Great looking new bike. As an older guy, I think it's funny what some younger people think is weird. For example, look at the 1970's Honda CL 350 Where are the gauges? Same place as a million other bikes... in front of the handlebars. It doesn't look strange at all. That's how it's been forever on tons of bikes. One reason is because dirt bike handlebars have an extra support on the bar which gets in the way of the gauges. Next, the interesting idea that rear fenders are a problem or look bad. Why? They don't look bad at all and haven't for 100 years. Now all of the sudden a percentage of younger people have gotten the idea that you don't need a rear fender. A scrambler will be in the mud from time to time and riding through the mud with no rear fender is a good way to get your back covered with mud. Why do you want mud thrown all over your back? Anyway, I'm just giving you a hard time. Have a great day.
I can understand gauge confusion, but not wanting rear fender is hallmark of spoiled babies. Or someone who has never ride on Asian road in rainy season.🤣 For me as 30 Yr millennial the weirdest part of a scrambler is the raised muffler. But it was subjective opinion than objective one since it has actual function.
You're right about the rear fender not having any appeal to the youngins. My son picked up a Harley 48 sportster 1200cc and the first thing he was looking to do was remove the rear fender. I look at it and don't see any reason to pull it off. It's aesthetically appealing and it serves a purpose? lol Anyway , I'm happy for Birch's latest acquisition. Good luck with your new bike Birch.
I was leaning towards buying a Rebel 500. Sat on the Rebel and I felt a little cramped from the seat to the pegs. 5’9”. 32 inch inseam. And I felt that I had to reach forward for the handle bars. I saw the scrambler and bought it the next day. It fits me perfectly. And I love how nibble it is, comfortable,planted and easy to ride. Also being that the seat height is about 4” higher than the Rebel you have a better view of the road and any oncoming vehicles and such.😎
Cool bike. I especially like the flat seat, which allows for shifting the seating position. Reminds me of bikes I used to ride back in the day. Don't think I would change much on it except the exhaust, that is very large.
Love the bike, kinda thinking about trading in my ‘18 Shadow Phantom for this. Really intrigued to see if Honda makes a SCL based on the Rebel 1100 (SCL1100😏).
I’ve got a 2023 CBx and you have to love that motor. Slip on an aftermarket muffler (as you’re doing), put some decent foot pegs and tyres - and you’ll get a lot of fun out of the bike.
Could you possibly try a comparison between the SCL500 and Svartpilen 401? They both seem like wonderful beginner bikes that have all-around capabilities.
Congratulations on the new ride. Your brakes will get a bit better. They’re new and will need a little time to seat in to the rotors. Ride safe! Be well!
Beautiful bike. I almost ordered one when it was first announced but decided to go for a Kawasaki Z650rs instead. I have a quick question. I’m noticing that you’re not really concerned about engine break in. Is this still required with Honda or no? I was told to keep revs below 6K for first thousand kms. What are your thoughts? Is engine break in really still a thing with today’s bikes?
All engines have break in recommendations. 16 years turning wrencheshave my process of varying loads in all gears, staing out of read line, changing oil and filer after 600 miles (600 to 1200 miles) then have at ! Just my way of approaching break in periods.
My favourite 500cc bike currently on the market. I don't think the OE exhaust looks bad. My second bike is a KTM 390 Duke Mk2. I think I'd rather have one of these. Are you going to put a sissy bar on it? Kawasaki need to do a 500 [451cc] scrambler. Would you be tempted by an 1100 version of your new bike? To replace the big Rebel. Some useful detail in this review. Nick
I have owned 50 motorcycles and currently have an Africa Twin and this new orange CL500, this little 500 is my favorite of any bike I have ever ridden, its more fun kinda like a supermoto feel
I was interested in a Rebel 500 as an easy-going cruiser but this is catching my eye as it seems more nimble so you can lean in more. Seems like a good combination of long-ride comfort but also handling and control.
Really think about it, since the rebel 500 is waay better for passengers. Especially if you add the stock seat plus the GIVI Back rest/Sissy Bar vs the stock one which is tiny.
@@XstonedmonkeyzX Yeah, not really concerned with passengers as the bike will strictly be for 'me' time. I like the idea of having the comfort of a light cruiser, but also being able to more actively lean into corners, etc.
@@Fugettaboutit then you basically described the REBEL 500 🤣🤣 Trust me, I own one and since 2020 have put 18k miles on it! And If you change the tires to Michelin Commander II's, you'll get even more lean! The pegs rarely scratch the floor, and I do mean RAAARELY, and dont get damaged at all.
@@Fugettaboutiti believe this cheaper though...I'd go with this and put some braided brake lines, some nice double H pads and a slimmer exhaust can...boom, you got a nice little road bike
One of the reasons I bought the 2023 CL500 (SCL500 in USA) Scrambler was the stock exhaust pipe. Anyhoo, I do like that tank pad, very nice and that orange does pop! It's a little less subtle than my Mat Laurel Green Metallic but lovely all the same.
So I bought a 500 Rebel when they first came out and hated how it handled. This looks so much more agile. The seating position is also way more to my liking. Nice review.
Seat to what? It’s pads on a rotor. That’s a myth. The pads get scuffed a little but that’s about it. Brakes just get worse over time as the calipers get gunked up from the dust from the pads and the road. You have new brakes, after like 3 or 4 hard stops to scuff the pads they’re basically as good as they’ll ever be.
@@monkmoto1887I dunno about that my ducati multistrada v4s brakes are getting better and better with miles I'm at 1500 now and still seem to be improving
Very nice!! Congratulations Mike! Brakes are always worse on new bikes. They need to bite in (seat). Looking forward to see what you end up doing to this one.
Thanks dude!! Honestly I think the brakes aren’t as bad as I initially thought, it’s just cause I had come off a 45 min trip on the 1100 and was used to that stopping power. I took the CL for a quick rip today and the brakes felt more than adequate after coming straight from an ‘08 Accord 😂🤘🏻
Glad you bought one I’ve been interested in these for a while as I have a Ducati scrambler. Be good if they put the 750cc in it. Looks good I think. Nice one
The back brake on the 500 was crap. As it was my first bike I didn't really use it much because it had no power. When I got my Monkey, I was like 'Oh, this lever does something?' 🤣
Maybe it's the camera angle? Looks like your handle bars are canted to the right when you go straight down the road. I think I would still pick the CB500f.
Camera angle. GoPro is mounted in the center of my helmet, but the GoPro’s lens isn’t in the center of the camera. I’d 100% take this over a CB500F any day!
It looks awesome. It's definitely the best looking 500 to me. I best it's much more comfortable than the Rebel too since it has a higher seat. The Rebel felt very cramped to me at 6 foot tall.
Happy for you and can’t wait to see the new exhaust because that atrocity is the first thing I’d get rid of…fugly is an understatement on an otherwise nice looking bike!
that is a great looking bike. Just taught my wife how to ride clutch. She wants a rebel 500 but she loves the look of this bike. For a newer rider would you recommend this or the rebel? shes 5'10 and coming from a navi .
They’re both built around the same base, so I’d say if she prefers this style and we’re talking new vs new, then go with the CL500! Rebel gets the “new rider advantage” for low seat height, but if she’s comfortable with the Navi’s seat height then this will be a breeze. I think the CL’s seating position and suspension make it a win over the Rebel 500 all day 🤘🏻
Nothing wrong with the brakes! It is not a superbike!!! It is easy to stop the bike with only two fingers, I had the 500 x before with double front brakes, but this one gives me the same confidence!
As a fellow Marylander I have a question for you. I've been interested in getting into motorcycle riding for the last year and I live west in the mountains so we've got a little bit of everything from pave roads to dirt and gravel trails. That being said would you recommend this as a beginner bike? I've been riding mountain bikes for years and done a lot of downhilling so I'm not afraid of some speed and I'm quite confident on two wheels. The more I look into bikes the more I've been leaning towards scramblers over cruisers or sports bikes. Just kind of fits the same reasons why I got in the mountain biking. This Honda keeps popping up in most of my research and it seems to take all the right boxes for someone like me especially for that price tag for a first bike.
Nice bike, if it were a 500 single I’d buy it today. I know, I know who wants a 500 single - I do. I started riding 57 years ago on a single and I’d like a big single to be my last two wheeler. Good review, ride safe.
6:56 Great video so far, but for a while now I've been wondering, and I think this is a good example of when it'd be relevant, but getting to it What length inseam are you? "5'10 and super lanky" is mildly relatable to most, but knowing the inseam would help knowing the leg fitment all that much better.
Thanks dude!! Swingarm looks to be the same as the Rebel 500, so should be good. I don’t plan on abusing this thing, just more of a cafe racer with a little light off-roading thrown in 😎🤘🏻
I love the new scrambler and i love the fact that you showed the rise up coffee shop in Easton me and my brother used to go there all the time, brought back so many memories. If you get eh chance ride down Jamaica point rd in trappe md we used to live off that road and loved riding around back there by the choptank river and i think you will too
Did the Rebel 500 engine cover ever bug you? Im buying a new bike in this range and sat on one today. It didnt seem to stick out far enough to bug me but I havnt rode one.
Just looked at one at the dealer. Liked the looks, but that exhaust was a deal breaker for me. Is is possible to put a passenger on without cooking thier inner thigh?
Just finished the video. Looks like fun. Excited to see everything you do with this bike. I feel like this is your year I said that in like January. 2023 is your year can’t wait to see where it takes you
I was waiting for a CRF 300 LS, but had a chance to ride a CL500 a few weeks ago. Was thinking of downsizing from BMW1200 GSA. Was really impressed with the handling and responsiveness. Felt very well balanced. Decided to pass and stick with the 1200 for now but will get on a wait list. Not many have come in to dealers.
Would you say this is a better deal as a beginner bike than the rebel 500, also considering all possible accessories/upgrades? Love the channel man, keep it up🤌😩🤌
Just depends what you’re looking for in a bike since they’re totally different styles! Personally I would pick this over the Rebel 500 all day just based on my style of riding and the better suspension, seating position, etc. But also keep in mind that the Rebel’s been out longer so it’ll be easier to find a deal on a used one and there’s more aftermarket support currently. Hope that helps dude! Thanks for the support! 😎🤘🏻
Rebel is shorter by almost 100mm, that is obvious selling point for short rider. Otherwise there is no difference. If you're tall, 500X is probably even better option. (and better for touring anyway) They're all same frame, engine, and transmission. Just different legs and wheels.
Cool video, thanks. I'm thinking of downsizing my Rebel 1100cc DCT for this bike. My Rebel got 14,000 miles on it. I'm thinking of something smaller. How are the ergonomics? Like the reach for the handlebars? The Rebel is pulling my shoulders somewhat. Thanks for your answer . Enjoy the bike. I love the looks.
Sooooo I'm seeing a lot of stuff you can swap to the 1100. Like I'm wondering how much taller that suspension is. Also a heat shield like that makes the 1100 typewriter seem less doofy. Honestly they have kits to move the dash on the 500 already so you might be able to move it over. I liked honda before but this specific family of bikes is pretty killer.
Awesome! Really love my '22 Rebel 500 but I've been looking for more of a upright position bike, adventure style or something like this. Does your Honda dealership add markup like they do here in So-Cal?
I test rode this & the rebel. Went for the rebel as I preferred the lower riding position and i found the CL a little too skinny for my liking. Felt too much like a bicycle. But the looks of it are awesome and it was extremely light to flick around which was fun. & proper pokey!
Had a '71 CL175 Scrambler up until last year when I just got tired of doing more wrenching than riding. Replaced with a Tiger Sport 660, which I am enjoying, but I would defintely ahve picked this bike instead if it had been available. Dim display is my biggest negative, though that exhaust could become a problem. Don't remmeber it sticking out so much on my old bike.
What would be a better bike for me? Honda SCL500 or Honda Rebel 500? It's going to be my first bike and I will be using it for commuting and weekend camping. They both cost 8399 euros where I live (new). I personally like the look of Rebel 500 better, but I don't know which one to get since they cost the same.
im thinking about getting a versys 300 as my first bike next sunday, wanted a xr150 but theyre just so hard to get, the new CL500 is HOT but ive yet to see one in person
I'm looking at getting a smaller, lighter street bike. I already have a WR250R for dual-sport duties. The SCL500 looks pretty appealing but the CB500X is only a little more money and you get a lot more in a motorcycle.
Burch, I hope you make a lot of videos with this bike. I've had my GROM for a few months now and I'm itching for something bigger. I've always liked the look of Scramblers so I'm interested to see if Honda's made a good one.
Put some bar risers 1 1/8 with KTM orange bars I just don’t like the stock bars. Another option S&M Kawasaki bars in raw or maybe orange might look good.
The black version gives a complete picture and therefore, I can just imagine how awesome your 🏍️ would look if the fenders and sidepanels were painted in the matching orange colors.
The only thing I don’t like is the dash. If it’s a plain lcd it’s fine just make it easy to read and give me a tach. I’d rather just have cable driven analog dials if they’re not going to put something nice on it
Your channel has come along way since the beginning, some great footage of the bike there. This cl500 is more my cup of tea, just because I'm little taller bigger. The rebel is nice but I like this style better. This bike looks good in every color, I really like the green though. Love looks of this bike and wouldn't be cramped on in it.
@@LifeOfBurch I found the upgraded pads gave me stopping that was both stronger and more progressive. If you want still more an upgrade to a braided stainless brakeline would be worthwhile. On my Intruder 1400, a 600lb cruiser with a single weak mushy front disc; the braided line and EBC HH pads gave me braking that was solid and strong.
