Hello and Thanks very much for watching this video on the Honda CL500. I made a mistake on the fuel tank size here. It's 12 litres and not 16 as I say in the video! I am reliably told the stock black seat is much more comfortable than the brown one!? The brown one comes with the "style pack" it was uncomfortable by the end of filming. Overall its a good bike ....In the full video I made I talk more on the braking (I wish it had a dual disc like some of the other bikes in the 500 range) but the video came out the can 35 minutes long which is too much so I had to "skim the fat off a bit". Thanks so much for watching the video! If you could drop me a "like" on the video it makes the day off work all worthwhile and helps so much in every way. Thanks E.R : )
I really like this bike, the exhaust isn't the best to look at but i've noticed that a couple of aftermarket companies are already making more stylish options. I'm pretty sure lots of upgrades and luggage options will be available fairly soon too......
Well....... Oddly enough (for me) I actually quite like the look of it! Nice little all-rounder, capable of a bit of occasional light green laneing i should think. Should do fairly well on the market I'd have thought, the 'scrambler' look seems to be the current fashion. Nice review ! 👍👌
Thanks Ken. The scrambler market is definitely still untapped isn't it and I think it could be a bigger genre of bike than what it is. Thanks for watching : )
I'm on a 125, when I pass my A test, I'll grab an A2 bike, to ease myself in gently. Shortlist was Z400, Ninja 400, Duke 390, Rebel 500, CL500. I want to have confidence of filtering to the front and ACTUALLY being able to pull away from the cars. I don't have that with my 125. I'm a shortarse with arthritis, so Duke was too high, or rather the pillion was too high to get my leg over. The Z400/Ninja 400 were a little too much of a stretch also. The Rebel I felt my arms were too straight out. So will test this CL500 tomorrow after work, and I pray that the foot and bar position is good.....
Hi Exeter rider, love your channel, not only the reviews but i lived nr exeter quay for years so love seeing exeter,dawlish ,teignmouth ect. Used to walk to bridge motor cycles regularly.keep up the the great work, hoping to move back down soon so maybe see you around.👍
Not sure what they were thinking of with that high exhaust but yet the pipes go down really low underneath it so in a scramble they're going to get a proper bashing. Style over substance?
Good review mate, down to earth as usual, I didn't like the bike at first but by the end of the review I did quite like it, I reckon it will do quite well.
Now that was a nice surprise, I hadn't even caught wind of these CL500 Scrambler models! 😬 As always awesome review ER & well done on not letting that wee Suzuki car interrupt you while filming! 🤬🤣👍
Just seen this mate , I haven't had a notification since the S#@#@#@r darkside video ..... Great review and video mate . The only criticism of the bike I have is that the ( in my opinion ) headlamp fairing should be colour coded with the tank .
@@exeterrider Nooooooooo ........ The problem is I grew up in the 1960's when it was Mods versus Rockers and no self respecting Bike Rider would be seen dead on a girlie Mod machine .......
Your right....I have no idea where I got 16 from!!! even on my notes it says 12 and can't believe I missed that on watching back!!! I will put that right on a "pinned" comment. Thanks very much for the heads up on that cock up!
Love the new jacket, less Teletubby more serious, classic rider. This bike is very exciting. It'll never have the beauty of the Triumph Scrambler 900 but it's much better priced and serviced. The exhaust is horrible but that's how it's done these days and it could be changed. Honda do seem a bit lacking with their dashes but I could live with it and gear indicator is nice to have. Mostly though,it looks great with you riding it, you really nipped about on it and the engine's good. Should cope with our dreadful roads and exploring. Very nice indeed. Although I'd have to have 🍊 😂
😂 yes teletubby gets wrapped and strapped away lol I do like my new jacket i must admit...I hated my old one. May not be a Triumph 900 or 1200 but then its a 6k saving so it leaves it affordable me thinks : )
@@exeterrider 🤣🤣🤣 it's a lovely jacket. Yes, I think at that price and cc, it's an excellent option for a first big bike and with a 79cm seat height, I'd give it a go.😊
Not a bad little bike. Exhaust like all modern bikes is too big but there's not much Honda can do about that. I've ridden the 500X with that engine and it's a great unit. 👍 Definitely growing on me this bike, think it will sell OK.
Spent 3yrs researching bikes to do a 25k mile trip up through the Americas, this ticks all the boxes...once i find a L/R tank! Best things before this was a Kawasaki Versis 300,given the accesssories,tank rank range etc! Got to pick a bike to the enviroment you are going too,this certainly is up there!
Now that's a review 👍 I think the styling needs some work, obviously the exhaust would have to go. along with the swing arm, headlight cowl, instrumentation, seat, tail tidy, mirrors, but apart from that it's perfect 😉 I'm a little concerned if you've had a cognitive test recently, as you keep riding off forgetting your camera, I'm concerned 🤔
I have seen the doctors about it. I can't remember what he said now but I think it was all clear. Thanks Beans , yes by the time that lot goes it will be a chopper....or just chopped! : )
@@exeterrider 🤣Don't worry you not doing a "Joe Biden" and the review was excellent. I always chose a Honda as a work bike as I think they are the tops for reliability, I just couldn't get on board with this one on a few of their styling choices, but their hands are tied with the exhaust which is replaceable anyway.
I really like what I see here but I can not find out if the CL500 is going to be sold in the US or not. Dealer told me NO but yet the Honda USA website shows it in the lineup. Anybody hear anything???
V nice looking in that blue. How many 500s do Honda need? Due to my age I like twin clocks and chrome. In 1979 my cb500 was 50hp and felt really good after the 250s. I know its emissions and laws but can’t help think no progress in power in 40+ years. For me personally I need no less than 70 bhp to meet my needs in a bike. My Nc750x made my bum sore too but vstrom 650 is all day comfy. Nice looking not sure if honda got too many 500s. Well done ER
Very much like the Honda 500 cl scrambler, great engine and like the different styling packs to make it your own, pricing makes it an affordable bike to purchase for sure. Spent a good 4 hrs on the bike on saturday covering 130 miles around snowdonia, went through fog, sun and heavy rain ! lol. Would have one as a second bike for sure, few niggles as with any bike, my back got covered with crud, wheel wider than mud guard, foot pegs in way of putting feet down, seat very firm, dim light dash and petrol gauge in blocks of only 4.
@@exeterrider yeah mine had the the stock seat, once stopped for a brew it was fine to carry on, 2 hrs and you prob want to take a break, enjoyed your review, always a good watch and honest review, take care and ride safe
Love the look and the weight is perfect. But you already sold me my dream bike. But if that was a 5000 dollar bike out the door...... i might have thought about it.
Thank you for the review sir. Keep them coming. You and I and Mark pulling have the same height and inseam. That’s why I appreciate your reviews so much
Great to hear from you Karl. I am in contact with Mark every now and then. He really is a nice genuine chap and I enjoy his videos. I appreciate your comment.
I don’t understand a high pipe that passes underneath the engine first. I would probably swap out the exhaust for one off of Rebel just so I could use my horseshoe bag.
i was going to recommend this bike to a friend , but as the test went on ,- NO ,,,, another friend rang me and said two sections of the channel tunnel are missing ;;; i replied and said - i think honda have invaded and taken them to make an exhaust pipe for a 500 trail bike ,,, i am still wondering why makers of bikes fit dash/speedos with 10 thousand bits of info that no-one can read ;;; very nice scenic route today , apart from cars stuck at 15 mph , good job the nippy honda can get through ;;
😂😂Yes it's quite a large can on it isn't it. Hard seat, but I quite enjoy riding it so it's all a trade off for me . Those dashes need sorting though for sure!
Nice test, thanks. I have an 2022 XADV (done 6000km), but I like this one, it's the exact opposite to the xadv: light, simple, manual, retro... so there will be two hondas in my garage soon :)
Great review 🙂, you covered everything I wanted to know apart from one thing! Do honda or anyone else do a centre stand as an extra? Or is there no provision for this 🤔
I too love a centre stand. I bent down and looked at a SCL500 (US version) showroom model undercarriage and did not see any oem mount points. Actually seemed like the catalytic converter took up much of the room where the mounting points might go? I own a 2021 CB500X which came stock with the centre stand mounting points. Beings I'm liking the CL500 I'm trying to research as much as possible pro's & cons.
Splendid review and good looking 👀 too Very professional as per and loving the camera work especially in the carpark where you leave it and ride out looks ace 😊😊 Brilliant and happy new jacket whoop whoop 😊😊 very nice indeed Look forward to the next one 😊😊😊
Test rode one of these a few days ago. Looks much better in person also IMO. Was slightly unsure at first. Will be trading in my 125 forza for this next week, hoping it does wel as a London city commuter
I can see why you weren't too sure about this bike at first. It is a quirky looking bike huh. I think it would grow on me over time as well. Especially with a different color scheme. Good review man!!
With riders gradually moving away from the big 1000cc plus bikes, the current really competitive battleground seems to be the middleweight 650 to 900. However, I reckon the most popular size within the next 2 years will be the 350-500 range, and I think Honda have stole a march on the rest and realised this. What Honda hasn't acknowledged though is how important the dash is to prospective riders, and wish they'd get their act together and put a nice bright Africa Twin-like dash on more of their bikes. So frustrating! I'm sure they'd double their sales overnight, because I know people who have bought bikes like a KTM or BMW on the strength of their displays! Interesting few years ahead eh?!
Some beautiful pictures there. Honda needs to do something to make the dash brighter. I think initially I thought the exhaust looks a little bigger than the Javelin they are using in the Ukraine. 😄😄 The exhaust is growing on me. Thanks a great peek into this bike.
Thanks FC "bigger than the Javelin they are using in the Ukraine" ha thats gold! It is a bike that is so different ,you kinda have to look at it for 10 minutes to start digging it.
I would love to have the Honda 500 cl but it’s still out of my price range, so I will plod on riding my old virago 750 , but I am getting to old for this heavy virago and wold love this 500cl , I went to Exeter and staid there for 6 months on a training course for the disabled back in 1980 , loved catching the bus to exmouth every Saturday and going in the pilot inn pub , will have to visit back there one day .
Great wee bike 👍 We are currently seeing a shift from large capacity overpowered heavy bikes, full of electronics to more sensible 250 - 650 cc, unexpensive, simple, fun, light, nimble and more practical bikes. Manufacturers are starting to produce bikes that people want, not bikes your dealer thinks you should have. Royal Enfield realised that years ago and their sales skyrocketed. Models like Interceptor 650 and Meteor / Hunter 350 sell like hotcakes and still have very little competition. Honda obviously also understands this trend. CL500 looks like a great all-rounder.
Nice bike, but I think I prefer the Benelli Leoncino 500 Trail. I fancy the 360-degree crank which gives it greater tractability. I like the CL500, though, and maybe it's more economical. The white cowl looks good. Ditto the side panel. I prefer a lower exhaust. 'In other words, blue, green, black or orange'. Precisely. Why not use plain English? I would argue Suzukis and Yamahas are just as bulletproof and reliable. Kawasakis, too, probably.
Thats a very good point there 1990, I didnt think of the Benelli . Your quite right...although over here they are harder to get hold of and stock is low. Your right , the other brands are still very good , but they dont match the strong finish and decent metals used on the Hondas athough Kawasaki come close but they are much beiiger money that the Honda "value for money, bang for buck" Your right though, they are all good brands.
@@1990-t1j More pricey here though by quite a bit. but fair comment mate. The new MT10 looks unfinished with its holes in the chassis where the fairings used to fix.....also the 700 range where they dont cover up the CAT concverter looks awful....I think they are loosing it....just my opinion mate....still good bikes.
Any views on wether you can do some touring with this bike? I mean yes you have to refuel every 250kms, and the space is really limited with that one side bag, but what is your opinion?
You can tour on any bike as we all know. with the CL the exhaust will get in the way of any saddlebags etc so topbox and saddle bag will be the only way for storage.... You may want a airhawk seat as well to take out the hardness of the seat. If your also OK with no windshield then your good to go 👍😘🍻
@@exeterrider I am riding on s Kawasaki super sherpa till now. I do not know the word windshield yet lol. I really like this bike and it might just be my next one.
I like it I have booked a test ride with the view to buying one if all goes well on the test ride, like the Orange colour or maybe the Black with a Brown seat, I think the market is shifting to smaller bikes enjoying the full range of the engines power
100%, The roads are filled with cameras these days and riding small to mid range bikes is just as fun as the big bikes...infact more fun I think. Thanks for watching this one : )
Nice bike but of all the scramblers I prefer the Triumph 1200. I bought the same jacket about a year ago on TMF's recomendation. Well pleased with it. Good review, cheers.
Yes I get where your coming from but the 1200 scrambler "feels" twice the top heavy weight ,and its £6500 or so more out the bank. 2 different things really.
Yeap I know exactly what you mean there, the more you look at it the more it seems a normal looking bike. Yeap Starcross 👍 Its quite a nice fun peppy (not peppa) ride. It left an impression on me tbh. Thanks mate, missed you on the SB rideout.... Maybe next year 👆👍
Another excellent review. I found the dash so dull and hard to read too on the CB500f when I had it for a while. You would think Honda would improve it as the bikes are othwise quality products.
They are great Engines at 16 liters 80+ mpG it should a good 160 miles To a Tank...The Looks of. It really Stand out I would go for Candy Energy Orange I think.. and I am so glad you Didnt say once " Beginner Bike"
Nice to see the Dawlish countryside. What I don't understand is, last year everyone was raving about the new forks on the cb500x and cb500f because the old forks were too soft and wallowy, but now you're saying that soft wallowy forks are a good thing....
No, I may have come across wrong there....I dont think its a good thing ....but its not really that bad either....it just depends what your going to be doing with it. Offroading will be no good because it will just bottom out , but it works ok combined the 19inch front ON-road...if that makes sense. Thanks for watching
You mentioned my pet hate at the end of the vid - the sometimes buzzy feel of the 500 engine. I’m surprised that in all the years Honda have been producing this engine they still seem unable to get rid of those vibes. Perhaps I’m being harsh but I find high frequency vibes annoying and when riding my mind concentrates on the vibes instead of enjoying the ride.
Test riding demo tomorrow and apparently the green one I ordered as soon as price was announced is imminent ...could be delivered to dealer by time I get there tomorrow and be collecting it end of week or early next week !
@@exeterrider Yes indeed , it will be the smallest capacity bike I've had since the 80's! .. I think the price will rise after the first batch, as will the Hornet whose delivery date is now August for any bike ordered from now on.
I love the look of it, but the pillion accommodation makes it a no for me. I've done many miles 2 up on a bike with the same or less power, but the combination of that fat, high exhaust, high pillion pegs and tiny perch makes it basically a single seater.
Does Honda make a main stand for it. shame it doesn't have a bigger tank . the speedo looks like the one on the Honda monkey. that is the worse thing about it. hard to see in day light.
Yeap, it's similar to the monkey dash although further away and at a different angle.. The monkey dash I found OK tbh. No centre stand as yet but I expect there will be at some point. I'm OK with the tank size myself only because it's super economical anyway. Thanks for your thoughts 💭👍
I find that ignition key placement on the Hondas very odd. It loox like it could fall out with vibration. Also it doesn't have a rev counter which I prefer to have.
No, I don't like it... Wait, it's growing on me even as I watch your review 👍. Your multiple camera angles help a lot. How many times have we said that you need to see a bike in the flesh to appreciate it 😁. A nice little addition to the 500 parallel twin stable. Not a ridiculous seat height either for a change too.
Nice review as usual Exmouth but I just can't see past that hideous silencer heat shield I'm afraid ! I know that it is supposed to hark back to the original bike but at least on that bike it was chromed and nothing like as hideous. I could never take this bike out of the garage and think "good looking bike that is". I simply couldn't. I was looking forward to a 500 twin based scrambler from Honda, thought it might be ok for a bit of trail riding from time to time and of course would be excellent on the roads. This bike is just too ugly for me and it looks as though anything beyond very light trail riding will destroy it ! Just as well it was ugly and I ruled it out early on and got the Himalayan instead ( which admittedly is not a looker either 😂 ). I am already riding trails on Norman that this bike simply wouldn't handle, so I would have definitely been left frustrated had I chosen this instead. Take care buddy, love from France El Outro and Roby
Hard to tell if your going to buy this bike or not. I can tell your thinking of trading Norman in for it. But be decisive rather than just adding up your pros and cons . El outro to you both : )
@@exeterrider 🤔 I’ve thought about it, looked at the silencer and decided that it might be worth getting, just so Norman is no longer the ugliest bike in the garage. I’m kind like that 😇 😉 No, I think the 500X would be my preference out of all of the Honda 500 range. Seems like a great all-rounder. People who have them seem to love them. Not sure that the CL500 is even loved by its own mother tbh 😂 Just kidding. I’m sure none of them are bad bikes, it’s just a matter of personal taste. It’s great to see Honda giving folks options with this platform. Something for everybody 👍 Cheers Exmouth 🥃🥃 Love from France 🇫🇷 ER the spanish variant & Roby
There seems to be so few new bikes available that suit a taller rider these days. At 6ft 3 these hondas are unfortunately not for me. I'm a big fan of the rebel 500, pity it's so small physically.
Your usual first class review, ER, on what is a most peculiar looking machine. It's definitely not to my taste apart from which it would be far too small. I think its use will mainly be limited to the commuter role.
This looks a pretty good bike at a not bad price ER Honda seem to be on a bit of a mission with their twins right now with the 500's and the new Hornet 750 at a good price point , also having good performance too . I am particularly impressed by the Hornet even though I am not a fan of the angular looks of today .But when you think of the performance they give with the reliability and at a price that compares to Royal Enfield it's quite something especially in todays financial environment that is not great for a lot of people .Take note competitor with ultra high prices maybe change is afoot 😉remember what that bank of England bod said get used to being poorer Honda heard that message 😁Bang on ER 👌👍
Make no mistake the Hornet pricing is a declaration of war on the industry by Honda it's made dealer 2nd hand stock look overpriced ( the SV 650 in particular has been badly effected ) and made new R.E's look overpriced . Suzuki's new 800 is being pitched at a grand more , and I understand they only lowered that price when Honda announced the Hornet.
Yes just depends what you want. This has a better build than the intercepter, but it's a different thing. 6k in today's market is quite fair I think. Thanks 👍
Your right, The F is non beatable on paper...and still my favourite I think because the seat is good as well. I dont find the "F" boring tbh. its just too perfect for some people perhaps!?
I think it's a pity that this bike evolved from the Rebel, rather than the 500X/F frame. It could have had a decent sized tank, upside down forks and dual front discs. But sadly, it didn't. Hey ho, not one for me.
No I get long term loan bikes aswell. I have a more detailed review filmed on this being released in December. I'm limited on time, this isn't my full time job.
Hello and Thanks very much for watching this video on the Honda CL500.
I made a mistake on the fuel tank size here. It's 12 litres and not 16 as I say in the video!
I am reliably told the stock black seat is much more comfortable than the brown one!? The brown one comes with the "style pack" it was uncomfortable by the end of filming.
Overall its a good bike ....In the full video I made I talk more on the braking (I wish it had a dual disc like some of the other bikes in the 500 range) but the video came out the can 35 minutes long which is too much so I had to "skim the fat off a bit".
Thanks so much for watching the video! If you could drop me a "like" on the video it makes the day off work all worthwhile and helps so much in every way.
Thanks E.R : )
Been waiting since last year to give it a go, wow rides really well and as with most Hondas they’ve got it smack on. Get mine in two weeks.
Thats great Paul. Its a solid bike mate. Your going to have some fun on it!
I really like this bike, the exhaust isn't the best to look at but i've noticed that a couple of aftermarket companies are already making more stylish options. I'm pretty sure lots of upgrades and luggage options will be available fairly soon too......
Yes it won't be long. I think it's a bike that will gain traction over time 👍🍻
Well....... Oddly enough (for me) I actually quite like the look of it! Nice little all-rounder, capable of a bit of occasional light green laneing i should think. Should do fairly well on the market I'd have thought, the 'scrambler' look seems to be the current fashion. Nice review ! 👍👌
Thanks Ken. The scrambler market is definitely still untapped isn't it and I think it could be a bigger genre of bike than what it is. Thanks for watching : )
I'm 65 and I live on the Missouri/Iowa border midwest USA I have a 2024 cl500 in black and I can see the speedometer and everything else just fine.
They are brilliant bikes. Black is my favourite colour, I have one at the moment on loan and will have a couple of videos coming out on it as soon 👍
I'm on a 125, when I pass my A test, I'll grab an A2 bike, to ease myself in gently. Shortlist was Z400, Ninja 400, Duke 390, Rebel 500, CL500. I want to have confidence of filtering to the front and ACTUALLY being able to pull away from the cars. I don't have that with my 125.
I'm a shortarse with arthritis, so Duke was too high, or rather the pillion was too high to get my leg over.
The Z400/Ninja 400 were a little too much of a stretch also. The Rebel I felt my arms were too straight out. So will test this CL500 tomorrow after work, and I pray that the foot and bar position is good.....
OK cool ,let me know what you think : )
Mount a bike like a horse using the foot peg if it's to tall to swing a leg over .
@@leeinwis I@m 308 lbs. I'd break it. ;)
Hi Exeter rider, love your channel, not only the reviews but i lived nr exeter quay for years so love seeing exeter,dawlish ,teignmouth ect. Used to walk to bridge motor cycles regularly.keep up the the great work, hoping to move back down soon so maybe see you around.👍
I hope so mate, if you ever see me say hello 👍
i like very small bikes. (i ride a grom) when this comes out in 300cc i will buy immediately.
I like smaller bikes as well. This would work well as a 300.
Isn't a cb300r a big grom ?
@leeinwis pretty much, it's good fun.
Not sure what they were thinking of with that high exhaust but yet the pipes go down really low underneath it so in a scramble they're going to get a proper bashing. Style over substance?
I think your right... Scrambler style but meant for the road. Thats my take on it. Thanks Noob 😎
cool bike, (I'm on a Kawasaki Versys x300 -mainly used for commuting around town) enjoy
Yes ,I like it too : )
I bought 1 this past friday and its been a blast!
Brilliant mate. They are a fun ride arn't they : )
@@exeterrider yes sir, it just allows you to breeze through the miles. (Or kilometers)
Like it but not the Exhaust position! If you want to stick a roll bag at the back isnt it gonna get a bit toasty?
Very true, roll bags are not even a option here for sure.
Good review mate, down to earth as usual, I didn't like the bike at first but by the end of the review I did quite like it, I reckon it will do quite well.
Yeap, takes some getting your head around .I felt the same Paul....its the ride which changed my mind : )
Now that was a nice surprise, I hadn't even caught wind of these CL500 Scrambler models! 😬
As always awesome review ER & well done on not letting that wee Suzuki car interrupt you while filming! 🤬🤣👍
Blooper coming up with that Suzuki mate lol!!! and other things!!! Yes its still not really a well known bike .....Yet!! Thanks for watching mate.
This grew on me too! I just bought one!
Ahh nice one... I want to have a go on one again tbh... They are pretty cool
Just seen this mate , I haven't had a notification since the S#@#@#@r darkside video ..... Great review and video mate . The only criticism of the bike I have is that the ( in my opinion ) headlamp fairing should be colour coded with the tank .
Good point, yes no scoots for a little while.... But they will be back 🙄😁
@@exeterrider Nooooooooo ........ The problem is I grew up in the 1960's when it was Mods versus Rockers and no self respecting Bike Rider would be seen dead on a girlie Mod machine .......
Good review. Unfortunately the big let down for me is the size of the fuel tank. It is not 16 litres as stated, it is in fact only 12 litres.
Your right....I have no idea where I got 16 from!!! even on my notes it says 12 and can't believe I missed that on watching back!!! I will put that right on a "pinned" comment.
Thanks very much for the heads up on that cock up!
@@exeterrider An easy mistake to make. Thanks once again for the good review.
Love the new jacket, less Teletubby more serious, classic rider. This bike is very exciting. It'll never have the beauty of the Triumph Scrambler 900 but it's much better priced and serviced. The exhaust is horrible but that's how it's done these days and it could be changed. Honda do seem a bit lacking with their dashes but I could live with it and gear indicator is nice to have. Mostly though,it looks great with you riding it, you really nipped about on it and the engine's good. Should cope with our dreadful roads and exploring. Very nice indeed. Although I'd have to have 🍊 😂
😂 yes teletubby gets wrapped and strapped away lol
I do like my new jacket i must admit...I hated my old one. May not be a Triumph 900 or 1200 but then its a 6k saving so it leaves it affordable me thinks : )
@@exeterrider 🤣🤣🤣 it's a lovely jacket. Yes, I think at that price and cc, it's an excellent option for a first big bike and with a 79cm seat height, I'd give it a go.😊
Not a bad little bike. Exhaust like all modern bikes is too big but there's not much Honda can do about that.
I've ridden the 500X with that engine and it's a great unit. 👍 Definitely growing on me this bike, think it will sell OK.
Yeap, It will do well no matter what I think . It offers something totally different to the rest of the 500 range. Euro 5 exhausts are monsters : )
Many critics point out that the Honda Rebel dash is hard to see, but the brightness level can be adjusted when in the set-up mode.
Yes it can, but it still could be better I think. I think people just want it 100% out the box which is fair enough. Thanks for watching : )
Great review. Thank you! Looking to upgrade from my 125cc scooter one of these days and this looks a great solution.
It's a very good side step for sure 👍🍻
Appreciate you review, thank you!
My pleasure!
Spent 3yrs researching bikes to do a 25k mile trip up through the Americas, this ticks all the boxes...once i find a L/R tank! Best things before this was a Kawasaki Versis 300,given the accesssories,tank rank range etc! Got to pick a bike to the enviroment you are going too,this certainly is up there!
Awesome 👍🍻
Excellent bike review & tutorial. Thanks for sharing.
My pleasure, thanks for your kind feedback 👍🍻
Now that's a review 👍
I think the styling needs some work, obviously the exhaust would have to go. along with the swing arm, headlight cowl, instrumentation, seat, tail tidy, mirrors, but apart from that it's perfect 😉
I'm a little concerned if you've had a cognitive test recently, as you keep riding off forgetting your camera, I'm concerned 🤔
I have seen the doctors about it. I can't remember what he said now but I think it was all clear.
Thanks Beans , yes by the time that lot goes it will be a chopper....or just chopped! : )
@@exeterrider 🤣Don't worry you not doing a "Joe Biden" and the review was excellent. I always chose a Honda as a work bike as I think they are the tops for reliability, I just couldn't get on board with this one on a few of their styling choices, but their hands are tied with the exhaust which is replaceable anyway.
I really like what I see here but I can not find out if the CL500 is going to be sold in the US or not. Dealer told me NO but yet the Honda USA website shows it in the lineup. Anybody hear anything???
I dont know , but if its on U.S website then I guess its coming at some point.
V nice looking in that blue. How many 500s do Honda need? Due to my age I like twin clocks and chrome. In 1979 my cb500 was 50hp and felt really good after the 250s. I know its emissions and laws but can’t help think no progress in power in 40+ years. For me personally I need no less than 70 bhp to meet my needs in a bike. My Nc750x made my bum sore too but vstrom 650 is all day comfy. Nice looking not sure if honda got too many 500s. Well done ER
I know where your coming from with so many in the Honda range...This does seem different than the rest. They have certainly covered every angle.
That brown seat is rock hard. The standard black one is far more comfortable.
Thats intresting to know....Yes the brown one I had would be a deal breaker for me....it is rock hard!
Very much like the Honda 500 cl scrambler, great engine and like the different styling packs to make it your own, pricing makes it an affordable bike to purchase for sure. Spent a good 4 hrs on the bike on saturday covering 130 miles around snowdonia, went through fog, sun and heavy rain ! lol. Would have one as a second bike for sure, few niggles as with any bike, my back got covered with crud, wheel wider than mud guard, foot pegs in way of putting feet down, seat very firm, dim light dash and petrol gauge in blocks of only 4.
All good points there mate. The stock seat is better the brown one I'm told. Good to hear from someone who has also ridden it.
@@exeterrider yeah mine had the the stock seat, once stopped for a brew it was fine to carry on, 2 hrs and you prob want to take a break, enjoyed your review, always a good watch and honest review, take care and ride safe
@@thesmithsteron2wheels362 Thanks mate,your a top chap : )
Love the look and the weight is perfect. But you already sold me my dream bike. But if that was a 5000 dollar bike out the door...... i might have thought about it.
Your bike takes some beating Blake. It's what I call a "very nicely made proper retro" : )
Thank you for the review sir. Keep them coming. You and I and Mark pulling have the same height and inseam. That’s why I appreciate your reviews so much
Great to hear from you Karl. I am in contact with Mark every now and then. He really is a nice genuine chap and I enjoy his videos.
I appreciate your comment.
I don’t understand a high pipe that passes underneath the engine first. I would probably swap out the exhaust for one off of Rebel just so I could use my horseshoe bag.
good point getting bags on the back could be very difficult!!
i was going to recommend this bike to a friend , but as the test went on ,- NO ,,,, another friend rang me and said two sections of the channel tunnel are missing ;;; i replied and said - i think honda have invaded and taken them to make an exhaust pipe for a 500 trail bike ,,, i am still wondering why makers of bikes fit dash/speedos with 10 thousand bits of info that no-one can read ;;; very nice scenic route today , apart from cars stuck at 15 mph , good job the nippy honda can get through ;;
😂😂Yes it's quite a large can on it isn't it. Hard seat, but I quite enjoy riding it so it's all a trade off for me . Those dashes need sorting though for sure!
Definitely the best looking of the Honda 500's.
Thanks Simon
Nice test, thanks. I have an 2022 XADV (done 6000km), but I like this one, it's the exact opposite to the xadv: light, simple, manual, retro... so there will be two hondas in my garage soon :)
That's really cool to have a choice, nice one 👍😎
And a green is mine :) it's great, very fun to ride...
A good review bud, this will be a popular bike I’m sure 👌
Thanks - yes with Honda behind it they tend to sell themselves. Thanks
Nice to see Cockwood harbour with the tide in. Very pretty. I went to school there (primary school).
Lovely area there : )
Great review 🙂, you covered everything I wanted to know apart from one thing! Do honda or anyone else do a centre stand as an extra? Or is there no provision for this 🤔
No centre stand yet to my knowledge, but one will be coming along at some point 👆🍻
I too love a centre stand. I bent down and looked at a SCL500 (US version) showroom model undercarriage and did not see any oem mount points. Actually seemed like the catalytic converter took up much of the room where the mounting points might go? I own a 2021 CB500X which came stock with the centre stand mounting points. Beings I'm liking the CL500 I'm trying to research as much as possible pro's & cons.
How does it feel riding in windy conditions? I saw some reviews where reviewers clam that Rebel 500 is too light for riding in windy weather.
It read windy up on the hills that day and it was hailing (the hail hurt!). But didn't find it any different than other bikes tbh.
Thanks for this video, I wonder how comfortable it is for the pillion ?
Not sure, but it's imagine it would be OK being quite a big bench seat
Not sure, but it's imagine it would be OK being quite a big bench seat
Splendid review and good looking 👀 too
Very professional as per and loving the camera work especially in the carpark where you leave it and ride out looks ace 😊😊
Brilliant and happy new jacket whoop whoop 😊😊 very nice indeed
Look forward to the next one 😊😊😊
I'm so pleased with my new jacket...I hated my old one! Thanks for watching as ever!
Test rode one of these a few days ago. Looks much better in person also IMO. Was slightly unsure at first. Will be trading in my 125 forza for this next week, hoping it does wel as a London city commuter
Brill mate, apart from a lack of screen, I think you will enjoy this much more in the traffic because you can see more. 👍
I can see why you weren't too sure about this bike at first. It is a quirky looking bike huh. I think it would grow on me over time as well. Especially with a different color scheme.
Good review man!!
I think you have a 750 version same as the hornet engine am I right?
I actually really like this bike now. It grew on me🏍️👍😎
Is there after market exaust for the American market?
Not yet! 👍
@@exeterrider no doubt one is coming given how butt ugly or shall we quirkey that stock one is.
With riders gradually moving away from the big 1000cc plus bikes, the current really competitive battleground seems to be the middleweight 650 to 900.
However, I reckon the most popular size within the next 2 years will be the 350-500 range, and I think Honda have stole a march on the rest and realised this. What Honda hasn't acknowledged though is how important the dash is to prospective riders, and wish they'd get their act together and put a nice bright Africa Twin-like dash on more of their bikes. So frustrating! I'm sure they'd double their sales overnight, because I know people who have bought bikes like a KTM or BMW on the strength of their displays! Interesting few years ahead eh?!
I concur with that 100%.
Some beautiful pictures there. Honda needs to do something to make the dash brighter. I think initially I thought the exhaust looks a little bigger than the Javelin they are using in the Ukraine. 😄😄 The exhaust is growing on me. Thanks a great peek into this bike.
Thanks FC "bigger than the Javelin they are using in the Ukraine" ha thats gold! It is a bike that is so different ,you kinda have to look at it for 10 minutes to start digging it.
Polished production as usual ER👍
cheers Dave, good to see ya yesterday
I would love to have the Honda 500 cl but it’s still out of my price range, so I will plod on riding my old virago 750 , but I am getting to old for this heavy virago and wold love this 500cl , I went to Exeter and staid there for 6 months on a training course for the disabled back in 1980 , loved catching the bus to exmouth every Saturday and going in the pilot inn pub , will have to visit back there one day .
Those Yams are good bikes...maybe wait for an ex demo perhaps.. if your ever down this way again ill buy the coffee.
Great wee bike 👍
We are currently seeing a shift from large capacity overpowered heavy bikes, full of electronics to more sensible 250 - 650 cc, unexpensive, simple, fun, light, nimble and more practical bikes. Manufacturers are starting to produce bikes that people want, not bikes your dealer thinks you should have. Royal Enfield realised that years ago and their sales skyrocketed. Models like Interceptor 650 and Meteor / Hunter 350 sell like hotcakes and still have very little competition. Honda obviously also understands this trend. CL500 looks like a great all-rounder.
Yes its quite am exciting times I think.... So much choice!
Nice bike, but I think I prefer the Benelli Leoncino 500 Trail. I fancy the 360-degree crank which gives it greater tractability. I like the CL500, though, and maybe it's more economical. The white cowl looks good. Ditto the side panel. I prefer a lower exhaust. 'In other words, blue, green, black or orange'. Precisely. Why not use plain English? I would argue Suzukis and Yamahas are just as bulletproof and reliable. Kawasakis, too, probably.
Thats a very good point there 1990, I didnt think of the Benelli . Your quite right...although over here they are harder to get hold of and stock is low.
Your right , the other brands are still very good , but they dont match the strong finish and decent metals used on the Hondas athough Kawasaki come close but they are much beiiger money that the Honda "value for money, bang for buck"
Your right though, they are all good brands.
@@exeterrider Yamahas are just as well-finished as Hondas. And better value.
@@1990-t1j More pricey here though by quite a bit. but fair comment mate. The new MT10 looks unfinished with its holes in the chassis where the fairings used to fix.....also the 700 range where they dont cover up the CAT concverter looks awful....I think they are loosing it....just my opinion mate....still good bikes.
Any views on wether you can do some touring with this bike? I mean yes you have to refuel every 250kms, and the space is really limited with that one side bag, but what is your opinion?
You can tour on any bike as we all know.
with the CL the exhaust will get in the way of any saddlebags etc so topbox and saddle bag will be the only way for storage.... You may want a airhawk seat as well to take out the hardness of the seat.
If your also OK with no windshield then your good to go 👍😘🍻
@@exeterrider I am riding on s Kawasaki super sherpa till now. I do not know the word windshield yet lol. I really like this bike and it might just be my next one.
@@vinyldown8490 Id say this would be a good up-grade then! although the seat will be a shock to the system.
@@exeterrider I tried it on my dealship, just sit on it. I found the pegs in a weird place, but all in all great bike.
@@vinyldown8490 yeap, I know what you mean. But as you say overall its pretty good 👍🍻
I've searched and searched and NOT found. Can anybody tell me what the top speed of the Honda CL500 is?
105MPH for the 500F I believe which is more than enough for the road.
I like it I have booked a test ride with the view to buying one if all goes well on the test ride, like the Orange colour or maybe the Black with a Brown seat, I think the market is shifting to smaller bikes enjoying the full range of the engines power
100%, The roads are filled with cameras these days and riding small to mid range bikes is just as fun as the big bikes...infact more fun I think. Thanks for watching this one : )
Nice bike but of all the scramblers I prefer the Triumph 1200. I bought the same jacket about a year ago on TMF's recomendation. Well pleased with it. Good review, cheers.
Yes I get where your coming from but the 1200 scrambler "feels" twice the top heavy weight ,and its £6500 or so more out the bank. 2 different things really.
Your budget,yes two different things.
The bike, I'd rather the 1200 XC.
@@splodge57 Fair comment mate
With Regards the Dash, you may be able to Adjust it to Brighten it up, my MT07 Tracer was the same until i found out how to Adjust it.
You can but not to a ideal level
How does the windshield?
There isn't one, the small flyscreen helps only a little.
It's a weird looking bike. I can't decide if I like the look of it or not. Did you film that intro at Starcross?
Yeap I know exactly what you mean there, the more you look at it the more it seems a normal looking bike. Yeap Starcross 👍
Its quite a nice fun peppy (not peppa) ride.
It left an impression on me tbh.
Thanks mate, missed you on the SB rideout.... Maybe next year 👆👍
@@exeterrider I wanted to be there but I had my daughter so we went out on a bicycle adventure.
@@EpicMotorcycleAdventures just as fun but more meaningfull of course.
She's a good kid and it really shines thorough what you mean to each other.
Another excellent review.
I found the dash so dull and hard to read too on the CB500f when I had it for a while. You would think Honda would improve it as the bikes are othwise quality products.
Yeap, I think everything will move to TFT over the next few years...That will help BUT add ££££££££
@exeter rider they should use analogue clocks until they can sort it out. They look better and would probably be cheaper 🤣
And it's what everyone still wants!
Too notch review ER. The new coat suits you too 🙂
I love it! I keep looking at my self in the mirror. A bit like MJ.
@@exeterrider 🤣🤣🤣👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Quirky, looks as if it has a bit of pep and doesn't sound bad either. Quality review 😊
Thanks,,,yes honda seem to have covered every angle in the 500 range.
They are great Engines at 16 liters
80+ mpG it should a good 160 miles
To a Tank...The Looks of. It really
Stand out I would go for
Candy Energy Orange I think..
and I am so glad you Didnt say once
" Beginner Bike"
I made a mistake its a 12litre tank...sorry.....I'd go for the black : )
Nice to see the Dawlish countryside. What I don't understand is, last year everyone was raving about the new forks on the cb500x and cb500f because the old forks were too soft and wallowy, but now you're saying that soft wallowy forks are a good thing....
No, I may have come across wrong there....I dont think its a good thing ....but its not really that bad either....it just depends what your going to be doing with it. Offroading will be no good because it will just bottom out , but it works ok combined the 19inch front ON-road...if that makes sense. Thanks for watching
You mentioned my pet hate at the end of the vid - the sometimes buzzy feel of the 500 engine. I’m surprised that in all the years Honda have been producing this engine they still seem unable to get rid of those vibes.
Perhaps I’m being harsh but I find high frequency vibes annoying and when riding my mind concentrates on the vibes instead of enjoying the ride.
Hi, truth is those vibes do go after 1000 miles or so, but I have to say as I see... The bike was brand new 👍🍻
Test riding demo tomorrow and apparently the green one I ordered as soon as price was announced is
imminent ...could be delivered to dealer by time I get there tomorrow and be collecting it end of week or early next week !
Awesome 👏👏👍
@@exeterrider Yes indeed , it will be the smallest capacity bike I've had since the 80's! .. I think the price
will rise after the first batch, as will the Hornet whose delivery date is now August for any bike ordered from
now on.
Thinking that a 1100 version in manual for about 8 and a half grand would be a good seller, I would definitely look at that
It could happen I think at some point 👍
Might just get one
😉
I love the look of it, but the pillion accommodation makes it a no for me. I've done many miles 2 up on a bike with the same or less power, but the combination of that fat, high exhaust, high pillion pegs and tiny perch makes it basically a single seater.
Yeap I know what you mean there : )
It's looks are growing on me as well... I hope it comes to the US. And with it, the Transalp. C'mon Honda.
I think you guys have a 750 of this bike dont you??? it may be coming anyway!?
Does Honda make a main stand for it. shame it doesn't have a bigger tank . the speedo looks like the one on the Honda monkey. that is the worse thing about it. hard to see in day light.
Yeap, it's similar to the monkey dash although further away and at a different angle.. The monkey dash I found OK tbh.
No centre stand as yet but I expect there will be at some point.
I'm OK with the tank size myself only because it's super economical anyway. Thanks for your thoughts 💭👍
Hi, is that star where you started the ride?
👍 For presentation of this lovely Honda, the comment for YT algo 😊...
Thank you!
@@exeterrider U R most welcome, mate 🤝
The new sub is well earned 👍
I find that ignition key placement on the Hondas very odd. It loox like it could fall out with vibration. Also it doesn't have a rev counter which I prefer to have.
The key cannot be removed unless in the off position ...like every other bike ignition ever made !
@@WyreForestBiker I've only had bixe albeit in the past that had the ignition on the dash as it were.
It is odd but they won't fall out
Exactly David
It's in the same position as the original bikes...so I guess they wanted to make the ignition placement (retro) true to the original bikes.
bike looks great
Yeap, it's pretty cool 👍🍻
No, I don't like it...
Wait, it's growing on me even as I watch your review 👍. Your multiple camera angles help a lot. How many times have we said that you need to see a bike in the flesh to appreciate it 😁. A nice little addition to the 500 parallel twin stable. Not a ridiculous seat height either for a change too.
ha! yes I get what you mean there...The camera angles were deliberate for that very reason : ) Thanks for watching
See it in person and you will love it.
Nice review as usual Exmouth but I just can't see past that hideous silencer heat shield I'm afraid !
I know that it is supposed to hark back to the original bike but at least on that bike it was chromed and nothing like as hideous.
I could never take this bike out of the garage and think "good looking bike that is". I simply couldn't. I was looking forward to a 500 twin based scrambler from Honda, thought it might be ok for a bit of trail riding from time to time and of course would be excellent on the roads. This bike is just too ugly for me and it looks as though anything beyond very light trail riding will destroy it ! Just as well it was ugly and I ruled it out early on and got the Himalayan instead ( which admittedly is not a looker either 😂 ). I am already riding trails on Norman that this bike simply wouldn't handle, so I would have definitely been left frustrated had I chosen this instead.
Take care buddy, love from France
El Outro and Roby
Hard to tell if your going to buy this bike or not. I can tell your thinking of trading Norman in for it. But be decisive rather than just adding up your pros and cons .
El outro to you both : )
@@exeterrider 🤔
I’ve thought about it, looked at the silencer and decided that it might be worth getting, just so Norman is no longer the ugliest bike in the garage. I’m kind like that 😇
😉
No, I think the 500X would be my preference out of all of the Honda 500 range. Seems like a great all-rounder. People who have them seem to love them. Not sure that the CL500 is even loved by its own mother tbh 😂
Just kidding. I’m sure none of them are bad bikes, it’s just a matter of personal taste. It’s great to see Honda giving folks options with this platform. Something for everybody 👍
Cheers Exmouth 🥃🥃
Love from France 🇫🇷
ER the spanish variant & Roby
@@economicalrides 🤣🤣Brilliant mate : )
It wouldn't look so cheap if the fenders were the same color as the tank. That black on black is a cost savings but makes it look low end and dull.
Fair comment, it dosent really bother me but I see where your coming from there. Thanks for watching.
There seems to be so few new bikes available that suit a taller rider these days. At 6ft 3 these hondas are unfortunately not for me. I'm a big fan of the rebel 500, pity it's so small physically.
Triumph 1200 scrambler is good for talk people, it's a little niche though granted.
Your right there!
Us shorties think the opposite there is too many bikes that are too tall for us 😂
👍😂🍻
Exhaust looks too big in relation to the size of the motorbike.
The plastic front light cowling spoils the look and looks cheap.
Yeap ,I'm with you on that.
Same with me and I much prefer the standard seat look too!
pity bridge doh px italian bikes.as they didnt want my guzzi
Ahh that's a shame, I didn't know they didn't PX Italian bikes tbh
@@exeterrider not only these but bransons and stafford bikes
@user-bk6gc7sl9z
I guess it's. "not on brand"
Might get more for a private sale anyway👍
Honda Rebel is great for short people; girls and 30% of them sold in the USA are bought by women with seat height of 68cm = 27".
agreed , it has cornered a certain demograpic for sure....which is great really because what else would they buy if the rebel wasnt around : )
sorry i mean starcross i think as i remember
Yeap you got it : )
You sound like Ricky Gervais
Thanks 👍
it is a marmite indeed. I quite dislike the looks but appreciate practicality
It needs the longbeard chop skills😎👍
@@exeterrider 🤣
Your usual first class review, ER, on what is a most peculiar looking machine. It's definitely not to my taste apart from which it would be far too small. I think its use will mainly be limited to the commuter role.
Yeap totally agree along ith the rest of the 500s I guess Jim, They do a good "non fatiguing" job of it though don't they. Thanks mate
@@exeterrider I do like the other Honda 500's, ER, but unfortunately I always have to go for the bigger bikes to avoid looking like I'm riding a BMX.
This looks a pretty good bike at a not bad price ER Honda seem to be on a bit of a mission with their twins right now with the 500's and the new Hornet 750 at a good price point , also having good performance too . I am particularly impressed by the Hornet even though I am not a fan of the angular looks of today .But when you think of the performance they give with the reliability and at a price that compares to Royal Enfield it's quite something especially in todays financial environment that is not great for a lot of people .Take note competitor with ultra high prices maybe change is afoot 😉remember what that bank of England bod said get used to being poorer Honda heard that message 😁Bang on ER 👌👍
The Hornet is amazing mate. I have a video coming up on that. Spot on with the pricing , things are changing to the consumer benefit I think. 👍
Make no mistake the Hornet pricing is a declaration of war on the industry by Honda
it's made dealer 2nd hand stock look overpriced ( the SV 650 in particular has been badly effected ) and made new R.E's look overpriced . Suzuki's new 800 is being pitched at a grand more , and I understand they only lowered that price when Honda announced the Hornet.
"Only six thousand pounds."
Enfield Interceptor Twin 650.
The pipe looks like silly and should be black.
Yes just depends what you want. This has a better build than the intercepter, but it's a different thing.
6k in today's market is quite fair I think.
Thanks 👍
I hope you went back for the back pack!
Im back there next week so it should still be there. If your passing and can pick it up then that would be great.
In reality you cannot beat the boring Honda CB500F for a 500cc practical reliable workhorse.
Your right, The F is non beatable on paper...and still my favourite I think because the seat is good as well. I dont find the "F" boring tbh. its just too perfect for some people perhaps!?
Having not ridden any myself but I would've thought the 'x' to be the most versatile of the Honda 500s?!?( On 'paper' at least).
it looks bad with that exhaust i'm sure it rides great and is well made being a honda
Yeap I understand where your coming from there.
I think it's a pity that this bike evolved from the Rebel, rather than the 500X/F frame. It could have had a decent sized tank, upside down forks and dual front discs. But sadly, it didn't. Hey ho, not one for me.
Then they'd have nothing to rave about next year when they upgrade it....
It could certainly do with dual discs I think.
Agreed Dom thats how these things work isnt it.
take out another bike.what by a dealer.lol
No I get long term loan bikes aswell. I have a more detailed review filmed on this being released in December.
I'm limited on time, this isn't my full time job.
I'm waiting for CL1100. This bike is good but it's way too small for me
Now that would work!!!😉
W800
@@joecamel6835 Nope, not a scrambler