Have the scl500 myself and have about 1400 miles on it. Love it. Fun little run around. Easily pops up to 90+ mph if you need it. Fun bike with a sweet style.
The sound of that engine is so much like the old CL-350 I rode 50 years ago it’s uncanny, the 500 is a little throatier, but still it took me back to earlier, better days. Great vid! Ride safe.
I was very tempted by the CL , but I went the CB-X as i will be doing a lot of highway work and thought the bodywork would be useful for that . Plus for the extra cost , I like the immobilizer and stainless headers on the CB-X
I subscribed. Enjoyed it very much, thanks. The CL400 was my first bike so I have a soft spot for the CL500. Would love to have one... although the Fantic Caballero or a Beta would suit me better. Currently own a KTM Freeride 2 stroke 250. Love it! Ciao for now. I am living in Morocco because I can ride 100% of the time on tracks, off road and in crazy city traffic.
nice video, covered some good points. Im thinking about getting the CB500X as my first bike, have watched lots on the bike and this was up there with the best. Thanks for making the video.
Excellent, honest, comparative review Graeme. No matter how hard I try I can’t get away with the styling on the CL. Great bike etc, but I wouldn’t be walking into the garage to take another look at it.
Completely agree. Been waiting years for Honda to get back into the Scrambler game, but this is a bobber with a high pipe, and I don't care for bobbers.
I had 3 CBX's but imho, the 19" wheel ruined it, I even tried the 2023 model with USDF's and still found it wanting on the vague front end, I rode the CL the same day and now own a blue one, which I'm very happy with for the lanes, tracks and byways in mid Wales, not as good as my 300 Rally, but a much nicer road bike, and have the CBR 23 and CBF 22 as well as a Ninja Z1000SX 20, never have the right bike for the right job 🤣😂
I own a 2021 CB500X and bought it new. About to hit 8k trouble free miles. Every since the CL500 came out I've had my eye on it. Pondered swapping out for the ground reach alone since I'm only 5'6. Seemed like the CB500X rode a bit better though in the footage here. Would be interesting to own both.
I’m a tad shorter, how does the 500 feel? I’m looking at a 400x and they’re power much the same - I’m just concerned that the bike will “feel” likes it’s a load to manage, especially at lower speeds any input will be greatly appreciated - cheers.
I've sat on the CL500 and could tell it was not near as top heavy as the CB500X. Plus there seems to be more ground reach. I'm a novice rider so to me very low speeds are a bit stressful due to tip over concerns. So if I were shorter I think it would be worse.
I’m 5’6 as well, wanted the cb500x for my first 200 kilo bike but its too high (for me) I was wondering if you could install adjustable lowering links on the cl 500? Want to lower it by an inch just so i get used to the bike’s weight.
I own a 2023 cb500x that I bought New,I’m a big lad at 115kg and the rear shock is awful. I ride solo so no pillions here and normal speeds on B/ roads is like sitting on a pogo stick,I’ve got the preload in the firmest position but it hasn’t improved things that much. I love the bike to bits & as you said in your video it’s a do it all machine that’s very cheap to run,I’m going to change the rear shock for a better quality fully adjustable unit that I can have built to my rider weight. I’m hoping this will rein in the out of control bouncy shock with some rebound adjustments. It won’t be a cheap fix but it is spoiling a sweet riding machine that I intend to keep. I noticed Codger Biker has the same issues as me & swapped out the rear shock for a YSS unit- problem solved.
Here in the States we just got the CL. I checked one out at the local dealership and was sold. Then he showed me the CB500X. Now I'm torn between the 2. The CB is more bike for $500 more, but the CL looks the part. The only thing I have against the CL is the exhaust placement. Thanks for the side by side comparison 👍
The CL looks are a personal thing, I think my 500x looks way better. The X has much better spec, twin front discs, monoshock, proper fairing. It's a proper bike and we'll worth the extra money
The exhaust placement of the CL is better than cb500x. Honda spoiled all their adv with the hanging down exhaust👎 Even the Africa Twin Yamaha Tenere too. People put it after market in the proper position - where the CL has it.
@@ludoduh In my humble opinion that is very debatable. There's a tour company in Baja California that uses exclusively CB 500 X and does off-road that's more appropriate for the crf 300. The low mounted exhaust is angled well and better for a passenger and luggage.
@@123edwardzpad well, we certainly have different priorities with that company. I travel with a small backpack, tightened with an elastic net on the back seat on my bike. I have even removed the steps for the passenger. I'm riding a Kawasaki KLE500 1996. The exhaust is where it should be. If I ever buy a Honda CB500X or NX500, the replacement of the exhaust will be one of the first mods I'll do. It's not only low, it comes out on the side. Naturally everyone has his opinion and priorities. Thousands ride it as it is coming out of the factory 🙂
I got CB 500 X and its great little adventure bike - after slamming some KNOBBY tires bash plate wider pegs 2 inch lifted steering bar for standing up riding and some luggage racks . I wish this bikes come with 50-50 tires but 80-20 is what I got and its great for what I do ! Honda where is ON OFF switch for ABS ? Deep mud power cutting get annoying fast ...
Thank you for the comparison. At 6 feet tall and 50 years of age which is the better 1st motorcycle? I would really like to hone low speed skills and trail riding. Hope this finds you good and happy.
Hi. I’ve been selling motorcycles for over 30 years and I always say buy with your heart not your head. Bikes should be fun and make you smile but you also don’t want to buy the wrong bike for the job in hand. Both bikes will struggle to get proper off road tyres but if you only doing gentle trails think the 500X just pips it. Suspension better ground clearance better and lastly lots of extras out there engine bars bash plates to help protect your bike. There is a company call Rally Raid does awesome off road packages.
Yes Sir… your are right. The same happent too me.. I Downsize.. too a honda cb500x 2023… And now, I drive on it every day. It is so easy too come around whit..
Hi everyone! I'm sorry, but I didn't understand the height of the rider in the video in millimeters? I'm 1690mm tall and I think the cb 500x has a high seat for me. thanks!
I know absolutely loads of people love that Honda 500 engine and it’s very reliable, but I hate it. I remember when Honda first brought out the 471cc engine a good few years ago. I tried the 500f variant and found the motor to be buzzy and vibey. Today I went for a test ride on a CL500 and NX500 both lovely bikes but unfortunately spoilt by that still buzzy engine. I felt the engine was revving a lot harder than it actually was. So unfortunately neither of these bikes are for me.
I had a similar experience, went to look at a CB500X as a commuter. Ended up leaving the dealer with a Husqvarna TE630, just couldn’t gel with the 500 twin, it felt so boring. Ended up selling the TE as it was an awful commuter, continue to ride my old CB400SF, until I can afford a ZX4RR I think (holding off for a Z4RS) 😂
I love the cl 500 styling, but im a old boy. To me is says mr invisible. I don't want anything that says I'm cool or have a inflated ego, or steal me. Just unassuming transport
me gustaria que la CL llevase el escape tan bajo como la CB,tan alto no memhace mucha gracia para el acompañante,porque sentira calor y tal vez llegue a quemarse. la CB es mas completa horquilla invertida doble disco delantero cupula para protegerte del viento,un poc mas cara pero creo que merece la pena,lo unico que ni me gusta de honda es que todas son motos vienen poco equipadas,los extras tienes que pagarlos y eso sube el precio de la moto. gracias por compartir.
Nice review. I don't get the CL500. It reminds me of the plastic maggot cx500 from the 80s. Why they couldn't put some matching colour on the flyscreen ( or the front mudguard on the ones I've seen it and about) is beyond me. It's like a Mish mash from the Honda parts bins..the CB 500x is a beauty by comparison. I think the youngsters of today will remember the CL500 as the bike that was beaten to death with the ugly stick.
Design is always a personal perception, not a law of nature. For my purposes, the NX500 is better suited and gives more motorcycle for the buck, but I don't like the design at all. On the contrary, I really like the design of the CL500.
![Why is EVERYONE Buying the HONDA NX500 ? [QuickTest#37]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/--PL45RxiLA/mqdefault.jpg)
![BOWKYLION - วิงวอน (ex-change) [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/cLdnZWDaO-w/mqdefault.jpg)
Have the scl500 myself and have about 1400 miles on it. Love it. Fun little run around. Easily pops up to 90+ mph if you need it. Fun bike with a sweet style.
The sound of that engine is so much like the old CL-350 I rode 50 years ago it’s uncanny, the 500 is a little throatier, but still it took me back to earlier, better days. Great vid! Ride safe.
Thanks we do try to do good content.
I was very tempted by the CL , but I went the CB-X as i will be doing a lot of highway work and thought the bodywork would be useful for that . Plus for the extra cost , I like the immobilizer and stainless headers on the CB-X
I subscribed. Enjoyed it very much, thanks. The CL400 was my first bike so I have a soft spot for the CL500. Would love to have one... although the Fantic Caballero or a Beta would suit me better. Currently own a KTM Freeride 2 stroke 250. Love it! Ciao for now. I am living in Morocco because I can ride 100% of the time on tracks, off road and in crazy city traffic.
nice video, covered some good points. Im thinking about getting the CB500X as my first bike, have watched lots on the bike and this was up there with the best. Thanks for making the video.
Thats the best bike you could get. If that would have been my first bike, i would still own it.
Excellent, honest, comparative review Graeme. No matter how hard I try I can’t get away with the styling on the CL. Great bike etc, but I wouldn’t be walking into the garage to take another look at it.
Completely agree. Been waiting years for Honda to get back into the Scrambler game, but this is a bobber with a high pipe, and I don't care for bobbers.
Yes, yes we are "too honest" these days. Honest has become the fashionable word.
What ever you buy it must have garage lust. When you open your garage it must get you straight away.
Extremely well said! I love this and need to heed it when I go to buy another bike. @@Geordiebiketester
I actually like the CL500 for its more classic look. I don’t like the “crotch rocket” look of the CB500.
I had 3 CBX's but imho, the 19" wheel ruined it, I even tried the 2023 model with USDF's and still found it wanting on the vague front end, I rode the CL the same day and now own a blue one, which I'm very happy with for the lanes, tracks and byways in mid Wales, not as good as my 300 Rally, but a much nicer road bike, and have the CBR 23 and CBF 22 as well as a Ninja Z1000SX 20, never have the right bike for the right job 🤣😂
I own a 2021 CB500X and bought it new. About to hit 8k trouble free miles. Every since the CL500 came out I've had my eye on it. Pondered swapping out for the ground reach alone since I'm only 5'6. Seemed like the CB500X rode a bit better though in the footage here. Would be interesting to own both.
Waiting for the 750x or gb750
I’m a tad shorter, how does the 500 feel? I’m looking at a 400x and they’re power much the same - I’m just concerned that the bike will “feel” likes it’s a load to manage, especially at lower speeds any input will be greatly appreciated - cheers.
I've sat on the CL500 and could tell it was not near as top heavy as the CB500X. Plus there seems to be more ground reach. I'm a novice rider so to me very low speeds are a bit stressful due to tip over concerns. So if I were shorter I think it would be worse.
That’s my concern as well, I’ve been focusing on slow speed maneuvers - it’s a challenge. Thanks for your reply. @@findingneutral
I’m 5’6 as well, wanted the cb500x for my first 200 kilo bike but its too high (for me) I was wondering if you could install adjustable lowering links on the cl 500? Want to lower it by an inch just so i get used to the bike’s weight.
Great video Graeme! Trying to decide which one I should get 👍
I own a 2023 cb500x that I bought New,I’m a big lad at 115kg and the rear shock is awful. I ride solo so no pillions here and normal speeds on B/ roads is like sitting on a pogo stick,I’ve got the preload in the firmest position but it hasn’t improved things that much. I love the bike to bits & as you said in your video it’s a do it all machine that’s very cheap to run,I’m going to change the rear shock for a better quality fully adjustable unit that I can have built to my rider weight. I’m hoping this will rein in the out of control bouncy shock with some rebound adjustments. It won’t be a cheap fix but it is spoiling a sweet riding machine that I intend to keep. I noticed Codger Biker has the same issues as me & swapped out the rear shock for a YSS unit- problem solved.
Here in the States we just got the CL. I checked one out at the local dealership and was sold. Then he showed me the CB500X. Now I'm torn between the 2. The CB is more bike for $500 more, but the CL looks the part. The only thing I have against the CL is the exhaust placement. Thanks for the side by side comparison 👍
The CL looks are a personal thing, I think my 500x looks way better. The X has much better spec, twin front discs, monoshock, proper fairing. It's a proper bike and we'll worth the extra money
CL has a smaller tank too
The exhaust placement of the CL is better than cb500x. Honda spoiled all their adv with the hanging down exhaust👎
Even the Africa Twin
Yamaha Tenere too. People put it after market in the proper position - where the CL has it.
@@ludoduh In my humble opinion that is very debatable. There's a tour company in Baja California that uses exclusively CB 500 X and does off-road that's more appropriate for the crf 300. The low mounted exhaust is angled well and better for a passenger and luggage.
@@123edwardzpad well, we certainly have different priorities with that company. I travel with a small backpack, tightened with an elastic net on the back seat on my bike. I have even removed the steps for the passenger. I'm riding a Kawasaki KLE500 1996. The exhaust is where it should be. If I ever buy a Honda CB500X or NX500, the replacement of the exhaust will be one of the first mods I'll do. It's not only low, it comes out on the side. Naturally everyone has his opinion and priorities. Thousands ride it as it is coming out of the factory 🙂
I got CB 500 X and its great little adventure bike - after slamming some KNOBBY tires bash plate wider pegs 2 inch lifted steering bar for standing up riding and some luggage racks . I wish this bikes come with 50-50 tires but 80-20 is what I got and its great for what I do !
Honda where is ON OFF switch for ABS ? Deep mud power cutting get annoying fast ...
I am happy owner of cb500x. Really great value for money bike.
If you accidently got the "wrong" one, I think you'ld still be ok, they are Honda, they are great.
Thank you for the comparison. At 6 feet tall and 50 years of age which is the better 1st motorcycle? I would really like to hone low speed skills and trail riding. Hope this finds you good and happy.
Hi. I’ve been selling motorcycles for over 30 years and I always say buy with your heart not your head. Bikes should be fun and make you smile but you also don’t want to buy the wrong bike for the job in hand. Both bikes will struggle to get proper off road tyres but if you only doing gentle trails think the 500X just pips it. Suspension better ground clearance better and lastly lots of extras out there engine bars bash plates to help protect your bike. There is a company call Rally Raid does awesome off road packages.
@@Geordiebiketester Thank you very much. I will definitely check out Rally Raid too.
Considering downsizing from 1200 gs to the cb500x lot lighter more fuel efficient and cheaper road tax
And great fun.
30 years of bigger bikes and that's what I did earlier this year, going well so far
Hi, I've got the same 'problem?' over here In Europe...🤫🤔 or restore my old Transalp XL6OOV..
I downsized from a ST1300 to a 500X two years ago. My annual mileage has doubled, it’s a fantastic bike.
Yes Sir… your are right. The same happent too me.. I Downsize.. too a honda cb500x 2023… And now, I drive on it every day. It is so easy too come around whit..
Great review Thanks/
Good Review 👍
@@EricThomasHunterSweetland thanks
Thank you.
Hi everyone!
I'm sorry, but I didn't understand the height of the rider in the video in millimeters? I'm 1690mm tall and I think the cb 500x has a high seat for me. thanks!
5 foot 10 is = to 1778mm
@@ukulelalienation Thank you!
Very informative
or CB500F?
Yeah CB500F canny little bike but no demo this year so couldn’t do a comparison.
I know absolutely loads of people love that Honda 500 engine and it’s very reliable, but I hate it.
I remember when Honda first brought out the 471cc engine a good few years ago. I tried the 500f variant and found the motor to be buzzy and vibey.
Today I went for a test ride on a CL500 and NX500 both lovely bikes but unfortunately spoilt by that still buzzy engine. I felt the engine was revving a lot harder than it actually was. So unfortunately neither of these bikes are for me.
And this is why we have so many different bikes we all love different things.
I had a similar experience, went to look at a CB500X as a commuter.
Ended up leaving the dealer with a Husqvarna TE630, just couldn’t gel with the 500 twin, it felt so boring.
Ended up selling the TE as it was an awful commuter, continue to ride my old CB400SF, until I can afford a ZX4RR I think (holding off for a Z4RS) 😂
I love the cl 500 styling, but im a old boy. To me is says mr invisible. I don't want anything that says I'm cool or have a inflated ego, or steal me. Just unassuming transport
me gustaria que la CL llevase el escape tan bajo como la CB,tan alto no memhace mucha gracia para el acompañante,porque sentira calor y tal vez llegue a quemarse.
la CB es mas completa horquilla invertida doble disco delantero cupula para protegerte del viento,un poc mas cara pero creo que merece la pena,lo unico que ni me gusta de honda es que todas son motos vienen poco equipadas,los extras tienes que pagarlos y eso sube el precio de la moto.
gracias por compartir.
Nice review. I don't get the CL500. It reminds me of the plastic maggot cx500 from the 80s. Why they couldn't put some matching colour on the flyscreen ( or the front mudguard on the ones I've seen it and about) is beyond me. It's like a Mish mash from the Honda parts bins..the CB 500x is a beauty by comparison. I think the youngsters of today will remember the CL500 as the bike that was beaten to death with the ugly stick.
500x
Remember when Mercedes made the CL 500? XD that warls a nice Car.
I usually prefer scramblers, but to me CL is ugly, I much prefer 500X even I am not an adv fan by any means
I totally agree...it's a pity Honda
I agree with you 100%
Design is always a personal perception, not a law of nature.
For my purposes, the NX500 is better suited and gives more motorcycle for the buck, but I don't like the design at all.
On the contrary, I really like the design of the CL500.
CM450
old skool is well designed skool