Japanese brand evolves by offering 5-inch TFT panel, but does not enable feature already available in other markets
Honda has updated its newest 500 motorcycles, launched in Brazil in 2025, for the 2027 model year. The changes were discreet, focused on aesthetics and a new color option in the palette. However, what has been expected since the launch of the models has not yet appeared in either the adventurous NX500 or the naked Honda CB 500 Hornet: the option of smartphone connectivity, technology that already exists on these same motorcycles in other countries.
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During the launch of the new Honda 500 motorcycles, the screen was one of the highlights. After all, the old CB 500F and CB 500X already had a digital panel, but limited to classic information such as speed, tachometer, fuel, odometer and others.
They were complete panels in terms of information, but they did not meet more advanced electronic features, such as different driving modes and connectivity with the cell phone. The new 5-inch TFT panel adopted in Honda’s 2027 models would allow for expanded connectivity
As a highlight, the technology has a 5-inch color screen and three viewing options (black, white and auto), speedometer, engine revs, fuel level, gear engaged, clock, consumption and autonomy. The screen also has different display modes and settings, all to display the trip data in detail to the pilot.
The entire screen is controlled by a four-way backlit joystick on the left grip.
One of the biggest uses of the equipment is connectivity with the smartphone through the Honda RoadSync system via Bluetooth. With this pairing, it is possible to have access to turn-by-turn navigation, phone calls, messages and audio control.
The app is already available on larger models of the brand, such as CB 1000R, CB 1000R Black Edition and X-ADV, but the reasons for the restriction to the new 500 and also to later variants, such as the new 650 and 750, remain unknown. According to Estadão, everything would be linked to the “time for approval” of the technology.
We asked Honda about the motivations for restricting smartphone connectivity on the brand’s new motorcycles, but, until the publication of this article, there has been no response yet.
