Engine & E-Clutch: 471 cc, 47.6 hp A2, No Clutch Lever Required—That’s the MY2026 Update

471 cc, SOHC, liquid-cooled parallel twin, eight valves, 67 mm × 66.8 mm, 10.7:1 compression ratio, PGM-FI, Euro 5+. Output is 35 kW / 47.6 hp at 8,500 rpm, with 43 Nm at 6,500 rpm. A2-compliant from the factory. The engine comes from the CB 500 platform and is one of the most mature and reliable units Honda offers in this segment: linear character, strong midrange pull, low running costs. An Assist and Slipper Clutch comes standard.

Since model year 2026, Honda E-Clutch has been standard. E-Clutch is not DCT—the six-speed transmission remains, and the rider still operates the shift lever and throttle. But there is no need to use the clutch lever. E-Clutch automatically operates the clutch when starting, stopping, and shifting.

The rider changes gears normally with the foot lever while the clutch engages and disengages electrically, precisely, and without load. The result is city and off-road riding without clutch-hand fatigue. For beginners, E-Clutch genuinely makes learning easier; for experienced riders, it adds convenience.

HSTC traction control comes standard and can be switched off. Fuel consumption is 3.6 L/100 km. The 17.7-liter fuel tank provides a range of approximately 490 km.

Suspension: 41 mm SHOWA SFF-BP USD, Dual Front Discs, 19-Inch Front Wheel, Aluminum Wire-Spoke Wheels

Up front is a 41 mm SHOWA SFF-BP, Separate Function Fork Big Piston, upside-down fork. SFF-BP means the functions are separated: one fork tube handles the spring function with the Big Piston system, while the other handles damping. This provides better control on changing surfaces, less flex, and more precise response than a conventional fork. At the rear is a SHOWA monoshock with Pro-Link linkage.

Braking comes from dual front discs with twin-piston calipers and a rear disc brake. ABS comes standard.

The wheels are aluminum wire-spoke units—not cast wheels, but wire-spoke wheels with aluminum rims, designed for tubeless tires. The 19-inch front wheel provides improved off-road capability, while the rear measures 17 inches. Tire sizes are 110/80-19 front and 160/60-17 rear. Wheelbase is 1,445 mm, steering-head angle 27.5 degrees, and trail 108 mm.

Fully fueled weight is 180 kg—an excellent figure for a fully equipped A2 adventure bike with a USD fork, dual front brake discs, and ABS. Seat height is 830 mm.

Ergonomics: 830 mm Seat Height, 5-Inch TFT/RoadSync, Non-Adjustable Windshield—Crossover Style

Seat height is 830 mm, typical for an adventure bike in this class and providing good ground contact for riders from approximately 1.75 meters tall. The upright riding position with a wide handlebar works equally well for commuting, everyday riding, and light off-road use.

A 5-inch TFT display with Honda RoadSync comes standard, providing navigation, music, and phone functions. A backlit four-way switch allows operation while wearing gloves. The windshield is standard but not adjustable—a limitation on long highway rides.

LED headlight, LED turn signals, and LED taillight all come standard. MY2026 colors are Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic/Pearl Bosporus Blue, Graphite Black/Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic, and Pearl Horizon White/Matte Crypton Silver Metallic. All three are two-tone color schemes and new for 2026.

A passenger seat and passenger footpegs come standard, although passenger comfort on longer trips is limited, as is typical for the class.

Handling: 180 kg, 47.6 hp—Light, Agile, Equally Good for Everyday Riding and Light Off-Road Use

At 180 kg fully fueled, the NX 500 is the lightest fully equipped A2 adventure bike in Honda’s lineup. On winding roads, the NX 500 performs surprisingly well for an A2 adventure bike with relatively simple suspension. The SFF-BP fork is the decisive difference compared with cheaper competitors: it provides more feedback during rapid direction changes and responds more precisely.

Off-road, gravel roads, dirt tracks, and easy trails are no problem. For serious off-road riding, it lacks the necessary suspension travel and tires. In the city, it is light and maneuverable, and E-Clutch makes it even more relaxed than before.

Direct comparisons include the Kawasaki Versys-X 300, with a smaller engine and older design; the Yamaha Tracer 7, considerably more expensive, more powerful, and not an A2 bike; and the KTM 390 Adventure at approximately €6,999, with a single-cylinder engine and lower weight.

The NX 500 positions itself as the motorcycle with the best technology package in the A2 adventure class: SFF-BP fork, dual front brake discs, TFT/RoadSync, E-Clutch, HSTC, aluminum wire-spoke wheels—all standard for €8,429.

Costs: €8,429 Including Destination Charges—the Best Technology Package in the A2 Adventure Segment

The version without E-Clutch is available on request for riding schools.

Market comparison: the KTM 390 Adventure costs approximately €6,999, with a single-cylinder engine and less comfort equipment. The Kawasaki Versys 650 belongs to a different class and costs more.

That makes the NX 500 E-Clutch the most technologically sophisticated A2 adventure bike on the German market below €9,000.

The standard warranty is two years with unlimited mileage. A paid extension through Honda GarantiePlus is available. Service intervals are every 12,000 km.

Fuel consumption is 3.6 L/100 km. Combined with the 17.7-liter tank, that provides approximately 490 km of range.

Verdict

The Honda NX 500 E-Clutch is a sensibly equipped A2 adventure bike for the German market.

180 kg, SHOWA SFF-BP, dual front brake discs, TFT/RoadSync, E-Clutch, HSTC, aluminum wire-spoke wheels—for €8,429.

If you have an A2 license and want a versatile, technologically serious motorcycle, buy the NX 500.

 

Quick Check

+ Honda E-Clutch standard, new for MY2026: no clutch lever required; foot shifting remains

+ 41 mm SHOWA SFF-BP USD fork: separate-function tubes for springing and damping—above class standard

+ Dual front brake discs standard

+ Aluminum wire-spoke wheels standard, tubeless-compatible

+ 5-inch TFT with Honda RoadSync standard, navigation, music, phone

+ HSTC traction control standard, switchable

+ 19-inch front wheel for improved off-road capability

+ Approx. 490 km range: 17.7-liter tank, 3.6 L/100 km

+ A2-compliant from the factory; upgrade to full Category A power possible

+ €8,429 including destination charges: good price-to-technology ratio in the A2 adventure segment

 

– Windshield not adjustable: compromises on long highway rides

– 830 mm seat height: riders under 1.70 meters may be on tiptoes

– 47.6 hp: A2 limit. Not the first choice for full Category A riders if more power is desired

– Rear suspension has no rebound adjustment

– Passenger comfort limited on longer trips

– 196 kg fully fueled: not an especially light A2 adventure bike

– Warranty: two-year base warranty; extension through Honda GarantiePlus costs extra

 

Technical Specifications: Honda NX 500 E-Clutch (2026)

Country of Manufacture: Japan / Thailand

Engine: Liquid-cooled four-stroke parallel twin, SOHC, eight valves, PGM-FI, Euro 5+

Displacement: 471 cc, 67 mm × 66.8 mm

Compression Ratio: 10.7:1

Power: 35 kW / 47.6 hp at 8,500 rpm, A2-compliant from the factory

Torque: 43 Nm at 6,500 rpm

Transmission: Six-speed manual transmission; chain final drive; Assist and Slipper Clutch standard; Honda E-Clutch standard, new for MY2026: clutch lever no longer required, foot-operated gear changes remain

Electronics: HSTC traction control standard, switchable; ABS standard

Frame: Steel double-cradle frame

Front Suspension: 41 mm SHOWA SFF-BP, Separate Function Fork Big Piston, upside-down fork; separate-function tubes for springing, Big Piston, and damping

Rear Suspension: SHOWA monoshock with Pro-Link linkage; spring preload adjustable

Front Brakes: Dual discs; twin-piston calipers

Rear Brake: Disc brake

Wheels: Aluminum wire-spoke wheels, tubeless-compatible; 19-inch front, 17-inch rear

Front Tire: 110/80 R19

Rear Tire: 160/60 R17

Display: 5-inch color TFT with Honda RoadSync, navigation, music, phone; backlit four-way handlebar switch

Lighting: Full LED standard

Fully Fueled Weight: 180 kg

Seat Height: 830 mm

Wheelbase: 1,445 mm

Steering-Head Angle / Trail: 27.5 degrees / 108 mm

Fuel Capacity: 17.7 liters

Consumption / Range: 3.6 L/100 km; approx. 490 km range

License Class: A2, 35 kW from the factory; Category A upgrade possible

MY2026 Updates: Honda E-Clutch standard; new two-tone colors, all three options new for 2026. No technical changes to engine or suspension

2026 Colors: Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic/Pearl Bosporus Blue; Graphite Black/Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic; Pearl Horizon White/Matte Crypton Silver Metallic

Price in Germany: €8,429 including destination charges with E-Clutch. Version without E-Clutch available on request for riding schools

Warranty: 2 years with unlimited mileage as standard; paid extension through Honda GarantiePlus available