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I drove the CL 500 yesterday for 45 min and I enjoyed it a lot. Very stabil, comfortable, easy to ride, agile and good push. I'm 5,7 and the seat high is ok for me - can't 100% flatfood but it's enough ground under my feet. I also like the exhaust in looking and sound. Loud enough for me with a slightly bass note. Compared to the Rebel the CL looks more masculine. Greetings from Germany.
Bought one already. First one at my local dealer. It was about time Honda came out with a bike like this. Its essentially a larger Monkey (which is a great thing). Seating position is waaay better than the Rebel too. Wish they had more accessories to give it some attitude/style....kind of like Ducati does with their scrambler.
I've put almost 400 miles on my SCL500 in about a month. I love everything about it. Im 6 foot 3 and its comfy as a good glove for me, handles the highways like a champ!!! If I were to focus on the negatives there are only 2 really: #1 There is no tachometer at all. (Honda previously advertised that it did come with a tach and then quickly edited their website when it was pointed out to them...I have the screenshots to prove it.) Kinda a huge part missing from the bike that's sooooo good in every other way for a new rider. Knowing your RPMs matter, regardless of engine compression and all the hooey people say in defense of Honda omitting a tach from this cluster. (False advertising alone is indefensible on any vehicle purchase imo!) #2 For those of us in the North American market it only comes in 2 colors: orange/green. Sure it has nothing to do with the bikes performance but you'd think that for a bike with so much thought into the style Honda wouldn't be so limiting to the consumers of one market. (Non North American buyers have several other options!) But maybe I'm still bitter about being told I was buying a bike with a tach and then being called a liar by their customer relations department....heh.
Totally agree I just got this bike with 4 miles and am around 740 now. I love it but coming from an 850 to 500 was a bit too much of a downgrade. All in all the bike looks great, performs well, and gets me where I need to go.
Definitely an interesting bike, especially for the work commute. I went and looked at one of these the other day, @ 6'4" 270 lb I found it surprisingly comfortable. If they wouldn't have low-balled The living daylights out of my trade I might have brought one home. Thanks for the content.
Pretty cool but I dislike the hard to see and tiny gauge from the Rebel. They should use the much better one from the CX500. I also don't like the high and giant muffler. All things considered, I would get the CX500 over this one. Great Video, Kevin.
I'm with you there bud! Sadly, I'd wager the penny pinchers came into play there with not wanting to fab up something to fit the CB500X / CBR500R / CB500F gauge display on the SCL and it only being used on that one specific model, to where they couldn't spread its cost against multiple models. I'm sure styling came into play there as well with them wanting to stick to something that's modeled after the old circular gauges from back in the day and not a big rectangle slapped there but yeah, when it comes to functionality - they could have opted for the other, despite not fitting into the whole retro theme. I gotta say, the muffler has grown on me after seeing it in person when compared to just seeing stock pictures / videos etc. Some of the aftermarket setups I've seen are taking it a step backwards from the stock setup, which is hard to imagine being possible lol but some of them are a step in the right direction. While I don't think it'll be a flop by any means and I think Honda did pretty good on it, they could've done a bit more and really hit a homerun on this thing but I think the whole playing into a budget - neutered what the possibilities could've been. It's a fine line to walk though and another reason why I'm glad I am not in motorcycle design lol! It's going to be super interesting to see though when it comes to how well this bike does in sales, against the rest of the 500 lineup. Appreciate ya watching and jumping in the conversation too bud ;)
I tjink exhuast systems and guages are where theyre always laxking. Guages are nearly in the stone age. A lot kf the exhuasts just look like they gave up hoping we will buy an aftermarket exhuast and hope the epa or any other corrupt agency wont bother us for doing it
I agree regarding the SCL looking better in person. Its kind of like a bigger Monkey bike feel (besides the hard seat) from what I gathered just sitting on one. I own a 2021 CB500X and was pondering something with less seat height as I'm short. Just not seeing any other big gains swapping to this besides seat height and a bit of retro vibe. Still very cool and accessories will help a lot I think. If you had a chance to ride one can you tell me if you feel it's similar to a CB500X feel? It has the same wheels and gearing. I value any insight you can share on this... your CB500X review back in the day tipped the hat for my final decision to purchase my 2021 back in 2021. Almost 8k absolutely trouble free miles later you were on point regarding how great it is. Thanks for any insight HondaKevin 🙂👍
I don’t know why they did this? The 500X is just as cool. Honda owners want a T7 competitor. The gap between the 500 and 1100 is too big. Adv riders want light weight, clearance and enough power to overtake on the highway…… like the T7.
First (if you didn't already beat me, Kev!) 🤣👍 I sure wish Honda would grace these smaller "scrambler" and "ADV" bikes with some spoked-tubeless rims. That would lend some off-road credibility to these bikes for off-road adventures. As always, great job with all of the specs and details! 👊😉👍 --QM
@andyor3114 Spokes allow the wheel rim to flex slightly for impacts, so the wheel is less likely to be damaged (cracked or broken) while riding off-road. The downside is that typical spoked rims aren't designed for tubeless tires and require tube-type tires. Most modern ADV and "scrambler" bikes (e.g., Aprilia, BMW, Triumph, etc) have spoked wheels with the spoke "nipples" that terminate outside of the tires bead area, which allows the use of tubeless tires. Cast wheels found on most street bikes don't flex or give at all under impact, so they are prone to cracking or completely failing under extreme use. This isn't uncommon when riding off-road and smashing over rocks. That's why ALL dirt bikes and serious adventure bikes use spoked rims. Cheers! 😉👍 --QM
@@QuasiMotardisn't there some kind of goop you can put in the tubes to prevent puncture? Think I heard about this on rocketman ch. Enjoy your channel Quas!
I bought this CL500 a few months ago, I live in Thailand it's about 1k-2k cheaper here than in the U.S.(we normally get free registration/free 2 year insurance here). We have 3 color options here in Thailand, orange/green/metallic black. I haven't been able to find the brown leather high seat though, I'm pretty sure you have this option in the U.S. I bought a big windshield for $80, well worth the purchase as it performs so much better. Overall the CL500 is a good bike but I can't recommend because of the crappy LCD Gauge brought over from the Rebel..Also, the position of the muffler causes me problems and finally the small tank is just unacceptable. I'll probably keep this Honda for a year or two, right now I'm looking to buy a Royal Enfield 411 or the 450 if/when that hits production. Keep in mind I take long road trips that lasts days/weeks, even months and that here in Thailand we can ride year round. gl on whatever decision you make.
Ok bike but likely will have Rebel problems. For some reason the other 500s seem to be bulletproof but not the Rebel. Besides folks trying to be trendy and the customizers I don't think it'll be a big hit unfortunately. If higher seat height is what your after, you might be a bigger guy looking for a bigger bike. The suspension seems way too wimpy to be taking offroad. Maybe up the driveway is all I'd trust it. But I rarely know what I'm talking about. Maybe they'll sell like hotcakes. If they actually deliver them that is.
Yep, all the dealership has over here are a bunch of Z50's and $10k dirt bikes. No scramblers, no Africa twins, no Transalps, no CB500x. They have some Rebels, all with DCT that nobody wants. lol
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I am seriously thinking about getting one of these, After riding several bikes for over 45 years mostly on Harley's I need to discover the endless back roads of dirt gravel and pavement.
I bought one two weeks ago. It has some problems, the forks have a clunking sound, when you grab the front brake and depress them. the fork springs are too soft, pumping them up and down will bottom them. the shifter is too short and too inboard making me pigeon toed just to shift. The throttle is very snatchy just off idle, adjusting the free play helps some. the engine seems to run very hot, my fan is working overtime. The pluses are the low seat height and the light weight.
I have been waiting for this video for awhile lol. Great video bud. Man I really like this bike. I think Honda did a great job on it and I think the price is right! Thanks for the video bud!!
lol yeaaah buddy! I'm with you there as I like it too. Do I wish Honda would've made some different decisions in certain aspects related to the suspension / brakes? 100%! But on the flipside, I can see why they didn't want to do that due to driving the price up and most people buying these - don't care if it has the same fork / brake setup as the CB500X / CBR500R / CB500F. They just want a basic setup and cool styling while at a cheaper price point, to which this bike delivers. You can't please everyone and if you do this or that, then there will always be someone wishing you did the latter. Which is why I'm glad I am not the one making decisions when it comes to these bikes as I would end up doing what I wanted, and it'd be waaaaay too expensive so they'd never sell and I'd be without a job lol! Here's to hoping this isn't Honda's first attempt to revive scrambler bikes in their lineup though and we see one built around the Hornet / Transalp 750 soon as that would be AWESOME! Before they do that though, the need to flippin' hurry up and get the Hornet and Transalp here in the states before people go mad lol! As always bud, I really appreciate the kind and supportive words. Thank you... ;)
If they did a Rebel 500 for taller people, and a CL500 with a super cool scrambler adventure option, including a bash plate, and knobblies, I'd have both.
Well done Honda, this will fill the hole between the CB road bike and the X. There is always a market for a simple bike. I like home service, so shims are a PIA as either means a dealer, or having the bike stripped down and exchanging shims.....not even sure if dealers still do that? The exhaust is classic CL, but would be better like a Himalayan, no baggage balance issues or awkwardness for a pillion.
If it had a tachometer and a gauge you could read in the sunlight… but 7-10 more hp to help get out of a bad spot at speed on the highway, I’d buy… as of now though I’m still browsing to see if I can find something that’s basically comparable, but just a tad more motor maybe a hair larger capacity fuel tank and still comfy for my 6’1” self.
This is the kind of book you hide in the woods while stealth camping, so get the green version. If you want an orange bike, get a KTM. I can tell you ahead of time, you will absolutely h8t3 having the key (and all your keys) dangling off on the side of the bike, and not up front and center between the front forks. I don't know why Honda switched to doing this to save a few bucks but it was a terrible design decision. For the life time of the bike you'll be taking your motorcycle key off your key ring, reminding yourself not to forget your key when you park, and then putting it back on your key ring. I can't tell you how ann**ing that gets.
I was ready to put a deposit down when it got first announced. Then I realized it only came in 2x extremely ugly colors: candy orange and green. Neither are part of my clothing pallet.
I'm sure you're not alone there bud, it's a shame we're only getting half of what other corners of the world are getting. Were you hoping for the blue or black? Or did none of them hit the spot for you? I do have to say though, if you haven't seen the green in person yet - I suggest checking it out before you mark it off the list entirely. I wasn't a fan of it from the initial pictures / videos but after seeing it in person, it went from a color I hated, to the one I'd pick if I were buying one today. The way it changes depending on the lighting is pretty cool and there's a lot of depth to it that's hard to portray through a lens. It's definitely not for everyone though. Appreciate ya watching and jumping in the conversation too bud ;)
@HondaProKevin Thanks for the reply. I own a CB500F white and red. I was hoping for blue & white. Thanks for the tipper on the green, but I'll still wait for a color I want. Cheers!
The tank is the only colored item on the bike. Could probably order a blue one from overseas. IMO but color matched fenders would help the bike out greatly too.
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Appreciate the feedback man! I know some people don't like them and yeah, I probably went a little too heavy on them in this video but at least in my head - they help break up my boring delivery of information and hopefully make a handful of you guys crack a smile and stick around for more of the video. Plus, it helps break up the tedious process of spending days editing these videos if I can make myself laugh a bit. But on the flipside, it could be running people off so it's a fine line to walk. lol yeah buddy, they definitely could've given that pack a better name! In their defense though, the description for it states: "The Scrambler Pack enhances the appearance of the CL500 by giving it a tough, off-road inspired look for that classic Scrambler appearance." So they're not trying to make it sound like it'll really help you on the adventure side of things but it'll definitely help give that "look" lol! In all seriousness though, after 15 years of selling motorcycles - the "look" is what most people are after, as crazy as it may sound. Whatever floats your boat though and as long as you're having fun on 2 wheels, I won't knock it. Appreciate ya watching and jumping in the conversation too ;)
I’ve never rode a bike before I was thinking about getting a rebel but none of the dealers have them in stock, they do have the scrambler in stock though. As a complete noob what’s the difference between the two?
@@joecamel6835…. Wrong. One is adjustable. The other isn’t. Plus you have never ridden the bike. Like other RU-vid comment experts- you think your opinion is true or even matters. Lol
Hahaha! That metallic in the paint is B-E-A-UTIFUL when the light hits it but maaaaan oh man does that Honda sticker on the tank ruin it for me with the background of it not matching. Most people probably won't care but it sticks out like a sore thumb to me. Appreciate ya watching and jumping in the conversation too ;)
For a few $ more the 500x offers usd showa bpf front forks, dual front discs, a decent swingarm, new vibration damping engine mounts and an lcd screen. Not a scrambler but hard to pass by...
Yessir, you nailed it! If Scrambler styling isn't something you HAVE to have, the CB500X brings a good bit more to the table for only 500 more bucks! It's going to be super interesting to see just how well the SCL does in sales when stacked up against the others in this segment. I hope it does well though, so Honda will dip their toes more into the whole scrambler segment and it doesn't end up like their last attempt into motards. Where they did a halfway attempt with the CRF230M, that turned out to be a flop and then were too scared to give it another try with a CRF250M or now, a CRF300M / CRF450M etc. Because I'd loooove to see them build a "real" scrambler wrapped around that new 750 engine from the Hornet / Transalp - that could be AWESOME, if done right! Appreciate ya watching and jumping in the conversation bud ;)
@@HondaProKevin Always! Let's not forget another motard flop with the fmx 650. Didn't go very well either. Honda missed the mark here with the cl 500 as they usually do...
And a bigger fuel tank. Also the seat height is about the same so that's nothing special. And the resale on the X is basically msrp for the 1st year and super low depreciation the next few years as long as it's taken care of. And just my opinion the X looks better.
En mayo de este año probé esta Honda. Prueba de 45 minutos por Madrid y El Pardo acompañada de una intensa lluvia durante quince minutos. Moto con 250 km de marcador. Me encantó la Honda CL500. El vivo es mucho más bonita que en fotos destacando el depósito pequeño, el motor y el asiento corrido. Calidad percibida buena, mejor que la Rebel que probé hace un par de años. No se siente pesada pero tampoco ligera en parado. En marcha se siente ligera. Posición erguida, piernas que no se notan encogidas, espalda recta y gran visibilidad. Por cierto, mido 1,71 m. Mando de embrague muy suave y de freno con buen tacto. No vibra en ningún sitio ni régimen. Suspensión muy suave y cómoda. Asiento medianamente duro pero no como una tabla. La rueda delantera de 19" se percibe muy aplomada. Entra más subviradora que la trasera. La moto es agradable y sencilla para conducir, potencia suficiente nunca escasa ni excesiva, buenos bajos del motor. Sonido bonito del motor. Una grandísima moto para todo, para el conductor experto que quiere una moto tranquila, pintona, económica y fiable y para el principiante en motos gordas. Moto sensata y todo terreno pero muy atractiva. Válida para el dia a dia y para viajes tranquilos mirando paisaje y a dúo. Me la compraría si no tuviese tantas motos: valor precio muy bueno. En lluvia no pierde compostura. Dos únicos inconvenientes de la moto: reposapiés delanteros que molestan al echar pies a tierra y tapa del embrague que sobresale que obliga a llevar la pierna derecha algo forzada.
I can see why the muffler is higher than the Rebel, I get it. It's a Scrambler, so. But that big ugly car muffler and hear shield is just plain stupid. The muffler could be much smaller and tucked in more, kinda like the old 305 Super Hawk used to have. And how the hell are you going to put those saddlebags over the ugly muffler without starting them on fire?
I really wanted to buy the SCL500. But, I just don't like the shape of the gas tank. Some people like it and that's OK for them. However, for me I just don't like it. I went to the dealership to see it and buy it but I changed my mind. If they would shape it like the prototypes we saw then it would be awesome and in my garage. Is Honda listening??
I’m really considering this as my next motorcycle. I have to say the only thing that I really dislike is that goofy exhaust and it would be replaced immediately
Oh yeah, for the $$ - that Triumph 400 X Scrambler is going to be hard to beat! The whole scrambler segment is definitely heating up and it's going to be interesting to see what the future holds for Honda's first attempt and if it leads to another, while the other manufacturers are REALLY stepping it up! Appreciate ya watching and jumping in the conversation too ;)
I just wish it had a usb plug and a slightly more aggressive tire from the factory. The display is dim AF too in the daytime. Other than that it's a great little bike.
Once again Honda using very cheap Honda logo on tank. You can see the outline of the clear part of sticker , how much more would it cost to use a higher quality decal?
I enjoy mine that i got yesterday iv put 114 miles on it and love it. I will say i wish it had a bit more for top end as i will be taking it on the interstate when riding to work but i can get it done its just very buzzy at 75mph
Oh yeah, I wish they would've done something else on the exhaust but I understand their constrains due to building this off an existing platform and being limited with what they could do. For me, it does look better in person but it still doesn't hit the spot and that's why soooo many people are looking forward to seeing what some of the aftermarket companies are going to come out with. lol yeah buddy, don't get me started on color choices - hence my little rant on that topic in the video. I can understand doing limited colors on a bike that may not be a quick seller and they're wanting to test the market etc as it does end up costing Honda more per color BUT they knew this has a strong potential to be a good seller. So limiting potential buyers based off of color choices, doesn't make a lot of sense. What really doesn't make a lot of sense though is with models like the CT125 (and others) that have a track record of selling like hot cakes, WHY would you not bring over other colors that the rest of the world sees? It would only increase sales on an already hot model when you don't have the sole color choice weeding out potential buyers when compared to if they had options. Which drives home why I'd love to be a fly on the wall in some of these meetings, just to see what their thought process is and why they do this versus that etc. It'd have to be super interesting! Appreciate ya watching and jumping in the conversation too bud ;)
Over seven grand out the door for a 500, no chrome {saves 'em $$$} and they can't even paint the fenders to match the tank. Not the Honda I knew!@@HondaProKevin
All the youtube "influencers" immediately black out any chrome Honda uses on their bikes. I think it's stupid but for some reason a certain age demographic does not like chrome. Unfortunately, Honda listened to that segment...
Perhaps it's that and satin black has been in vogue for years now {I was doing it in the early 70's}. My larger point is that they keep saving money on things like chrome plating and NOT chroming or painting the fenders, yet the prices keep going up - less stuff for more $$$@@wymotome
@newscam603 I agree that the fender should have been painted. But If folks really do take them off road then a black fender would be the preferred choice rather than having a painted fender scratched up. I'm 50/50 if they were being cheap or deliberate in their design.
The pegs are too high and the position of the legs and feet are a no sale for me. Just put the 500c.c. engine in the Rebel and I would be very satisfied.
Form over function....seems to have been inspired by the urban cafe culture rather than practicalities. The hopelessly small tank and single pannier sum it up. It's a pity it wasn't based on the CB500X platform, with twin front discs, upside down forks and a decent sized tank. That would have made a really usable scrambler. So, I'll be waiting for the new Triumph 400X - looks like it has the makings of a proper scrambler!
