Blending modern engineering with nostalgic design, Honda's SCL500 captures the freedom and simplicity of the original scramblers that helped define motorcycling's golden era. Built around Honda's proven 471cc parallel-twin engine, it delivers approachable power and agile handling for riders who want equal parts style and substance. With its upright ergonomics, lightweight chassis and unmistakable scrambler silhouette, the SCL500 turns every commute or backroad into an easygoing adventure—proof that timeless design still has a place in the modern world.
HISTORY
Harkening back to the early '60s, when simple, stripped-down motorcycles like Honda's CL72 came on the scene, the SCL500 was introduced for the 2023 model year, featuring all the key "scrambler" styling elements in an approachable package and at an attractive price. Leveraging the 471cc parallel-twin engine that has proven so successful in models like the Rebel 500, the retro-inspired SCL500 was light and nimble, making it a casual, fun entry for a broad swath of customers, from new riders to more seasoned enthusiasts.
DESIGN / STYLING
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 uniquely rugged street-bike look. The nostalgic design is achieved with a wide front wheel, high-positioned exhaust, flat double seat, twin shock absorbers, fork gaiters and rubber fuel-tank pads. The round LED headlight, turn signals and taillight reinforce the SCL500's iconic appearance, and the blacked-out mechanical components make for a tough, minimalist look. The LCD meter provides pertinent information to the rider, including gear position and fuel consumption, and the ignition is housed below the left side of the fuel tank.
The SCL500's riding position is natural and upright, making it easy and fun to ride.
ENGINE / DRIVETRAIN
Fun, approachable and reliable, the SCL500 is powered by an engine that features strong bottom-end torque and a smooth, linear power delivery, making this model a pleasure to ride in a wide variety of situations. It's the same 471cc, eight-valve, liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine that has proven so popular and effective in models like the Rebel 500, NX500, CB500F and CBR500R.
The crankshaft pins are phased at 180°, and a primary couple-balancer sits behind the cylinders, close to the bike's center of gravity. The crankcases use centrifugally cast thin-walled sleeves, with an internal design that reduces the pumping losses that can occur with a 180° phased firing order. 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. A deep oil sump holds 3.2 liters.
Bore and stroke are 67.0mm and 66.8mm, respectively, and the compression ratio is 10.7:1. Striations on the piston skirt increase surface area by introducing gaps in which oil can flow for better lubrication. An AB 1 salt-bath process forms a protective oxidization membrane.
There are four valves per cylinder, and the inlet-valve diameter is 26.0mm, while exhaust-valve diameter 21.5mm. The cylinder head uses roller-rocker arms, and shim-type valve adjustment allows them to be light, for lower valve-spring load and reduced friction. The surfaces of the pins on the silent (SV Chain) cam chain are treated with Vanadium to reduce friction and increase protection against dust.
The six-speed gearbox is designed to offer smooth gear changes, and an assist/slipper clutch reduces lever effort in stop-and-go situations, while also enhancing controlled deceleration.
CHASSIS / SUSPENSION
The SCL500's tubular-steel frame comes from the Rebel 500 and is paired with a revised subframe to support the scrambler-style machine's relatively tall, flat double seat and repositioned shock mounts. The frame has a narrow shape to complement the model's nimble handling, and the sleek, 3.2-gallon fuel tank features rubber knee guards for classic scrambler styling.
As is appropriate for the scrambler aesthetic, the SCL has relatively long-travel suspension (5.9 inches front, 5.7 inches rear), for a comfortable ride over rough roads, as well as plenty of ground clearance (6.1 inches).
The fork angle is 27.0°, and the wheelbase is 58.4 inches, contributing to balanced, neutral steering. Seat height is 31.1 inches. The 41mm fork stanchions are set wide at 230mm apart, enhancing rigidity and giving the front end a distinctive look. The lower legs are blacked-out, and buffing on the inner pipe helps deliver smooth action.
The conventional twin shock absorbers mount on both sides to a blacked-out 45mm tubular swingarm. The shocks feature two-step preload adjusters, and their damper tubes use nitrogen gas to stabilize the damping force.
Dunlop tires are mounted to a wide 19-inch front wheel and a 17-inch rear wheel; tire sizes are 110/80-19 and 150/70-17, respectively.
ABS is standard on the SCL500, enhancing braking performance across varying conditions.
Honda ACCESSORIES
A full range of official Honda Accessories is available for the SCL500, helping owners create their own custom look.
