Honda is continuing to make the most of its massively popular 500 twin platform
![Honda 500 Twins](https://b1944490.smushcdn.com/1944490/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2023/12/Honda-500-Twins-update-3_0001.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
It might not set your pants alight, but Honda’s 500 twin range has done cracking business over the past decade or so. You can have the same compact A2-licence friendly engine in a choice of naked CB500, sporty CBR500R or light adventure CB500X chassis, with decent performance, superb economy, and all the usual Honda benefits of utter reliability and solid build.
![Honda 500 Twins](https://b1944490.smushcdn.com/1944490/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2023/12/Honda-500-Twins-update-8_0001.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
For 2024 there is one stand-out change: the CB500X mini-ADV machine is rebadged as an NX500. ‘Why is that a stand-out Al?’ I hear you ask. Well, as any fool will know, NX is an old 1980s model code for the NX650 Dominator (and lesser-known NX250 which wasn’t imported to the UK), standing for New X(Cross)over. So Honda’s digging into its reserves of heritage, while giving the solid CB500X a restyle. And it looks much sharper now, with a full set of slick rally bodywork, and has a few neat chassis upgrades including lighter wheels. Very NX-y, you might say.
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In addition, the CB500 is restyled as the CB500 Hornet, again tapping into a heritage brand and extending the Hornet family downwards nicely. The whole 500 range – CB500 Hornet, CBR500R and NX500 – share a tweaked engine with new fuel-injection settings and a (doubtless superfluous) traction control set up. Power stays the same at 47bhp, and the bikes all get a dash upgrade: 5” colour LCD dash with Bluetooth, backlit switchgear and full LED lighting. Your pants will probably remain uncombusted – but expect the 2024 500s to remain gigantic sellers and very useful motorcycles all round.