After 55 yrs of riding, I have learned this truth: Buy the motorcycle that makes your heart skip a beat; the one that you love to turn and look at as you walk away from it after parking, or when you see your reflection in a shop window. The one that, when you are stopped at a traffic light or gas station, makes old men cry from sentimentality, because they used to own one or want one. The one that makes people who don't ride, want to get on the back and ride with you, or inspires them to take up riding. Motorcycles are not minivans; sure, we can choose a bike for practicality, and we can also eat only vanilla ice cream. Feel free to be bland. Thank you, Mr Darcy & The Old Man, for pointing out the blandness of this motorcycle. The only time I would ride this bike would be at night, so there would be no chance of me accidentally seeing it, and no possibility of anyone recognizing me on it. Designs like this being fed to buyers now and accepted as normal are a mix of hideous proportions, awkward shapes, and a betrayal of design principles which, not too many decades ago, considered form and beauty as a prerequisite, though not exclusive to functionality. Edward Turner, for example, who designed some of the most beautiful motorcycles ever created, which also set speed records, the Triumph T100 & T120, would be aghast if he could see the hideous creation that is the Honda NX500, brought to us by the same company who built the original Fireblade and the CB750; both world beaters. We are not required to spend our hard earned money on substandard designs which look so strange that history will never look upon them as classic or beautiful. Many utilitarian household items which are completely functional have been designed more cleverley than this motorcycle; a toilet comes to mind.

So in summary - it does everything well, it’s good build quality, it’s cheap to buy and run and it’s reliable. But you don’t like it’s looks - which is a subjective thing.

I have it for almost two months, and it is in white color. I don't find it ugly nor beautiful. But, since I bought it, all I got from people were the positive comments. Not single one negative. Cheers !

What i haven't seen anyone say about this bike, and how it seems to me, is that it's a modern UJM. It does everything fine, doesn't excell anywhere. It's the perfect comfy commuter, that can also trundle down a dirt track on occasion and doesn't mind sitting on the highway for hours. I like this for the same reason I like my Vstrom, it just works and its unpretentious. It's a bike to be daily ridden in any weather as a means of transport. I think it's great.

Calling it hideous is a bit over the top, bland perphaps, but it's honest and practical. Which is not what you would call most retro-classic-cruisers.

We appreciate the fact that you tell us straight up what you think of the bikes, without fear of recrimination. " It's a bit ugly, but a reliable steed" and "if it were me, I'd buy the Royal Himalayan 450 with it's more curvy look and analogish dials".

It's a modern looking bike. Inoffensive and utilitarian. It's designed to do a job/tick a box and that's it and many will be happy with it. They maybe drive Kia cars.

Although not a bike I'd personally choose, I think the NX500 is a very nicely styled bike: The double reverse-chevron shapes, the diamond elements when you're sitting on the bike and the trapezoidal, double-stacked headlight are all evocative of other popular bikes like Yamaha's Tracer GT, some of the latest KTMs and BMW's XR. The use of black plastic for the wearable/exposed parts is a good idea and look cheap to replace. I especially like how the side pods give good weather protection. The saddle looks comfortable and places the pillion a little higher to avoid helmet-headbutts. The screen is tall and narrow to avoid buffeting, but looks capable of taking the wind-pressure off the jacket closure area. As you say, Darcy: the bike rides & handles well and is easy to manoeuvre. It's clearly designed to be an accessible, comfortable machine with good economy. Whilst I understand your preference for a retro scrambler/trail bike look, that is not something likely to appeal to most potential riders of this machine - the peanut tank/round headlight/plank seat look is from WAY before their time. And anyway: retro bikes have been in vogue for some time now. I wonder if we'll see them fade away soon now everyone over 50 has dipped their toes into that pool? Overall, I consider this to be a stylish, practical and fun bike for someone commuting, hacking about at weekends and doing the occasional solo tour. Nice job, Honda! 👍

That was extremely harsh, Honda did not want to “do this in a classic way”. It’s not a classic bike, it’s a small adventure bike. Looks are subjective and IMHO, it’s a great looking bike for this particular niche.

While this bike is not particularly handsome, I would say it looks purposeful and well put together.

The old man looks younger with the short beard

i think they don’t really like the style. i could be wrong though.

Something I have noticed with these modern bikes is that they look good with a rider aboard, but weird without one. I think its to do with balancing the front fairing with the human on board so it looks better

Your love of Harley's and modern classics is well established, but I do think you're a little too close-minded about anything remotely modern. I think this is a decent looking, extremely functional all rounder, and good value as well. A bike for someone who wants to ride a bike as regular transport, not just pose on a big cruiser.

The Old Man suddenly appears much younger! 😁👍

Well, hmm. The thing is that I can’t help but like it. Barkbusters, skid plate, fender extender and some bags and you have a legit transcontinental 500cc. Not many of those. It will get you to work and back every day. It will roll up miles. Contrary to what you say, I think it can be pretty… fun, yeah, pretty fun. As far as looks, I would say, “durable”., which I seriously appreciate and even find an aesthetic value in it. They maybe need to work on the “fun” or “pretty” part for sure. But do not touch durable. What they should do imo is not copy Triumph or whatever classic line meme etc, but they should revise the seat, say, and make the comfort incredible without regard for cost on that one item. Really. Make the future comments become, “I thought it was a plain bike to look at, but this is the best seat I ever sat on.” Right now it’s not a great seat, it affects use, so that is something real. Replace every zinc bolt, nut and washer with stainless ones, or sell kits to do it yourself. Sell a purpose-made muffler made by Arrow or somebody. Play to strength. Durable, practical, comfortable, solid, fun. It sort of reminds me of what people said about K75’s. I love those ugly K75’s and bemoan their passing, full disclosure. I did not like K100’s and up from there to this day. But the humble K75 was something different and certainly was not winning loveliness prizes for classic moto design lines to match classic British - or even German - machines. Or H-D classic lines. None of it. So anyway, I don’t have one of these honda 500s, but I like them quite a bit. Disclosure, I am a fairly old guy with a very long list of owned bikes, a recovering classic BMW addict who dislikes current BMWs quite a lot and have a Moto Guzzi. Which is a bike I like as much as any bike I haver ever had. Will not ever be done with this wonderful, imperfectly perfect, rock of an M-G. Still, I do like that 500 Honda NX platform. So I respectfully completely disagree with you on this one. Sorry for going on about it, but so did you…

Looks are subjective so there’s no real point in wasting a quarter of the video complaining about how you don’t like the way it looks.

Nothing wrong with the styling, it’s subjective. I think most cruisers are hideous, others love them and that’s fine. Ride safe.

A good review actually. You sold me. I work as bike courier and I want one. More comfortable posture than my current 500, wind protection, slim & light and easy in traffic honda reliability and I'll stick on mudguard extension.

I know that exhaust noise on videos is not at all faithfully reproduced, but there are simply too many motorbikes these days that sound like my mum's old sewing machine.

I buy a mc for the practical use not the look of it and for me the NX 500 is perfeckt it almost dont use fuel and it is not to heavy easely to drive, no complicated annoying driving modes only simpel and great, modern look and tft display what more do you need? i am 64 year and had mc for my whole life and i find this bike very good for my driving style and needs! I had a 1200 a 900 a 450 and so on i sold my latest bike a Triumph 900 Rally Pro, i did not like it at all so i purchased this 500 and are very happy with that!

Looks like a good all rounder,commuting,touring,if you can only afford one bike this would be on my list,it gets the job done.

So much disdain towards this bike from many comments around here, even comparing it to toilets and such. You don't understand this bike. It's not meant for a nice, relaxing sunday ride to the pub. This bike is built to be capable. It's literally available in almost every corner of the world and it can do whatever you ask of it. It is meant for people that actually use it as a vehicle, rather than just a therapist (there's nothing wrong with that either!). Mr Darcy mentioned "you wouldn't want to do any off roading on it" - actually, you would. CB500X is actually one of the most popular off road tourers out there. You won't win any races, but you can definitely go pretty much everywhere with it. You get rally raid parts if you want to race it or jump it, but if you're not short, it would probably be better to just switch to a T7 or something else. It is stupid reliable and long lived, even for a Honda. There are many over 300-400k km on the odometer, with no parts required other than normal maintenance (oil, filters, pads and tires). This is a true globetrotter. And it is one of the few bikes that are sold pretty much anywhere in the world. I wouldn't call it hideous, but as an owner, I do understand why you say it's an ugly duckling that also sounds like a vacuum. Because it is / does, as it comes stock. However, I got mine fully farkled up (skid plate, crash bar, luggage, auxiliary lights, hand guards, screen, etc) and it looks different (I have the cb500x, not this version). It looks good, rugged, more "complete", if it makes any sense. I also have an exhaust that actually makes it sound nice and bassy, while not looking like a huge garbage can. And I rode mine through twisties, touring, city traffic, rocky single tracks, forest service roads, sand, rain, cold, fully loaded with a passenger, whatever. This thing is an underdog, it doesn't look like it can do it, but it actually does do it, whatever you want it to do. Calling this a toilet-like substandard utilitarian bike that will be forgotten by time is a statement of someone that spends more time looking at a bike parked in the garage than actually riding it. This is a bike for riders, not owners. While you spend your time gawking at your pretty motorcycles, 500x owners put miles on them. Which one is a better motorcycle then? One that is pretty to look at while gathering 15k miles in 15 years, or one that actually takes you places? Most probably both, but judging this bike poorly because it's not pretty is like judging a Harley because it's not capable of much. The harley is still cool to look at and lug around to your local pub, just as this is cool to actually ride for hundreds of thousands of miles with complete trust in its reliability. One of the few remaining modern UJMs.

Just wanna say, I bought moto guzzi v9 bober today. I am really excited. Thank you 🎉

I actually rather enjoy reviews from people who might not rave about a bike ( or any product really ) but give it a completely fair shake. I admit I've had my eye on the NX500 as well as Honda's other 500's for when I feel confident enough to move up from my old CG125, so a balanced review is deeply appreciated. Also the Ol' Man looked better with a full beard!

Great to see you both back together the banter between you both is so much fun 😂

Thank goodness someone else finds it ugly! i preferred the look of the old CB500x

That Honda engine would not match a retro styled motorcycle. It would look pretentious and once you'd start it, the sound would give it away, let alone the ride. I say that as a proud Enfield 350 owner; you don't need to throw retro styling at everything and anything. Certainly not at a plastic budget friendly Honda. It is, what it is. A contemporary, reliable, economical motorcycle with an upright seating position. Closer to a scooter than an adventure bike in fact. Sure, you can throw a Rally Raid kit on it and it will take you around the globe. That's what the design language is all about. But until you do, it's that good ol' boring 500, refreshed. Long comment...anyhow love your channel boys, great content and brilliantly presented! Fun!

*I love the grounded reality of this channel!!!* Retirement took a toll on my finances, but with my involvement in the digital market, $27,000 weekly returns has been life changing. AWESOME GOD❤️

To be honest I think it looks far better than the other Honda 500’s with this same engine. Saying that it is not for me, I would prefer something with character like a MotoGuzzi.

I rode a CB500X its predecessor because I have a back issue, and my XSR was hurting my back. A fellow at Superbike Factory recommended it as a proper solid bike with amazing ergonomics. I hated the way I looked. Took it for a spin and fell in love. I found a nice green one that was a bit nicer and it has grown on me. I prefer the CB500X I think they have made it worse somehow 😂. Love the beard either way. Do whatever you fancy at the time. I change it up regularly and sometimes regret it, too. It grows back, haha. It's so lovely to see you back. Keep up the great work you two, and congratulations on the 100k!

A great workhorse. LED lights are good, screen easily improved, upright, comfy slim and 85 mpg which gives it 250+ mile range. And decent service intervals. Oh and it does have connectvity which also uses the TFT screen to give directions when using your phone as a Sat Nav. Able to fit a multitude of top box and pannier options as well. Looks are also subjective, I like its rugged Tonka Toy looks. I bought one after looking at all the options including the new Himalayan (top heavy, poor wind protection, the original Himmy is nicer) and Triumph Scrambler ( great looks, not practical for me and would look hidious with panniers and big screen). Its dull, steady and reliable with no handling suprises, and when im using it for work in all weathers thats just what I need. I do have a Speed Twin 1200 though for looks and general posing though, but if I wanted to do a spot of touring, the Honda would be far and away the better choice. Jack of all trades, master of none as they say.

Ok, so my two cents is that it's an ultra modern styled bike that is an alternative to all the retro stuff that's coming out. Yeah, i don't think it represents me personally, but i also think it's a smart looking thing. My friend hates retro styling, so he'd probably go for this. Each to his own I guess.

I bought this bike yesterday and I absolutely love it! I can't wait to pick it up at the dealer in about 2 weeks, park my bike out on the street and turn around to look at it. It looks great and with some crash bars, extra high beems and knuckle guards this is going to be awesome. Everyone has their own preferences and that's totally fine! But for me, no other bike is gonna look more beautiful than my black Honda NX500:)

It really is not a pretty thing, but the practicality and value for money are quite good. Loading luggage on it and (in my case) hop over to England for a few days should be okay. Comparing it to something like a BMW GS, which basically does the same things, makes the Honda the winner for me.

V85 is probably the most classic looking adv on sale right now?

The CB500X looked ok, dunno why the chose to make it look more homogenised

To me it looks awesome. Previous model was vanilla.

Another detailed, real-world review. 👍 I think the NX is probably the modern iteration of the old CX500; a solid, reliable, do anything bike, where excitement didn't figure too highly in the design brief. Regarding the lack of a USB port, there is an optional accessory socket that fits on the dash, just above the left fork top where there is currently a round, black blanking grommet. Really looking forward to seeing, (or more accurately, hearing!) your next Honda, which, ironically, was launched together with the previously mentioned CX500. And two more different bikes I could not imagine!

I like, um, er, uh…I like the look of its reliability. There! I found something. All jokes aside, I don’t think it looks all that bad. Ok, one more joke. She has a great “personality”.

Good to see you back together.. couldn’t agree more about the NX500..

GREAT VIDEO, again !!!

It’s a great bike, perfect A2 compliant tourer. How old is Darcy jr, gives the impression like he’s ready for pipe and slippers.

O what joy! You both have opinions and aren't afraid to express them, candidly and without fear. I disagreed with almost all of your preconceptions and points of view but, no matter; the debate is all!

I love the new look, and this bike was built for me. A commuter/runabout. I wouldn't expect either of you to fall in love it for a couple of reasons. One you two are pretty tall (I'm 5'10") and you definitely could feel comfortable on a larger bike. I have owned both a CB500X and an Africa Twin. Both fun bikes, but neither the cruisers that you two seem to really go for. You are right though that this makes a great A2/Beginner bike.

Good looking bike in my eyes. And The Ol' Man looks younger without all the hair. 👍

The Honda XL250 and 500 looked great, would love a new one of those. New Himalayan is almost there, reminds me of an XL

I think all ‘adventure’ bikes look a bit odd. I wouldn’t buy one. Each to their own though 👍

Good to have your old man back you bath work good together . Why am I saying old i'm 66. Time to get my B M W 1971 R75 / 5 out early one Sunday morning before the traffic come out to kill me.

dunno, I think it has a 70-80's sci-fi vibe to it's looks, which makes me insta-like how it looks.

You guys look really enthusiastic! And who's the white bearded bloke in Darcy's video😂! Funny and good natured as usual. I don't have much to say on the bike either except that I'm sure it's reliable and could be a workhorse around town.

USB C is an opional accessory for this...and so is the body hugging crash bars...

Great job by presenting this lovely lil' Honda for what it is (instead of what them marketing folks are trying to sell it for), Lads 👍 Everything what's to say we did hear, easy to make up our minds 👍 A friend of mine has got one of the previous models, he's quite happy with it (especially its ridability and reliability. He was a bit surprised about the quality brakes of my Z900RS, though). As for Ol'man's beard: Never miss with a man's facial hairs. Hence, no comment from my side 😊

Looks fine. RE might have better looks but not the reliability. Good all round bike.

There's something rather nice about this bike. Not as an only bike maybe but as a commuter and for lanes.

I'd be curious what you guys would think of a yamaha scr950. Not sure how easy it would be to get one but I'd be curious

Honda NX500 is a practical bike that would be a good choice for commuting or as a second bike, but those looking for a stylish adventure bike might want to consider other options..But I don't like its design bro

Ultimately, this is not a bike that suits your channel and that's why it's fair to criticise the looks and overall design. For me, I think it's the perfect way into the Adventure bike world starting with an A2 licence compliance bike. It's a Honda and that comes with a huge benefit of reliability, price of servicing and repairs, good running costs and insurance costs should be competitively cheaper than other types of bikes. Colours are a bit dull - black, red or white,but that's typical of bike manufacturers these days. It's well balanced, fairly light and nimble on the road, easy to move around and a good riding position that adventure bikes provide. Is it a good bike? Absolutely in its genre and price bracket, but if you're looking for a good looking bike that stands out? Not really.

I have the previous iteration - a '23 plate CB500X.....a much better looking machine IMHO. I even turn around and sneak a look when it's parked up!

The beard looks better than the bike, IMHO.

You're right its not a 'soulful' bike. It's not beautiful or extremely desirable. It is however a bargain and as you say it's just so easy to ride, very confidence inspiring and a real world everyday bike. It's for the person who does travel not for a person who prances around on Sundays on flashy motorbikes. And yes the seat is comfortable for long distances , I rode 600 miles in one day from Girona to Paris after taking my bike to Marrakech. Because at £6,800 you have plenty left over to go on some real world trips.

They used to call the old deauville 650 and 700 'dullville' these take it to another level, saying that wish they'd make an NX750 with the new transalp's 90hp engine.

Yeah you said. Best feeling around the corners. For me that’s all that matters.

You guys did a great/ realistic review of this motorcycle (IMO, it's not for me, but it still is a very good do-it-all, pragmatic "riding tool".

As a geezer myself the old man. Looks good trimmed up.😎

Greetings, again, from Colorado. Darcy: I inadvertently re-watched your review of the '22 CB500X -- the motorcycle on which the NX500 is based. With respect, and appreciation for all the reviews you and your Da have provided, your taste seems to be evolving. The CB, while you clearly reported as "not your style," still merited some high praise and admiration. ("Is This The Best A2 Adventure Motorbike?") Just observing. I don't like the changes wrought by the new "NX" designation, but I did like the green machine ("CB") you reviewed. Thanks for reading. Best, John

Bring back the long beard Ol' man.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder! If you are not into adventure, dual sport, enduro, Dakar accents, you will not like it. These guys definitely are into retro, of yesteryear. Think, Steve McQueen!

Its not a looker but sure reliable 👍🏼

I agree with an earlier comment that this is just a modern UJM. Remove the front cowl, install a flat seat and you'd see more of its CB-series roots. Of course, the CB-series bikes were wildly popular, and I think today's midsize ADV bikes fill a similar place in the market. That said, I think I'll hang on to my Harley for awhile yet. On the beard, it looks like you've got a van dyke now. The previous look was a balbo, I think. If it was me, I would choose balbo. I think the van dyke requires you to wear racing leathers and wax poetic about desmodromic valves.

A fan of this modern adventure styling... having got rid of the bobber 1200 ( poor suspendies and throttle response) and bought a 400 Scrambler, I'm having a hoot, and its a sweet looking bike, quite classic looking... Honda...? No ta... Ride safe lads...😎👍

Very nice review guys. I have almost 2 thousand kms on mine. It seems like a solid bike overall, but new hondas has nothing to do with the old company standards. Mine has some rattles/squeaks from tank/plastics combinations and a "click" noise from the throttle which is pretty annoying and i don't know if it is a feature or a bug 😂. If i could go back on time i would go for the 500x one. Just some information for any1 interested in this bike. A bike made in Thailand with honda logos after all.

1. Round headlight 2. Bottom edge line of gas tank needs to be parallel to the ground. 3. Seat needs to be flat and finally 4, full size front fender, in defense of Honda every Retro they've introduced to the United States did not sell very well. Thanks for your review.

I already have 3k km on mine it's great in the city I go everywhere mopeds go here in Pattaya on the sidewalks off curbs, yards. So much traffic and I live on a farm so a lot of dirt rds and 100km to the city. Great fuel mileage this bike does it all and I have hard bags 35/55lt it looks awesome in black the red not so much and I have all the gaurds I cruised this 700km more comfortable then my 21 HD fatboy and for only 6k$us here in Thailand it's perfect me because the roads are hammered this thing takes it. it's comfortable, you mentioned the RI Himalayan I rode one and it has a very cheap feel. I love the NX the black with bags park it next to a street glide both good looking bikes

Great to see the ol man back.. I wouldn't take him on the back though 🎉, this bike, horses for courses, tech should be better though 😅 xx thanks guys xx

seems like a good allrounder. definitely something I like 😊

"Motorbike Snobs"~ This bike is safe, reliable, techy and thanks to Honda it performs much better than my Aerial Square 4. (50 miles and its rear gasket is leaking oil) I think it looks great and with computer algorithms this is what people will buy/desire! I rather drive my Prius than my Frog-eyed Sprite! 70th decade and I enjoy the retro look but it really sucked in the day for safety reliability and power.

I like the looks

I think it looks great

Probably a great practical bike to ride. These modern bikes are so much better than those from the 70's and 80's. When testing bikes a more open mind would be good, there are very few bad Japanese bikes today. 😂

I would be very curious to see you testing the Guzzi V85 TT

I think it's the best looking of all the Honda 500 variants.

The old man looks handsome beard or beardless but even more so whilst on the R18 which I’d love to see more of. Maybe film a long term owners review? Or perhaps regrow the beard and test beard oils? When the old man had the long beard I can’t imagine there was enough beard oil in the world to tend to it. Thanks for the terrific content and be well and safe.

The Ol’ Man should grow a handle bar moustache and a ponytail!

The old man looks younger with his new look ! I was very interested in buying the older 500X it suits my needs & budget , I was very dissatisfied with it as at speeds around 130 km/ hr I got terrible wind 💨 buffeting on my helmet I am 178 cm tall 5 f 11 .I do have a proper fitting Schuberth c4 pro helmet jut for Info & I did ride the Honda cb650 r & did not face this problem at speeds above 150 km / hr. I live in Germany & the recommended speed on the autobahn 🛣️ is 130 km/ hr. So I think the 500X is not the bike if you plan to ride say 50-100 km in stretch at min speed at 130 km / hr. I hope the NX has fixed this buffeting problem ! I think for people below 5f 10 will not have this buffeting problem !

The Ducati Desert Sled is what you’re looking for. Nearly all the same specs as a T7, but retro.

Everything function related is perfect, it just soo plain looking, they could really go full Dakar with lots of metal and tubes everywhere

Hey mr ol man, have u tried bootcut jeans? I think it might look good on you.

Black jacket, red tshirt and the white beard go very well with that black and red bike with white accents. Also, the bike is beautiful to my eyes, Royal Enfields on the other hand look to me like a sack of potatoes with two wheels attached to it. I am taking this cute NX500 over the fugly RE any day, any time!

Bikes like these are tools to do a job which they do very well, but your never going to fall in love with it. Totally agree with your comments about TRAIL bikes, when did they change to adventure bikes, let's face it 90% of folks idea of adventure is only riding to the cafe in the sunshine, bit like when Autumn changed to Autumnal, don't get it but that's just me❤atb lads

You need to see and ride the Honda CL500 scrambler. More to your liking I bet.

I think they had an idea about the front end all the way to and including the NX writing on the side. But then they forgot to do anything after that part of the bike, styling wise.

I’m 64 and have same basic opinion .

Hey ol' man, keep the goatee looks better than the beard, makes you look a lot Younger.

40 years ago in New Zealand we called them Dirt Bikes.

I'm interested in what you (two) think of the Moto Guzzi V85TT. The dealer network, here "across the pond," is a bit sparse. That aside, there's a lot to consider, given its combination of tech and heritage 90-degree V-twin. Thanks for reading. John in Colorado

At least the wheels will be easier to clean than those of my NC750X I suppose...🤔 As a commuter bike it will probably be quite good with its larger frame and sensible engine.

Short beard looks great! 20 years younger.

please do a vespa gts video

The only headturner in adventure category guys,is the one and the only crf1100 africa twin...