- CL500A
Harkening back to the early '60s, when simple, stripped-down motorcycles like Honda's CL72 came on the scene, the all-new SCL500 features all the key "scrambler" styling elements—upright riding position, block tires, ample suspension travel and a retro aesthetic—in an approachable package and at an attractive price. Leveraging the 500cc parallel-twin engine that has proven so successful in models like the Rebel 500, the retro-inspired SCL500 is light and nimble, making it a casual, fun entry for a broad swath of customers, from new riders to more seasoned enthusiasts. Because personalization is vital to many fans of this genre a wide range of Honda Accessories is offered for the SCL500, including an off-road inspired "Rally" styling pack and a "Tour" pack that offers additional storage capacity for long rides and multi-day trips.
STYLING / DESIGN
The scrambler design is immediately recognizable—more for what's not there than what is. Originally a means of converting on-road machines for dirt use, the style has come full-circle, for a unique street-bike look. The retro-inspired look is achieved with a wide front wheel, high-positioned exhaust, flat double seat, twin shocks, fork gaiters and rubber fuel-tank pads.
- High-mounted muffler is a key element of the signature scrambler appearance.
- The riding position is natural and upright, making it easy and fun to ride.
- Round LED headlight, turn signals and taillight reinforce iconic look.
- Blacked-out mechanical components for a tough, minimalist look.
- LCD meter with gear-position indicator and fuel consumption provides pertinent information to the rider.
- Ignition is housed below the left side of the fuel tank.
CHASSIS / SUSPENSION
The tubular steel frame from the Rebel 500 is paired with a new subframe to support the tall, flat double seat and repositioned shock mounts of the SCL500.
As is appropriate for the scrambler aesthetic, the new model has longer suspension travel than is typical of most street-bike genres.
- Additional suspension travel compared to the Scrambler 500 (a total of 5.3 inches up front, 5.7 inches at the rear) results in a comfortable ride over rough roads, and plenty of ground clearance.
- The 41mm fork stanchions are set wide at 230mm apart, for rigidity, comfort and style, and the lower legs are blacked-out.
- Fork features buffing on inner pipe for smooth action.
- Fork angle is 27°, wheelbase is 58.4 inches and seat height is 31.1 inches, for balanced, neutral steering.
- Twin shocks' damper tubes use nitrogen gas to stabilize damping force.
- Frame body has a narrow shape to complement its nimble handling.
- Dunlop tires are mounted to a wide 19-inch front wheel and a 17-inch rear wheel.
- ABS is standard on the SCL500, enhancing braking performance across varying conditions.
- The sleek 12-liter fuel tank has rubber knee guards for classic Scrambler styling.
- Blacked-out 45mm tubular swingarm with twin conventional, side-mounted shocks that feature two-step preload adjusters.
ENGINE / DRIVETRAIN
The SCL500 is powered by the same 471cc, eight-valve, liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine that has proven so popular and effective in models like the Rebel 500, CB500X, CB500F and CBR500R—fun, approachable and reliable.
- Strong bottom-end torque and a smooth, linear power delivery make the model a pleasure to ride in a wide variety of applications.
- The cylinder head uses roller-rocker arms; shim-type valve adjustment allows them to be light, for lower valve-spring load and reduced friction.
- Assist/slipper clutch reduces effort in stop-and-go situations and enhances controlled deceleration.
- The silent (SV Chain) cam chain has the surface of its pins treated with Vanadium to reduce friction through its increased protection against dust. Inlet-valve diameter is 26.0mm with exhaust-valve diameter 21.5mm.
- Striations on the piston skirt increase surface area, introducing gaps in which oil can flow for better lubrication). An AB 1 salt bath process, used after isonite nitriding, forms a protective oxidization membrane.
- Crankshaft pins are phased at 180°, and a primary couple-balancer sits behind the cylinders, close to the bike's center of gravity. The primary and balancer gears use scissor gears, reducing noise. The crank counterweight is specifically shaped for couple-balance and its light weight allows the engine to spin freely, with low inertia.
- The crankcases use centrifugally cast thin-walled sleeves. Their internal design reduces the "pumping" losses that can occur with a 180° phased firing order. A deep oil sump holds 3.2 liters.
- Six-speed gearbox is designed to offer smooth gear changes.
Honda Accessories
A full range of official Honda Accessories is available for the CL500, helping owners create their own custom look. A total of 25 accessories are available.
WARRANTY: Because we are so confident in the quality of each of our Honda Accessories, we are pleased to offer one of the best warranties in the industry. One-year warranty begins on the day accessories are purchased by the customer.
Transferrable one-year unlimited-mileage limited warranty; extended coverage available with a HondaCare® Protection Plan.
- Meets current EPA and CARB standards
- California version differs slightly due to emissions equipment
