I like it, back in the 70's we would call it a trail bike , not a full on scrambler / motocross . Good for riding on easy trails and fire roads . At 70 the low seat height and weight makes it easier to get on & off than the tall adventure bikes . On my list as a replacement for my NC750X .
jeez, it looks great in that setting! im curious to see what'll happen on the aftermarket with that exhaust, because everything else on it looks quite nice. Might see if I can get a test ride on one at the local HART, thanks for the ergo review!
Yea the exhaust is a catch-22, you'd want something with a bit more note, but ideally not to lose that cool positioning. Hopefully someone does it justice!
@@leeinwis this was my 1st bike. I've got about 500 miles on it and still really enjoy it. Zero problems so far. But of a side note but the "scrambler" stuff is kinda a joke. It sets so low you won't be going off-road, at all. Works great for hitting back roads and gravel, if you put a wind screen on it it's great for the highway too ... but you will not be jumping it like a dirt bike or something.
Disregarding the "Scrambler" label, this is what most would consider - with these ergos - a standard bike, not a "cruiser." The Honda Rebel and Shadow models are cruisers.
As I explained in the video, this is based on the Rebel 500 (a cruiser funnily enough) and that's very prominent in the ergos and overall feel of the bike.
The front end is, but it has a sub frame added which turns it into a different bike. Ask anyone what kind of bike it is, and most would say scrambler, dual purpose (even though it's only up to mild off-road). Few if any would say, "it's a cruiser."
@@MotoJournoKris I lost count on the amount of times you said, 'cruiser.' The bike is inspired by the Honda CL72 Scrambler (250cc, later 350cc) produced in the 1960's. If you want a cruiser rather than a scrambler, you buy the CM500 rebel.
Seems super weird to me that you want to talk about 'inspiration' which is realistically some minor styling cues, while you're utterly denying the fact this bike is based directly on the CMX500 Rebel's design? From a logical perspective, how's that thought process work? @@pommiegranite464
@@MotoJournoKris DON'T LIE. I said the front end was based on the CMX500 CRUISER. The rest of the bike is not, which turns it into the Scrambler. For a so-called 'journo' you're pretty dumb.
Probably my next bike coming from a zx6r. This one is more tourable and easier to "manhandle" and lower seat. And a big maaaybe doing some light trails... still this is big bike... Done with Sports riding..
Yep, hard to justify a full sports bike on the road these days. I think that's why the ADVs and scramblers are so popular now, generally more comfortable and usable everyday, plus the nice bonus of being able to tackle trails/off-roading to varying extents.
Great review! Now I have an important question for you…… I saw other of your movies and you were telling you have a Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 and you did a testride with the Honda CL500: I know the Honda CL500 and this Z500 are different bikes but those two bikes are on my list for next buy. I did testride tthem both however I can’t figure it out. The cl500 offers a more up ride position but I found the Engine character of both also different despite the have similar engine specs. To long ago and not an expert but I had the feeling the CL500 was more on torque. Difficult to say because there is no tachometer on the Honda. I can’t say the Honda or Kawasaki was faster. What do you think? Thx for your answer 🙏🏻 PS, i ask the same question with another account on another video.
Yea they are similar on paper, but I think the CL500 is a lazier more torque laden engine that doesn't need to be revved as hard, where the Z500 you rev the bike much harder to get the most out of it, so a bit sportier on the engine side of things overall. I think the Z500 would be the faster overall, although the CL may have a little advantage right down low.
@@MotoJournoKris thx buddy for your answer. I have removed the CL500 from my list because once the stock runs out, they will no longer be in the range in the Benelux (Belgium, Holland and Luxemburg). I was and still looking for a bike under the 500cc for just pleasure riding. 70% alone and 30% with my wife as a passenger. So. The Z500 is a "divorce bike" I believe. Good for young people but mid 40 both on a Z500.....hmmm don't think so. The CL500 is ok for a shorter ride to town with a pillion. I also ridden the Royal Enfield Himalayan and Guerrilla and they are also okay, much better for a pillion but for both models......I don't like the colors and here the Himalayan 450 is only available with tubeless tyres in Kamet white camouflage and Hanle Black. For example Kaza brown or the grey with blue or red accents are always with NON tubeless tyres. The guerrilla colors.....I don't like any of them but the bike itself is perfect. I've had more than 27 motorcycles and my last one, a Royal Enfield Meteor 350 was in Yellow and from the moment I saw it and did a test drive with a classic 350, just to feel the engine, it was love at first sight. And I believe that's all you need. If the love is blind, you'll take the disadvantages with it. But if you start with some negative points, it won't last long. To be honest....if I was alone, I think I bought the CL500 or the Z500 immediately. Probably the Z500 because the CL500 is soon an old model. Anyway thx for your review and answer. All the best
@@MotoJournoKris things change. I bought the CL500 yesterday. I'll pick it up after the Christmas and new years Eve holidays mid January 2025 😉 I did a second testride yesterday with a pillion and it is what I needed. The Kawasaki was also an option but not good for the pillion and I found the Kawasaki less finished than the Honda. Wires and cable are more hidden and better worked away in the frame. Thx for your suggestions. Best regards from Belgium
@@kalnwi2023My brother in christ, I just wanted to install adjustable lowering links lower it by an inch till I get used to the bike’s weight. what are you, the bike modification police?
Hi, one question: how big is an issue with this motorbike not having a windshield? I prefer this bike over cb500x, but I am worried it could be cold on longer rides.
It's definitely noticeable, but you can fit an accessory screen to largely solve that issue. It probably won't match the CB500X on wind protection even with the screen added though, just due to the overall design.
Thanks. I am about to buy my first motorcycle and I knew I want a Honda 500cc a moment I saw it. I just can't decide between the style and the comfort 😁
It's a solid platform, so there's usually room (and accessories) to modify it up a bit to suit your needs. The CL500 is a bit more of an all-rounder, where the CB500X falls into that touring/ADV style a lot more, which will probably offer better comfort and wind protection, especially for long rides. There's nothing wrong with picking on style though, especially for a first bike, you can never be sure exactly what type of bike you'll end up liking most from the perspective of utility long term. @@doppel5627
Dual shocks on this one, I found it pretty comfortable to be honest, not overly harsh at the rear, although there's also the opportunity to upgrade those shocks too.
I'm 5'6" (about 5.56 kowalas). I'm heading into town to throw a leg over and see if this can be my big brother to my suzuki vanvan200. Can go anywhere a big adv can, just at a sightseeing pace 😅😂
I said it's based on a cruiser, has cruiser vibes, and sits somewhere between the cruiser and nakedbike or cruiser/scrambler segments. It obviously has a lot of commonality to the Rebel 500. It's also not a 'sportsbike engine' it's just a parallel twin.
I like it, back in the 70's we would call it a trail bike , not a full on scrambler / motocross . Good for riding on easy trails and fire roads . At 70 the low seat height and weight makes it easier to get on & off than the tall adventure bikes . On my list as a replacement for my NC750X .
jeez, it looks great in that setting! im curious to see what'll happen on the aftermarket with that exhaust, because everything else on it looks quite nice. Might see if I can get a test ride on one at the local HART, thanks for the ergo review!
Yea the exhaust is a catch-22, you'd want something with a bit more note, but ideally not to lose that cool positioning. Hopefully someone does it justice!
cut the CAT off and patch in some pipe , save 750 bucks .@@MotoJournoKris
Yep if you've got the skills to do that, it's an ideal solution and will save plenty of $$$.@@kalnwi2023
Im 6"3, fits me fine.
Should I get one ?
@@leeinwis this was my 1st bike. I've got about 500 miles on it and still really enjoy it. Zero problems so far. But of a side note but the "scrambler" stuff is kinda a joke. It sets so low you won't be going off-road, at all. Works great for hitting back roads and gravel, if you put a wind screen on it it's great for the highway too ... but you will not be jumping it like a dirt bike or something.
Disregarding the "Scrambler" label, this is what most would consider - with these ergos - a standard bike, not a "cruiser." The Honda Rebel and Shadow models are cruisers.
As I explained in the video, this is based on the Rebel 500 (a cruiser funnily enough) and that's very prominent in the ergos and overall feel of the bike.
You did mention the pillion suspension adjustment does that make much of a difference or is it minimal?
Nice review by the way 9:47
I didn't have a chance to test out the preload adjustment on the shocks, just having the bike for a day, so hard to say on that one.
The front end is, but it has a sub frame added which turns it into a different bike. Ask anyone what kind of bike it is, and most would say scrambler, dual purpose (even though it's only up to mild off-road). Few if any would say, "it's a cruiser."
I didn't say it's a cruiser. I said it's based on one, rides like one, and the ergos share that feeling. I guess nuance is hard.
@@MotoJournoKris I lost count on the amount of times you said, 'cruiser.' The bike is inspired by the Honda CL72 Scrambler (250cc, later 350cc) produced in the 1960's. If you want a cruiser rather than a scrambler, you buy the CM500 rebel.
Seems super weird to me that you want to talk about 'inspiration' which is realistically some minor styling cues, while you're utterly denying the fact this bike is based directly on the CMX500 Rebel's design? From a logical perspective, how's that thought process work? @@pommiegranite464
@@MotoJournoKris DON'T LIE. I said the front end was based on the CMX500 CRUISER. The rest of the bike is not, which turns it into the Scrambler. For a so-called 'journo' you're pretty dumb.
A good bike which will sell well. Could do with some Renthal bars. The stock bars look puny. Nick J
Yea, it's an ideal platform to modify up a bit.
Any commentary or insight on the ergonomics when there's a passenger on the back (ergonomics for passenger or rider)?
Probably my next bike coming from a zx6r. This one is more tourable and easier to "manhandle" and lower seat. And a big maaaybe doing some light trails... still this is big bike... Done with Sports riding..
Yep, hard to justify a full sports bike on the road these days. I think that's why the ADVs and scramblers are so popular now, generally more comfortable and usable everyday, plus the nice bonus of being able to tackle trails/off-roading to varying extents.
Great review!
Now I have an important question for you…… I saw other of your movies and you were telling you have a Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 and you did a testride with the Honda CL500:
I know the Honda CL500 and this Z500 are different bikes but those two bikes are on my list for next buy. I did testride tthem both however I can’t figure it out. The cl500 offers a more up ride position but I found the Engine character of both also different despite the have similar engine specs. To long ago and not an expert but I had the feeling the CL500 was more on torque. Difficult to say because there is no tachometer on the Honda.
I can’t say the Honda or Kawasaki was faster.
What do you think?
Thx for your answer 🙏🏻
PS, i ask the same question with another account on another video.
Yea they are similar on paper, but I think the CL500 is a lazier more torque laden engine that doesn't need to be revved as hard, where the Z500 you rev the bike much harder to get the most out of it, so a bit sportier on the engine side of things overall. I think the Z500 would be the faster overall, although the CL may have a little advantage right down low.
@@MotoJournoKris thx buddy for your answer. I have removed the CL500 from my list because once the stock runs out, they will no longer be in the range in the Benelux (Belgium, Holland and Luxemburg). I was and still looking for a bike under the 500cc for just pleasure riding. 70% alone and 30% with my wife as a passenger. So. The Z500 is a "divorce bike" I believe. Good for young people but mid 40 both on a Z500.....hmmm don't think so. The CL500 is ok for a shorter ride to town with a pillion. I also ridden the Royal Enfield Himalayan and Guerrilla and they are also okay, much better for a pillion but for both models......I don't like the colors and here the Himalayan 450 is only available with tubeless tyres in Kamet white camouflage and Hanle Black. For example Kaza brown or the grey with blue or red accents are always with NON tubeless tyres. The guerrilla colors.....I don't like any of them but the bike itself is perfect.
I've had more than 27 motorcycles and my last one, a Royal Enfield Meteor 350 was in Yellow and from the moment I saw it and did a test drive with a classic 350, just to feel the engine, it was love at first sight. And I believe that's all you need. If the love is blind, you'll take the disadvantages with it. But if you start with some negative points, it won't last long.
To be honest....if I was alone, I think I bought the CL500 or the Z500 immediately. Probably the Z500 because the CL500 is soon an old model.
Anyway thx for your review and answer. All the best
@@MotoJournoKris things change. I bought the CL500 yesterday. I'll pick it up after the Christmas and new years Eve holidays mid January 2025 😉
I did a second testride yesterday with a pillion and it is what I needed. The Kawasaki was also an option but not good for the pillion and I found the Kawasaki less finished than the Honda. Wires and cable are more hidden and better worked away in the frame.
Thx for your suggestions.
Best regards from Belgium
Can you install Lowering Kits on these?
I haven't seen one listed anywhere, and there only seems to be a genuine high seat, not a low version.
Jesus how low do you want ?
@@kalnwi2023 Some of us are short.
@@kalnwi2023My brother in christ, I just wanted to install adjustable lowering links lower it by an inch till I get used to the bike’s weight. what are you, the bike modification police?
@@tombombadilofficial In a way yes, I've tried a bunch of bikes and hate the ergos , so i'm kinda the ergo police for myself .
I would like to see a CL1100
I wonder if there'll be enough interest to warrant the bigger scrambler!
Hi, one question: how big is an issue with this motorbike not having a windshield? I prefer this bike over cb500x, but I am worried it could be cold on longer rides.
It's definitely noticeable, but you can fit an accessory screen to largely solve that issue. It probably won't match the CB500X on wind protection even with the screen added though, just due to the overall design.
Thanks. I am about to buy my first motorcycle and I knew I want a Honda 500cc a moment I saw it. I just can't decide between the style and the comfort 😁
It's a solid platform, so there's usually room (and accessories) to modify it up a bit to suit your needs. The CL500 is a bit more of an all-rounder, where the CB500X falls into that touring/ADV style a lot more, which will probably offer better comfort and wind protection, especially for long rides. There's nothing wrong with picking on style though, especially for a first bike, you can never be sure exactly what type of bike you'll end up liking most from the perspective of utility long term. @@doppel5627
Does it have a monoshock ? Is it any good ? People with bad backs wanna know.
Dual shocks on this one, I found it pretty comfortable to be honest, not overly harsh at the rear, although there's also the opportunity to upgrade those shocks too.
Basically this bike is a 'Street Scramber'...... A roadster with scrambler styling.
Pretty much. A lot of the factory bikes that pick a famous moniker/theme fit under that kind of umbrella.
Original seat , doesn't look like it, when I sat on one it was hard as a rock.
I'm 5'6" (about 5.56 kowalas). I'm heading into town to throw a leg over and see if this can be my big brother to my suzuki vanvan200. Can go anywhere a big adv can, just at a sightseeing pace 😅😂
Sounds like that'd be a good combo!
@bulbakip6380 was it comfortable, were you able to flat foot it?
you keep calling it a cruiser yet that engine is a sport bike engine they put in the rebel and they change most of the frame.
I said it's based on a cruiser, has cruiser vibes, and sits somewhere between the cruiser and nakedbike or cruiser/scrambler segments. It obviously has a lot of commonality to the Rebel 500. It's also not a 'sportsbike engine' it's just a parallel twin.
It's NOT a cruiser! The CM500 is a cruiser, this is a scrambler.
It's based directly on the CMX500? Not a hard concept to understand.