2023 Honda CL500 Scrambler Evaluate

2023 Honda CL500 Evaluate

Honda CL500 Scrambler Check by Wayne Vickers
Photographs by RbMotoLens

We’ve been huge followers of Honda’s little 471 cc parallel-twin platform for a great whereas right here at MCNews and for good cause. Candy little mill, effectively mannered and completely satisfied to have its ringer revved off once you really feel the necessity.

It’s seen success in quite a few completely different light-weight choices from the CB500X Journey Tourer in addition to the CB500F and R, all the way in which to the CMX500 Cruiser. The latter being primarily the sister bike to the brand new CL, which takes a retro scrambler route than the cruiser oriented CMX. And whereas the CMX has seen first rate gross sales success, I’d wager the brand new CL will show extra person pleasant than the low-slung cruiser.

Whereas the engine, primary metal body and surrounds are shared between the 2, a brand new sub-frame and swing-arm on the CL allows a way more beneficiant 150 mm of suspension journey. And with that after all comes significantly better bump compliance.

It additionally nudges the seat top up from 690 mm on the Insurgent to 790 on the CL. It’s nonetheless very low by anybody’s requirements with standover on the bike being a cinch and manoeuvring the bike round at a standstill useless straightforward.

I discovered the fuelling on this model new bike (it actually had zero kilometres on it after I picked it up), to be a bit of on the delicate aspect in comparison with most different Honda 500s I’ve ridden – it wouldn’t shock me if it that disappeared because it gained just a few extra kays and settled in. I do surprise if it’s a by-product of this fashions new air-box or greater exhaust set-up. Although I’m informed it has another minor changes together with a smoother backside finish and barely higher high finish. Arduous to choose both with out being again to again to be trustworthy..

That new exhaust I discussed? Arduous to overlook eh.. There’s a good bit of it. And its typical Honda tremendous duper quiet. There’s already a bunch of pretty cool retro styled equipment out there from Honda however I didn’t spot any mufflers. So, look after-market. Absolutely that’d be excessive on the want checklist.

The sprint show can be shared with the Insurgent and very similar to the one on the CB500F I examined some time again, it’s nigh on inconceivable to learn in plenty of circumstances.  Kind over performance right here I’m afraid.

I additionally discovered the precise hand aspect of the engine cowl touched the entrance of my boot when driving which, whereas technically not getting in my method as such, nonetheless felt odd in a ‘cramping my type’ kinda method.

Aside from that although, I reckon it’s principally excellent news. The suspension works effectively sufficient. It’s non adjustable on the entrance and adjustable for pre-load on the rear (helpful should you’re planning on loading it up or taking pilions with you).

Whereas it’s on the ‘consolation’ aspect of issues by way of set-up, it’s within the ballpark. So long as you don’t have grand visions of doing jumps or hitting whoops on this stuff, it’ll take in most bumps fairly effectively and solely begins to expire of functionality at in regards to the two inch pothole mark. Of which there are a lot out my method lol. Mild gravel corrugation and smaller potholes? Tick. Nevertheless it has its limits.

As do the brakes on gravel. The rear ABS specifically tended to not do a lot in any respect actually on something that wasn’t a full grip floor. On the tarmac they’re positive, even the only disc entrance, however simply go regular away from the sealed stuff.

Once more – positive for what the majority of newer riders who’re prone to be into one in all these I feel. Should you’re on the lookout for an aggressive gravel/off roader – I don’t suppose you’ll have learn this far. Moreover, you wouldn’t wish to danger dropping it off highway on the left hand aspect with the important thing being positioned there… or is that simply me that thinks like that?

The fact although is that the majority of those won’t ever see something apart from tarmac and that’s simply positive. As a result of I feel that’s the place they do their finest work. Dealing with-wise it steers fairly effectively really. The entrance finish feels surprisingly gentle and correct for what’s approaching the 200 mark by way of weight at 192 kg. I used to be shocked to learn that determine after my first few rides. It doesn’t really feel that heavy and is kind of the nice factor to peel by means of corners and roll on the throttle.

Different notable mentions? The switch-gear does look a bit of fundamental, nevertheless it all capabilities effectively sufficient. That stated, I did handle to unintentionally fats finger the horn quite a few occasions when attempting to go for the indicator as a substitute… Take that with a grain of salt as I’m leaping from bike to bike a bit. Nevertheless it does present up that it’s not fairly within the zone the place my left thumb expects it to be.

All in all although – I feel the CL makes plenty of sense – much more so than the CMX to me anyway. It’ll be extra comfy, simpler to trip all over the place with higher imaginative and prescient too. Higher, rough-road soaking suspension and nonetheless that nice little Honda twin at its coronary heart. And regardless that it solely has a 12 litre tank, that ought to nonetheless put you previous 300 kilometres between stops. The little twin is fairly frugal on the go-juice.

They’re out there in a bunch of colors, the Matt black on my bike was notably effectively completed, although I do love the look of the ‘Sweet Power Orange’ within the pics. Very retro.

For simply on ten grand trip away, with Honda construct high quality and supplier help, I anticipate to see quite a lot of on the market fairly quickly with riders grinning like Cheshire Cats.

Throw a few choices at it, possibly the 14 litre saddlebag that mounts on the left aspect and balances out the precise hand aspect muffler – and I’d must throw a slip-on on there. I’m unsure you’d have to do a lot else however clock up the kays.

I just like the CL500 Scrambler as a result of:

• Nice confirmed twin-cylinder engine and field
• A little bit extra trip top and journey over the Insurgent for a smoother trip
• Good and lightweight to trip, good steering, tremendous easy to only get out and trip.

I’d just like the Scrambler 500 extra if:

• That sprint. Do one thing with the readability. Please
• If the footpegs had been just a few centimetres again would that cease my shin entrance hitting the precise aspect engine cowl?
• The inventory muffler set-up seems to be ripe for substitute

Honda CL500 Specs

Honda CL500 Photographs