Honda NX500: What Else Can You Buy For ₹5.90 Lakh?

Honda spruced up its middleweight adventure tourer offering in India with the launch of the NX500. The successor to the CB500X delivers exactly what it promises which includes effortless highway cruising and handling the occasional broken tarmac with ease. However, since the motorcycle is brought to India via the CBU route, it has a steep asking price of ₹5.90 lakh. Here are five compelling alternatives that are in the same price ballpark:

Benelli Leoncino 500- (₹5.60 Lakh, Ex-showroom, Delhi)

The neo-retro style Benelli Leoncino was launched in India in 2019. Built by one of the oldest European manufacturers, the Leoncino was also the name of the first motorcycle built by the marque in 1951. Although the current Leoncino model is a modern interpretation of a scrambler, the bike’s styling still manages to enthuse that feeling of regality and nostalgia. Performance-wise, the Leoncino’s 500 cc parallel-twin engine with its 47.5 bhp/46 Nm output is on par with the NX500 (47 bhp/43 Nm), but the lack of proper wind protection and a heavy clutch keeps it from being versatile. 

Benelli TRK 502 and 502X (₹5.85 Lakh & ₹6.50 lakh, Ex-showroom, Delhi )

So, if the Leoncino doesn’t appeal to your tastes, and riding the open highway on full throttle is more like your cuppa, Benelli has the TRK adventure tourer options. Powered by the same 500 cc twin-cylinder engine both the TRK 502 and 502X can leisurely cruise the highway at 100-120 kmph all day long. Yes, the 235 kg kerb weight does make TRK-duo quite heavy, but once on the highway that weight barely comes into play. The bike has an imposing stance and aggressive styling. Thus, the TRK ADVs will surely turn heads every time you take it out for a spin. 

Kawasaki Eliminator -  (₹5.62 lakh, Ex-showroom, Delhi)

But if it's cruising that you solely crave, the Kawasaki Eliminator is another good alternative in this price range. Built around a steel trellis frame and powered by a 451 cc parallel-twin engine, the Kawasaki Eliminator is a sub-500 cc cruiser that has been designed and engineered to make it newbie-friendly. Its manageable engine, neutral ergonomics, agile chassis, and low seat height all come together really well, enough to charm some experienced riders as well. 

Kawasaki Z650 (₹6.65 lakh, Ex-showroom, Delhi)

The Kawasaki Z650 is bigger and more powerful than the NX500, and that is reflected in its price tag. But we include this naked streetfighter solely for how it makes us feel every time we ride it: effortless. Just like the NX500, the Kawasaki Z650 delivers on every front. And despite its sporty underpinnings, the Z650’s raised handlebar and rear-seat footpegs give a very comfortable yet sporty ergonomics, ideal for commuting and even a bit of high speed touring.