Honda Canada offering powersports excitement with five new updated models including the NX500 adventure seeker, the Fireblade inspired CBR500R street machine, the aggressively styled CB500F, the enhanced, go anywhere Africa Twin and Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES
Honda Canada announced today an updated range of exciting and enhanced models joining its already robust adventure, sport and standard lineup. With motorcycle enthusiasts from across Canada being able see them up close at an upcoming motorcycle show near them beginning this weekend at the Vancouver Motorcycle and Powersports Show.
First up are the new Honda NX500, CB500F and CBR500R. These motorcycles have something for everyone with fresh styling and dynamics to match any riding style, whether you’re on a quick, street-focused commute, a long day in the saddle, or seeking adventure off the beaten path. These bikes are incredibly diverse and whether you’re learning to ride, upgrading power or adding a secondary lightweight bike, there is truly an option for every rider. Our latest 500cc series of motorcycles provide an excellent balance of features and technology, with exhilarating power at an affordable price.
Next are Honda’s legendary and premier adventure machines, the Dakar-inspired Africa Twin and Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES arriving in 2024 with a substantial performance increase, new tech and updates that enhance their already renowned capabilities. The big Twin, weekend warrior that is never limited by terrain, fully at home off or on road, also benefits from increased torque with an available manual or Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT only available on the Adventure Sports ES) to compliment any rider’s style and comfort. The Africa Twin provides long-range ability and all-round capability, offering adventure, excitement and fun wherever you’re riding.
2024 Honda NX500, CB500F and CBR500
NX500
The motorcycle formerly known as the CB500X, the new NX500 continues our adventurous tradition by injecting even more fun and excitement to Honda Canada’s ‘light middleweight’ lineup. It is a capable, supremely competent and adaptable motorcycle for a wide variety of owners.
NX means ‘New X-over’ which is exactly what the new NX500 is. Fun on a winding road, fun on a gravel trail and ready to go the distance, its all-round credentials are reinforced with an impressive update to its adventure styling. The wheels are lighter with the suspension settings upgraded to improve ride quality.
The NX500 can handle daily commutes while effortlessly transitioning to a weekend adventure tourer. Its perky, twin-cylinder engine produces real torque and drive from low rpm while revving hard up top – plus a chassis that gives a supremely comfortable ride off the beaten path and out on the open highway, all wrapped up in distinctive adventure styling. It can iron out rough road surfaces, with wide handlebars that provide confidence and support, with an upright riding position for additional comfort and a wide field of view.
Styling & Equipment
- Sharp new adventure style incorporates aerodynamics to improve stability at speed
- New LED headlight and taillight
- New 5-inch full colour TFT screen
- New, simplified left hand switchgear easy to use and backlit for night riding
Directed by the design theme of ‘Daily Crossover’, wherever it goes – city block, winding road, highway or gravel trail – the NX500 looks the part, wearing new style that mixes compact adventure-style usability with an imposing form.
A new LED headlight design maintains beam penetration but throws out wider light distribution for increased visibility when riding – and cornering – at night. It’s matched to a new LED taillight. All other lighting is also LED.
Premium technology – in the form of a brand new, 5-inch full colour TFT screen inherited from the XL750 Transalp – uses optical bonding to improve visibility in bright sunlight. By sealing the gap between the cover glass and TFT screen resin glare is reduced, and backlight transmittance improved.
A slim seat profile allows for free movement around the machine and aids easy ground reach, to help manoeuvrability the steering angle is 38° from center to full lock. Seat height is 830mm and the upright riding position is very accommodating, while providing excellent visibility.
Chassis
- 41mm Showa Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks
- Dual 296mm discs, Nissin radial mount four-piston calipers
- Lightweight wheels and swingarm
Light and strong, the 35mm diameter steel diamond-tube mainframe gives plenty of feedback to the rider as road surfaces change. The shape and position of the engine mounts, plus the frame’s rigidity balance, keep vibration to a minimum.
Wheelbase is 1445mm with rake and trail of 25.5°/102mm, and front/rear weight distribution is a perfect 50/50. Curb weight is 196kg. 3kg lighter than the CB500X.
Showa 41mm Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks divide the functions – Big Piston pressure separation damper in one leg, spring mechanism in the other – and reaction and ride quality are top notch. They feature 135mm axle travel (150mm cushion stroke) and have new spring rate and damping settings to improve reaction and feel for both road and off-road riding.
The single-tube shock absorber, with 135mm axle travel (60mm cushion stroke) has new settings to match the front and its large-diameter piston ensures excellent temperature management; it offers 5-stage preload adjustment. Constructed from 2mm steel, the swingarm employs a hollow cross member – it is stiff rotationally and flexible laterally to improve handling.
Completely new are the cast aluminium wheels. Going from a conventional Y-shaped 7-spoke design to lighter Y-shaped 5-spokes. This reduction weight reduction works with the revised suspension settings to improve handling and feel. The 19-inch front is matched to a 17-inch rear; trail-pattern tires are sized 110/80-R19 and 160/60-R17. Dual 296mm front discs are worked by Nissin axial mount, two-piston calipers; the rear 240mm disc a single-piston caliper.
Engine
- Lively twin-cylinder powerplant now equipped with Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)
- New PGM-FI settings improve low-rpm acceleration and power delivery across the rev-range
- Assist/slipper clutch eases upshifts and manages rear wheel through downshifts
The 471cc, 8-valve liquid-cooled parallel twin-cylinder layout offers a well-proportioned balance of physical size and willing, enjoyable power output, with an energetic, high-revving character and zappy top end. And it’s very much an engine whose overall performance and character belie its relatively small capacity.
HSTC manages rear wheel traction for increased peace of mind and rider confidence. The system compares front and rear wheel speeds to detect rear slip and controls the fuel injection to smoothly reduce torque. HSTC can also be turned off completely if the rider wishes.
Feeding the PGM-FI fuel injection is a more-or-less straight shot of airflow through the airbox and throttle bodies. Optimisation of ignition timing and air/fuel ratio equals more powerful acceleration feel from low rpm, with linear power delivery and throttle feel. The exhaust muffler features dual exit pipes, giving a sporting edge to each pulse, and a rasping high-rpm howl. A slick-changing six-speed gearbox is managed by an assist/slipper clutch, eliminating rear wheel ‘hop’ under hard braking and downshifting.
Selling Price – $9,422 (Includes freight, PDI and applicable fees)
MSRP $8,549
Colour – Pearl White
CB500F
The CB500F comes with an exciting twin-cylinder engine wrapped in a simple, lightweight, sporty chassis. One of the most versatile motorcycles on the market, the CB500F is fun, easy to ride and great for learning, all while being affordable to own and maintain.
For 2024, the CB500F also features aggressive new styling, high-end technology and a variety of detail upgrades that are sure to make it one of Canada’s most popular mid-level motorcycles.
Styling & Equipment
- New style incorporates aerodynamics that improve steering and agility
- New LED headlight and taillight
- New 5-inch full colour TFT screen
- New, simplified left hand switchgear is easy to use and backlit for night riding
The CB500F’s aggressive new look offers a ‘wedge’ silhouette weighted forward with a slim rear section, muscular fuel tank and sharp new nose cone fairing.
The geometric angles of the fairing also incorporate headlight side ducts that channel airflow smoothly around to the upper fuel tank. This aerodynamic package contributes to a linear steering feel with increased handling agility.
A new LED headlight design maintains beam penetration but throws out wider light distribution, for increased visibility when riding – and cornering – at night. It’s matched to a new sleek taillight, and all lighting is LED.
Premium technology, in the form of a brand new 5-inch full colour TFT screen uses optical bonding to improve visibility in bright sunlight. By sealing the gap between the cover glass and TFT screen with resin, glare is reduced, and backlight transmittance improved.
Tapered handlebars offer intuitive feel and leverage. Seat height is low at 785mm, making the CB500F easy to manage and its neutral riding position comfortably accommodates riders of any height.
Chassis
- 41mm Showa Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks
- Dual 296mm discs, Nissin radial mount four-piston calipers
- Lightweight wheels and swingarm
Light and strong the 35mm diameter steel diamond-tube mainframe gives plenty of feedback to the rider as road surfaces change. The shape and position of the engine mounts, plus the frame’s rigidity balance, keep vibration to a minimum.
Wheelbase is 1410mm with rake and trail of 25.5°/102mm, and front/rear weight distribution is a perfect 50/50. Curb weight is 188kg.
The CB500F features Showa 41mm Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks which divide the functions – Big Piston pressure separation damper in one leg, spring mechanism in the other – and reaction and ride quality are top draw.
Dual 296mm front discs are worked by Nissin radial-mount, four-piston calipers; the rear 240mm disc by a single-piston caliper. Lightweight rims use 5 Y-shaped spokes; the 3.5-inch front wears a 120/70-ZR17 tire, and the 4.5-inch rear a 160/60-ZR17 tire.
Engine
- Lively twin-cylinder powerplant now equipped with Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)
- New PGM-FI settings improve low-rpm acceleration and power delivery across the rev-range
- Assist/slipper clutch eases upshifts and manages rear wheel through downshifts
Selling Price – $9,072 (Includes freight, PDI and applicable fees)
MSRP ($8,199)
Colour – Mat Gunpowder Black Metallic
CBR500R
Fast, affordable and – most importantly – fun, CBR500R, injects an exhilarating sporting energy to Honda Canada’s new 500cc lineup. Hugely popular with younger riders looking to move up from a smaller machine, the CBR500R instils the excitement of sports bike ownership into every ride yet also delivers sensible running costs, making it a great bike to both commute through the working week and enjoy on the weekend.
The 2024 CBR500R is super sharp with ‘RR-R’ styling with enhanced performance, premium new screen technology making Honda’s ‘pocket rocket’ even more desirable. Crisp new CBR1000RR-R inspired bodywork and LED headlights gives the CBR500R a keener edge.
Premium new tech comes in the form of a 5-inch TFT screen – operated by an intuitive and easy-to-use lefthand switchgear. The twin-cylinder engine also benefits from the addition of Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) as well as ECU updates to improve acceleration. Chassis specification includes Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD forks as before, with dual radial-mount four-piston brake calipers.
Styling & Equipment
- New supersport style inspired by CBR1000RR-R Fireblade incorporates updated aerodynamics to improve steering and feedback
- New dual headlight and taillight
- New 5-inch full colour TFT screen
- New, simplified left hand switchgear easy to use and backlit for night riding
The CBR500R aggressive new bodywork is inspired by the racing DNA of its bigger Fireblade sibling. Sharp edges front to rear exude the essence of what makes a CBR a CBR. And there’s function to the form; the design includes winglets to direct airflow and the angles of the fairing. This aerodynamic package contributes to a linear steering feel with increased feedback for front tire grip.
New dual LED headlights maintain beam penetration but throw out wider light distribution, for increased visibility when riding – and cornering – at night. They’re matched to a new taillight; all lighting is LED.
Premium technology – including the new, 5-inch full colour TFT screen – uses optical bonding to improve visibility in bright sunlight. By sealing the gap between the cover glass and TFT screen with resin, glare is reduced, and backlight transmittance improved.
Seat height is low at 785mm, making the bike easy to manage and its sporting riding position comfortably accommodates riders of any height. Overall dimensions are 2080mm x 760mm x 1145mm, with 130mm ground clearance. The fuel tank holds 17.1L including reserve.
Chassis
- 41mm Showa Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks
- Dual 296mm discs, Nissin radial mount four-piston calipers
- Lightweight wheels and swingarm
Nimble responsiveness is what the CBR500R is all about. The view forward from the cockpit is pure sports. The handlebars clip on beneath the top yoke and as a result the riding position is unmistakably aggressive. The footpegs are purposeful, lightweight aluminium.
Wheelbase is 1410mm with rake and trail of 25.5°/102mm, and front/rear weight distribution of 50.7/49.3. Curb weight is 190kg.
Showa 41mm Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks divide the functions – Big Piston pressure separation damper in one leg, spring mechanism in the other – and reaction and ride quality are excellent.
The swingarm is constructed from 2mm steel and employs a hollow cross member; it is stiff rotationally, and flexible laterally to improve handling. The single-tube Showa rear shock absorber, with its large-diameter piston, ensures excellent response and temperature management and features 5-stage preload adjustment.
Dual 296mm front discs are worked by Nissin radial-mount, four-piston calipers; the rear 240mm disc a single-piston caliper. Lightweight rims use 5 Y-shaped spokes; the 3.5-inch front wears a 120/70-ZR17 tire, and the 4.5-inch rear a 160/60-ZR17 tire.
Engine
- Lively twin-cylinder powerplant now equipped with Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)
- New PGM-FI settings improve low-rpm acceleration and power delivery across the rev-range
- Assist/slipper clutch eases upshifts and manages rear wheel through downshifts
The 471cc, 8-valve liquid-cooled parallel twin-cylinder layout offers a well-proportioned balance of physical size and willing, enjoyable power, with an energetic, high-revving character and zappy top end. And it’s very much an engine whose overall performance and character belie its small capacity.
HSTC manages rear wheel traction for increased peace of mind and a real boost for rider confidence. The system compares front and rear wheel speeds to detect rear slip and controls the fuel injection to smoothly reduce torque. HSTC can also be turned off completely if the rider wishes.
Feeding the PGM-FI fuel injection is a more-or-less straight shot of airflow through the airbox and throttle bodies. Optimisation of ignition timing and air/fuel ratio equals more powerful acceleration feel from low rpm, with linear power delivery and throttle feel. The exhaust muffler features dual exit pipes, giving a sporting edge to each pulse, and a rasping high-rpm howl.
Bore and stroke are set at 67mm x 66.8mm and compression ratio is 10.7:1; the crankshaft pins are phased at 180° and a primary couple-balancer sits behind the cylinders, close to the bike’s centre of gravity. The primary and balancer gears use scissor gears, reducing noise. The crank counterweight is specifically shaped for couple-balance and its light weight allows the engine to spin freely, with reduced inertia.
A silent (SV Chain) cam chain has the surface of its pins treated with Vanadium, reducing friction with increased protection against wear. Inlet valve diameter is 26.0mm with exhaust valve diameter of 21.5mm.
A slick-changing six-speed gearbox is managed by an assist/slipper clutch, eliminating rear wheel ‘hop’ under hard braking and downshifting.
Selling Price – $9,322 (Includes freight, PDI and applicable fees)
MSRP $8,449
Colour – Grand Prix Red
2024 Africa Twin and Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES
For 2024, Honda’s premier adventure machine arrives with substantial performance increase, new technologies and updates that further enhance their thirst for adventure while increasing their overall capabilities.
The powerful, reliable and tried and tested 1084cc parallel twin engine remains at the heart of the Africa Twin family. For 2024 it benefits from significant performance increases in both power and torque. Power output remains the same as the previous year model, but a 7% increase in maximum torque is delivered earlier at 5,500rpm rather than 6,250rpm. Additional changes to the exhaust system also contribute to the increase in performance.
The Africa Twin will have a traditional manual transmission, while the Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES will be available with either a manual or a Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). The DCT system has been refined to benefit from the engine’s increased performance, shifting down earlier. The system also benefits from improved cornering detection and better initial launch between first and second gears.
Africa Twin
The new athletic, lightweight and sporty Africa Twin indicates another major step forward in the model’s evolution with more torque from the engine, a stage 5 adjustable windscreen and enhanced equipment levels that build further appeal into an already supremely desirable motorcycle. The bike returns with a rugged steel frame, CRF450R-derived aluminium swingarm, chassis geometry, suspension travel and ground clearance, all of which are unchanged.
Keeping its off-road performance-focused 21in front wheel, the Africa Twin now features tubeless tires as standard, that allow for swift puncture repairs when riding without the need to remove a wheel.
To make long-range road riding more comfortable, mounted to an updated, aggressively-designed front fairing, a new larger 5-way adjustable screen, offers maximum forward visibility or increased wind protection depending on rider choice.
Selling Price – $18,472 (Includes freight, PDI and applicable fees)
MSRP $17,299
Colour – Grand Prix Red
Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES
The adventure seeking Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES also benefits from a series of performance and practical updates for 2024 that further enhance its on-road, off-road and long-distance appeal.
Led by the addition of a new 19in front wheel, suspension stroke from the Showa EERA™ has been reduced by 20mm. Alongside the fitment of a wider front tire, these combine to give the rider more front-end grip and feedback, especially when fully loaded or two up, without dramatically compromising off-road performance. This change to the front end also lowers the centre of gravity of the Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES, contributing to improved low speed manoeuvrability and ground reach.\
Designed for the long-range ride, the Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES has had its front fairing aggressively redesigned to improve upper body wind deflection and aerodynamics. Like its sibling, it features a 5-level height adjustable screen. The seat is new and uses a +15mm thicker urethane foam cushion with optimised density to reduce long-distance riding fatigue.
Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES (Manual Transmission)
Selling Price – $22,322 (Includes freight, PDI and applicable fees)
MSRP $21,149
Colour – Pearl White
Source: Honda Canada
