Honda Korea announced on the 9th that it has officially launched the 2024 models of the road sports motorcycle ‘CBR500R’ and the adventure crossover motorcycle ‘NX500’, incorporating new styling and various advanced equipment upgrades to kick off full-scale sales.
The CBR500R and NX500 are Honda’s flagship mid-range motorcycles, loved by a wide range of riders from beginners to veterans since their release in 2013.
The NX500 emphasizes its crossover capabilities by changing its name from the existing CB500X, allowing riders to enjoy both city and off-road experiences. The CBR500R has been upgraded to embody the racing style of the CBR series’ flagship model, the CBR1000RR-R, allowing riders to feel its racing DNA even in everyday rides.
The 2024 CBR500R features a sleek design with a low-set front cowl and sharply rising tail, enhancing the sense of speed. The newly designed dual headlights and taillights reinterpret the existing CBR styling, showcasing a new identity, while ducts and winglets on the cowl evoke images of high-performance racing machines.
Similarly, the 2024 NX500 reintroduces itself as a true modern adventure crossover, having changed its name from the existing CB500X. The front end, headlight, and taillight designs have been upgraded to create a strong presence with a lively appearance, and the front tire has been increased to 19 inches to accommodate off-road driving.
Both the CBR500R and NX500 are powered by a 471cc liquid-cooled DOHC inline twin-cylinder engine, delivering a performance of 50 horsepower at 8,600 rpm and a maximum torque of 4.6 kg-m at 6,500 rpm. This configuration allows for strong torque in the low to mid RPM range, offering excellent handling and acceleration in urban environments, while connecting smoothly to peak power at high RPMs for powerful acceleration in winding roads.
Furthermore, both models have been upgraded with advanced equipment for increased rider convenience and safety. The new Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) supports enjoyable control in various riding situations while providing an extra sense of security. A 5-inch full-color TFT meter has also been implemented to allow riders to understand information more intuitively.
Additionally, both models feature an assist and slipper clutch that reduces clutch operational load, helping to minimize fatigue during traffic jams or long-distance touring, along with an emergency stop signal function.
The CBR500R is available in two colors: Red and Matte Black, reflecting the CBR series’ tricolor. The NX500 comes in three colors: Red, Matte Black, and White. The selling price for both models is set at 9,180,000 KRW (including VAT).
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr