What is the ground clearance of the Honda NX?
The ground clearance of the Honda NX varies by model and year; there isn’t a single universal figure. In general, you can expect roughly 170–230 mm (about 6.7–9.0 inches) depending on the specific NX variant you own.
Understanding the NX lineup and why clearance varies
The Honda NX family includes several distinct machines released across different eras. Each model was engineered with its own riding emphasis—city-friendly urban bikes, mid-displacement dual-sports, and larger off-road-oriented variants. Because of this, ground clearance is not standardized across the line and can shift with revisions, trim, and even regional versions.
To help you gauge what to expect, the following overview highlights typical clearance ranges reported for the most common NX models. These figures are approximate and can vary by year, market, and aftermarket changes.
Before you read the model-specific figures, note that the official specification sheet from Honda—or your bike’s owner’s manual—will provide the exact number for your machine.
- Honda NX125/150 (late 1980s–1990s): approximately 170–190 mm (6.7–7.5 inches).
- Honda NX250 (early 1990s): approximately 190–210 mm (7.5–8.3 inches).
- Honda NX650 Dominator (mid-1990s to early 2000s): approximately 210–230 mm (8.3–9.0 inches).
In short, the NX family spans a reasonable range of ground clearances, from compact, urban-focused variants to more robust dual-sport machines designed for rougher terrain. Always confirm the exact figure for your specific model and year with official documentation or a trusted technical source.
Model-by-model ground clearance overview
Honda NX125/150
The smaller displacement NX models were built with urban and light-duty off-road use in mind. Their ground clearance sits toward the lower end of the NX spectrum, reflecting their street-oriented design while still offering some light-duro capability. If you own one of these early bikes, expect the clearance to be in the approximate range noted above for the 125/150 class.
Honda NX250
The NX250 bridged the line between urban riding and more serious dirt capability. Its mid-range clearance accommodates light forest trails and gravel roads without sacrificing on-road stability. For most NX250 examples, the ground clearance falls in the mid portion of the NX spectrum.
Honda NX650 Dominator
The NX650 Dominator was the most off-road-oriented option in the traditional NX lineup, with tougher suspension and higher crawl clearance. This model typically features the highest ground clearance among NX bikes, aligning with its dual-sport heritage.
How to verify the exact ground clearance for your bike
Because the figures above are ranges that cover several years and regional variants, you should verify the precise measurement for your machine. Here are reliable ways to find the exact clearance:
- Consult the official Honda owner's manual or service manual for your specific model/year.
- Check the technical specifications on Honda's official website or the regional Honda press materials from your market.
- Look up the exact bike’s spec sheet on reputable motorcycle databases or dealership inventory pages for your exact VIN/year.
- Measure it directly: with the bike on level ground and the suspension at its normal ride height, measure from the ground to the lowest point of the bike (often the bottom of the engine sump or a skid plate) using a straight edge and a ruler or tape measure.
If you provide the exact NX model and year you’re interested in, I can pull the precise ground clearance figure from the corresponding spec sheet or reliable sources.
Why ground clearance matters
Ground clearance influences how comfortably a motorcycle can tackle uneven terrain, steep approaches, and obstacles. A higher clearance reduces the risk of bottoming out on rough surfaces but can affect handling and stability at speed. Conversely, lower clearance can improve cornering reflex and aero efficiency on paved roads but may limit off-road capability.
Summary
There isn’t a single ground clearance figure for the Honda NX line. The NX125/150, NX250, and NX650 Dominator each sit at different points on the clearance spectrum, reflecting their intended use. Always confirm the exact measurement for your specific model and year through official documentation or a trusted database, and consider your typical riding conditions when evaluating clearance needs.
