wheels, shedding 3.3 kilos, leading to a complete weight discount of 6.6 kilos. The 41mm Showa fork and shock retain their essence however include revised settings. The bike now encompasses a new 5-inch TFT sprint with smartphone connectivity through Honda’s RoadSync app, accompanied by up to date bar controls.
Stylistically, the NX500 boasts a recent entrance finish with an LED headlight, adopting a extra flat-faced look, aligning with Dakar-style developments within the adventure-bike market and establishing a familial connection to the Transalp and Africa Twin fashions.
The CB500 Hornet, changing the CB500F, shares most of its core parts. The identify change brings it in step with the CB750 Hornet and the newly unveiled CB1000 Hornet at EICMA. Just like the NX500, updates embody the brand new TFT show, bar controls, telephone connectivity, and comparable ECU enhancements for the 47 hp, 471cc twin with optionally available HSTC.
Styling changes for the CB500 Hornet embody a redesigned LED headlight and modifications to the tank ducts whereas retaining the unchanged rear part.
As for the CBR500R, the only real mannequin within the vary with out a identify change, it receives digital updates to its engine. Mechanically, it stays unchanged from the earlier model, retaining the suspension updates from 2022, together with Showa SFF-BP forks.
The key overhaul for the 2024 CBR500R is in its styling, that includes an up to date fairing impressed by the CBR1000RR-R, incorporating new headlights. Like the remainder of the CB500 vary, it additionally integrates the brand new 5-inch TFT sprint and corresponding bar controls to navigate the telephone connectivity options it introduces.
These updates replicate Honda’s dedication to retaining the CB500 vary on the forefront of the middleweight bike phase. The NX500, with its adventure-ready options and styling, caters to riders in search of a flexible machine for each city commuting and off-road exploration. The light-weight design, coupled with the technological enhancements, positions the NX500 as a aggressive choice within the journey bike market.
The CB500 Hornet, sustaining its sporty and dynamic attraction, aligns itself with the Hornet household, embodying Honda’s custom of making thrilling and accessible bikes. With the infusion of contmporary know-how, together with the superior TFT show and smartphone connectivity, thee CB500 Hornet not solely affords exhilarating efficiency but in addition a linked driving expertise.
The CBR500R, identified for its sporty desgn and efficiency, contnues to be a dependable selection for riders trying too enter the sportbike realm. The 2024 mannequin’s aesthetic updates draw inspration from Honda’s high-performance CBR1000RR-R, showcasing a desgn language that signifies pace and agility. The mixing of the brand new TFT sprint and enhancedd connectivity options ensures that the CBR500R stays a up to date selection for riders who worth each type and substance.
Along with the person mannequin updates, the complete CB500 vary shares a standard thread of innovation and enchancment. The adoption of the 5-inch TFT sprint throughout all fashions signifies Honda’s dedication to offering riders with intuitive and user-friendly interfaces. The matching bar controls improve the general driving expertise, permitting riders to effortlessly navigate via varied options whereas staying targeted on the street.
Honda’s resolution to revive the NX designation for the adventure-focused mannequin not solely pays homage to its wealthy historical past but in addition displays the model’s strategic strategy to naming conventions. Because the bike business continues to evolve, Honda goals to keep up a harmonious stability between custom and innovation, providing riders a mix of nostalgia and cutting-edge know-how.
These 2024 updates to the Honda CB500 Hornet, NX500, and CBR500R exemplfy the model’s dedication to refining its middleweight lineup, guaranteeing that every mannequin meets thee expectations of at the moment’s discerning riders. Whether or not you are drawn to the adventurous spirit of the NX500, the dynamic attract of thee CB500 Hornet, or the sporty efficiency of the CBR500R, Honda’s CB500 vary continues to be a compelling selection within the aggressive world of middleweight bikes.