2023 Honda SCL 500 | First Ride

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In today's First Ride, Chase takes the all-new Honda SCL500 for a spin, a bike that's making waves in Honda's 2024 lineup. This scrambler-styled marvel is not just a pretty face; it comes with updates that promise a thrilling ride. Will this Honda offering live up to the hype, or will it be overshadowed by its siblings like the returning Shadow Phantom and Aero? Let's find out on a ride!
#firstride #Honda #SCL500
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Chapters:
00:00 - Bike Introduction
00:41 - Bike Cinematics
01:39 - Sound Check
02:21 - Win a Yamaha R6
03:04 - Cranking bike up
05:03 - Body Position
06:29 - City Performance
13:49 - 40 - 80 Highway Entrance by Law Tigers
14:59 - Highway Riding Impressions
16:52 - Highway Montage by Cardo
17:40 - Big Turn
18:20 - Power Delivery Overview / Transmission
20:59 - Brakes
21:44 - Dash and Controls
25:27 - Walk Around
29:16 - Purchase or Pass?
32:24 - Bike Provided By

[@BakerBikerGeshe]

Got my SCL500 the last week of August this year. First bike, new rider, a month and 700miles later I have ZERO regrets. The more I ride this bike the more I'm thankful for my decision to get it (absolutely subjective/ride your ride!!! but it was between the SCL500 or a Rebel and for my height and the kinda roads/surfaces I encounter I'm beyond grateful for the higher stance, the scrambler tire config, and suspension) I can say without a shadow of a doubt that this bike will be my go to daily riding/commuting bike for the rest of my/its life. Years from now I might have a higher displacement bike in the stables, but it will be like a seldom used toy in comparison to my scrambler!

[@jonathanmoran7298]

I’m deciding between these two right now. The SCL500 and Rebel 500 for my first bike ever I have no experience ever on a motorcycle but going to take MSF course in 2 weeks. I’m 5’3 thinking of going with Rebel but I love the look of the SCL

[@BakerBikerGeshe]

@@jonathanmoran7298 that's AWESOME man! Really cant go wrong with either bike! Once ya get that MSF and get to mount a few bikes you'll know which fits you best! I'm willing to bet you'd fit fine on a SCL500, just gotta find one at a dealer and go sit on it! ^.^ mega excited for ya homie!!!

[@asadshahid5343]

@@jonathanmoran7298hey man did you end up trying out the SCL? I’m the same height and share the same concern!

[@kyle-qw5yx]

Curiously, how much did you pay for it? My local dealer quoted me 9k out the door which I found to be insane. Needless to say, I didn't buy.

[@jonathanseibert761]

@@kyle-qw5yx why not just order one through them… you know that’s possible right

[@bajacore]

It looks like a Rebel that pulled its pants up so they weren't sagging.

[@precisionbay6899]

Haahha

[@mrsmagik1680]

Seen one in person at the local Honda dealer. Looks lovely reminds me of a classic Honda bike. Simple yet elegant and that iconic Honda on the tank looks great

[@JohnnyBrewer-rw6ce]

I have that bike, and I love it. It's perfect for riding to work and it handles dirt roads just fine. It's obviously not a true dirt bike, but for the roads in my local national forest, it nails it! Once I add storage to the back, it will be pretty hard to beat for a daily, local rider.

[@RatedRob]

I have had this bike for a week now and getting my action4 cam today. I put a windscreen on mine and it does pretty good.

[@kturnerhome]

Ive been anticipating this bike for awhile!! Thisll be dope

[@parkdad]

I bought the first one at Roswell over 4th of July weekend! (You were actual there filming a video for another bike!) Love this bike! I thought I would want the green but when I saw the candy orange I knew it was for me!

[@PharaohDeathMask]

This is a good review. I really like the footage from the camera car.

[@ryan.graham]

Ive had one if these bikes for 3 months now and I love it. Its great, smooth, enough power to get you anywhere you and and do anything you want. I got all the off-road style fairings for it

[@KF1]

Congrats! Do you agree with his assessment of the suspension? soaks up the bumps but still feels stable?

[@ryan.graham]

⁠@@KF1I would say it rides pretty smooth the bike does feel stable as well, even going over larger bumps and pot holes

[@KF1]

Nice. Thanks and happy riding!@@ryan.graham

[@bobbyjoesugar]

OMG... I just test rode one today and I want one now- I love the style and seating position.

[@ehegarty2010]

Great review as always.

[@hdettore]

Love it!

[@Abolistable]

This has been my 1st bike too, loving it!

[@tjey379]

Oh gosh!!! Truly my kind of bike so thanks for reviewing it, I really wish that I could get one bbuuuuttttt it's a Honda! Which means it won't make it to my country(not even a smaller version ) and even if it did it would be too expensive but I really enjoyed the review and that side key, now I am sure I have to save towards that Simba Scrambler also I can't wait for those 400cC Triumph Scrambler reviews it's the closest that I will get to those dream bikes.

[@competitionhub3836]

I’ve had this bike for 2 months now, yes it’s slow but as a first bike it’s super forgiving, super comfy(i’m 6’4 210), and I wish it was quicker but it keeps me from getting in trouble. Wind and top speed kinda hold you back at highway speeds but it’s a joy to ride.

[@competitionhub3836]

Use it to commute to school and it’s perfect, gas tank is little but it does everything I need with it.

[@nathanwho1384]

I'm also 6'4" and about 220. I was set on the Rebel 500 as my first bike. The guy at Honda looked at me sitting on the Rebel, and immediately recommended I try the SCL500. I was instantly surprised how much more comfortable I was as soon as I sat on it. I had not don't any research on the SCL500, didn't even know they existed. Now I'm torn between the Rebel and Scrambler. My legs are just barely too long for the low seat of the Rebel but I love the look of it. But the natural feel of the SCL500 was something I wasn't expecting.

[@tommartin1223]

I saw an orange one. I don't even like orange, but I liked this one a lot

[@yourshootingbuddy]

Chase, I thought you did a great job with this ride and review. I ride a Honda Rebel 500 and I think you pointed out all of the differences. Thanks.

[@Ct125dude]

I have the 2023 honda trail 125 and have had it for one year. Ive put 3745 miles on it. Did the tat across my state and have just taken that thing everywhere, got all the moto skill racks, spare gas and everything. I've been looking at tve scl500 and may get this one, will not be selling my 125 because its my first and it would be great first bike for my son.

[@ItsAlexR]

Great content! Have you guys seen the new Honda Transalp?

[@marvin1331]

OC! Keep being awesome brother.

[@MomberyMochi]

OC crew here. My first bike was a '72 CB500k with the inline 4cyl. Honestly compared to these parallel twins it was a completely different experience when twisting the throttle. I love the scrambler look as it's close to the old cafe racers, but man.... she just doesn't have the same get up and go the old one did.

[@JL-xh4jh]

Hey guys, do any tall people have any experience to share with the CL500 or the Rebel 500? I´m like 6´3 / 190cm tall relatively long legs and these bikes seem small on shorter people than me so... would it fit or look goofy?

[@paulgonzales3791]

Can you get your hands on a kawasaki z900?? Love to hear your thoughts on it

[@NeonGhostCat]

This sounds like the perfect bike to drive down along a beach.

[@alexandercoll4863]

The engine at 70mph is at 6000rpm. Redline is around 8000. It will do it all day. Highway is fine, it’s not a roadglide

[@FairladyS130]

Vibration?

[@alexandercoll4863]

@@FairladyS130 more like a buzz. I’ve toured on mine days at a time and it was excellent.

[@Ryan-fosho]

Bro how are you getting that side angle shot?!

[@ShikiKaze]

Gearing still the same as the Rebel 500? Short and annoying?

[@onoes9646]

I tried one of these yesterday and like the size, but found it a little too zesty as a beginner. I am hoping to try an Eliminator 450 today for comparison.

[@onoes9646]

Just wanted to say that I just bought a Z400--which is an even faster bike--a few days ago. I think my issue with the SCL500 at the time is that I was used to having to rip open the throttle on the TU250SX at the MSF class to get it going. This bike is probably fine for a beginner, if they can regulate their throttle hand.

[@Chris..440]

You should do a comparison of scl500 and rebel 500

[@Theoriginalbubbafett]

I’d really love this bike and I’m wondering if the rumored 750 (with the Africa 750 engine) is really going to happen. I know as soon as I got this bike the 750 would be announced.

[@MutsuKazuma]

I hope so

[@CaseyJones88]

750 is in Transalp, not in Africa.

[@Mr7O5]

Honda needs to bring the NT 1100 to North America

[@greatbigeye2506]

Super cool bike but yeah wish it was a 650 or larger and a wide and tall windshield is a requirement for lots of highway riding. Also that knee bend wouldn’t work for me, Royal Enfield has the right idea with their Classic 350 on that front.

[@low_re8094]

This looks interesting, but that exhaust looks horrible for a passenger. Aside from that, two colors and one is bright orange?

[@getty6974]

Cable actuated throttle, "i wish there was a mod for it or something". Yeah tighten the cable and the excess throttle play is gone. I can see the adjustment in the video.

[@Martin-oz6lr]

The key on the side of the bike seems like madness to me. I can see it getting ripped in half and stuck in the ignition should you decide you'd like to slide sideways down the road.

[@leeinwis]

Huh, that happened to me on my LS650 Suzuki.

[@seniorspaghetti4861]

I feel like if your sliding down the highway, a key getting stuck in the ignition is the least of your concerns😅

[@FairladyS130]

Yes, it will get grit in it there.

[@ryanaustin7317]

My grom doesn’t even know what the highway is 😂

[@leeinwis]

Muh crf250 rally can do it

[@HobbitOfChaos]

WOOO

[@meiameia6696]

Nice Video , can you bring the cb500x ? 😅😅

[@leospeeds500]

I have the same issues on the highway with my Rebel 500. Other than that it makes a great city bike

[@kalnwi2023]

gosh my 250 rally gets to 70 faster

[@joshuabush3870]

Ideal for someone 6'3" 250lbs? need recommendations Chase

[@Aceofspades993]

I'm 6'1" 275, and have put around 400 miles on the bike. I don't feel any issues from a legs stand point. The rear shock definitely needs some adjustments for my weight, but other than that it's the first. bike I've been on in a while that feels like it fits me well.

[@Xinthose]

This is my first bike. I like it!

[@kalnwi2023]

It's too much power for you.

[@Xinthose]

@@kalnwi2023 possibly. But, I wanted something that could go highway speeds.

[@leeinwis]

Can it "tour" ?@@Xinthose

[@Xinthose]

@@leeinwis No, I wouldn’t say. It’s good for hour long rides though.

[@Smallbore2wheels]

OC: you should look at Steady garage's custom SCL 500 build 🤌🏼

[@LTLT900]

Did he call it a 5 undie?

[@vigilant.]

Like an old military motorbike with some modern touch

[@edwardkaminsky8142]

That would be the Royal Enfield bullet! Not a honda. I like it, though.

[@SpaceKitten_NY]

Will you be doing a first ride with the CFmoto clx-700 Heritage?

[@mahdavimail]

I think triumph scrambler 400x is the real deal. This honda is more like a cruiser than scrambler. And that exhaust look and position is weird! Waiting for your review of 400X

[@edwardkaminsky8142]

46 HP and 85 MPH top speed. I can see this is not a bike for the autobahn in Germany but it appears that there is more than sufficient power for passing and cruusing. My 24 HP bike will climb a 7% grade ( like the roads around Vail, Colorado) all day at 60 MPH. Top speed is 75. Cannot pass at that speed. Seems absolutely adequate. Many a motorcycle in the 350 to 650cc bracket to choose from and a broad pricing range. Cfmoto Benelli Harley Davidson 440X Triumph 400X Royal Enfield Honda Janus BMW Aprilla Moto guzi Zero Great review brother. MSF class requires as least a 3/4 face helmet. NO CRUISER HELMETS. Consider Hi-Viz to help the knuckle draggers see us.

[@jonasmohrling1324]

Who wants to ride a motorcycle on the Autobahn 😂

[@leeinwis]

@@jonasmohrling1324 me

[@leeinwis]

Top speed of this bike is over 100 .

[@ChaosAI24]

Would have been perfect with a 550-650 engine and a better dash! The dash is awful not just very bad. They should have either put an analog or a proper LCD!

[@FairladyS130]

Agree about the awful dash, it looks so cheap.

[@Charlie-fc1mh]

Fender eliminator? Looks like it might need an exhaust eliminator. I bet they'll sell a lot of them, in Asia

[@fendermon]

That exhaust is perfect...for a Honda Civic :)

[@gdvadventours5512]

Would have been better if that massive exhaust is placed under the pillion footpegs

[@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.

[@leeinwis]

You know what's up.. 😏.

[@fendermon]

I could totally see that happening. Key should be on top.

[@leeinwis]

@@fendermon It does happen, I have a LS650 Suzuki, side mounted ignition switch 🤬.

[@rosstucker4650]

I can’t decide between a svartpilen 401 scl 500 or rebel 500

[@leeinwis]

cb500x

[@aciaka1]

can u review a cb500x 2022

[@leeinwis]

He'll probably claim that can't do the highway either.

[@tjey379]

Ha ha ha, yo kill me👍👍👍👍👍see if your roads are trash then where I leave my our trash are roads but would I prefere the 400cC scramblers from Triumph.... I think I have enough room in my heart for this Honda and the Triumph too bad my wallet doesn't have any room love that green by the way.

[@boredwithitall963]

20 years ago I had a Honda Nighthawk 750. That was a great bike. Just picked up one of these. It is as easy a ride as it gets. Took that fugly exhaust off and put on an Arrow exhaust instead. I do miss my old 750 for the highway so clearly I need an Indian FTR Rally. My wife will understand.

[@leeinwis]

The exhaust is cool , have fun with your 800 dollar loud childish one .

[@boredwithitall963]

@@leeinwis arrow makes a good exhaust which is hardly loud.

[@phantomnus]

I’m interested in the Royal Enfield 650 Scrambler

[@leeinwis]

411 scram

[@atlklx5168]

That exhaust can looks absurd. I’d still ride it though.

[@renatobfa]

the timestamps are wrong

[@avery4528]

It took 11 seconds to go 40-80 mph.

[@dw0095]

Sounds like a Honda foreman wheeler

[@opoihaksvkhbwiob226]

Dude - why test a *scrambler* on the highway? highway performance is sorta relevant, because you need to get to where you actually ride, but not why I buy a scrambler....

[@TuanNguyen-sx5pi]

Everything about this motorbike is perfect but its beauty is not as good as the Scram411

[@sir2honda]

How is this lacking on the highway compared to the kawi 400s lolll

[@sleeper.simulant7327]

Because if you look at the dyno sheets, the Kawasaki’s make more power, weigh less, and have a much broader power curve, making it more forgiving on the interstate power wise. The SCL has the same issue the Benelli Leoncino 500 has, short, flat power curve with short gearing, which is great in the city and back roads, but not interstate. I have a Leoncino Trail 500, and it’s way worse on the interstate then the Ninja 400 I rode… it’s slower, and the upright naked ergonomics make it terrible once you get past 80 mph… meanwhile the Ninja had no issue cruising at 80 and would actually accelerate past 100 when I got on it…

[@marcelpursche5339]

@@sleeper.simulant7327 What? The Kawasaki Z400 and Ninja 400 have slighly less power and torque than the Honda 500 engines. Kawasaki 45 HP/39 Nm vs Honda 46 HP/43,3 Nm. The Honda 500 engine is perfectly fine for riding at 80 mph. The acceleration up to 80 mph is absolutly sufficient. Only after 80 mph it will taper off and become slower. I rode my Rebel 500 daily on German Autobahn(a section with speed limit of 130 km/h or roughly 80 mph) and I had absolutly no problem with keeping the speed, merging or overtaking. The accelartion potential at that speed is still faster than most daily cars. Of course the wind is an issue on a naked bike but thats due to it beeing a naked bike with upright riding position. You would have the same issue on a Z400 without additional wind screen.

[@sleeper.simulant7327]

@@marcelpursche5339 and on the dyno the Kawasaki makes 45 whp stock, while the Honda makes 42 whp showing how Kawasaki underrated there bhp figures. Torque figures are only 1 ft lb off. The Kawasaki revs to 12,500 stock, the Honda revs to 8500. So 4000 rpm more where it’s actually still continuing to make power as it revs out. The longer power curve, coupled with weighing 80 lbs less makes it quite a bit faster. The Kawasaki will hit 100 mph 4 seconds faster then the CBR500R. For bikes in the same class that’s a massive difference…

[@marcelpursche5339]

@@sleeper.simulant7327 Just checked dyno videos on the Z400. The US version seems to have a bit more power than the EU version :O So your right it is indeed faster in real world. They seem to have a different tune for the EU to stay within A2 specs. Very nice of Kawasaki to give a bit more power for free.

[@kenbowlus2995]

Don't feel bad, the ZX4RR is tuned for +72 hp in rest of world trim and only 53 hp for the North American market (USA and Canada). We can flash the ECU for full power, but to do so can invalidate one's warranty if discovered during a drive-train related claim. @@marcelpursche5339

[@TrashedRedPanda]

Looks more like a Sportster than the Sportster used to look like

[@Chris..440]

650rs and scl500 are quiet similar

[@richardpetty9159]

I kind of agree. I went into a dealership to buy the Honda SCL500 and ended up leaving with Kawasaki Z650RS. One of the factors that really pushed me away from the Honda was the dashboard: I just hated it. It’s hard to see it - way, way too hard. The Kawasaki Z650RS has beautiful analog gauges which I find to be super practical.

[@blackvikingthrone]

Time stamps are all off

[@sonicjohn2659]

Bike would be ideal for long journeys. But there's no motor to get it there. I hope they make a 650 version

[@joecamel6835]

The seat is made of concrete .

[@n8rm]

Add one minute in...........................

[@KF1]

Paint that ugly muffler cover black, add a windscreen, and you got a nice bike ready to go!

[@justus490]

OC

[@roviwoteap2375]

Not a bad looking bike, except for one major flaw... the huge, hideous exhaust on the side! It is so out of proportion with the rest of the bike.

[@drdoc7508]

Not a bad bike but i like the cb350 more..and the scl500 is a bit pricey

[@bfarm44]

The drawings of the concept were where it was at then Honda presents us with this turd. The tank looks like crap and WTF is that exhaust supposed to be did they rip the toilet plumbing out of an antique Russian submarine wtf Honda fail, epic industrial strength fail.

[@fendermon]

Most descriptive post ever. 😂 I can forgive the small tank. The exhaust is a stretch. Looks like they saved time and sourced it from one of their minivans.

[@thisandthat1265]

Great description. Still going to buy one.

[@user-wq7bc9xp4r]

아무리 봐도 못생긴 바이크다 하지만 연비가 40 km 이라 자꾸 눈이간다

[@DungeonAesthetics]

Same, fuel economy on it is a beast, I'm worried commuting in 6th gear daily tho may mess it up

[@c602]

Why is every guy that reviews a motorcycle have to be a total dork?

[@leeinwis]

🤪🤪