Honda has launched the NX500 with its proprietary E-Clutch technology at Rs 7.44 lakh (ex-showroom, India). In essence, the NX500 is now capable of handling gearshifts without the user having to operate the clutch lever, although the gear pedal needs to be operated manually. The rest of the bike stays identical to before, be it in terms of visuals, mechanicals and features.
- Except for E-Clutch, all mechanicals stay the same
- E-Clutch system adds 3 kilos, NX500 now weighs 199kg
- Available in two colours: white and black; bookings open now
Honda NX500 E-Clutch variant comes to India
In most ways, it is identical to its predecessor
Honda's E-Clutch uses a pair of electronic actuators to operate the clutch automatically when shifting gears or coming to a standstill and setting off. The user can assume manual control whenever they like and the bike comes with a conventional clutch lever and gear pedal. The E-Clutch is a rather compact mechanism and the NX500's weight has risen by just 3 kilos to 199kg now, with this system equipped. In the recent past, Honda sold the CB650R and CBR650R in E-Clutch guise although allocations for the past batch are all sold out and the bikes aren't currently on sale but are expected to return when Honda allots the next batch for India.
The rest of the NX500's mechanical arsenal remains the same with the familiar 471cc, twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine making the same 47hp at 8,500rpm and 43Nm of torque at 6,500rpm. The gearbox continues to use the same 6 ratios although the clutch is obviously different here. A USD fork / Monoshock (F/R) handle suspension duties and the NX500 rides on 19/17-inch (F/R) alloy wheels. Dual-channel ABS oversees the stopping power supplied by the twin 296mm disc brakes at the front mated to radially mounted Nissin calipers and a 240mm single rear disc brake with a single-piston caliper.
True to its brief, the NX remains a simple and uncluttered machine with a simple and well laid-out 5-inch TFT dash and basic but built to last switchgear complementing it. When it comes to electronic rider aids, the NX only comes with dual channel ABS and switchable traction control - there are no riding modes or other gizmos here to speak of and it even uses a cable-actuated throttle.
At Rs 7.44 lakh (ex-showroom, India), the NX500 is not a machine you'd call value for money - not even close. Its price with the E-Clutch tech has risen by Rs 1.11 lakh over the already expensive outgoing version which shipped with a conventional clutch. Its closest rivals are the BMW F 450 GS Trophy variant (Rs 5.30 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi) and the Kawasaki Versys 650 (Rs 8.63 lakh). The NX500's strengths lie in the fact that it brings Honda's reputation for bulletproof dependability, longevity and low running costs and expect the E Clutch version to find its niche in the market, like its predecessor did. The NX500 E-Clutch is available in two colours, white and black, with bookings open at all authorised Honda BigWing dealerships immediately.
Ved Janve
Rishaad Mody
Vishal Venugopal
