At the 2022 Milan Motor Show, Honda presented many new additions to its range, including a timid 500 cc, which got a bit lost among bikes such as the Transalp and Hornet, which were queens in Italy. Even so, this retro-style medium-sized motorcycle has left a flea behind the ear and a curiosity to be killed… until now.
In 1962, the Honda CL 72 Scrambler was born on the North American market. We’re talking about the genesis of the family tree of the bike we tested in Seville. In the 1970s, this bike began its journey with a 250 cc engine and 19″ wheels. It later evolved and built a legacy with more powerful engines up to 450 cc, always maintaining the DNA of its origin. Now it’s time for Honda to put one of the most successful engines of recent years to the test and try to make a comeback in a segment that is becoming increasingly crowded.
SUCCESS IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT
When we talk about Honda’s 471 cc parallel twin block, we’re talking about an engine that has sold more than 130,000 units since 2013, covering all the models it equips, from the CB500F – the best-seller – to the CB500X. It’s a real success story and has also allowed the Golden Wing brand to test and prove its qualities and flaws over the years and over many units. This engine is, however, a block that feels most comfortable at low and medium revs and that’s where it shines, with a very respectable 43.4 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm, which allows for smooth riding in town and few gear changes, coping very well with high and low revs. This is also thanks to new air intakes, designed specifically for the CL500, for better throttle response and a shorter gear ratio compared to the Rebel.
This engine is therefore an excellent compromise for someone looking for ease of driving combined with low fuel consumption – and speaking of which, we achieved an average of 3.6 l per 100 km. If you’re more unconcerned about fuel consumption and want to push the 47 hp a little harder, it should be noted that, as mentioned, this engine isn’t the best for driving at high revs, but it will give you a good time if you take advantage of its momentum and play with the gearbox.
SIMPLE BUT EFFECTIVE
Focusing on the simplicity of the style and the range it comes in, the initial reviews of the CL 500 weren’t the best… That is, of course, before anyone even sat on this bike and put it to the test. The technical data sheet is misleading and we were able to prove it. Its front fork has 150 mm of travel and despite not being inverted or having all the possible adjustments, it never let us down. Whether in the city or on back roads with degraded tarmac, 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 we got from the front wheel was very good. The rear, on the other hand, has some limitations when it comes to the sportier side, but it’s not even right to look at this bike from that angle. As far as comfort is concerned, the double rear shock never let us down. The frame is shared with the CMX 500 Rebel, but the CL 500 has been given a new subframe for different ergonomics in the riding position and a higher seat height, weighing 192 kg with a ground clearance of 790 mm.
DISCREET AND COMPETENT
This whole bike looks modest, but it’s a bit of a fake… in a good way, as we’ve been reporting. And when it comes to braking, it’s still discreet, but competent nonetheless. With just one 310 mm disc at the front with Nissin lettering, the CL 500 offers good feel and power, responding when asked. At the rear, a single 240 mm disc also proved to be biting and in tune with what is required of it, without us feeling the need for more. We’d just like to mention that the brake lever isn’t adjustable, but it might be… as an extra. Something that left us a little surprised, to tell you the truth.
CUSTOMIZABLE STYLE
As you’d expect from a range that has a strong focus on the style it offers to all those who look for it, Honda hasn’t been indifferent and offers a huge range of customization options for the Cl 500, with three different accessory packs, already “built” at the Japanese brand’s parent company – the Style, Adventure and Travel packs. Each accessory pack has a number of specific pre-defined extras, but Honda doesn’t limit the customer’s choice, making it possible to select the accessories for the bike freely, or through what is already stipulated by the golden wing brand.
We can also combine the various packs so that the work of selecting accessories is less. As for the higher seat and rally footrests, it’s a combination of the Style and Adventure packs, something we recommend for those who are a little taller, in order to gain legroom and ride more comfortably – and who get a little more style from the hand guards, mudguards and white headlight guard, made from the same material as the CRF. However, the riding position of the Honda CL 500 is quite ergonomic even if you don’t opt for any accessories, with only the seat – or seats – that could be a little more comfortable for more hours of fun on the bike, as they proved to be stiff after our journey along Spanish roads.
ON ALL FRONTS
The CL500 was unveiled 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, as much as it’s a bike without exotic details and mind-blowing features, Honda has done what it does best – a bike that is competent in everything and we have little or nothing to criticize. Comfortable, with an available engine, a solid feel and interesting driving dynamics, the Honda CL 500 was an excellent companion on our visit to Spain and won’t leave anyone indifferent, whether at the controls or passing by.