BMW S 1000 XR versus Honda NX 500

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW S 1000 XR

Crossover
Honda

Honda NX 500

Adventure

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2015 bis 2024~
Built von 2024 bis 2024~
RRP 19.690 €
RRP 7.500 €
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Pros:
  • Seating position fits small and big people
  • High-revving motor
  • Strong brakes
  • Very good standard equipment
Pros:
  • super easy handling
  • Very accessible bike, also suitable for beginners
  • Functional cockpit with TFT and navigation solution
  • Simplest operation
  • well-made all-rounder bike
Cons:
  • You just always want to step on the gas
Cons:
  • Windshield creates turbulence for many riders
  • tame sound
  • Clutch lever not adjustable

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.541 mm
Length :
2.156 mm Height : 1.460 mm
Seat :
850 mm
Weight :
227 (max: 450 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.445 mm
Length :
2.165 mm Height : 1.415 mm
Seat :
830 mm
Weight :
196 (max: 386 ) kg

Engine

Motor design: Number 4 Cylinder
Displacement: 999 ccm
Hub: 50 mm
Hole: 80 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Motor design: Number 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 471 ccm
Hub: 67 mm
Hole: 67 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 250 km/h
Performance: 170 HP at 11.000 U/Min
Torque: 114 NM bei 9.250 U/Min
Tank contents: 20 Litre
Consumption:
6 l
Reach:
323 km
Maximum speed: 175 km/h
Performance: 48 HP at 8.600 U/Min
Torque: 43 NM bei 6.500 U/Min
Tank contents: 18 Litre
Consumption:
4 l
Reach:
491 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Aluminium composite bridge frame, motor supporting (aluminium)
Front suspension:
Upside-down 45 mm (travel 150 mm)
Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 150 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 190/55 ZR 17
Front suspension:
Showa 41mm USD Fork
Rear suspension:
Central spring leg
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 110/80-19
Rear tyres: 160/60-17

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc brake, 4-piston fixed caliper ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc brake, 2-piston floating caliper ( 265 mm)
Front brake
Double disc ( 296 mm) Rear brake
Single pane ( 20 mm)

Conclusion - what gets stuck

Man, we had fun with the XR! The standard electronically adjustable ESA suspension really irons everything smoothly and yet this bike still gives you the necessary feedback about the road condition for sporty driving. That's the biggest difference between XR and GS: The XR is always sporty on the road, even if the 4-cylinder can purr at least theoretically like a kitten, that's not what you want as a driver! Better to throttle and loseprint like a cheetah. GS on the other hand: Rather quiet as a lion.
 
Whether the sportiness of the XR has a lasting effect or rather annoys, every driver has to decide for himself. What is clear, however, is that it travels more pleasantly on a GS, because you drive rather relaxed and there is no constant driving jerking or chain care.

The test motorcycle was provided to us by Bergmann & Söhne Pinneberg. There she stands as a guide and is happy about every test driver.

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price: 17.000€
  • Used (1 year old): 15,000€
  • Availability: since 2020
  • Colours: red, silver, colorful

Result

The Honda NX 500 is a simple but well-made A2 adventure bike. It convinces with impeccable and mega-easy handling and is therefore a perfect all-rounder for A2 riders and bikers who no longer feel like 250 kg + bullets. With 48 hp, you shouldn't expect any performance explosions, but that wouldn't fit the extremely good-natured overall impression of the NX 500 at all.
 
The test machine was kindly provided to us by motofun, a large Honda dealer in Kaltenkirchen (30 minutes north of Hamburg). There, the NX 500 will be available as a demonstrator for a test drive, along with many, many other Honda models. By the way, motofun also has a large number of used machines, so it's always worth a visit.

Price/availability/colours/years of manufacture

  • Price: 7.500€ (without B&B)
  • Used (3 years old): 5.000€ (CB500X)
  • Availability: NX 500 since 2024
  • Colors: red, white, black