The ADV That Makes More Sense For A City Rider Than A Commuter Bike
Commuter motorcycles are usually the go-to bike for people who are just looking for transportation. They are easy to maneuver, economical to run, comfortable in traffic, and small enough to squeeze through congested streets. But choosing a bike meant purely for commuting can leave something to be desired once the working day ends. An entry-level adventure motorcycle, for example, can be an amazing motorcycle once you get used to it. You can find all the traits you’re looking for from a commuter in an ADV, and then, you can add in a bit of weekend adventure as well. The trick, though, is finding an ADV that offers this versatility without becoming unnecessarily large, expensive, or performance-oriented.
Why Adventure Motorcycles Make Sense In The City
ADVs have developed a reputation for crossing continents, tackling dirt tracks, and carrying enough luggage to make a weekend trip look like a small expedition. That image, however, overlooks what makes them useful closer to home. Their upright riding positions provide a commanding view of surrounding traffic, while relatively wide handlebars offer useful leverage when navigating tight turns and crowded streets. The suspension is designed to handle imperfect surfaces, which is particularly welcome in sometimes pothole-ridden city streets.
These days, ADVs have become small enough and economical enough for the everyday city rider to consider. You have the BMW G 310 GS, the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 and even the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. All of them offer their own versions of what an entry-level ADV should be, but they all share one quality. Their appeal extends well beyond the adventure rides and trails they are associated with.
Honda NX500: An Adventure Bike For Everyday Life
The CB500X DNA That Makes The NX500 A Natural City Bike
The Honda NX500 is an appealing example of an adventure motorcycle that doesn’t require its owner to embrace an adventurous lifestyle. Formerly known as the CB500X, the model evolved from Honda’s practical twin-cylinder platform into a more distinctly adventure-styled machine. However, Honda has managed to leave the bike’s soul intact.
The NX500 focuses on balance rather than extreme capability. The engine offers more flexibility than a small commuter motor, the upright riding position offers comfort, and the relatively compact proportions make it extremely suitable for ordinary journeys. The NX500 is not built to conquer the most demanding off-road trails, but it will conquer city streets and urban meets, making it a convincing alternative to conventional commuters.
The NX500’s Parallel-Twin Has Everyday Flexibility
Powering the Honda NX500 is a 471cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin that produces 47 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and 31.7 pound-feet of torque. Now, Honda describes the engine as providing smooth, usable power across the rev range. Torque arrives earlier in the rev band, allowing the bike to pull away from stop signs and overtake easily without having to hunt for the right gear all the time. On the other hand, it comes with a decent amount of power when the ride gets exciting.
The US-spec NX500 comes with a six-speed manual gearbox. No E-Clutch, like the UK model, but the bike is equipped with a slip-and-assist clutch. This means a little less stress on the forearm when making gear changes. Overall, the Honda is tuned to maintain a relaxed pace in free city conditions and even feel tractable enough in low-rev, low-speed situations.
The NX500’s Chassis And Suspension Deal With Imperfect Streets
The NX500’s chassis is designed to offer a balance between road manners and the additional suspension travel associated with adventure motorcycles. Up front, it uses a 41mm Showa Separate Function Fork with Big Piston technology and 5.9 inches of travel. At the rear, a Pro-Link Showa single shock provides 5.3 inches of travel with nine-position preload adjustment. This travel is useful even if the bike never sees a dirt road. Potholes, uneven repairs, sunken manhole covers, and broken pavement are familiar features in an urban environment, and this suspension setup is designed to accommodate the changing surfaces.
Braking duties are handled by two 296 mm front discs clamped on by four-piston calipers and a single 240mm disc at the rear. ABS is standard at both ends, helping prevent wheel lock in a sketchy situation. The bike’s geometry is worth considering, too. It gets a 27-degree rake, a 4.3-inch trail, and a 56.8-inch wheelbase, which allows for amazing straight-line stability.
The Honda NX500’s Design, Technology And Everyday Practicality
The Honda NX500 looks ready for a long journey, and that’s essentially how it is intended to be used. It has angular bodywork, a tall windscreen, a raised stance, and an upright handlebar. But everything that makes a bike a good ADV also makes it a good commuter. The bike is a little tall with a seat height of 32.8 inches, but it’s easy enough to get used to. The downside, however, is the 432-pound curb weight, which is not extremely heavy but may turn riders away from the NX.
As far as technology goes, the NX500 is wonderfully bare minimum. There are no selectable riding modes or advanced rider-assistance systems. ABS comes as standard and beyond that, the bike just relies on brilliant engineering. Accessories are plentiful, however, with heated grips, hand guards, a center stand, and hard luggage all in Honda’s catalog. The luggage, particularly, can come in handy for office commutes and runs to the grocery store.
One Motorcycle For The Week And The Weekend
$6,899 Buys You Two Bikes In One
The Honda NX500’s strongest argument is the range of situations it can accommodate. The 4.7-gallon fuel tank gives it amazing touring potential, and in a daily city setup, you don’t need to fuel up constantly, either. There are limitations to the NX, like the seat height and the weight, but these are things that riders get used to over just a few short journeys. A dedicated commuter can be an excellent tool for getting around town, but the Honda NX500 always leaves a door open for weekend fun.
Source: Honda
Related posts
Latest Post
No Comments