Honda NX500 E-Clutch Launched in India: 47 hp & ₹7.44 Lakh Price

The Japanese motorcycle manufacturer Honda has launched the new variant for its middleweight adventure-touring motorcycle, the Honda NX500, which is named the Honda NX500 E-Clutch; it is available for sale with the ex-showroom price of 7.44 lakh rupees, compared to the standard variant, it costs only ₹1.44 lakh more.

The E-Clutch in the name of the bike reflects that it comes with the E-Clutch system, which uses electronic actuators that manage the clutch operation automatically during gear upshifts/downshifts, starting from standstill, and stopping in traffic.

Notably, the clutch lever is still present, but now its operation isn’t mandatory to change gears. It doesn’t mean that the clutch lever that is present in the newly introduced variant is just for show; the rider still may operate it for manual control. 

The manufacturer has introduced the motorcycle with this new feature for the buyers who are looking for the more convenient and less tiring option for city driving and touring. They said that the addition of the E-Clutch system has just increased its kerb weight by 3 kg, as the standard variant’s kerb weight is 196 kg; the new one now weighs 199 kg.

With the addition of these new smart features of E-Clutch, the motorcycle is all set to give more tough competition to its main two rivals, which are the BMW F 450 GS and the Kawasaki Versys 650. 

Besides the addition of the E-Clutch system, there are no changes in the bike in terms of design and dimensions, features and technology, platform and underpinning, and powertrain and performance; it remains the same as its standard variant. Let’s explore its key specifications and features.

The bike is powered by a 471cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin DOHC PGM-FI fuel injection engine, which is bolted with a 6-speed manual in the pattern of 1↓ ↓ N ↑ 2 ↑ 3 ↑ 4 ↑ 5 ↑ 6, meaning 1-down, then a neutral, and then 5-ups. Notably, it features a chain drive, which is standard in the segment; rivals are also offered with the same drive type.

The engine generates the maximum power of 47 hp (35 kW) at 8,500 rpm and peak torque of 43 Nm (31.71 lb-ft) at 6,500 rpm, which helps the motorcycle accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in under 6 seconds, and its top speed is 165 km/h. In terms of performance, these figures are outstanding for the bike.

Its ARAI-certified fuel efficiency is 27.2 kmpl, but real-world mileage for city driving and highway cruising is 22-24 kmpl and 28-30 kmpl. It has a fuel tank of 17.5 litres, with the mix driving fuel efficiency of 25-27, giving it a range of 437.5-472.5 kilometres.

The length, width and height are 2,165 mm, 830 mm and 1,415 mm, respectively. The wheelbase of 1,445 mm works to improve efficiency, and the ground clearance of 180 mm is good to fight with the Indian road conditions; it helps the bike to easily pass the road breaker and potholes.

Its seat height is 830 mm and is ideal for riders between the heights of 5’7″ and 6’1″. To ensure a smooth riding experience, it features Showa 41 mm USD forks and a Pro-Link monoshock. The front and rear braking are managed by twin 296 mm discs and 240 mm discs, respectively. 

It comes with double-channel ABS, which prevents the wheel locking in case of sudden braking. The front and rear wheels are 19-inch with 110/80 tubeless tyres and 17-inch with 160/60 tubeless tyres in size, respectively. 

Features a 5-inch TFT colour display with Honda RoadSync connectivity, which shows call alerts, SMS alerts, side-by-side navigation, and even controls music. The LED headlights are designed in a modern way to give it an eye-catching look and better visibility during the nighttime.