Rentals
Honda NX500 Fuel Consumption & Range – 1,322 km Real-World Test
The Honda NX500 is a capable mid-sized touring motorcycle, but how economical is it when riding through the mountains of northern Vietnam? And how far can you realistically travel on a tank of petrol?
In October 2026 we decided to find out. We took our NX500 from Hanoi through Ba Bể Lake, Na Hang, Ha Giang, Bảo Lạc and Cao Bằng, spent two days riding to and from Bản Giốc Waterfall, then returned to Hanoi. We recorded the mileage, litres purchased and costs along the way.
The result was encouraging. Across 1,322 km of mountain roads, provincial highways and touring with luggage, we recorded an average of about 28.6 km per litre, or 3.50 litres per 100 km. Here’s what that means for anyone planning to tour Vietnam on an NX500.
How we tested the NX500
We were interested in fuel economy under real touring conditions rather than trying to produce an exceptional laboratory result. Northern Vietnam makes an interesting test: longer open stretches are mixed with steep climbs, slow villages, frequent bends and mountain descents.
The route and motorcycle
We departed Hanoi on 9 October 2026 with the odometer showing 4,380 km and a full tank. Our route passed Ba Bể Lake, Bảo Lạc and Cao Bằng, included local riding around Bản Giốc, and finished back in Hanoi on 15 October at 5,702 km.
TEST DETAILS
Motorcycle: Honda NX500
Engine: 471 cc parallel twin
Tank: 17.7 L
Dates: 9–15 October 2026
Start: 4,380 km – Finish: 5,702 km
Distance: 1,322 km
Riding: mountain roads, touring and local sightseeing
Luggage: Top Box / Tank Bag
The full-to-full method
We recorded each odometer reading and the fuel needed to fill up again. Divide the kilometres between fills by the litres added at the next stop and you have kilometres per litre. Divide litres by kilometres and multiply by 100 for L/100 km. This assumes refills reach comparable levels.
The figures are practical touring measurements, not a calibrated fuel laboratory test. Similar to what you would encounter on our 10-Day Due North Motorcycle Tour.
What fuel economy did we get?
Our entire trip covered 1,322 km and required approximately 46.20 litres of fuel after departure. The five post-departure fuel purchases cost 1,220,000 VND. That gives us 28.61 km/L, 3.50 L/100 km and approximately 923 VND per kilometre.
| Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| Total Distance | 1,322km |
| Fuel used | 46.20 L |
| Fuel purchases after departure | 1,220,000 VND |
| Average fuel economy | 28.61 km/L |
| Fuel consumption | 3.50 L / 100km |
| Cost per km | 923 VND |
| Cost per 100km | 92,300VND |
| Average fuel purchase price | 26,407 VND/L |
Complete fuel log
| Date | Location | Odometer | Distance since previous fill | Litres | Price paid (VND) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 Oct | Hanoi | 4,380 | 0 | 5.89 L | 160,000 |
| 9 Oct | Ba Be Lake | 4,750 | 370 km | 14.80 L | 340,000 |
| 11 Oct | Bao Lac | 5,040 | 290 km | 10.40 L | 300,000 |
| 13 Oct | Cao Bang City | 5,194 | 154 km | 5.52 L | 160,000 |
| 15 Oct | Cao Bang City | 5,431 | 237 km | 5.90 L | 170,000 |
| 15 Oct | Hanoi | 5,702 | 271 km | 9.58 L | 250,000 |
Results by riding section
| Route | KM | KM / L | L / 100KM | Fuel Cost / KM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hanoi – Ba Be Lake | 370 | 25.00 | 4.00 | 919 |
| Ba Be Lake – Bao Lac | 290 | 27.88 | 3.59 | 1,034 |
| Bao Lac – Cao Bang | 154 | 27.90 | 3.58 | 1,039 |
| Cao Bang – Cao Bang | 237 | 40.17 | 2.49 | 717 |
| Cao Bang – Hanoi | 271 | 28.29 | 3.54 | 923 |
| Overall | 1,322 | 28.61 | 3.50 | 923 |
Most sections delivered around 25–28 km/L. The local Cao Bằng/Bản Giốc figure of about 40 km/L was unusually high. Both relevant fills were reported as to the brim, but we would still treat that one leg as an outlier rather than promise similar results to every rider. For conservative budgeting, 25–28 km/L is a sensible planning range.
Comparing Honda’s published figure
Honda Vietnam quotes fuel consumption of approximately 3.74 L/100 km for the NX500, equal to 26.7 km/L. Our overall result of 3.50 L/100 km was about 6.5% lower consumption. That is a comparison between different testing conditions, not proof that every NX500 will outperform the official figure. Source for CMS verification: https://www.honda.com.vn/xe-may/san-pham/nx500
How far will an NX500 go on a tank?
The NX500 has a 17.7-litre tank. At our trip average of 28.61 km/L, a full tank has a mathematical range of about 506 km. In practice you should not treat all of that as usable touring range.
| KM/L | L/100KM | Theoretical Range |
|---|---|---|
| 25.0 | 4.00 | 443 km |
| 27.0 | 3.70 | 478 km |
| 28.61 | 3.50 | 506 km |
| 30.0 | 3.33 | 531 km |
Our touring advice is to plan a fuel stop at roughly 300–350 km, especially in remote northern mountain areas. That leaves flexibility for a missed station, a scenic detour, or slower-than-expected riding. We would much rather top up early than arrive in the middle of nowhere looking for petrol. Before refuelling you might want to check out our motorcycle fuel guide.
What is each fuel-gauge block worth?
The NX500 fuel gauge has six blocks. If we simply divide its 17.7-litre tank evenly, each block represents 2.95 litres. At our recorded 28.61 km/L average, that’s approximately 84 km of range and 78,000 VND of petrol per block, assuming petrol at 26,400 VND/L.
This is useful information for anyone considering a long-distance one-way rental or tour through Vietnam.
Six-block fuel gauge estimate
| Blocks | Litres | Theoretical km remaining | Approx Fuel value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 17.70 | 506 | 467,000 vnd |
| 5 | 14.75 | 422 | 389,000 vnd |
| 4 | 11.80 | 338 | 312,000 vnd |
| 3 | 8.85 | 253 | 234,000 vnd |
| 2 | 5.90 | 169 | 156,000 vnd |
| 1 | 2.95 | 84 | 78,000 vnd |
This is a useful mental shortcut, not a calibration of the actual fuel sensor. The tank shape, sensor position and movement of fuel mean the blocks may not be equal. Do not assume the last block guarantees 84 km; refuel before you are relying on it.
Realistically, on tour you are unlikely to drive 500km in 1 day. This means you will be looking for fuel every 2nd or 3rd day.
We would suggest fueling when you reach 2 blocks. This means that you do not run out of fuel and also that there is enough fuel pressure in the system for it to function correctly.
Example touring fuel budgets
Knowing the likely fuel consumption for your vehicle for your tour can allow you to budget for fuel costs. You can then have funds in cash ready for quick payment at fuel stations rather than depend on other forms of payment.
Here are the rough figures to help you:
| Distance (km) | Approx Litres | Estimated Cost (VND) |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 3.50 | 92,300 |
| 200 | 6.99 | 184,600 |
| 300 | 10.49 | 276,900 |
| 500 | 17.48 | 461,500 |
| 1,000 | 34.97 | 923,000 |
| 1,500 | 52.43 | 1,384,500 |
| 2,000 | 69.90 | 1,846,000 |
Who is the NX500 best for?
The NX500 and CB500x have enough performance for overtaking and luggage while still giving relatively modest petrol bills. But fuel consumption is only one factor in choosing a touring bike: seat height, motorcycle weight, luggage, rider experience and road choice matter too. Riders who prefer a lighter machine may find an XR150L / XR190L or another smaller rental better suited to their trip.
FAQ
How many kilometres per litre does the Honda NX500 achieve?
On our 1,322 km northern Vietnam trip it averaged 28.61 km/L, or 3.50 L/100 km. For planning, allow a conservative 25–28 km/L depending on riding conditions.
How far can an NX500 go on a full tank?
At the observed overall average, a 17.7 L tank gives a mathematical range of around 506 km. We recommend looking for fuel after around 300–350 km in remote areas.
What does 100 km of NX500 riding cost in Vietnam?
Our October 2026 test averaged about 92,300 VND for every 100 km, based on actual reported fuel purchases.
How many kilometres does one fuel-gauge block represent?
Under an equal-sixths estimate, about 84 km per block. The real fuel gauge is not perfectly linear, so never rely on the last block as a fixed distance.
Is the Honda NX500 economical for a long Vietnam tour?
Our trip suggests yes. It covered mountains, local touring and long road sections with luggage while averaging roughly 3.5 L/100 km. Your results may differ with speed, road and load.
The NX500: a surprisingly economical touring bike
After 1,322 km in northern Vietnam, we were impressed by how little fuel our NX500 used. We recorded 28.61 km/L, or 3.50 L/100 km, at about 923 VND per kilometre. Although we’d plan fuel stops well ahead of the theoretical 500 km range, the bike proved a practical touring option.
If you’re considering the NX500, CB500X or another motorcycle for northern Vietnam, contact AZ Motorbikes and we’ll help you match the bike to your route.