2023 Honda CL500 Scrambler REVIEW: Exciting or just Ordinary?

#hondacl500
Experience the remarkable 2023 Honda CL500 like never before in this in-depth review. Join me as we take this Street Scrambler for a thrilling ride, uncovering its unexpected and exhilarating qualities. From its impressive performance to its precise handling, the Honda CL500 exceeds expectations, offering a ride that is both thrilling and fun. Whether you're an avid rider or new to the world of motorcycles, this review will provide valuable insights into why the CL500 stands out from the crowd.
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Norton Way Honda - www.nortonway....
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Camera equipment
- gopro hero8 w/ media mod
- Sony ZV-E10 w/ Sigma 16mm lens

[@pggp273]

Sometimes a good quality basic motorcycle is all you need

[@TheMatthew1967]

True that...I've a gsxs1000 pushing 160 ish after a few tweaks but sometimes it's more about fun. I went out yesterday and it's a b@$#@&d to hold on to at times🏍️🫣

[@soggysocks25]

500x perfect example😊

[@adrianp7475]

Sometimes a good quality honda lemon is all you need

[@joecamel6835]

Sometimes you need two .

[@tombombadilofficial]

Good Quality you say? A scrambler bike that uses its engine as a major stress member instead of using a double cradle? Good luck on the off roads with that.

[@simasbutavicius8485]

Thanks, this is the first review I've seen of this bike that also mentions negative points. Suspension being softer makes riding on gravel roads more comfortable. I must say the engine being "too refined" is a good thing on longer trips, say riding for 6 hours (with short breaks). I bought it as my first bike and think it's perfect. You can drive on asphalt, you can drive on gravel roads comfortably, it's very nimble in town, and has no annoying vibration on longer trips going 70+ mph. The acceleration and top speed (around 100 mph) won't knock your socks off, but it's certainly not boring. In other words, it's not too specialized in any of those areas but is an OK all-rounder which lets beginner bikers discover what they're into and what their next bike should be. Done 2000 miles on mine and can't see outgrowing it soon. It may be a bit boring for more experienced riders and display brightness is a joke, but there's not much to look at there anyway. Also, another random thing I didn't appreciate until I compared it with Yamaha XSR - switchgear! Yamaha has teeny tiny buttons which you struggle to find with gloved fingers. While on Honda CL buttons are so big and have a perfect amount of resistance to make confident click when used - ergonomics on this bike is really thought out.

[@jeffperdue6689]

My first street bike was a Honda Ascot 500 back in the early 80's. I have had numerous bikes since then including a Honda Valkyrie, but as I get older I have found that this CL500 does everything that I need from a bike. I have only put 50miles on mine so far and I keep finding more things that I like about it. As a plus regular replacement parts are super cheap compared to some of the other bikes that I have owned over the years.

[@TheMatthew1967]

A few little niggles aside it seems to give the experience that sometimes we lose sight of... chasing bhp unlocking performance de-cat and so on. Whilst it's not for me it looks like a really good basic fun machine.👍

[@warrenr4]

Thanks for being brave enough to give a review on a dealer supplied test bike pointing out negatives, so many KZbinrs appear incapable of that, presumably because they fear no more test bikes. This scrambler looks fun, a beefed up monkey bike, not a bad thing, the monkey is a hoot. Just be grateful you had the standard black seat, the brown optional one is as hard as a plank of wood 😬

[@findingneutral]

I agree, Monkey bike look a bit. They should have followed the colors they have on the Monkeys.

[@louieallen6964]

They should make a cl750 😊

[@heritagehillsecurity8778]

The screen brightness has 5 levels and it is adjusted after the time,. The intake has been tuned improved over the rebel 500, and has one more tooth on the back also as, compared to the Rebel 500.

[@alangazeley5497]

I'm so sorry but what do you mean "the screen is adjusted after time." ?

[@stephenbethell7548]

Sat on one at the dealers and : as a 70 year old I can see myself purchasing one I think it’s a really nice looking bike

[@Mycatz]

My grandpa had a 70s Honda. I really wanted it. Got a dual sport atm. Thinking about picking this up as my 2nd bike. Definitely brings back memories of always seeing that bike in the garage and wanting to ride it.

[@C01dEyes]

I've been toying around with the idea of getting my first motorcycle and this is very high on my list of choices right now.

[@user-zo6yz1ms2f]

I bought an SCL500 about two months ago. I'm really enjoying it! Great bike for the curvy back roads of SE Tennessee. It handles nice and the power is more than adequate. It's not the fastest 500 I've ever ridden, but it'll definitely put a grin on your face.

[@GBMatthew07]

This is the first video that I've seen of yours and I think you did a very good job of the review mate.

[@607rocket]

Thanks for the nice review, I live in NY State just looked at one at my local Honda dealership. Looking to replace my Kawasaki x300 Versys. Bike is the same color. I had a 1968 CL 350 some 40 years ago.

[@ljoelmchanley3676]

The display on the cb500x has adjustable brightness. This display is different but are we sure it can't be adjusted to a brighter level?

[@jeffperdue6689]

It can

[@twosugars901]

Love even more having bought one with only 85 miles on with a style pack for £4795 from a Honda dealer!

[@mividz9254]

Nice review buddy.. Keep up the good work and can't wait to see some more.

[@motomallen]

Not a bad-looking little bike, ideal commuter or first bike after passing test, but that exhaust, fugliest I've ever seen on a bike!

[@garrywright3380]

Great review , like your focus and straightforwardness

[@alangazeley5497]

Yay ! I pick up my green one from Norton Way this week.

[@peebeeking3587]

The biggest weakness is that the driver's boot scrapes the exhaust pipe cover. This cover is then quickly worn off and an unsightly stain is formed here. The second minus is the motorcycle's footrests, which interfere with reversing with your feet on the ground.

[@djrichylaurence8991]

I own an Enfield 411. No problems and performs better than you think. It's a simple single cylinder machine with very little that can go wrong.

[@BikesofRye]

Yes and likely gives you that Scrambler appeal that the CL500 sort of misses

[@piracy22]

Cannot hit more than 70mph can it?

[@kalnwi2023]

My CRF250 rally kicks it's ass .@@piracy22

[@kinglouiesshed8995]

Something id whip to the office and home on and keep the S1000 miles low and for good weather 👍🏼

[@TerramotoInc]

What I’m getting So trippy to see Cars on the right side of the road

[@Berindei_Stefan]

Tomarrow i have the A Exam and this is the one i would love to ride 😎

[@christopherturner9330]

A really great comprehensive review. I do like the refinement in all aspects of its design and engineering. Its a yes from me. Thank you for this post.

[@xrv404]

Super good review. About the quality though.. I dont know if im just unlucky, but, my cb500fa 2020 has rust under the tank, in the rear frame and the led indicators sometimes lives there own life.. Never ridden winter on it, only summer, but of course often in rain.. But Ive really taken care of it, always stored in garage and so on

[@mythicmars4848]

Possibly gonna be my first bike if not than the Vitpilen but we’ll see a lot could change in the year it’ll take for me to save up for them

[@jeffperdue6689]

Take a look at parts for this bike. Honda is using a very popular proven engine in this bike. The fact that they use this engine in so many of their bikes keeps parts cost down. I think of it as the Chevy 350 of motorcycle engines.

[@iain777uk]

Great review and really enjoy your content. Surprised that Honda fitted a clock with such poor visibility. Wouldn’t be surprised if Honda isn’t already doing something about.

[@nikos-giorgos]

I'd be surprised if they are.

[@jeffperdue6689]

According to the owners manual you can scroll through the settings on the speedo and adjust the back light brightness.

[@samistatashira628]

With its amazing looks i think it has a good character and fun character

[@thisandthat1265]

Great review great bike.

[@paulhorton5594]

Great review, thank goodness for people like you . Saves me test riding don’t like that .

[@NVK85]

I would love to have CL500 =) But, the world we live in is a strange thing =)

[@John-rw2zf]

Yes, multipurpose bikes of this size are about the best DO IT ALL fun machines you will ever find. There is nowhere you can't go on this bike if you have the time.

[@ericellquist7007]

Good stuff. As near as I could tell from your video, it appears that you were using a smoke shield on your helmet. If so, I wonder if the speedometer might be a bit more useful with a clear shield...?

[@steveparish9210]

Thanks for the test am interested in his bike

[@captainkirk3757]

Really hoping for the cl750 scrambler to come true

[@BikesofRye]

That would be a bit of a monster with that engine. I like the sound of that

[@williamrae9954]

Or the GB750...pics on KZbin

[@andrewmartin4104]

I test drove this bike on a sunny day and I was able to see the speedometer very well 4:36

[@fendermon]

Good review. They got more right than they got wrong on this one. I would buy it.

[@markanthonypetra]

The Triumph Speed 400 is down about 7hp......but 40 pounds lighter.....17 in wheels, the Triumph is my choice, Triumph hit it out of the park with the styling, it's a stunning bike.

[@kalnwi2023]

But it's not a 500

[@markanthonypetra]

@@kalnwi2023 Look at the specs......you do the math.....not rocket science

[@flyver]

How was the comfort, and what is your height, if i may ask?

[@BikesofRye]

Plenty comfortable and very roomy and as mentioned in the vid I am 6ft

[@Kxshk9]

This is the bike I want. So beautiful 😍

[@czarekp3552]

You can never go wrong with Honda, but this tank should wrap around the frame, or that bit of the frame under it, should be colour coordinated with the tank

[@williamrae9954]

Unless it's electrical... Honda are the Italians of the Far East...mate's son with only 350mls on his new CBR650 needed new clocks already... had various Hondas,all have fried batteries,duff rectifiers!

[@XtianApi]

I consider my 65hp versys fast enough, but 45hp? Idk, leaning towards boring, chassis as well.

[@user-gx3gw7qz4m]

I wonder if the instrument display could be altered to be a positive display, namely black lettering on grey background. Seems it can be done on Casio watches. On all the videos I've watched on this model I can scarcely see the display at all.

[@TheSweetasanut]

Hi nice review what road is that in rye .

[@WidleyWesident]

Exciting? Not sure but I almost bought one of these even though I’ve had a full licence for 40 years. It’s a great bike that will do almost anything. Shame about the low seat height that most bikes have these days as I’m well over 6’ tall.

[@farmoboy83]

no abs? in Portugal you can't order a bike above 250cc without abs. Even first models of the new 500cc honda range are rare without it at the used market

[@BikesofRye]

It certainly has front and rear abs sorry if you missed that mentioned in the video

[@464iggy]

You said it had abs in the video 😂

[@irvhh143]

Cl has one more tooth on rear sprocket. Likely gives impression of more torque.

[@williamrae9954]

What annoys my OCD,like the Rebel 1100,is everything is round, clock,indicators,headlamp,fuel cap,etc...the engineers went for a liquid lunch,came back from the pub late afternoon,and shoved a retanglular light on the rear...why????

[@findingneutral]

Great review and tutorial. I had one of those battery going dead Casio's... great analogy. On a scale of 1-10 how hard is CL's seat? 10 being a brick 1 being a plush pillow. Also was 1st gear jerky from throttle tuning re: fueling restrictions? My 21' CB500X 1st gear is very twitchy at low speed. Just curious. Thanks

[@RKmndo]

Feather the clutch in 1st.

[@findingneutral]

@@RKmndo I have tried since I got the bike. Definitely helps some. Just kind of suck at it though being honest. Will keep at it. Thanks

[@brewberry3894]

Everything but the exhaust is cool.

[@labtimeRP]

Thank you for the video. Do you think it is comfortable for a passenger? Can the position of the muffler bother the passenger?

[@BikesofRye]

The exhaust doesn't transfer heat it is clever so no it won't bother the passenger. As for comfort my educated guess is it would be decent for short to medium range journey

[@Balithazzarr]

Confident looking bike

[@Mancastle]

sounded like a proper fart cannon when u fired it up

[@nikos-giorgos]

8:39 really? You can see a resemblance?

[@walsmachinist1]

What a bullshit revieuw!!!! This is a SUPERBIKE!!!!! Why do we need a lot of noise????? The engine power is just very nice, it runs quite fast through the gears! The acceleration is very good, this kind of bikes people don't buy for very high speed . The bike rides so unbelievebly easy and it is so much fun to ride! I can ride it like a supermoto, although the suspension is a little soft, but it is not made for competition, it is for average driving. But this bike has many faces, for instance I like to travel a lot using the small farmer roads, when I drive about 40 miles/h it feels not so slow on these small roads. Riding with this kind of speed the bike gives me a Zen feeling. I have enough time to enjoy the lovely countryside and look at beautiful houses and gardens, landscape, forest or polders. On the other hand it is also nice to attack the nice twisty roads and ride it like a supermoto. I have waited a couple of month for this bike and in the meantime I was lucky to ride a Honda Hornet four cilinder bike. But this bike is constantly asking for speed, fast acceleration. Once on a lonely road I took the opportunity to do a fast run, driving at a speed of 120 miles when the bike suddenly and totally unexpectedly changed the direction to the ditch near the road. Luckily I am quite a very experienced driver and I did manage to keep control of the bike but for me no more of this kind of bikes, never again! I am 64 now and I like to live further for a long time hopefully! So the Scrambler is MY BIKE! This is exactly what I want!!! Every trip gives me a BIG SMILE!!! Average fuell consumption is about 3.12 l/100 km! Last trip 2.8 km/100 km!!! I like your end conclusion, it is a lovely bike with a fine character! The only things what I would like to add is a nice windscreen and a rev counter! I made one slight modification, I put on a steer from my former Kawasaki KL 500, the seat position becomes both more active and for me more relaxed! Have a nice day!

[@dave8204]

All the bike most people actually need these days with crap roads and more and tech to catch speeders,the police are trialling drones in my area.

[@trroland1248]

Listening to the introduction, I'm thinking that this thing better be dirt cheap. Honda is really trying to squeeze every last bit of profit from that Rebel platform.

[@Mr.ImperfectCell]

Im a beginner to riding and ive been looking at a honda bikes for a long time and i cant decide which one will suit me better for a beginner, a Rebel CMX500 or a CL500. Would love to hear your opinions

[@BikesofRye]

Both great beginner bikes! Personally the CL500 is the one I'd take. Sat that bit higher on the road and it's riding position allows more control

[@Mr.ImperfectCell]

@@BikesofRye since the Cl500 is new and got no parts rn plus the price is very heavy for me what about the Royal Enfield meteor 350 ? is it a good starter bike ???

[@jeffperdue6689]

CL500

[@user-tb3zt7wk2l]

Why own a bike where the speedometer is dim?? Was likening the bike until that?? Strange?

[@news603redux]

Gee, could they cut any more corners? No scrambler side pipes, no chrome and barely any paint {just the tank and only two lousy choices}.This bike is seven grand out the door, what a joke.

[@chrro466]

Who the hell wants chrome on a bike. ? Except fat Harley owners !!

[@lastsonofkrypton36]

Ordinary, I think. It doesn't commit enough to the visual lines that makeup a Scrambler. Without that in the name, who would even know it's not an updated CB500X? Looks like other Hondas in its space. What we want is a 500 that looks like a Hunter 350 w/ knobbies. Or even better, a Honda version of the Fantic Caballero. That's a scrambler.

[@johnbanks4761]

top speed is 130mph? gods i hate the display hate the headlight hate the ignition location

[@airwarorg]

This is the kind of book you hide in the woods while stealth camping, so get the green version. If you want an orange bike, get a KTM. I can tell you ahead of time, you will absolutely h8t3 having the key (and all your keys) dangling off on the side of the bike, and not up front and center between the front forks. I don't know why Honda switched to doing this to save a few bucks but it was a terrible design decision. For the life time of the bike you'll be taking your motorcycle key off your key ring, reminding yourself not to forget your key when you park, and then putting it back on your key ring. I can't tell you how ann**ing that gets.

[@brianpaige4884]

Twin clock's would improve the front looks...for me...the sound is boaring they could have done a better job with very little expense

[@klano8443]

Why didn't Honda build something like the old xl600 ,they were proper trailbike come scramblers these things like many from other manufacturers are a nothing bike ,they've all lost there way

[@TheOriginalCoda]

An analogue speedo and I'd be interested. That thing, no ta.

[@williamrae9954]

Fit one...Moto Gadget

[@saywhat2014]

I hate the gauge. Please give me a mechanical set of gauges with speedo and tach. This is the one thing pushing me away from this bike.

[@scottmassey4330]

Was excited. Just disappointed that the exhaust system is so damn butt ugly. And on a retro bike (or semi retro perhaps) always prefer wire spokes.

[@seayak]

I don't see the appeal of the minimalist instrumentation. What is wrong with having a rev counter - it would be nice to know what the idle speed is, for example, when making adustments. And a display that you cannot even read, seriously???? Sat on one of these at the dealership, and it is certainly light and flickable, but seems to lack character - it really looks and feels too much like a reworked Rebel with some "scrambler" styling cues.

[@mountainbearoutdoors]

how many more bikes are they going to shove that boring motor in?

[@BikesofRye]

Well it's not such a bad thing as it helps to keep the costs down for production but yes maybe using the same engine in so many variants there is a trade off

[@dennfett]

I'm a vespa rider, ridden them for 30+ years and now feel it's time to change. One of the bikes I'm looking at is this one. I've never driven a "proper" bike just PXs with twist grip gears. Any advice would be very helpful.

[@neilheyes6651]

Have you considered the 350 honda adv Forza, have ridden all sorts in my time and don't hold any particular bias, if it's what u want it's what you want

[@dennfett]

@@neilheyes6651 I'll have a look, thank you

[@marshalls951]

only downside to me is the sound, yuck. going to replace that soon as I can.

[@stephenwalsh8184]

🏍👍👍

[@ebutuoY_kcuF]

A negative display is a stupid idea, even on watches it sucks. 😝

[@adrianmark2384]

No no no! Has to be a misshape. Motorcycles are supposed to be cool.this in laymans terms is a Heath Robinson of a Motorcycles.

[@scht03]

Look like rebel 500 though

[@mr1bienvenu1]

No such thing as a too refined engine.

[@ripmax333]

Nah...IMO if you want an authentic scrambler, nothing beats the Fantic Caballero in terms of looks, performance and build quality.

[@RKmndo]

Fantic's 500s and 700s look fantastic, but we can't get them in the USA.

[@niceopinion374]

Looks too old school for me

[@robertcurtis3807]

I am 5’05”, and the Rebel 1100 is awful In ergonomics. Not a comfortable riding position or sitting position. The seat sucks too! It’s harsh. That bulk on the right of the engine is in the way, and your legs are not evenly. It’s super cramped. And the handle bars a reach.

[@philippinespaulregbruceukl7802]

❤

[@2e0bgb]

No doubt it's a good bike, but too mech black paint for my taste, makes it look very old school chinese and cheap.

[@clivecartey]

"...Test of acceleration.." "..here we go, first gear.." - I really so hope it's not a new engine ! Well, why worry it's just somebody's demo bike..isn't it ?

[@taswr]

No Honda is “exciting”

[@BikesofRye]

😲

[@soggysocks25]

Pillion comfort..doesn't look great

[@superbikesquadracer]

What is that 😅😅😅😅

[@Motoristika]

I think is better to buy the cb500x with all the new upgrades for a similar price!! ordinary bike for lot of money, nothing special,. Chinese bikes offer more for less money!

[@wymotome]

Chinese bikes are crap and have virtually no resale value. I'd take less knowing that I got a superior bike in the Honda.

[@user-us5wy7pz7y]

Hate the exhaust!!

[@mattbryan8535]

For me,love the exhaust!!

[@svaralen]

Simple bike and expensive for what she gives in 2023...It is a honda...but, so many different bikes with more options and cc for the same money...nothing special. A kid bike 😎✌️

[@richarddevaottien7724]

Bikes are built for long term injuries,,.. not built for any type of roads.😮