In the 2022 Milan Salon, Honda presented many novelties in its range, including a timid 500 cc, which got a little lost among motorcycles like the Transalp and the Hornet, which were queens in Italy. Still, this medium-displacement retro-style motorcycle left a question mark and a curiosity to satisfy… until now.
In 1962, the Honda CL 72 Scrambler was born in the North American market. We are talking about the genesis of the motorcycle’s genealogical tree that we tested in Seville. In the 70s, this motorcycle began its journey with a 250 cc engine and 19″ wheels. Later, it evolved and built a legacy with more powerful engines up to 450 cc, always maintaining the DNA of its origin. Now is the time for Honda to place one of the most successful engines of recent years and try to succeed again in an increasingly competitive segment.
SUCCESS IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT
When we talk about this parallel twin 471 cc engine from Honda, we are talking about an engine that has sold more than 130,000 units since 2013, including all the models it equips, from the CB500F – the best seller – to the CB500X. It is a true success story and has also allowed the golden-winged brand to test and prove its qualities and flaws over the years and many units. However, this engine is a block that feels more comfortable at low and medium revs, and that’s where it shines, with a very respectable torque of 43.4 Nm at 6,500 rpm, allowing for smooth city driving with few gear changes, handling high and low revs very well. This is also thanks to new air intakes, specifically designed for the CL500, for better throttle response and a shorter gear ratio compared to the Rebel.
This engine is thus an excellent compromise for someone looking for easy driving, combined with low fuel consumption – and speaking of this aspect, we achieved an average of 3.6 liters per 100 km. If we are less concerned about gasoline expenses and want to push the 47 hp a little more, it is worth noting that, as mentioned, this engine is not the most suitable for high-revving, but it provides good moments if we know how to take advantage of its momentum and play with the gearbox.
With a focus on simplicity in style and range, the initial criticism of the CL 500 was not the best… Of course, this was before anyone even sat on this bike and put it to the test. The technical specifications are deceiving and we were able to prove that. Its front fork has 150mm of travel and despite not being inverted or having all possible adjustments, it never disappointed us. Whether in the city or on secondary roads with deteriorated asphalt, the CL 500 overcame all irregularities with distinction and comfort. Even in situations where we were… let’s say… “forced” to follow the guide at higher speeds, the reading of the asphalt and the feedback that came from the front wheel was very good. The rear, on the other hand, has some limitations in terms of the more sporty side, but it is not correct to look at this bike from that perspective. In the chapter that matters; comfort; the double rear shock absorber never disappointed us. The frame is shared with the CMX 500 Rebel, but the CL 500 received a new subframe for a different ergonomics in the riding position and a higher seat height, weighing 192 kg with 790 mm of ground clearance.
This whole bike appears modest, but it is false… in a good sense, as we have been reporting. And in braking it continues to be discreet, but that doesn’t mean it’s not competent. With only one 310mm disc at the front with Nissin branding, the CL 500 offers good feel and power, responding well when requested. At the rear, a single 240mm disc also proved to be biting and in tune with what is demanded, without feeling the need for more. We would just like to mention that the brake lever is not adjustable, but it is possible that it is… as an extra. Something that surprised us a little, to tell the truth.
CUSTOMIZABLE STYLE
As expected in a range that focuses heavily on the style it offers to all who seek it, Honda did not remain indifferent and offers a huge possibility of customization for the Cl 500, with three different accessory packs, already “built” in the mother house of the Japanese brand – Style, Adventure, and Travel packs. Each accessory pack has a specific number of predefined extras, but Honda does not limit the customer’s choice, allowing the selection of accessories for the bike freely, or through what is already stipulated by the brand of the golden wing.
We can still combine the various packs in a way that the accessory selection work is reduced. Regarding the higher seat and rally footrests, it is a combination of the Style and Adventure pack, something that we recommend for those who are a bit taller, in order to gain legroom and ride more comfortably – and gain a little more style with handguards, fenders, and white headlight protection, made with the same material as the CRF. However, the riding position of the Honda CL 500 is quite ergonomic even if you do not choose any accessories, with only a note for the seat – or seats – which could be a bit more comfortable for longer hours of fun on the bike, as they proved to be rigid after our journey on Spanish roads.
ON ALL FRONTS
The CL500 was revealed at last year’s Milan Motor Show and we can say that it was somewhat overshadowed by names like the Hornet and the Transalp. The truth is that, even though it is a bike without exotic details and jaw-dropping features, Honda did what it does best – a bike that is competent in everything and we have little or nothing to criticize. Comfortable, with an available engine, solid handling, and interesting driving dynamics, the Honda CL 500 was an excellent companion on our visit to Spain and will not leave anyone indifferent, whether at its controls or in its passing.
HONDA CL 500
ENGINE 2 parallel cylinders
DISPLACEMENT 471 cc
POWER 34.3 kW (47 hp) @ 8,500 rpm
TORQUE 43.4 Nm @ 6,250 rpm
GEARBOX 6 speeds
FRAME Diamond-shaped steel
TANK 12 liters
FRONT SUSPENSION 41 mm telescopic fork, 150 mm travel
REAR SUSPENSION Dual 45 mm shock absorber with preload adjustment, 145 mm travel
FRONT BRAKE 310 mm disc, 2-piston caliper
REAR BRAKE 240 mm disc, 1-piston caliper
FRONT TIRE 110/80R19M
REAR TIRE 150/70R17M
WHEELBASE 1,485 mm
SEAT HEIGHT 790 mm
WEIGHT 192 kg
MSRP (from) €6,850
