Honda has launched the NX500 at Rs 5.90 lakh, replacing the erstwhile CB500X, while costing Rs 11,000 more and bringing in some improvements and updates. At this price point, there are a number of other options available, with everything ranging from sportbikes to cruisers and other ADV options as well. Here are some similarly priced alternatives:
Kawasaki Eliminator
Rs 5.62 lakh
Kawasaki recently launched its second twin-cylinder cruiser in India, in the form of the recently unveiled Eliminator. It uses a bored-out version of the parallel-twin motor used in the Ninja 400, but houses it in the traditional long and low-slung form factor of a cruiser. It is priced at Rs 5.62 lakh (ex-showroom, India).
Yamaha YZF-R3
Rs 4.65 lakh
After a rather lengthy hiatus, Yamaha’s enjoyable little sportbike returned to the Indian market last month, but continues to be brought in as a CBU. As a result, it carries a rather hefty Rs 4.65 lakh price tag (considering its displacement and performance levels), but highlights include a smooth and characterful twin-cylinder motor, and a comfortable yet engaging riding experience.
Benelli TRK 502
Rs 6.35 lakh
Another adventure tourer option in this range is the Benelli TRK 502. In fact, this is the most direct rival to the new NX500, not only fitting into the same format, but also powered by a ~500cc parallel-twin motor. It is priced at Rs 6.35 lakh here in India, making it a little more expensive than the Honda.
Kawasaki Ninja 400
Rs 5.24 lakh
If serious performance is your cup of tea, then the Kawasaki Ninja 400 makes the most compelling argument in this price bracket. Powered by a peaky, high-revving 399cc parallel-twin, it delivers a thrilling ride, and takes an uncompromising approach that sacrifices everyday usability and comfort for outright performance. Here in India, it’s priced at Rs 5.24 lakh.
Other rivals
Though not its most direct competitors, the other bikes that are likely to feature on NX500 buyers’ radars are smaller adventure tourers like the KTM 390 Adventure (Rs 3.61 lakh), new Royal Enfield Himalayan (Rs 2.84 lakh to 2.99 lakh) and the Triumph Scrambler 400 X (Rs 2.63 lakh). At the opposite end of the spectrum, you may also be considering the larger, more powerful Kawasaki Versys 650 (Rs 7.77 lakh) and Moto Morini X-Cape 650 (Rs 7.20 lakh), which also get a parallel-twin motor.
