Honda hints at new bike with recent trademark for NX500

The recent trademarks suggest that Honda may be preparing to expand its 500 range with new models.

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Japanese motorcycle maker Honda has reportedly filed for the NX and NX500 names in the European Union Intellectual Property Office recently.

The new name indirectly gives the impression that Honda will be introducing a new model soon.

Interestingly, the code name NX500 brings back the nostalgia of the NX500 and NX650 Dominator introduced by Honda from 1988 to 2003.

This indirectly gives the impression that the next NX500 refers to a ‘dual sport’ or ‘adventure’ motorcycle like the previous generation NX500.

Considering how the demand for such motorcycles is increasing around the world, so it is not surprising that the NX500 will be one of Honda’s new offerings for the global market.

The Honda CRF1100L, CB500X and CRF250L Rally as well as the (upcoming) Transalp 750 are physical proof that fans of ‘dual sport’ and ADV motorcycles are increasing every year due to their high durability as well as practical features.

The use of the NX name is also more relevant to revive the legacy of the NX500 and NX650, not to mention that the Dominator name is now the property of Norton Motorcycles.

In addition, the name NX is also synonymous with the history of Honda in Dakar where the prototype Honda NXR750V and NXR800V managed to record four consecutive victories from 1986 to 1989.

However, unlike the previous generation NX500 which used a single-cylinder engine, this latest NX500 is definitely powered by the same 471cc parallel-twin engine found on the CB500X.

The Honda CB500X is also expected to be the main basis for the development of the NX500, especially the frame and swingarm, but combined with a more aggressive and rugged design.

Honda has also filed the NX200 and NX150 names in several Southeast Asian countries. This directly suggests there are several NX variants to be offered alongside the NX500 soon.