JAKARTA - PT Astra Honda Motor (AHM) officially introduced the Honda NX500 as the latest mid-range adventure motorcycle in Indonesia. The model that appeared at the GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) 2026 is here to replace the Honda CB500X which previously filled the adventure entry level segment.
The Honda NX500 is marketed at a price of IDR 230 million on the road (OTR) Jakarta. Not only changing its name, the use of the NX code on this motorcycle also marks a change in the concept offered by Honda. Technical Training Division of PT Astra Honda Motor Ade Muhajir said, NX is an abbreviation of New X-over.
"The name NX is taken from New X-over. The concept is a crossover motorcycle that is comfortable to use in the city, but is also ready to be taken on an adventure on gravel roads," said Ade during a technical presentation session in BSD, Wednesday, August 5.
The change in concept is inseparable from the results of Honda's global survey which shows a shift in consumer needs. Adventure motorcycle users are currently considered to need a comfortable vehicle for daily mobility, but still have the ability when it comes to crossing fields outside the asphalt.
For these considerations, Honda did not equip the NX500 with 21-inch front rims as is commonly found on pure off-road motorcycles. The smaller wheel size is maintained to provide a more agile and responsive driving character on the highway.
"If the front wheel is 21 inches, it is more suitable for passing offroad obstacles. For the daily crossover concept, smaller wheels make the motorcycle more agile on the highway, but still able to drive gravel roads," he explained.
In terms of comfort, the Honda NX500 is equipped with a TFT instrument panel with optical bonding structure technology. The technology is designed to reduce sunlight reflection so that information on the screen remains easy to read in various lighting conditions.
The braking sector also gets attention through the use of hubless floating disc technology which is claimed to help optimize heat dissipation when the braking system works in heavy conditions.
One of the technologies that is in the spotlight on the Honda NX500 is the Honda E-Clutch. This system allows the rider to shift gears without having to operate the clutch lever manually.
The E-Clutch technology relies on sensors and two drive motors that work to operate three internal gears. The system electronically regulates the clutch to produce a smoother gear shift.
The e-clutch will be activated automatically when the engine is turned on, which is marked by an "A" indicator on the instrument panel. However, the rider can still switch to manual mode with the "M" indicator or use the conventional clutch lever that is still available.
"Inside the E-Clutch system there are two motors that drive three gears to operate the clutch so that gear shifting becomes smoother," said Ade.
The pressure characteristics on the gear shift pedal can also be adjusted to the rider's preferences. In addition, the E-Clutch system does not require special oil maintenance because the drive motor is not submerged in the engine oil.
For performance, the Honda NX500 relies on a 471 cc liquid-cooled inline two-cylinder engine. The engine has a compression ratio of 10.7:1 and is claimed to still be able to use fuel with a Research Octane Number (RON) of 90 or the equivalent of Pertalite.
The engine is also capable of producing a maximum power of 37.1 kW at 8,500 rpm and a peak torque of 44.7 Nm at 6,500 rpm. So it is claimed to provide responsive performance for daily use and long-distance travel.
Honda also equips the NX500 with a number of safety and comfort support features, ranging from Assist & Slipper Clutch to Dual Channel ABS braking system. The TFT panel used also supports Honda RoadSync to connect the motorcycle to the rider's smartphone.
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