I picked my CL500 in the morning I’m trading in my NT 1100 at 69 while still fit and active I find that I don’t need a heavy complicated bike anymore I don’t go far enough to warrant such a large bike so hopefully the little 500 will prove a good buy for my rides around Yorkshire 😊
Only 400 miles on mine so far, have to agree with your sentiment, not a rocket ship, yet very usable power, more than 90mpg without trying to be economical, great for back lane exploring, can also manage the faster roads if needed. Just back from a visit to London, I no longer have to commute, the CL would be a great option for city rides, nice and narrow for filtering. Sound was not too bad, could hear every word with headphones, just a bit quiet and a whistle from wind in the helmet. Keep'em coming, some lovely roads you have :)
Thanks very much . Yes the sound was audible but I wasn't at all happy with quality, It was due to having the wind filter on in camera settings ..it's much better without .I agree the CL would make a great city bike too. I'll be posting another ride tomorrow night which should be far better. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍
This is s cracking little bike from Honda. I test rode one some weeks back and was very impressed with it and if i had room for a third bike i think i would have bought it there and then I would definitely take it over the RE Scram and Himmy, not just for the extra power either, i'd have much more faith in the reliability and build quality of Honda over RE. I had the CB500X at one time for a few yrs, but i actually preferred this CL overt the CB. I keep asking myself if i should build another shed to house one of these.
Absolutely Jeff , buy a shed! ... It is a cracking little bike and rides really well. You are right of course , the RE Scram is frankly leagues behind in every way and for the price difference it's a no-brainer unless you really want the Scram 411 for it's looks. Thanks for watching. more vid's on the CL on the way👍
Thanks Mike ... If you are used to a windshield I would say give it a little time ...I've ridden bikes without one for years and feel no need for one at all on the CL and actually prefer it as they can cause as many issues as they solve ... thanks for watching👍
Moin David, my name‘s Andy and I live in Lower Saxony, Northern Germany. What a nice landscape around Wolverley. I follow your new vlogs since two weeks because I ordered my green CL 500 in April and from that minute on I‘m interested in authentic testimonials.
Hello Andy, and thank you. I will aim to show the beauty of Worcestershire as well as the CL500 and other bikes in my video's , It's great to know you appreciate the scenery😁. I'm trying to improve all the time , starting (I hope) tomorrow evening with another ride out featuring the lovely town of Bewdley on the river Severn, before more forest roads and a meet up with my biker mates at a small country cafe Thanks again.👍
Honda are making some affordable bikes with reliable engines , downsized both my bikes this year to cbr650r and rebel 500 which is the same engine as your cl 500. Did look at the cl 500 and prob would have ordered one but had a great deal on the rebel that was already in the showroom. Keep meaning to ride over to the food stop cafe not too far from north wales.
I downsized from an ST1300 to a 500X two years ago. I’ve never missed the power and my annual mileage has doubled. That says it all to me. These mid range bikes are perfect real world bikes for most people. Those riders who need to compensate for their failings by riding the latest £25,000 machine will probably never appreciate. Their loss.
Thanks David I agree the smaller bikes are more fun in many ways ..... On a side note I must apologise , cant believe how bad the sound was in my early videos !😒 Thanks for watching , much appreciated👍
Where you were at the top of the hill on the TT road, is that an old Roman road do you know? It seemed unusually straight. I'm coming around to thinking that for myself I would only need a mid sized bike...or 2. Glad you are enjoying it so much.
Yes Simon you are absolutely right I can't believe I didn't mention it on the video as I always think 'Roman Road' every time I see it ! A mid-sized bike does make a lot of sense but as I said it all depends what's important to you. Thanks for watching👍
It's a great look bike that's for sure. More usable for me at over 6ft tall than the rebel. That color looks great too. Looking for my wife but would like to be able to play with it too.
Hi, yes the Rebel is very low, almost unusable if your 6ft I would imagine. The CL's high seat option is very reasonably priced too ..maybe having both seats would be an idea ...thanks for watching👍
I have a KTM 390 Duke Mk2 as my second bike. I am thinking of selling it and getting a CL. I'm surprised it feels so light as it's a fair bit heavier than my 390. Still, the CL couldn't be described as remotely heavy. It's just that my 390 feels like a toy. Is there any storage under the seat? Very economical. I think this video has convinced me. Nice area and excellent review, David. Nick J
Hi Nick , if you look through my vids I have a walk around video that shows among other things the under seat storage. I also talk about the weight and how light it feels.... hope this helps 👍
Hi Henry . I've had a Bonneville with the same engine as yours and I would advise you test ride a CL first . You are right on paper there is little difference BUT the Triumph has a lot more torque which is actually more relevant on the road. The CL is a great little bike and far lighter but you will notice the power difference. ... thanks for watching👍
Thanks ...I've noticed the sound is poor, and I know why I had one of the settings wrong so I will do another one tomorrow ... Many thanks for comment👍
I currently ride a Himalayan, one of the benefits of riding a low power bike is pretty much any bike I upgrade to is going to be a massive power bump! I am very much intrigued by the CL500, I'm considering this or a used Street Scrambler for my next bike, I'm 6'2 and would like to have some passenger capacity again so I'm leaning towards the Triumph currently.
My previous bike was the Street Scrambler so I know both bikes well. The Triumph is more powerful for 2-up riding although a little lower in the seat and heavier. If at 6'2 you find it comfortable I would lean towards the Triumph ,however after a Himalayan both will indeed feel more powerful . You would find the CL quite small and narrow at first whereas the Triumph would feel physically similar to the Himalayan but lower to the ground. Thanks for watching👍
@@WyreForestBiker oh wow, I wouldn't have expected the CL to feel smaller than the Himalayan! The Himi is already quite a small bike compared with what I'm used to tbh, hopefully I'll encounter a CL in person soon so I can size it up.
@Geshmaal hi ... yes the CL is definitely smaller than the Himalayan . All the Royal Enfield's are in fact large bikes for their capacity except the Hunter ... thanks for watching 👍
I have a difficult time following British English - you named the small town you skirted but I didn't catch the name --- what is the town and area called that this ride covered?
I must say your Cl definitely looks like it is punchier than my 500x was so that gearing has clearly made a difference although I think you do seem to be getting a few mpg less. I also have a 1997 CB500 twin which is a keeper for me and that bike has some punch and is also better at the top end than my 500x was. In most circumstances a 500 is a perfectly capable bike but on longer journeys on faster roads I just find a larger capacity bike more comfortable.
Thanks Mika, I would agree with your views. for long trips at higher speeds a bigger bike can be more relaxing . Like all thigs each bike has it's strength's and weaknesses.... thanks for watching👍
@@davidmatthews3093 I said that I find a larger capacity bike better for long distances and faster roads. You may have a different opinion but, for me, I don't think I would ever go down to a 47hp bike unless I was finding a big bike too heavy. We can all have a different view.
Be glad the sound isn't great. Talking from experience here, if it wasn't that muffled, the wind noise would make it unbearable and we couldn't understand anything you say. I've binned my share of audio files exactly because the wind noise was all one could hear. The video itself, not what you're saying, is the old worn formula. Chest mounted camera, ride about... You could do this in your living room.
Yes I take your point! I did do a previous video though without the wind noise elimination switched on and it was much clearer ( Take a look ) I think keeping the noise elimination off and a little more wind protection of the mic and it would be perfect. Thanks for your advice ..appreciate it.
@@WyreForestBiker I've seen it. To have it done digitally you need to open the wallet. Maybe not a viable option. I would try a better suited microphone designed for that specific task. Probably not cheap either. People have tried fluffy microphone covers with some degree of success, but I can't comment on that. The only way I could make it work was simply riding slow. Which is not always what's needed. Another option is to record your thoughts on the road, use that file for your memory, and then record again and do a voice over.
@@zefautino Yes riding slowly is the answer . In all honesty I'm trying to make the most from a basic (cheap) set-up , seeing it as a bit of a challenge! The other limiting factor is the quality of the pre-amp in the camera but I'm hoping I can get a set-up where I get decent sound up to around 60mph ... next video up tonight , lets see how it goes🤞... thanks for watching.
![ARGENTINA vs. BOLIVIA [6-0] | RESUMEN | ELIMINATORIAS SUDAMERICANAS | FECHA 10](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/C3wPtKNbAOA/mqdefault.jpg)
You've got so much better views than we do here in the states.
You crazy ? Our huge country has it all, including breath taking views all over the place..now our government that's the bad part.
@@leeinwis I guess beauty is in the eyes of the beer holder
I traded in my 103 cubic inch Harley Davidson for this bike. This bike is so perfect for me being older with bad knees.
Hi Mike . There's a lot to be said for a lighter more manageable bike , it can re-ignite your love of biking .... thanks for the comment 👍
I picked my CL500 in the morning I’m trading in my NT 1100 at 69 while still fit and active I find that I don’t need a heavy complicated bike anymore I don’t go far enough to warrant such a large bike so hopefully the little 500 will prove a good buy for my rides around Yorkshire 😊
Only 400 miles on mine so far, have to agree with your sentiment, not a rocket ship, yet very usable power, more than 90mpg without trying to be economical, great for back lane exploring, can also manage the faster roads if needed. Just back from a visit to London, I no longer have to commute, the CL would be a great option for city rides, nice and narrow for filtering. Sound was not too bad, could hear every word with headphones, just a bit quiet and a whistle from wind in the helmet. Keep'em coming, some lovely roads you have :)
Thanks very much . Yes the sound was audible but I wasn't at all happy with quality, It was due to having the wind filter on in camera settings ..it's much better without .I agree the CL would make a great city bike too. I'll be posting another ride tomorrow night which should be far better. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍
This is s cracking little bike from Honda. I test rode one some weeks back and was very impressed with it and if i had room for a third bike i think i would have bought it there and then I would definitely take it over the RE Scram and Himmy, not just for the extra power either, i'd have much more faith in the reliability and build quality of Honda over RE.
I had the CB500X at one time for a few yrs, but i actually preferred this CL overt the CB. I keep asking myself if i should build another shed to house one of these.
Absolutely Jeff , buy a shed! ... It is a cracking little bike and rides really well. You are right of course , the RE Scram is frankly leagues behind in every way and for the price difference it's a no-brainer unless you really want the Scram 411 for it's looks. Thanks for watching. more vid's on the CL on the way👍
Hello, because of you i bought one yesterday. So i leave a Subscription. Thanks and greetings from Recklinghausen/Germany.
Hello . . That's fantastic I really hope you enjoy the bike. Keep me informed how you get on with it 😊😊👍👍
I got mine Friday. Needs a windshield bad. I absolutely love this bike.
Thanks Mike ... If you are used to a windshield I would say give it a little time ...I've ridden bikes without one for years and feel no need for one at all on the CL and actually prefer it as they can cause as many issues as they solve ... thanks for watching👍
Moin David,
my name‘s Andy and I live in Lower Saxony, Northern Germany.
What a nice landscape around Wolverley.
I follow your new vlogs since two weeks because I
ordered my green CL 500 in April and from that minute on I‘m interested in authentic testimonials.
Hello Andy, and thank you. I will aim to show the beauty of Worcestershire as well as the CL500 and other bikes in my video's , It's great to know you appreciate the scenery😁. I'm trying to improve all the time , starting (I hope) tomorrow evening with another ride out featuring the lovely town of Bewdley on the river Severn, before more forest roads and a meet up with my biker mates at a small country cafe Thanks again.👍
Good to get your feedback on this bike.
Looking forward to more videos 😊
Cheers David .. Part 2 is on the way 👍 ... Thanks for watching
Excellent video I know those roads well also very interesting watching the CL500 perform one bike definitely on my radar 👍 cheers
Thanks Brian , glad you enjoyed the video 👍
Honda are making some affordable bikes with reliable engines , downsized both my bikes this year to cbr650r and rebel 500 which is the same engine as your cl 500. Did look at the cl 500 and prob would have ordered one but had a great deal on the rebel that was already in the showroom. Keep meaning to ride over to the food stop cafe not too far from north wales.
I downsized from an ST1300 to a 500X two years ago. I’ve never missed the power and my annual mileage has doubled. That says it all to me. These mid range bikes are perfect real world bikes for most people. Those riders who need to compensate for their failings by riding the latest £25,000 machine will probably never appreciate. Their loss.
Thanks David I agree the smaller bikes are more fun in many ways ..... On a side note I must apologise , cant believe how bad the sound was in my early videos !😒
Thanks for watching , much appreciated👍
Where you were at the top of the hill on the TT road, is that an old Roman road do you know? It seemed unusually straight. I'm coming around to thinking that for myself I would only need a mid sized bike...or 2. Glad you are enjoying it so much.
Yes Simon you are absolutely right I can't believe I didn't mention it on the video as I always think 'Roman Road' every time I see it ! A mid-sized bike does make a lot of sense but as I said it all depends what's important to you. Thanks for watching👍
Could you do a video on your thoughts of the cl500 vs triumph street scrambler?
Yes I will , I thanks for watching👍
It's a great look bike that's for sure. More usable for me at over 6ft tall than the rebel. That color looks great too. Looking for my wife but would like to be able to play with it too.
Hi, yes the Rebel is very low, almost unusable if your 6ft I would imagine. The CL's high seat option is very reasonably priced too ..maybe having both seats would be an idea ...thanks for watching👍
I have a KTM 390 Duke Mk2 as my second bike. I am thinking of selling it and getting a CL. I'm surprised it feels so light as it's a fair bit heavier than my 390. Still, the CL couldn't be described as remotely heavy. It's just that my 390 feels like a toy. Is there any storage under the seat? Very economical. I think this video has convinced me.
Nice area and excellent review, David. Nick J
Hi Nick , if you look through my vids I have a walk around video that shows among other things the under seat storage. I also talk about the weight and how light it feels.... hope this helps 👍
@@WyreForestBiker Watched it. Thanks a lot. Nick J
Some beautiful roads you got over there. But a bit scary as well I'd say 😬
Scary? no I wouldn't say so ( apart from the Squirrels!! 😂... thanks for watching👍
The wideangle lenses make everything very fast.
@@cptntwang I think it has more to do with a lot of them were built for carriages rather than cars and trucks😉
Nice one, thinking of trading in my 2017 Street twin for a CL, there's only 8 BHP difference but a lot less weight...
Hi Henry . I've had a Bonneville with the same engine as yours and I would advise you test ride a CL first . You are right on paper there is little difference BUT the Triumph has a lot more torque which is actually more relevant on the road. The CL is a great little bike and far lighter but you will notice the power difference. ... thanks for watching👍
What is the rate of oil consumption in kilometres per liter?
Very good. Like this video.
Thanks ...I've noticed the sound is poor, and I know why I had one of the settings wrong so I will do another one tomorrow ... Many thanks for comment👍
I currently ride a Himalayan, one of the benefits of riding a low power bike is pretty much any bike I upgrade to is going to be a massive power bump! I am very much intrigued by the CL500, I'm considering this or a used Street Scrambler for my next bike, I'm 6'2 and would like to have some passenger capacity again so I'm leaning towards the Triumph currently.
My previous bike was the Street Scrambler so I know both bikes well. The Triumph is more powerful for 2-up riding although a little lower in the seat and heavier. If at 6'2 you find it comfortable I would lean towards the Triumph ,however after a Himalayan both will indeed feel more powerful . You would find the CL quite small and narrow at first whereas the Triumph would feel physically similar to the Himalayan but lower to the ground. Thanks for watching👍
@@WyreForestBiker oh wow, I wouldn't have expected the CL to feel smaller than the Himalayan! The Himi is already quite a small bike compared with what I'm used to tbh, hopefully I'll encounter a CL in person soon so I can size it up.
@Geshmaal hi ... yes the CL is definitely smaller than the Himalayan . All the Royal Enfield's are in fact large bikes for their capacity except the Hunter ... thanks for watching 👍
Thanks for sharing
I have a difficult time following British English - you named the small town you skirted but I didn't catch the name --- what is the town and area called that this ride covered?
Hi , sorry I have improved the sound now ... the town was called Kinver . thanks very much for watching👍
I must say your Cl definitely looks like it is punchier than my 500x was so that gearing has clearly made a difference although I think you do seem to be getting a few mpg less. I also have a 1997 CB500 twin which is a keeper for me and that bike has some punch and is also better at the top end than my 500x was. In most circumstances a 500 is a perfectly capable bike but on longer journeys on faster roads I just find a larger capacity bike more comfortable.
Thanks Mika, I would agree with your views. for long trips at higher speeds a bigger bike can be more relaxing . Like all thigs each bike has it's strength's and weaknesses.... thanks for watching👍
I disagree, after downsizing from an ST1300 to a 500X my annual mileage has doubled. For me it’s a better touring bike.
@@davidmatthews3093 I said that I find a larger capacity bike better for long distances and faster roads. You may have a different opinion but, for me, I don't think I would ever go down to a 47hp bike unless I was finding a big bike too heavy. We can all have a different view.
Be glad the sound isn't great.
Talking from experience here, if it wasn't that muffled, the wind noise would make it unbearable and we couldn't understand anything you say. I've binned my share of audio files exactly because the wind noise was all one could hear.
The video itself, not what you're saying, is the old worn formula. Chest mounted camera, ride about...
You could do this in your living room.
Yes I take your point! I did do a previous video though without the wind noise elimination switched on and it was much clearer ( Take a look ) I think keeping the noise elimination off and a little more wind protection of the mic and it would be perfect. Thanks for your advice ..appreciate it.
@@WyreForestBiker I've seen it.
To have it done digitally you need to open the wallet. Maybe not a viable option. I would try a better suited microphone designed for that specific task. Probably not cheap either. People have tried fluffy microphone covers with some degree of success, but I can't comment on that. The only way I could make it work was simply riding slow. Which is not always what's needed.
Another option is to record your thoughts on the road, use that file for your memory, and then record again and do a voice over.
@@zefautino Yes riding slowly is the answer . In all honesty I'm trying to make the most from a basic (cheap) set-up , seeing it as a bit of a challenge! The other limiting factor is the quality of the pre-amp in the camera but I'm hoping I can get a set-up where I get decent sound up to around 60mph ... next video up tonight , lets see how it goes🤞... thanks for watching.