2023 Honda SCL500 - DM First Ride Review

Honda makes some of the easiest to ride and most approachable motorcycles. This new SCL 500 (or CL500 in other markets) is the best new example of that.
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Music and graphics by Skyler Benn.
This video was filmed with in-ear, binaural microphones, so if you listen with headphones, it will sound like you're sitting in the driver's seat!
#scl500 #honda #motorcycle

[@johnhall4851]

Been riding bikes since 1973. Too many bikes to mention, tourers to sports bikes. I lovecmy cl500, one of the best bikes ive had.

[@Abolistable]

The scl500 is my 1st bike and I've really enjoyed it so far. God was I nervous my 1st time out on it though lol.

[@TheBerg366]

exactly the same for me :D

[@Vintageknight1]

We all go through it 😂

[@noah22261]

Why nervous?

[@tscrambler500]

Same! Me too! 🤣🤞🏾🙏🏾 stay safe!

[@leeinwis]

Wow, you're lucky to have a new bike as your first, especially this one 😀.

[@wmason1961]

As a recent retiree looking to downsize to a lighter bike, I am really starting to resent that everyone calls them "beginner bikes." Not everyone who prefers small bikes is a beginner.

[@colorfuk1688]

they are quite literally made with beginners in mind

[@marcvanartevelde5586]

Couldn't agree more.

[@JDFuckinB]

It's a beginner bike because of its price point. A mature rider would typically be spending less on sport and more on conveniences.

[@cptntwang]

Me too.

[@siwynjones]

I hear this a lot. Is there a better term they could use for bikes that are suitable for beginners?

[@nesmithcreative]

Great review. I have owned this bike for about 500 miles and I absolutely love it. One correction: rear suspension is adjustable. Thanks and keep 'em coming! :)

[@dp01]

Why just 500 miles?

[@marting5130]

this is exactly what i have been waiting for a scrambler from a cheap reliable company like honda. its like when the miata came out. its was an english roadster but cheap and reliable/japanese. thats what this is. the cool scrambler, but cheap and reliable.

[@paracog]

I had a CL305 back when they came out, and loved it. This is the first bike in a long time that if I was in any shape to ride, I'd get and enjoy. I think they're gonna sell a lot of these. Thanks for the great review.

[@godwhomismike]

I absolutely regret after my motorcycle accident last year getting a Suzuki Boulevard 650 last fall instead of getting a Honda Rebel 300/500. Yes, my tuned Suzuki is loud/sounds good, torque-y, and comfortable, but it is also carbureted and very temperamental with starting/idling - especially when it is humid and/or raining. I had a little Rebel 250, rode it from 2015 to 2022, took it from 9K miles on the odometer to 16,100+ miles when I hit a deer with it last spring. It wasn't fast at all, but for a couple of dollars, I could ride from morning to night, it always started/idled perfectly, and was also my grocery getter. At the end of the day, I think just throwing a leg over the bike, it always firing up and idling perfectly, great fuel economy, and taking me all over northeast PA, northern NJ, and the southern tier of NY (without any fear of being stranded) is more important than a little more speed/comfort/sound.

[@KirkKreifels]

Congratulations on your first honda motorcycle event!🎉🎉🎉

[@rohanm54]

Ur the goat Kirk 🐐

[@RatedRob]

I just bought this bike in green as a second bike! Picking it up in the morning. I cant wait. lol

[@MrChickenspit]

I cant wait to get my motorcycle license and hopefully one day buy this bike!

[@scottmad8563]

Love the fact you guys are doing more motorcycle reviews

[@andyw237]

The SCL500 should make a fun commuter bike, the classic dual rear shocks are a cool feature.

[@user-ry9nh1fi5m]

I like this guy he seems like he knows what's down and out about your life and speaks with key cloak n dagger words just to make a point, which is no point but to get up under your skin. Because joy isn't attainable unless by his way. Keep posted for my you tube channel I'll explain and demonstrate what and why scramblers we're and actually designed for. No sales pitch like I'm trying get endorsements nor work at a Honda dealership I'm for the actual mindset that designs an exceptional vehicle.

[@Foodgeek]

In Europe, the rebel 500 comes with a passenger seat out of the box. I'd say, depending on the weight of the two people on the bike, that 471 cc engine is a bit underpowered :)

[@garrywright3380]

Great review, I own one and you’re spot on about this bike…

[@stanleylawson9015]

So right save your money take time off work enjoy life

[@CanadaSims]

Can’t decide over this or the triumph 400x scrambler.

[@leeinwis]

Hon Duh

[@cptntwang]

Triumph looks better, honda rides better.

[@Hammerz0738]

The CL500 is a great bike But my inner spirit is wanting a CL650 with a exhaust/suspension & a speedo upgrade Yeah that would be great

[@paulb1383]

Nice looking bike...Can't decide if I like this better than the Rebel, but it certainly has that coolness factor 👍Exhaust needs work though

[@lambertj.2892]

The Rebel is ugly. Get the 500 instead.

[@FoxVelox222]

The rear suspension is adjustable. 2 settings for preload.

[@Diurama1212]

5 position rear

[@user-jr1cs6ob3m]

Hondas 500cc range bikes are great. Love me 21 CB500X

[@ieyucel]

Green is superb

[@siwynjones]

I got my full A licence in the UK on a CB650R recently, and now I’m looking for a “sensible” first bike to carry on learning. I was originally thinking of a CB650R as I’m familiar with it, and it’s pretty docile at low revs, but I can’t help thinking I’m paying for a load of performance that I’m not really interested in and will never use. I went to look at some used CB500Fs at the local dealer, and they have a new one of these reduced to £5k. I’m wondering whether that may be a more sensible option; it’s like a couple of grand down and £80 a month finance, and I’ve got a new bike with warranty so I can just concentrate on learning to ride for a couple of years. Or for another £1000, there’s a 500 Hornet or a reduced SV650. First World problems, I suppose, but it’s a real pain not being able to get a test ride as a new rider.

[@bradclarke93]

the rear shocks can have a pre load adj.

[@SerPurple51]

Its a good looking bike minus that exhaust. But there's always the aftermarket boys to fix that. I might actually take this over the Rebel.

[@douglasradowick508]

Chief, I started seeing the "SCL 500" & had been wondering-"what's the difference between the SCL 500 - the CL 500". I figure to get the Rebel 500, put a 16 tooth front drive gear in it to reduse the RPM's by 500-600rpm's, get a set of saddle-bags, windshield,engine-guatds and a Mussari slip-on exhaust. The "peace-de-resistance would be getting painted/powder-coated in the color FUSCHIA! Bust a move, the tongue's will wag like you've NEVER seen tongue's wag!🏍️👍😁🤓🤭 Doug

[@mikespeaks6038]

I'm an older new rider. My Harley is getting too heavy for my weak legs. I'm having trouble deciding between this and a CB 500 X. Biggest problem is Honda is so slow at shipping to the US.

[@kalnwi2023]

500X is heavy, top heavy too.

[@davidashworth1985]

Honest Question: What would a passenger do about that exhaust? Would they just rest their right thigh on it? Or is the heat shielding THAT good?

[@DailyMotor]

I think that far down the pipe, with the heat shielding plus the fact it's not a very high strung engine, it doesn't get that hot.

[@Rossy167]

I’ve ridden this myself 100s miles through Northen Thailand. My girlfriend was an occasional passenger. So basically: for most short rides there’s no heat at all, after a long time the heat shield will be hot to touch but never so hot it hurts or burns. I was surprised, if you’re wearing thick trousers you’re unlikely to even notice. Your thigh probably will settle on the exhaust, but you can stick your legs out and not touch it easily.

[@Diurama1212]

Shielding is really THAT good @@DailyMotor

[@RipperJack30141]

After a 45 min ride I got curious myself and touched the silver bits bare handed. No burns, didn't even feel warm.

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

I wonder why it's called the SCL in America. It's the CL in GB.

[@dinob123]

Because CL500 is patented by Mercedes in the US 👍🏼

[@rightlanehog3151]

Charlie, You can ride 12 months of the year now.

[@DailyMotor]

That was part of the impetus

[@nytmare124]

At 16:10, is that Mines Road?

[@leeinwis]

No, it's mine, not yours .

[@gothops154]

Dude how do you get invited to these? All these motorcycle launches are in my home town yet I never see any demo days here. This Honda, the Yamaha XSR900, Harley Sportster, all have ride reviews in this area. I need to get in on this I’m big time missing out

[@DailyMotor]

It's a beautiful area to ride! I have a setup with the PR agency for Honda since I regularly review Honda automobiles.

[@paulb1383]

Looks a little like the Kawasaki Eliminator 450

[@emishas]

How do you compare it with bmw g310gs?

[@DailyMotor]

SCL is a better motor and a nicer feeling bike. GS has better off-road ergos and might be generally more comfortable and capable, but I'd take the SCL.

[@coltonmathews1290]

Since it's a scrambler (or sup[posed to be) How does it handle off road?

[@DailyMotor]

....about that :D It's got scrambler appearance, but that's about it. It does have a 19" front wheel, which will help a bit off road, but the suspension and exhaust routing aren't going to help with much aside from mild dirt roads.

[@coltonmathews1290]

@@DailyMotor So definitely 90% a street bike. Thanks! Will definitely stick to my original plan of just working my way up to the Triumph Scrambler for my scrambling needs. This bike looks good, though! Would probably be a fantastic beginner bike

[@user-ry9nh1fi5m]

So tell us why haven't humans simply reverse installed motorcycle engines so the breather is in front and the exhaust tuck and under issues are resolve by ergonomics?

[@johndoe3485]

Bro, do me a solid, most dudes are 5' 11" tall, and most bikes look small in general for this height. Can you just get friend or family member who is 5'11" and have them sit on bikes you review so we average 5'11" dudes can see if a bike looks small or not. Because the real end of world dilemma is its rare AF to find a motorcycle that looks right size for 5'11" dudes Most motorcycle riders are 5'10" and below and so 100% of motorcycles look good on you guys. This is why most motorcycle riders are shorter then 5'11" in general. I love the look of this bike, but i know it most likely will look to small on a 5'11" guy. But i would love confirmation. Us 5'11" height dudes in general have to just ignore and never think of motorcycles, because we know all or most of them look to small on us, and it makes us insecure and wish we was 5'10" or shorter so we could look good on any bike. ✌️

[@lambertj.2892]

Can you easily ride 2 up on this bike?

[@DailyMotor]

For trips under an hour you should be fine

[@brianfeeney9493]

Great 🎉 Concept …. Great 👍🏻 Bike 🏍️ Super Review 🎉 ….. thank You 😊 The Pipe and Wheel individual who adorned this HONDA ….. should be Fired !!!!!! That’s REALLY the Best You could do in 2023. !?!?!?!? Ridiculously HORRIBLE !!!!!!!!!! Thanks Again for the Review !!!! 🌞

[@djz9584]

⚡️

[@user-ry9nh1fi5m]

By friendly motorcycleing does he mean practical or is he simply going with Hondas traditional sales pitch slogan.

[@user-ry9nh1fi5m]

Did he just use the clutch lever to shift on a motorcycle equipt with a slip clutch 😂😂😂

[@DailyMotor]

...what? It's not a quick shifter

[@aqibjaved1508]

Quick question: Are you and Chris won't be reviewing cars together anymore?

[@DailyMotor]

Correct, only when he's out in Cali or I'm in Michigan

[@user-sk8cz5yu8g]

Sharp looking bike except the exhaust don't know what they were thinking with that concept!!!!

[@airwarorg]

You won't like that the key is on the side and not in front of the front forks. You won't like that the rear passenger pegs are so high up, and you can't move your feet back and forth between front and back to uncramp them on long rides. I'm not sure why they made it a water cooled bike, when they could of made it air cooled. The cylinders are right up front. My guess without even seeing it is the rear fender is made out of plastic, and possibly the front one too. Metal you can derust, rebend, and repaint when it gets old and beat up... plastic just breaks. You're going to want luggage on it and a windshield. Motorcycles without carrying capacity are useless, so the first thing you do is add some kind of carrying capacity to it. Get the green one so you can hide it in the woods. If you want an orange bike, get a KTM.