2023 Honda CL500 Scrambler | Is It Fun Enough?
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- Опубликовано: 19 май 2023
- Welcome to the new 2023 Honda CL500 Scrambler motorcycle. Scrambler bikes are some of the funnest motorcycles to ride, and it is a popular market. For 2023 Honda have introduced their new version of a scrambler, but is it fun enough?
An A2 compliant motorcycle, so it is accessible to beginner riders and experienced riders. Designed to put a smile on your face, this new CL500 scrambler could be an ideal fun all around bike. Relatively light and easy to ride, it is great for beginner riders.
Can the new CL500 compete in the scrambler market and is it fun enough for a scrambler? Let's find out.
#hondacl500 #hondascrambler #scramblermotorcycle #beginnermotorcycle
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As someone who’s been riding 54 years and have had many different bikes both large and small comfort is now everything, the cl500 fits my needs perfectly. At my age just being here is all I need.
👍 I can understand that for sure. It is such a neutral/natural riding position. Comfort is king
Have to say, been riding my whole life, Im 64, just bought a new Orange colored one. Love the look of the whole bike, dont care about the large factory muffler, rides like a dream bike. Ive owned just about every style bike imaginable and i can honestly say Id be perfectly content if this was my last bike. Stoked for this bike !!!!
That is high praise indeed! It certainly does ride well, and great to find a bike you love so much 👍
Every vlogger seems to forget the Benelli Leoncino 500 Trail when talking about the opposition. I was looking forward to the CL500, but I prefer the 500 Trail.
🤔 That is a good point! I must try to get a ride on one. They look great
The leoncino 500 trail is a lovely bike but in terms of serviceability and support isn't remotely in the same ballpark as a Honda or even the RE, obviously discounting reliability marks if RE is in the game 😂
@@Jake-zj7ou If there's a Benelli dealer, servicing is no problem. And Benellis are extremely reliable. A friend has had a Leoncino 500 for several years. Does big mileage, not one issue. Ditto, someone else I know that had the adventure bike.
@@Jake-zj7ou there's a french dude talking about how his Benelli survived a long journey adventuring around the world. It was the adv version of Benelli 500cc line up and it showed promising look. But the issue is that I also know a guy who had issues with his Benelli 500 the cafe racer one, had loss bolts to rusting. He had to take it to the dealer and they replaced it with a new one. He hadn't have any issues since but still a something to be aware of.
Perhaps because Benellis are forgettable for almost everyone!?!😂🤣😅
Great review bro. 👍🏼👍🏼
Cheers 👍😎
Nice New look 😀
& The bick is cool, specially its Honda, Very reliable
Thanks for the review
👌 thanks I appreciate it. Yup it’s definitely a fun little bike
This is an interesting bike indeed. Waiting to put my hands on one. Great review by the way.
Thanks glad you enjoyed the review 👍 It is good fun thats for sure
Lovely bike, lovely hair cut, you da man redang!
🙌 Thanks so much I appreciate it
Nice review, took a test ride and ordered one, perfect all rounder for me, was initially looking at the Rebel - the riding position and price won the day for me, even as a shorty.
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it 👍 Yup there is definitely something about the riding position of a scrambler style bike. Really comfortable and great fun
Great review & tutorial.
Thanks 👍
Looking cool RedAng, looking cool 👍
Thanks 😎 It is certainly a change
I love the look, definitely gonna be getting one. Will have to change that exhaust for the vance&Hines aftermarket one tho.
And il have the left side pannier bag and fairing add on options sprayed black.
Fair enough, looks are so subjective 👍 Definitely go for the exhuast
They should have built an SL500, with the beloved upswept exhaust (on both sides).
For me it's a beautiful looking bike - totally on point! I'm getting one with an orange tank.
Fair enough, it’s great to find a bike you love the look of 👍 Great fun to ride
Legendary haircut Angus! Best Motorbike vlogger in my books.
🙌 Massive thanks
Awesome new aerodynamic, streamlined look Angus. Wish I still had enough hair to trouble the barber. Bike looks a bit of fun. Can’t wait for you to get the new Nordon 901.
Thanks I appreciate it, glad you enjoyed the review. Its a cool bike, but I think could have done better with the looks!
I have done a review of the Norden 901, great fun and would defo have it over the KTM890 👍
The looks of that bike actually start to grow on you. Great video. Stay safe and keep the rubber side down.
Yea I agree they do get better! Thanks and the same to you 👍
I like it too. Hope to get one for a test ride soon. Drop by mate, you may like my content. :)
I test rode one a few weeks back and agree with everything you say about it. Its fun to ride, just not cool looking. I'm 6'1" and had the optional higher seat on the one i rode. Its a rock hard seat, but i didn't find it uncomfortable and made the bike fit me better. I owned a CB500X for a few years, so i know this engine well, it suited this bike very well. All in all i was impressed with the bike, just not wowed by it. Shame they never made the tank a better design shape and that exhaust definitely needs to go.
Yup, you got it bang on 👍 Fun to ride and very easy as well, however the looks are lacking.
Think some mods would be needed, then it would be a great little bike
There's one thing, and one thing only, that you absolutely have to have on any Honda wearing the CL nameplate: A beautiful, chrome, upswept exhaust. They really messed up the design in that regard.
I don't know what to focus on, the bike or your new cool haircut?
Nice one.
Haha 👍 thanks, it is certainly a change! It’s a fun bike, think some mods would help a lot
Well, one thing we learned is the bike is scrambleresque :D I bought it as my first bike and it's perfect for that. The softer suspension really shines on gravel roads - it's so smooth compared to some other bikes I've tried. And on asphalt, you don't ride it like a sports bike anyway, so i prefer the softer suspension when I hit an occasional pothole.
Thanks for the objective and fun review. Wish you good channel growth, you deserve it!
Yes it definitely does feel like a scrambler to ride 👍 I agree, the suspension is on the softer side, however it makes it quite fun to ride! A great first bike and glad to hear you are enjoying it
I am looking to buy this bike but everyone is talking about the suspensions being so soft... Do you fear you overload it when breaking hard before corner, or breaking hard in general...?
@@Sam_NorthI weight 90 kg and never managed to bottom out the fork by braking hard. The only time I have panic braked (car pulled off in front of me and I slammed both brakes instinctively) ABS did it's job and saved me, no problems with suspension.
I find rear shock to be a bit underdamped, the bike wallows a bit at high speeds on uneven roads (i mean 140 kmph on bad road). But never enough to have bothered me, I'm just trying to be objective since you asked about suspension.
It's my first bike so take my opinion with a grain of salt as I don't have anything to compare it with. After 5000 miles I'm happy with the bike, really enjoy the suspension, but as I said i'm not going crazy speeds into turns.
@@simasbutavicius8485 Thank you for sharing all this information I currently ride cb300r (my 1st bike) and the roads here can get hectic sometimes and I was looking for something that would handle them little bit better with more comfort, but also wouldn't lose the fun aspect of light motorcycle on those good roads and twisties...Added bonus of sort of "scrambler" are the dirt and gravel roads... This bike just looks perfect for my usage.
Anyway stay safe out there, happy miles....
@@Sam_North from your description it seems like CL500 might be a perfect bike for you. I live in Lithuania, and we don't have the best roads here either, and also I have to drive 1 km of gravel road to get home every time. I tried it a few times on a bike with I guess more "street" like suspension (my wife's Yamaha xsr-125) and there's no comparison in comfort. CL500 just handles this Eastern Europe reality so well and it's very light and nimble on normal roads too.
Can you get a test ride at your dealer? That would answer all your questions really, if you're considering.
I’m getting the Honda crf 300 rally to go with my speedmaster I think I’ve covered most kinds of rides with these too great review 👍
Great pair of bikes that covers most needs. Thanks I appreciate it
Hcut really suits. 😀. Think its attractive except for the single speedo type. Its all on pricing I think. It seems most manufacturers developing smaller cc bikes. When I was young biggest bikes were 750cc with occasional 1000cc. I am back on a 650 and does everything I want. Bet this is nice for short blasts. I like thrashing my bike revving it out which I couldn’t do past 3rd gear on my last bike. Thrashing a smaller bikes gives me a more ethereal experience than being unable to cane a larger overpowered bike
Thanks 👍 Good to hear that some people like the looks of it! I would definitely want to make some modifications. That is the fun thing about these lower powered scramblers, they are just great fun to rag around and utilise all of the power.
Cool video, I got this bike now. Put 3,000 miles on it and love it more and more.
Thanks I appreciate it 👍 Enjoy the ride, it’s a great bike
Loving the haircut mate! Suits you! Very Dashing!
🤙 Cheers I appreciate it, it is definitely something different!
@@redangrevival knock’s 10 years off, ya! 👍🏻
Great clouds!
With the release of the Triumph Speed 400.....only way to go....way less MSRP also
I actually quite like the looks of it except for that exhaust 😂. Once the aftermarket catches up I’m sure they’ll be nice looking exhaust that sounds better, lightens the bike even more and looks better.
Yup an exhaust change would be a huge improvement!
There is a Vance and Hines slip on for it, but it's very, very loud...a guy on here named "life of Burch" has it...way too loud though
I own a Honda CB500X and really appreciate the soft tuned and therefore reliable engine. This motorcycle easily gives me 80 mpg but will perform well enough in most situations. The Honda Scrambler, however, does seem to lack something......perhaps an interesting paint job and a Ducati badge would help! Let's enjoy some summer riding. Cheers.
😎 O yes, bring on the summer! Agreed it is a great/reliable engine. Peppy as well. I think they have failed a bit to add some character. Perhaps some mods would help with that. Overall a fun bike though.
I just bought mine yesterday (July 11).
I do like it very much. I fossil hunting, fish, camp etc... and find this motorcycle to be just about perfect for my wants and needs.
Plus my wife rides it and our daughters (10, 16, & 18) want to ride it. That alone makes it a good motorcycle 😁
Our 10 year old will have to grow a bit more before she rides it solo 😉
A bike for the family 👌 That is a high compliment
@@redangrevival A center stand would have been nice. I'm in the process of making one work.
Good review I'm still open minded about purchasing one. I wouldn't mind your jacket though ! Looks like a Belstaff ?
Thanks. It is a Merlin Chigwell Light, great mesh summer jacket 👍
meh i dont think is on my list anymore, mod 2 test soon and i think i can get better. Might go have a test on one either way. Great vid bud keep em coming!!
Thanks glad you enjoyed the vid 👍 Yea I get that, it’s a good bike but not a great one or pull at your heart strings bike!
You're lookin sIick bubba 😎I can't get used to the "turned up tank" styling. Too bad they didn't curve the headers straight back like their old scrambler. Great little motor though. Cheers.
Haha cheers 👌 Yup it is not the best looker, think some mods would help though.
Classic Honda efficiency and reliability, great fun motor
Like it good second bike for little runaround jobs or out in grimey weather don't mind the looks either I reckon you could green lane it but nothing to heavy .👌👍
It is definitely fun to ride 😁 Nice "squirt" around bike
This will get you to thenstore to buy your sandwhich and back without braking the bank at the gas pump.
I actually like the looks of this bike. I like the way that is got the Scrambler look, without trying to go to faux-retro. If I were in the market for an A2 licence compatible bike, this would be my first choice.
As far as the haircut is concerned... being over 60 with rapidly disappearing hair, I'm just jealous of anyone with a full head!
👍 Have had a few people comment saying they like the looks. Personally not a fan, but glad others like it! It rides great and I think will sell quite well.
Haha, I could have donated you some of mine
I like it, orange tank please
Jill from New Zealand really likes your hair Angus
👍 thanks so much Jill, I appreciate it
I will change the tires to something more scrambleresque asap.
Im a beginner to riding and ive been looking at a honda bikes for a long time and i cant decide which one will suit me better for a beginner, a Rebel CMX500 or a CL500.
Would love to hear your opinions
I would definitely say the CL500 👍 More conventional upright riding position
It really caught my eye when I was looking for a new bike. I think the green version looks stunning! Glad to hear the engine is good. Thanks mate
👍 Cheers, hope the video was helpful
Glad you took off the sun glasses so we can see what you look like in your new hair cut. I miss the long hair but you look much better with short hair.
👍 Thanks glad you like the trim. It certainly feels different
Great haircut buddy! I think (yet again!) I fall into the minority of people that likes the look of this bike! Think it looks especially good in green 👍
Thanks bud 👍 Fair enough, I think it’s great that some people like the looks. We can’t all like the same things!
@@redangrevival exactly! And being the proud owner of a Niken I should know!!!😂🤣😂
@@2wheeledwillie395 haha true!
I don't care about the Honda. I love you're new look. ❤😂
Haha cheers 😎
Based on the fact you used the word “fun” 832 times in the vid, I’m guessing the answer is yes.
Haircut great improvement… Jesus has left the building 👍
haha, was it that many times 😳 Cheers
Waiting for the US release!
Like the hair; suits you! I think the looks would be improved if it had a bit less black plastic and a bit more colour.
Thanks, its a fresh change! Yup agreed, some more colour would work. The optional extra hand guards and fly screen do help
How’s the backride? Does his feet will feel the temperature of the exhaust?
I felt no heat from the exhaust as the rider. Pillion maybe different! I would change the exhaust anyway
Hair style looks good! Bike style.... okay, better than the rebel but not the greatest. Not sure if or when we might get them here in the states.
Thanks I appreciate it 👍I agree, prefer it to the Rebel but the looks could do with some working on!
Nice haircut! Does your helmet still fit? 😂
I like these smaller zippy bikes for the reason that you can let your inner hooligan out without putting your license on the line at every twist of the wrist, but I can’t get over the looks of this one. The biggest eyesore to me is that upward angle from the gas tank to the steering head which looks to be the same as on the Rebel… both of these designs rub me the wrong way. Sorry Honda!
Brilliant review!
Cheers,
Lupo
Haha it is a tad loose actually! Cheers, very strange feeling.
Yup I completely agree, they are so much fun to ride and really explore the whole power range 😁 Just love scramblers in general, this feels nice and light as well.
The looks are a problem, but some nice mods would help somewhat.
Thanks 👍
I want one of these bikes. Your review was informative, thank you. Just a note - most guys don't care what their hair looks like.
Thanks glad you enjoyed the review. Haha I think you might be wrong there mate!
@@redangrevival I have been wrong many times - which is part of maturing and learning. Have a good one.
Fantic Cabellero is the best LOOKING scrambler right now.
I think I agree, that is one great looking bike 👌
One thing that occurred to me is that accessories for the Rebel 500, at least for the front end, will also fit on this. i'm thinking of windshields and hand guards.
That is a good point! Worth confirming with Honda before you buy though
@@redangrevivalnot sure if Rebel screen will fit the CL 500. The Rebel forks are wider apart to take the wide front wheel.
I am sure Puig or Givi etc will soon make a screen.
@@davidroberts7490 Yup I would keep an eye on the market for sure 👍
Kinda looks like the Bear Grylls of motorbikes with the new hair cut 😂👍
haha 👍
Hair looks good. I wish I had more!
Haha thanks
@@redangrevival Turn round, let's have a look at the front!
The new look suits yer maybe try a number 1 next time 😂
Thanks 👍 Haha never gone that short before!
I'm really surprised about this bike. The engine and basic platform had so much potential both in capabilities and style. As with the new Transalp it's as if that and this bike were little more than last minute afterthoughts. That huge end can is the most glaring miss. It's supposed to be a modern retro yet looks neither modern or retro. In fact id go as far as to say it looks like it was designed by an accountant.
Some may actually like the look and style of this bike, but I'm old enough to remember when Honda put great effort into being at the leading edge of both engineering and style. This bike is far from either. In contrast just have a look at the Fantic caballero scrambler 500 or even better the rally version. A few hp down and only a single thumper, but at 50 kg lighter far better power to weight ratio. Also light years ahead on build quality and style.
Having said all this, I do suspect that this bike was designed and built primarily for an Asian market where style sensibilities & economics are very different to the UK and European markets?.
I have to agree with you to be honest, I was somewhat let down when first seeing it! I think they could have done a much better job with the looks, and character of the bike. Theres no denying its reliability and efficient engine. Packs a punch as well.
I must try the Fantic caballero 500, sounds like it has plenty of fun character. Yes perhaps they are aiming for the Asian market
@@redangrevivalthe Fantic is not 50 kg lighter.
@@davidroberts749041kg lighter
only gone and passed my mod 2 today guys woohoo :)
Massive congrats 👍
The hair cuts good but the Wilkinson's sword could've done better I think😊. I like these parallel twins with the 270 degree crank and V twin type noise. However with the Honda CM Rebels and this scrambler I think that the tank area could be styled a bit better. As the bixe are they look a bit angular in that area.
P.S that village you went thru, Kingston Bagpuize, how did that arrive at that name? Pulling letters out of a bag and just going, Yeah nah yeah mate that'll do it😂.
👍 Thanks, the hair is a big change! Of course the beard had to stay. I think the looks are definitely wanting a bit, but it is typical Honda. Very easy to ride and great riding dynamics. Nice easy/fun bike.
Such a strange name, no idea how that happened 😂
@@redangrevival I looked it up. The village was owned by a Norman invader. derived from the village's original name Kingston plus the surname of Ralph de Bachepuz, a Norman nobleman from Bacquepuis in Normandy.
The CL500 has a 180-degree crank, which is why it doesn't sound so good.
Hi, I'm back😂 This is a serious contender for a first big bike. As you know, I love Scramblers and this does everything I want in an easy, fun, reliable and affordable way. I didn't like the looks at all and it will never be as beautiful as a Triumph Scrambler. However, it looks much better with a person riding it. The exhaust would be changed, it would get a headlight grill and a smoked flyscreen and bar end mirrors if it were mine. Oh and a bash plate.
As for the hair, at school we would say "Angus had a fight with a lawn mower and the lawn mower won"😂 but actually it makes you look more mature and fun 😊
@@lilynorthover8378 👍 Hey! With some tasteful mods I think it could look much better. It is not the best looking but is a great price and you get brilliant Honda reliability etc...
Same I LOVE scramblers, it is really fun to ride. Defo recommend this for learning etc...
Haha yup thats the saying 😂 Thanks, it is certainly different.
How does the pillion not roast their right leg off on the exhaust?
This is a good point! There is a heat shield but the passenger would have to be careful
is it different from the SCL?
Same bike.... apparently in US they couldn't use CL designation because of copyright infringement, hence its SCL over there.
I can't believe Honda just put a sticker on the tank and not painted it on...talk about saving money. That'd be the first thing I'd take off with a hairdryer or heat gun. I like it, but don't like the fact Honda is making us here in States forced to buy abs now, they've done this to a few other bikes, no option for non-abs which kicks the price up as well. But yea I like it, but don't feel it should cost more than the Rebel 500 as the Rebel has more on it/to it
It is definitely built to a price! I actually prefer the Rebel 500 👍
Everything looks good except for the tank isnt it a retro bike?
Meant to be retro yes! However i don't think it looks it at all
I think that youre right, this bike is a title bit plain Jane, compared to the Rebel and other machines. Honda are producing good bikes but without the pizzazz...
Completely agree 👍 It is great but it is missing a certain vibe and character
I can't really see why I would buy this over a 500x
I agree to be honest!
Looks good 👍 ya hair not the bike 😂, that would be good if it wasn't for that god awful exhaust! FFS , They just jacket up the Rebel and slapped different wheels and handles on it.
Thanks haha 👍 Yup they definitely could have done better with the looks! Needs some serious mods in my opinion
Honda UK warranty is very poor at 2 years. If Honda France can offer a 5 year warranty then so should Honda UK. Even Royal Enfield in the UK give you 3 years.
Going without a tachometer is a bit too minimumilistic for me and most riders I would think. The dash is rubbish.
£1000 more gets you a Hornet. No brainer IMO
That massive exhaust ruins it for me, the rear box is over kill.
Yup that needs a change!
Such wasted potential- demand for retro scramblers is higher than ever, and Honda release what is basically a Rebel with a higher seat. The exhaust is ugly as sin too.
Your review is making me keep an open mind, though!
I tend to agree with you! I'm really not a fan of the looks and think they could have done much better. It rides well though
No lite offroading ? bah.
Unfortunately not this time!
I'm sorry but that muffler has to go. Way too big and ugly and looks like you could just disconnect it down below and put some thing after market that doesn't get in the way and looks so much better.
Yup easily changed out!
Keep the hair cut short handsome!
Haha cheers! Thanks so much I appreciate it 👌
I can't say it looks bad, but it just looks very basic, it has no personality this bike which justifies me spending 6k on it.
Yes I agree. Its not bad but it really doesn't make me lust after it!
What dangerous roads you have. Too skinny and there must be a ton of head on wrecks.
Yup classic English country roads! Not great
Nice haircut, pity about the ugly bike.
Haha thanks 👌
Such a shitty lookin bike lol, Honda didn't do their best
Yup definitely lacking in the looks department!
Look’s truly horrible.