The Honda ADV That Makes Adventure Touring Feel Easy

6 minutes reading

Thursday, 18 Jun 2026 15:31 0 1 autotech

While versatile motorcycles have been around for decades, they have never been quite as popular as they are today. Adventure bikes in particular have exploded in popularity, and what was once something of a niche space has grown into the single most popular motorcycle segment. Pretty much every manufacturer has a couple of ADVs to choose from, and Honda particularly has gone all in on the idea. It has an ADV in every segment (entry-level, middleweight, and full-size). Naturally, the friendliest in the lineup sits under the 500cc mark.

Table of Contents

Honda Has An ADV For Every Occasion

Honda Powersports

The Bike That Gets Everything Almost Perfect

The Africa Twin is a rare gem in the adventure touring segment with its combination of off-road inspired chassis, auto ‘box, and electronic suspension

The Honda NX500 Is An Affordable And Approachable ADV

MSRP: $6,899

For anyone in the market for a new motorcycle of any kind, price will always be a big consideration. While the NX500 is not necessarily the cheapest ADV on the market, it is affordable, and by some margin, the most proven motorcycle operating in this budget-and-beginner-friendly space. Owners of the previous generation bike (CB500X) have been able to accumulate over 100,000 miles without much of a fuss. This is not all that common for a motorcycle of this size and displacement, but it is a Honda, and it is also one of the few entry-level motorcycles that is comfortable enough to tour on.

A Near-Square Parallel-Twin Engine Brings Linear Power

Power: 47 Horsepower

Honda puts this little 180-degree parallel-twin in everything from the Rebel cruiser to the CBR500R sport bike. While fantastically versatile, it is also fair to say that it isn’t exactly the most powerful engine in its class. Power delivery is smooth and predictable, with pretty much all its torque available between 3,000 and 7,000 RPM. Its output is not accidental, either.

It is the limit for A2 license holders throughout most of Europe. In short, this powertrain was specifically designed with new riders in mind. It won’t only appeal to new riders, though. With a claimed fuel economy of around 65 MPG, it is exceptionally light on fuel and will appeal to anyone in the market for an affordable, versatile commuter.

E-Clutch In The Pipeline

Honda already has several models equipped with the E-Clutch (650 pictured). For those unfamiliar with the E-Clutch, it is essentially an automated manual transmission (you can still use it like a manual) combined with a quickshifter, and will soon be offered on the 500cc bikes. It has already been rolled out in other markets and will most likely make its US debut for the 2027 model year. For those after an added layer of convenience, it might well be worth the wait.

The Honda Motorcycle That Makes Reliability Feel Exciting

In typical Honda fashion, this 190-HP superbike keeps on going without stressing you out on a regular basis

The NX500 Can Do It All

In terms of features, you get ABS, switchable traction control, and a TFT dash. While the dash certainly makes the bike look newer, the bike is still sparsely equipped, but there is nothing wrong with that. When it comes to longevity, simplicity is favorable. For new riders, ABS is the only real must-have feature, while traction control amounts to something of a bonus. With it being so approachable and economical, it makes for an exceptional commuter for any level rider.

It has decent wind protection and a comfortable, well-padded seat that won’t punish you after hours in the saddle. It never claims to be an all-conquering off-roader, but it is relatively light and can certainly handle the odd dirt track when called upon. A better set of off-road tires will go a long way to improving its capability, but will also compromise its long-distance comfort a little. This is a bike that really can do everything, it just can’t do anything particularly well.

The Honda Motorcycle That Can Do It All

This Honda ADV’s unique dual-clutch automatic transmission sets it apart from every other adventure bike.

The Package Might Feel A Little Dull, Though

We reference the off-road capability in particular, because that is something people often expect a little too much from an ADV. Any alterations to a bike will obviously have a negative effect on other areas. The balance just seems to be particularly delicate with the NX500. A decent set of knobby tires will improve its off-road potential, but will have a negative effect on road-holding and fuel economy. It still won’t be particularly good off-road, just a little better. With other bikes, the difference might feel worthwhile. Here, it just feels unnecessary.

Any bike this versatile will almost inevitably feel a little middling, and while motorcycles are generally fun vehicles, the NX500 just seems a little dull compared to other motorcycles. In many ways, its biggest strength is also its biggest weakness. Today, there are several motorcycles in this space that you really can stick with indefinitely, but the NX500 seems designed with an upgrade in mind. Honda wants you to get the Transalp or Africa Twin eventually, unless all you want is a comfortable commuter that can hustle down the odd dirt road.

Chassis, Suspension, And Weight Specifications

Chassis	Steel diamond
Front Suspension	41mm inverted Showa SFF-BP fork (5.9-inch travel)
Rear Suspension	Single shock (5.3-inch travel)
Weight	432 lbs