2023 Honda CL500 | Honda says SCRAM to Royal Enfield!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.พ. 2025
- 2023 Honda CL500 | Honda says SCRAM to Royal Enfield!
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I own this bike. it's my first bike ! I love it. It's a truly fantastic all-around machine. I have taken it on small tours, weekend days out, commuting. It does it all, and I couldn't ask for better. The only issue I have found is luggage. Obviously, with the exhaust being mounted so high, you can only have side luggage on one side. I personally use a rockbros 50L roll back that seems to work well.
I own the bike for 2 months now, break in completed, and still enjoy watching the latest reviews! I am an intermediate rider and it really surprises with its acceleration, good corner grip and utility in pothole-filled cities like Athens, GR. Cons: seat can be harsh for your butt especially with pillion passenger, ground clearance is not very confidence-inspiring due to lack of skidplate, forks are too spongy for my taste and I expect upgraded ones to be available soon with adjustable preload and damping, brakes perform poorly unless brought up to temperature. To the contrary of your review, I find the rear shocks pretty good and makes me happy that it came with preload. Looking forward to ADVing it a little bit, and the bike can totally take a beating!
Great work Dan!
PS. Before purchase I was worried about pillion's comfort with the high mounted exhaust but thats not the case at all - its only the rear pegs that are mounted pretty high that make it a bit tiring during long rides for my wife.
Hi
Interesting you mention the two riding up position. I did a testride on the CL 500 last week and I liked it a lot. I've had more than 25 motorcycles but the last year's i only you my motorcycle for relaxing funrides. I've just sold my Meteor 350 which I still very much like. The only thing was on the highway overtaking need a calculating like a mathematical engineer must do.😅.
I've had much bigger bikes with lots of power and torque but I just ride around and in town and sometimes a few miles on the highway. But my wife like to go with me again now our kids our young adults. So she went with me to the dealer for a second visit and a "test" seat on it. Her legs were quite high. There are better models out for two up riding but more expensive and bigger engines and I want to stay under de 500cc. Prefer a parallel twin over a water-cooled single cilinder.
Thx you mention the two up riding position because I can't find any pictures, movies or review of riding two up on the CL 500
Spare a thought for the designers who were asked to convert a cruiser to a scrambler.
Briefed to make an ugly bike uglier
It looks good tho, I love that exhaust
Not really a new thing. The Yamaha Bolt also had a scrambler version
@@The77Game sc9
There Are also constructors, technologists and .. finance director! you know.... 😉☝🏼😁
I bought a Honda ADV 350 3 weeks ago. It's so good I'd ignored my CL500. But yesterday I went out on the CL500 and it reminded me what a great little bike it is! Ride safe.
They are great aren't they? Ride safe too!
@@EnglishbikerdanI also have interest in the adv 350 but I use my motorcycle only for pleasure and I am afraid that this adv 350 will not give me the pleasure of the CL500. Hypothetically. What would you sell and what would you keep choosing between the adv 350 and the CL500
A high endcan but downpipes are under the engine? Weird! Thank you Dan!
I bought one of these about a month ago. Have 1200 miles on it. From day 1 if you went above 5th gear, it would not down shift at least 60% of the time without double clutching. Took it back to the dealer, after a week and a half in the shop all they did was adjust the linkages and told me it was fixed. Took it out for a test ride today, and it wouldn't down shift. Had the dealer ride it (they admitted there was a problem when I brought it back on day one but said it would "wear in"), he agreed with me that there was an issue, then I got a call from them an hour ago after he talked to Honda and he said it was just rider error. I've also got a Rebel that I've put over 5000 miles on in the last year and a Harley with that I've put over 40,000 miles on. I know how to shift a motorcycle, even one that is clunky. This is not rider error. On the bright side, since it's a Honda you'll probably get a good one. On the down side, if you don't, good luck getting anyone to do anything about it under warranty...
Forgot to mention, since I'm a little angry, that as long as you don't need to downshift, the bike is really good.
Don't give up. If its not right if they can't fix it you should get replaced
I had the same with a Honda cb300r which would not upshift 50% of the time. Took it to the dealer, under warranty, who said it was rider error again, and I have been riding for circa 40 years. Eventually gave up and p/ex it for a different brand. Won’t buy Honda again.
The exhaust contour allows access to easy service and repair engine/clutch, that’s why it’s shaped like that
Very good review! Thank you very much. I ordered this bike at my local Honda Dealer. After driving/owning the Rebel 500 and the CB500X, I think this is the perfect mixture. Looks good, little offroad is possible, daily driving is comfortable, coolness is included. Perfect package for me.
Another superb review! Love the oldskool styling of the headlight and indicators ❤. I doubt that any buyers will take this off road but it's good to know its copes 🔥
Comparable? The cost is for the RE is $2000 less, and why would you buy a Scarm when your riding off road, the CB500X is $300 more, has better suspension, + 3 HP and built for off road with 19 inch front wheel?
Not a bad little machine.....ideal for my daily commute. I’ll have to see how this compares to the new Triumph scrambler .
Killing these bike reviews Dan........love it.
I would love if Honda used the CL concept but chucked the 750 or 1100 ptwin in it, basically a Japanese Triumph Scrambler.
Oh don't worry. Something will be coming with the 750 engine.
Great video but got to ask one question. What gloves are you wearing?
That exhaust looks kind a plasma gun 😂 awesome video BTW
Haha it does a bit!
What is the odds of dropping it on the left side and breaking the key off in the ignition?
I've watched this again as I'm close to getting a bike now. Would a small fly screen help with the dash in bright light do you think, especially a tinted one?
Fitted an anti glare screen protector that made a big difference.
The dash brightness can be adjusted to suit.
Change the exhaust & you’ve got a great bike
That’s what l reckon 😊
Fair enough!
I like it, I'd have one. What I don't like is the claustrophobic country lanes, like a rat run maze. English countryside is beautiful but you're not allowed to see it 😆
Btw before the keyboard warriors get apoplectic, I'm English & it's my observation. I live in a smaller EU country and all the country lanes are open, can see for miles it's so much nicer.
All black is nice, makes me wanna jump on and scramble on to the store for some bread and milk 😄.
I was tempted for a short while. I quite like the look of it and it's going to be reliable.
But i think the scram looks better and at £1500 cheaper atm i think it's a better buy.
The only thing really the cl has over it is the speed it goes.
It's not a scam killer for me.
Having seen first hand how the RE's age in the UK, I'd choose the Honda personally. Or wait for the Triumph.
I suppose there's that.
I like the triumph. But I think the scrambler will be 6k too
Very tempted by the speed 400 myself
The Scram all day for me. Speed isnt everything and the build quality on modern Hondas is nothing to shout about.
@@jonathandeeley6276 I went to look at the scram.
The build quality looks very nice to me. People mention the welds but it's a bit nit picky imo.
The exhaust goes a weird colour but there doesn't seem much else to rust.
I think it looks great but for some it's not going to have enough go.
If you always ride at the speed limit I couldn't think of a reason to go for the Honda over it myself.
@@EnglishbikerdanI hadn't even considered that, but it makes sense that a very damp and rainy environment would wreak havoc on all that exposed metal. Do you guys put salt based snowmelt on the roads there in the winter too?
Also available in a 300cc single cylinder version in Asia.
Nice, maybe AsianBikerDan has a review? :D
@@Englishbikerdan is that the correct spelling? I can't find the channel?
You are wearing an awesome jacket, where do you get that or find it online?
Looks cool and thank you for the review! Just got anxiety from the people driving on the other side of the road haha😂
Like all the Honda 471cc twins, it makes a big difference to the sound by removing the little 90-degree air intake snorkel.
I test rode one the other day while a fairly decent machine it’s not that great pick up isn’t bad but I’m getting similar from my crf250l , while it rides well and suspension can cope with rough English back roads it felt bouncing around, flick able and easy engine very forgiving, but once I got it upto 70 it was very vibrating through handle bars and foot pegs, for a 471cc engine it felt reved out, the instrument cluster is hard to read in sunlight, it just felt underpowered and stressed when pressed at higher speeds I couldn’t honestly live with a bike like that, it’s a shame is I liked the styling I’m going to try the cb500x but have my eye on the ADV 750.
Hi.... what gloves are you wearing ? They look brilliant
I prefer mono shocked ass ends really.
I had a CB500x that was a great bike,although the engine was not bad if a bit gutless at higher speeds and I think it looked pretty good as well 😊
I can’t say the same for the looks of this or the Rebel range as the tank sat on the frame rails looks naff! Imho,although looks are subjective I know 😮
The tank on this is at a different angle to the Rebel. Nick J
Yeah looks are 100% subjective. I got this bike and green and everyone included myself loves how it looks. I bet there are people who love the ugliest bike and those who hate the most beautiful one.
It may have some potential as a Scrambler but since Honda didn't put an ABS Off/Switch on the handlebar it's like Honda itself telling you, Don't go Off road with It.
It's just so...boring. I've seen and ridden them and they're...ok I guess. Even the RE Scram 411 has more character. Honda just always feels good but bland in this category of motorcycles. Their sportbike on the other hand is a bit more fun.
Please so a review of the ninja 400 and the yammie r3 :)
That look like a really good bike, have to say.
I test rode one and really liked how it rode, it was also really fun to ride and feels super light. With the optional tall seat it also fitted my 6'1" frame really well. It just looks so bland and typical Honda. The tank shape and size is terrible, the rear light is too big and ugly and the exhaust offends me in the extreme. Its a real shame Honda never put more effort into its design because it really does ride lovely and you know it will be as reliable as an anvil.
Honda should be rightly afraid of the new Triumph 400X, because they got the looks of that bang on.
The Triumps are better looking in every way.
I want the CL750.
Love the new intro!! ❤
Now atleast I have somebody that I can consider my idol when it comes to motovlogging... The funniest thing is, your as tall as me, 😅... Thanks boss idol watching here from Philippines.. RS..
I’ll wait for the new Triumph 400 Scram.
No competition for the CL500!
How truly awful does that look?! That exhaust!😂
That’s not an exhaust, it’s an anti theft device 😆😆😆!
Fr, idk why they didnt use simillar way like triumph scrambler
cant make up my mind about it
Awful is your taste ;)
Looks like a cz trail bike exhaust.
Considering Honda designed and made so many truely iconic, retro motorcycles in past decades, it's a sad disappointment that they are now churning out ugly machines like this one now.
It's a rebel converted to remotely look like a scrambler but is just so wrong.
Squat and stubby, mag wheels and a big radiator sticking out.
The RE scrambler may be basic, but can be maintained at the roadside, where as this monstrosity needs a workshop to deal with valve adjustments.
I guess Honda's are now being designed by the same feckless morons that they aim to sell them to!
Harsh but fair! Shame too that the Honda 500 engine has the soul of a sewing machine.
Bang on mate... it looks shite, matt black and full of plastic - Come on Honda ffs - Look to RE for inspiration
Its a no brainer, Honda is a superior motorcycle.
Just wondering, will the pillion almost be sitting on the hot silencer?
It doesn't get hot, at all
@@FarHanSolo 🤯
Hi Dan, been watching your videos for a few years now - great content, keep it up.
I make most of my bike buying decisions based on your reviews (I’m same height as you and you do the helpful seat height view)
Can you review a KTM SMC 690 R if possible please?
Have to agree that exhaust is nasty, good luck fitting a panniers to that side, don't keep milk in it😂
Normally on these kind of bikes they only fit one side pannier/bag on the opposite side of the exhaust. Basically almost all scramblers are like this except the Ducati.
A bike I like very much. My favourite in the sub-500cc category. I like the front light and fork gaiters. A successor to my my 390 Duke Mk2 as my second bike in northern Thaland, perhaps. My SCR950 has the same bar-lock system. They all used to be like that. I'd have preferred a rev counter. The SCR doesn't have one, either. I like the Scram, too. Singles are great. You can still get an Yamaha SR400 here, but it's so expensive, otherwise I'd get one and customise it. I used to have an XT500 years ago.
Good review. Nick J
Nice review Dan. Nice middle weight bike from Honda. I would prefer the CB500F or CBR500R but they do a different job that the scrambler. Love the 500 range though but not as much as I love that pouting from you 😂 Carnt wait for the next videos. Have a nice weekend sir 👍🏻
Always gotta have a cheeky pout! Thanks dude.
Great video, informative and slick presentation, with the classic Dan side on stationary shots staring at the camera 😀
It's a lovely looking bike, got a lot of personality for sure. It's interesting that for £1k more, you can buy the Hornet (which is also A2 compliant). I do wonder if the CL500 is a touch too expensive in that regard, but Honda know what they're doing so I'll shut up 😅
Doesn't take much to please you, does it?🤭
nice and peppy ;; could do with some nice paint over that primer base ;; the dash is useless, just put a speedo on there ;;
I'm very new to your videos but I love your jokes, top notch reviews!
Thanks my friend.😊
I’ll wait for the Triumph Scrambler 400 X
i was soo looking forward to this bike... but its failed miserably... the scram might be a slug in comparison.. but it has the character..ideally the honda engine in the scram frame... BUT.. the triumph 400 scrambler is going to slay this Honda.... AND .. Royal Enfield due to release a 500 classic.... now the manufacturers cannot sell 1000cc race reps... the bike models are getting much more interesting
That 500cc engine is amazing, my wife has the CBR500R and what a motor very quickly gets to naughty speeds and with an after market can it sounds good too.
I prefer the new 2023 500 rebel, looks more like a Cafe racer.
Whats with that weird exhaust??
Not a bad bike, but the looks are a bit “marmite,” especially that exhaust. I’m sure they could have come up with a better design for it.
Nice bike , and it's a Honda. But seriously, scram to RE. Not at $2000 more then RE. Not Not to mention the Honda and multi dealerships are seriously price gouging OTD prices, whereas the RE only dealerships are being reasonable.
They do a brown taller comfort seat which is far better
honda trying to dethrone RE but RE is already ahead with upcoming Scram 450 and Himalayan 450
And triumph say scram to Honda. The look of the new 400x is a killer.
No denying they look the business!
@@EnglishbikerdanSame w/ the Harley Davidson 440X.
All competing with the Enfield bullet 500 LOL.( 45 years old)
Great looking bike!
Bella moto honda cl500
I think it looks pretty good, that ignition switch on the left seems like it would be vulnerable in a fall. Nice test as usual
I think since Honda didn't bother to put spoked wheels and an ABS disconnect Switch, they are basically telling you don't go Offroad. So basically don't fall😂
THANKS !!!!!
Monkey125 + CMX500 Rebel 🔥🔥
My motorcyclist brothers, please answer my question...
I will buy my first bike. I don't want aggressive bike and I want to take long distances with it.
So is Honda CL500 suitable bike for long distance travels? Please illimunate me :D
Yes it's certainly comfortable for long distance riding :)
The Seat is hard or? 🤔
As a rock , I only sat on it, no test ride cause my dealership is run by c*nts.
I would buy one in an heartbeat if it had a low revving torquey and characterful 500cc single cylinder engine instead of that boring rev-thrashy parellel twin 😐
Not a bike for me Dan, just enjoy your work.👍🏻
What jeans are you wearing?
Rokker jeans.
@@Englishbikerdan my legs are too little for those. Cursed with a 29 inch inseam 😂
take on the Scram....looking like this? lol!
Agreed. Extremely ugly. The Scram is much better looking.
@@haxan6663 its like Honda decided they dont need designers cos one of the factory boys brought in a drawing by his 2-year-old kid!
@@romeldias😂😂😂 I’m nicking that description from now on 😂😂😂😂
@@romeldiasthey are so lazy that they even decided to transform a cruiser into a scrambler 😅 look how well it worked for yamaha with there bolt/scrambler, I think it's even discontinued😅 not only that, but they even had the audacity to say that they designed this scrambler to look like the original Old Honda CL..sure the resemblance is uncanny😅😅.
@@ripmax333 I blame management it's their brains that are scrambled!
As if anyone is going to pay $9200 including PDI/freight and then adding $1200 tax in Canada for a recycled 500 Honda ! If Honda priced it the same as the Scram at $7000 plus tax then people might go for it. Royal Enfield is a far better buy.
Something to consider is future value, Seeing how RE's age might put many off.
The exhaust is ugly on this and it is going to make it hard to add a skid plate.
Are you going to get a review on the CF moto 450s? Would be super excited to get your take on it
thanks... this video was totally informative. Are you kidding me.....? Triumph may enter the price point market?
Thanks for watching. Yeah check out the Triumph 400 range.
I like Hondas and appreciated the brand's high overall reliability. This bike is so ugly though... Giving it a better looking tank, tail and side panels would make a huge difference. I do imagine it is a fun ride.
Honda and other Japanese companies seem to be ok with rolling out this dull dishwater crap... when are they going to bite the bullet and bring out something interesting, all this safe shite is tiring, same engine, same frame...different name blah blah blah, come on Honda, you're better than this.
Sales numbers will dictate how popular it is, and by all accounts it's doing well.
Speaking to my local Honda dealer recently they report that this is a good seller for them.
id hate to be a passenger ,with that exhaust on your leg
It's totally fine. I took my lady on the back and the shroud doesn't even get warm.
Love the look I love ugly machinery
Better to wait for the new 400 Triumph
They look amazing.
I’ve seen quite a lot of affordable low mileage Rebel 500s on the market ever since the 1100 dropped.
I’m not one for cruiser bikes, and was more interested in the CL500, but it’s hard to ignore the savings!
Is the CL500 really that different and worth the higher new-bike price?
Only spoilt by the chopper style fuel tank 🤮🤮
I will be honest honda needs a new design team.
It’s a bloody ugly bike. It does nothing for me. The scram is much better looking.
You need a turban to ride one of those
That key is just waiting to break off.
looks like an clx700
Sorry , just don NOT like the looks of the bike . It may run well , but has NO class.....
So you don't like it? 😆
The exhaust right up beside the seat like that looks awful and would be terrible for any pillion rider.
No issues for a pillion. It's heat shielded.
RR couldnt give a single fuck about Honda. They sell a million bikes every year in India while honda is crying in a corner (bike sales)
Quantity over quality though. I doubt Honda are crying. 😂
@@Englishbikerdan oh they are trust me 😂
Honda cannot kill anything in India, I mean they are struggling to survive here
What's the biggest brand there?
Says scram? Rly? Let me check:
1.Price (half time more expensive)
2. Looks (imho ugly as hell)
3. Sound (sounds like 125)
4. Exhaust pipes go to low (big nono for me in scrambler)
5. Did i said ugly as hell?
Beyond bland and a completely half-assed effort by a company with the coffers to do it right....
Not exactly good looking is it?
I don't mind it.
Honda CL750
beter
Absolutely terrible looking machine that Seal 500 (think that's what it's called) and don't like that engine either... no character. I ride one of the other models and hope the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 will replace it.
not with that i2 boring 180 degree. Honda needs to ditch this type of boring engine already
parrot much ?
@@kalnwi2023 Lol. At this point, i2 180 is like engine for the poor & low end motorcycles, specifically reserved for the boring people. Literally no advantages but boring af. Want cheap & lightweight? Go big thumper engine. Want power and FUN? Get at least an i2 270+ crank and beyond
@@kalnwi2023 youre probably in either the boring or poor group. Which one are you?
I'm in the actual rider who actually owns bikes currently, and has had many before group , tootsie 😏.@@donkeizluv
scram killer :v
Not for this price!
Maybe in a year or so a used one but otherwise agree the price is too high, for 1400 more get a mt07 .
Honda had lost their plot, it's utterly ridiculously ugly
one of the ugliest honda's i've ever laid eyes on..
That bike is so ugly, what was the Honda design department thinking off.
They just wanted to annoy you. 😂
Beyond ugly exhaust and it does not have the old world appeal that the Royal Enfield has. I am sure it’s a fine bike but I prefer a retro look.