The CL500
A City Scrambler with Dirt Track Credentials
The CL series of street scramblers launched in the UK in the mid-1960s. The concept was a simple one. Take a mid-range engine with plenty of grunt, throw in an upswept exhaust, chunky tyres, wide bars, and voila.
The Honda range of CL street scramblers went on to become a steady seller for over three decades. Honda relaunched the CL platform in 2023 and the bike’s simple robust and stylish lines became a hit all over again with a whole new generation of riders.
The CL500’s upright riding stance and excellent ground clearance make it a sure bet for city centre traffic duels. The bike’s genuine ability to hold its head up on weekend green lane forays is a big bonus. Similar to the original CL, the street scrambler’s serious style and practical toughness are visible from every angle.
Iconic Engine
The CL500’s power plant is the same rock-solid, liquid-cooled, twin that propels other iconic models in the Honda range such as the CMX500 Rebel and NX500. Power out of 34.3kW and torque of 43Nm, remain unchanged for the 25 year model making it A2 compliant. The CL’s ability to break out the back wheel on loose
tracks also makes it an ideal platform to develop real-world riding skills.
The 2025 year model model is EURO5+ compliant. It features unique settings for the PGM fuel injection and intake and exhaust setup. Plus, acceleration is crisp throughout the gears. Immersive mid-range torque and a willing rush at the top end are only
two reasons why the CL500 is so popular.
Diamond of a Frame
Being among Honda’s most popular engine platforms is one thing but without a chassis to compliment it, the CL500 would be destined for mediocrity. Thankfully, the diamond structure steel frame with its trademark triangulated neck bracing is a perfect match.
The flat-track-themed rear subframe loop provides a stylish base for the tuck and roll seat. Meanwhile, the single steel tube swinging arm is brazenly minimalistic. Sturdy 41mm telescopic forks provide 150mm of travel and twin rear shocks offer five-step pre-load adjustment.
Deeply grooved Dunlop Mixtour tyres riding on 19” front and 17” rear wheels aid
handling and give the CL500 a purposeful flat-tracker attitude. Improving an already successful model is no easy task but clever tweaks have increased its desirability. A reconfigured dash gives enhanced readability in brighter conditions thanks to the negative display LCD.
Increased seat comfort is thanks to internal foam density. The seat also retains
the side skirt covering the top frame tubes. This design makes standing up on the
restyled footrests easier.
Colours Designed to Pop
Two new colour options of Pearl Dusk Yellow and Mat Fresco Brown join the existing Mat Laurel Green Metalic and Mat Gunpowder Black Metalic. As the bike features a blacked-out frame, engine, and cycle parts, the two new options pop up.
Are you a new A2 license holder looking for retro styling and new school reliability? Or an experienced rider needing a motorcycle that can handle the cut and thrust of the city and weekend trails. Either way, the latest CL500 is set to tick all the boxes.
Built with Shorthand