2023 Honda SCL500 Scrambler review part 2 (the ride)

[@italiano0317]

I appreciate your video a lot. I decided that I'm going to purchase this bike and it will be my first bike as well. Some of my friends that ride say that a 500 will be underpowered, and I will grow out of it quick. For the type of riding that I want to do, which is small town back roads and low speed highways. I think this is the perfect answer. I also like this style more than the standard cruiser or street bike.

[@larryj8924]

Nice practical everyday review of the scrambler. Your usage seems to be typical of what it's meant for, no doubt it can do more, but then a more adventure focus bike should be considered. Thanks for sharing and enjoyed the scenery.

[@findingneutral]

Finally.... a real world on AND off road initial review on the SCL500. Thanks for taking the time to share this. I find this platform very interesting as I've been on a 2021 Honda CB500X since I purchased it new in 2021. Approaching 8k trouble free miles. I really dig the Scrambler vibe of the SCL500 and simplicity though. Even moreso the seat height. I'm only 5'6 and being honest even with my Corbin seat my X is a tad too tall for me. Coupled with I only ride hardtop which defeats the ADV/big fuel capacity need. So I was pondering transitioning to the SCL. From what I just read we both have 15t front and 41t rear sprockets and the same wheel size front & rear. Appear to have the same front forks and brakes as well. So my guess is were cut of the same cloth feel wise maybe. My X gets really buzzy around 65mph. You can feel high vibration in the handlebars (actually gets unpleasant and numbs the hands after a while) in the crotch seat area (Corbin seat absorbs more than the stock seat though) and foot pegs (even with the rubber inserts left in). Next 1st gear is snatchy. Low speed figures 8's require me to feather the clutch or I get jerked around by the throttle. So how are the vibes and throttle on the SCL? I read on a CL500 forum folks mentioned something being up with the chain slack tensioner on the exhaust side. Think they said the guide moves around and they had trouble using the notch marks and getting the rear wheel to stay even when adjusting the chain slack. They also complained the clutch was a far reach. But I did not see that to be an issue when you used the clutch at all. Your bike is going to have mega accessorie options on the market. I saw a full Yoshimura that looked very awesome for it. From what I gathered the black header pipes you have are prone to get orange rather rapidly just because of the metal or cheap coating. But a Fender Extender and skid plate might also help in that situation. You brought up another great topic re: 500cc vs larger CC. I live in Florida in the country and essentially ride the same back roads (with an assortment of turtles 🐢 as well I may add) and farm fields. Unfortunately, no twisties or mountains like you have though. That would be awesome to ride there. A bit boring and flat here. But anyways, I've never lacked power with my X for the casual riding you mentioned doing so I think your SCL and F are perfect for what your using them for. I'm not racing either. I'm looking forward to your long term thoughts and review of the SCL and what accessories you go for.

[@dualsportjourney]

Thank you so much for stopping by and for all that info! I don't notice much vibrations at all from the SCL500, but I'm use to riding my DRZ400 at highway speeds and that thing will make your hands go numb from vibrations in short order. I did notice the chain slack adjuster on the right side seems wonky. Its got one of the easiest clutch engagements I've felt on a motorcycle. I currently have over 1100 miles on the SCL and have a ton of info and video footage to share. I'm working hard to put more content up on the SCL. I love this bike! Thanks again for stopping by, and hope to hear from you again!

[@findingneutral]

@@dualsportjourney Good to hear re: vibes. I'm definitely looking forward to your content on it. I can see one in my future too. Very cool bike. I slapped Michelin Road 5's on my CB500X and it was a game changer smoothness wise. If you ever lean more on road they definitely fit your wheels as we have the same size. Same light clutch on mine.

[@dualsportjourney]

@@findingneutral Good to know on the tires. Thank you! Always a pleasure!

[@alangee2200]

Excellent 👍 Thank you so much for taking the time to show us ! I pick up my new green one next week 🇬🇧

[@happyrider44]

I will order my CL 500 with Anakee Wild or Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires, skid plate and crash bars! I ride in France (full of country dirt road, single tracks in forest, a great playground😅)

[@dualsportjourney]

Love this!

[@jamesballard6564]

Good choice. Shenko tires are cheap for a reason.

[@trayvondadon5723]

what state and county is that? great video, that's a place I would love to learn to ride at.

[@IzunokuniZ]

Good run on flat dirt！.CL lovely♡．

[@luizcastelo-branco9894]

Very good. Thanks a lot :)

[@dualsportjourney]

Thank you for stopping by and for the comment!

[@THE_SNAPP]

First, at 11:30, i think the gearing difference you're feeling is because you have an extra tooth on your rear sorocket. Anyway, great reviews (1&2). I bought a BMW G310GS new in 2018 and still ride it (used to ride a Ninja 600, have had several duel sports too). Looking for a second bike, and this is high on the list. Almost bought an Iron 883, then almost bought a Triumph Trident...both fun bikes. However, neither checks enough boxes like you were saying this does. Lastly, my little BMW handles me and my wife just fine, so no doubt this will do even better. I like "smaller" displacement bikes...i want flickable, quick, responsive, versatile, etc. This may be it. Thanks for your insights...well done. Oh, and your ride in part 2 reminds me of riding out here in Utah with my son, he rides a CBR 500, and thats a great bike. Be well man!

[@dualsportjourney]

Thank you very much for stopping by and for the comments! It means a great deal to me! No better times then being able to share this passion with Sons!

[@MD-MC]

Any thoughts on the need for an engine skid plate? Necessary on rougher back roads? Is such an item available? Thanks, I'm considering a purchase of this bike.

[@darehawk16]

Scrambler has an extra tooth

[@cain2k]

Did you try those Shinko tires ? Are they worth it ?

[@dualsportjourney]

I have not changed the tires on this bike yet. I'm still trying to decide on which tire I want to try. Thank you for stopping by!

[@DynaDub]

How would it do on the interstate if I needed to do about 50 miles?

[@dualsportjourney]

Cruising highways will be no problem for this bike. I plan on showing this when I release my next video "1000+ mile update/review". Thank you for stopping by!

[@mikehound8315]

Yay. Another endless go-pro blah blah blah video.

[@RonWinter335]

0:40. Your blinker / turn signal indicator is still on. Now go do some donuts on that soccer field until the cops show up....Wheee!!!

[@dualsportjourney]

😜LOL! Thank you for stopping by!