First Look At The BRAND NEW Honda SCL500 Scrambler!

After months of anticipation waiting to see if Honda would bring the new 2023 CL500 scrambler to the U.S., then weeks of anticipation waiting for MY Honda SCL500 to arrive at the dealer, then 8 days of staring out the window waiting for the rain to go away once it did get here, today I FINALLY got to pick up my brand new Honda CL500 scrambler...and I'm in love!!!
I think the new Honda SCL500 scrambler perfectly blends retro with modern, but of course it's not without its flaws. Enjoy my first impressions and get ready for more exciting content with the new scrambler VERY soon!!
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1290 Bay Dale Dr, PMB 344
Arnold, MD 21012-2325

[@jlrutube1312]

Great looking new bike. As an older guy, I think it's funny what some younger people think is weird. For example, look at the 1970's Honda CL 350 Where are the gauges? Same place as a million other bikes... in front of the handlebars. It doesn't look strange at all. That's how it's been forever on tons of bikes. One reason is because dirt bike handlebars have an extra support on the bar which gets in the way of the gauges. Next, the interesting idea that rear fenders are a problem or look bad. Why? They don't look bad at all and haven't for 100 years. Now all of the sudden a percentage of younger people have gotten the idea that you don't need a rear fender. A scrambler will be in the mud from time to time and riding through the mud with no rear fender is a good way to get your back covered with mud. Why do you want mud thrown all over your back? Anyway, I'm just giving you a hard time. Have a great day.

[@hodaka1000]

Yeah

[@victoriazero8869]

I can understand gauge confusion, but not wanting rear fender is hallmark of spoiled babies. Or someone who has never ride on Asian road in rainy season.🤣 For me as 30 Yr millennial the weirdest part of a scrambler is the raised muffler. But it was subjective opinion than objective one since it has actual function.

[@hodaka1000]

@@victoriazero8869 Yeah

[@ricksanchez2983]

You're right about the rear fender not having any appeal to the youngins. My son picked up a Harley 48 sportster 1200cc and the first thing he was looking to do was remove the rear fender. I look at it and don't see any reason to pull it off. It's aesthetically appealing and it serves a purpose? lol Anyway , I'm happy for Birch's latest acquisition. Good luck with your new bike Birch.

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

I agree with every word. Youth prioritise style over function.

[@mr1bienvenu1]

I'll never understand all the hate for fenders 🤔 They add balance to the overall look of a bike. They are also helpful on wet roads 😊

[@cheeyathebard]

Congrats, Burch! Looks great! Thanks for sharing!

[@yamaharider8014]

Cool bike. I especially like the flat seat, which allows for shifting the seating position. Reminds me of bikes I used to ride back in the day. Don't think I would change much on it except the exhaust, that is very large.

[@victoriazero8869]

The exhaust, as expected is emission and noise control to pass EURO and california regs. Of course it's huge and heavy.

[@rickwoodruff8211]

Wow! This is one of the nicer looking Hondas I've seen in a while. Very balanced and not "edgy". Enjoy!

[@wessonsmith40]

So excited you got this bike!!!

[@shmac96]

I have to say this bike looks much cooler in person than on video. Congratulations!

[@danielstraka7972]

I got to test ride the CL recently and I loved it. So agile and easy going. It might be my current favourite Honda at the moment.

[@TGalanos]

Yeah, brother! The CL looks sooooo good in orange. Pumped for the videos you got coming!

[@brad3354]

Super excited for the content to come for this bike

[@therideofalifetime]

Just finished the video. Looks like fun. Excited to see everything you do with this bike. I feel like this is your year I said that in like January. 2023 is your year can’t wait to see where it takes you

[@roymctarsney5655]

Congratulations on the new ride. Your brakes will get a bit better. They’re new and will need a little time to seat in to the rotors. Ride safe! Be well!

[@michaelsupple6081]

So I bought a 500 Rebel when they first came out and hated how it handled. This looks so much more agile. The seating position is also way more to my liking. Nice review.

[@stefanhansen5882]

Amazing intro to this bike. Instantly subscribed. Rock on!

[@kimchase8665]

I was waiting for a CRF 300 LS, but had a chance to ride a CL500 a few weeks ago. Was thinking of downsizing from BMW1200 GSA. Was really impressed with the handling and responsiveness. Felt very well balanced. Decided to pass and stick with the 1200 for now but will get on a wait list. Not many have come in to dealers.

[@longrider9551]

I have owned 50 motorcycles and currently have an Africa Twin and this new orange CL500, this little 500 is my favorite of any bike I have ever ridden, its more fun kinda like a supermoto feel

[@marvinpena8113]

Great video Burch !!! 🤙🏽

[@josevi5835]

This bike looks much better in the flesh. I tried one one month ago in Madrid (Spain) and I liked it a lot.

[@TheDamnBetus]

Love the bike, kinda thinking about trading in my ‘18 Shadow Phantom for this. Really intrigued to see if Honda makes a SCL based on the Rebel 1100 (SCL1100😏).

[@Jordan-ws6jy]

That's so cool! I've been looking into getting one of these! Congrats Burch 👏 👏

[@LifeOfBurch]

Thanks dude!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@Jordan-ws6jy]

@LifeOfBurch really looking forward to you both enjoy it and especially changing out that exhaust. Love the colour too 🙏🙏

[@bryantwiggjr4414]

Nice review! And good to see one of these bikes in my neck of the woods.

[@jwhite3389]

Damn, Burch. Just when I finally decided on getting a rebel 500 Honda drops this! Good review as always my guy!

[@perfectmotoadventurespaulf1968]

Perfect, love it.

[@JLiT_B]

I love the new scrambler and i love the fact that you showed the rise up coffee shop in Easton me and my brother used to go there all the time, brought back so many memories. If you get eh chance ride down Jamaica point rd in trappe md we used to live off that road and loved riding around back there by the choptank river and i think you will too

[@grossi46]

I am seriously thinking of getting one here in the UK 🇬🇧. I look forward to hearing your thoughts buddy and of course seeing what mods you do 😊🤘

[@MVCDVDDY]

Burch, I hope you make a lot of videos with this bike. I've had my GROM for a few months now and I'm itching for something bigger. I've always liked the look of Scramblers so I'm interested to see if Honda's made a good one.

[@brianh8801]

Happy for you and can’t wait to see the new exhaust because that atrocity is the first thing I’d get rid of…fugly is an understatement on an otherwise nice looking bike!

[@NickPCage]

Another banger really loving content

[@craigjohnson8147]

Congratulations!!! Get those stickers off the tank ASAP.

[@bikerbeliever8169]

Your channel has come along way since the beginning, some great footage of the bike there. This cl500 is more my cup of tea, just because I'm little taller bigger. The rebel is nice but I like this style better. This bike looks good in every color, I really like the green though. Love looks of this bike and wouldn't be cramped on in it.

[@amirinamerica]

Can’t wait to ride with you on this new toy 😍😍😍

[@mcjaypee]

Looks like return of the classic UJM but in light scrambler format. I like it!

[@VictoriaStobbie]

Another bike my dude! Holy hell, I wish I had your budget. Nice ride mate.

[@FarHanSolo]

One of the reasons I bought the 2023 CL500 (SCL500 in USA) Scrambler was the stock exhaust pipe. Anyhoo, I do like that tank pad, very nice and that orange does pop! It's a little less subtle than my Mat Laurel Green Metallic but lovely all the same.

[@farahnomi]

CL500 top bike

[@billvickers1367]

Luv the colours … nice tribute to HD! 😋

[@keithdosik]

Duuuude I knew it!! Congrats Burch! I’m going to OC this weekend, you going to be there?

[@LifeOfBurch]

Thanks dude!! And nope, you couldn’t pay me enough money to go anywhere near OC around 4th of July! 😂😂😂

[@keithdosik]

@@LifeOfBurch my family has a house there which is the only reason why

[@Metricamn]

I put floorboards on my Rebel 500 and covered the floorboard with skateboard grip paper ~! Killer ~!

[@andregrastyan3403]

Cool video, thanks. I'm thinking of downsizing my Rebel 1100cc DCT for this bike. My Rebel got 14,000 miles on it. I'm thinking of something smaller. How are the ergonomics? Like the reach for the handlebars? The Rebel is pulling my shoulders somewhat. Thanks for your answer . Enjoy the bike. I love the looks.

[@willsohrnberger2441]

"oh my god my giblets is burnin" I don't know why that made me laugh so hard..

[@bikerbeliever8169]

Oh yeah the helmet and bike compliment one another so good 👍.

[@Gr8ValUVinDiesel]

Your brakes will get a little better as the miles roll along. They need time to seat.

[@monkmoto1887]

Seat to what? It’s pads on a rotor. That’s a myth. The pads get scuffed a little but that’s about it. Brakes just get worse over time as the calipers get gunked up from the dust from the pads and the road. You have new brakes, after like 3 or 4 hard stops to scuff the pads they’re basically as good as they’ll ever be.

[@VMAdventures88]

​@@monkmoto1887Not really. My KTM brakes were squishy when I got him 10 days ago. They are absolute fukin beasts now.

[@jameskwak3198]

​@@monkmoto1887I dunno about that my ducati multistrada v4s brakes are getting better and better with miles I'm at 1500 now and still seem to be improving

[@tahoehiker]

Same with my Himalayan. Front brake is stronger and more progressive after 2k miles.

[@firestormlivingsolutions]

😅

[@CamGaylor]

I’m getting a brand new Honda shadow soon! Can’t wait to get it! Love the scrambler

[@LifeOfBurch]

Hell yea dude! The new Shadows are sick!! 🤘🏻

[@SLIGHT_]

Very nice!! Congratulations Mike! Brakes are always worse on new bikes. They need to bite in (seat). Looking forward to see what you end up doing to this one.

[@LifeOfBurch]

Thanks dude!! Honestly I think the brakes aren’t as bad as I initially thought, it’s just cause I had come off a 45 min trip on the 1100 and was used to that stopping power. I took the CL for a quick rip today and the brakes felt more than adequate after coming straight from an ‘08 Accord 😂🤘🏻

[@VMAdventures88]

​@@LifeOfBurchThey are just in the break-in period. They would get better every mile till you get to 1000 miles more or less.

[@BrooksHuber]

Awesome! Really love my '22 Rebel 500 but I've been looking for more of a upright position bike, adventure style or something like this. Does your Honda dealership add markup like they do here in So-Cal?

[@bombidude]

I just picked mine up on Friday

[@ashleyxblanco]

Congrats dude!!! 🤟🤟🤟🤟

[@LifeOfBurch]

Thanks so much!! 🤘🏻😎🤘🏻

[@ronoldcross8189]

47 HP is plenty enough. Good mpg, good torque range. Have fun!

[@wooly9976]

Bikes looks dope! Love the orange color for sure.

[@snatr]

Now i know what the SCL stands for... Super Cool Looking 😎

[@FreeTimeAdventures]

Heck yeah! I've been waiting to see more on this bike! Glad you picked one up!

[@msims1250]

The bike looks great!

[@dxjone7268]

Dope bike！looking forward

[@posterlion]

I really like the looks of the bike. Finally, a motorcycle that doesn't have a beak.

[@jasonb8407]

Damn looks good and I’m hoping to get a bike soon. This one has caught my eye and the CLX 700

[@mephisstopholis3881]

Could you possibly try a comparison between the SCL500 and Svartpilen 401? They both seem like wonderful beginner bikes that have all-around capabilities.

[@MotoDash1100]

The bike looks dope as hell! (And that's just from the thumbnail, just started vid)

[@marchettejw]

that seating position almost looks like my Royal Enfield Interceptor 650. I kinda like that scrambler style bike. this looks like a good second bike to pick up.

[@bobbyjoesugar]

Dang birch- you have every honda in the book!

[@munkyofdth]

good to see Honda still using the honk to cancel turn signal arrangement.

[@jamesmziegler]

That's the nicest looking bike Honda's put out in 50 years. It really takes you back.

[@CantMuffin]

Cb650r is one of the nicest ever imo, not just Honda

[@alexnhan8527]

Triump 400 looks better.

[@hvymax]

Front sprockets are a 3-1 advanage. Get the smallest for bogging and climbing along with hooliganing and the biggest for highway.

[@Fugettaboutit]

I was interested in a Rebel 500 as an easy-going cruiser but this is catching my eye as it seems more nimble so you can lean in more. Seems like a good combination of long-ride comfort but also handling and control.

[@XstonedmonkeyzX]

Really think about it, since the rebel 500 is waay better for passengers. Especially if you add the stock seat plus the GIVI Back rest/Sissy Bar vs the stock one which is tiny.

[@Fugettaboutit]

@@XstonedmonkeyzX Yeah, not really concerned with passengers as the bike will strictly be for 'me' time. I like the idea of having the comfort of a light cruiser, but also being able to more actively lean into corners, etc.

[@XstonedmonkeyzX]

@@Fugettaboutit then you basically described the REBEL 500 🤣🤣 Trust me, I own one and since 2020 have put 18k miles on it! And If you change the tires to Michelin Commander II's, you'll get even more lean! The pegs rarely scratch the floor, and I do mean RAAARELY, and dont get damaged at all.

[@Fugettaboutit]

@@XstonedmonkeyzX Good to know, will look into!

[@robbieracer3294]

​@@Fugettaboutiti believe this cheaper though...I'd go with this and put some braided brake lines, some nice double H pads and a slimmer exhaust can...boom, you got a nice little road bike

[@moto_zomby5479]

I really like that bike. Love the colors options. I do agree. Blue and black would do great in the states. Are you going to upgrade the brakes?

[@deansmith9346]

I bought the first orange scl 500 our honda dealership got a month ago, and I love it hope you do your also .

[@diegodelsol1309]

Had a '71 CL175 Scrambler up until last year when I just got tired of doing more wrenching than riding. Replaced with a Tiger Sport 660, which I am enjoying, but I would defintely ahve picked this bike instead if it had been available. Dim display is my biggest negative, though that exhaust could become a problem. Don't remmeber it sticking out so much on my old bike.

[@GarbageMans2wheels]

Killing the new bike Smell. Love the Channel

[@HangingWithEthan02]

Nice bike. Congrats on the bike, love the videos. :)

[@LifeOfBurch]

Thanks so much dude!! I appreciate the support! 🙌🏻🙏🏻🤘🏻

[@RobbieG93]

Sick bike and the matching helmet! 👍

[@stevenlabounty7134]

Congratulations on the new bike, picked up my 1100t today.

[@LifeOfBurch]

Ayy congrats dude!! Super exciting! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@Harambes_Homeboy]

Oh man that’s a beautiful bike 🔥

[@dale5303]

Went over the bridge couple days ago on the africa twin, fun ride

[@marthaburcham3509]

LOVE it!!

[@LifeOfBurch]

🧡🧡🧡

[@notanymore9471]

Wow that thing looks way retro.

[@KeViNMCMXXCIX]

I really like the line up of Honda even to this day.

[@SunnyBanerjeePlus]

Congrats bro, I envy you. I am sure Honda will launch the latest version of Active here in India 👿Looking forward to your new exhaust

[@eightycutty]

This would look great next to my 19 500 since its Candy Orange too

[@redhenracing2]

Hey man! Any first impressions on gas mileage vs. the Rebel 1100?

[@JH-zt5ni]

Glad you bought one I’ve been interested in these for a while as I have a Ducati scrambler. Be good if they put the 750cc in it. Looks good I think. Nice one

[@Edgar-gx6yn]

Or the 1100

[@SherKhan-b1kes]

The black version gives a complete picture and therefore, I can just imagine how awesome your 🏍️ would look if the fenders and sidepanels were painted in the matching orange colors.

[@victorvasquez8094]

Looks sick, I want

[@dougsmith7580]

Nice bike, if it were a 500 single I’d buy it today. I know, I know who wants a 500 single - I do. I started riding 57 years ago on a single and I’d like a big single to be my last two wheeler. Good review, ride safe.

[@Quepasaaqui718]

Ima go broke following this channel!!! Lmao love it

[@LinkFelton]

And it's LifeOfBurch Orange. Fuck yeah!

[@LifeOfBurch]

I’m SO stoked I got the orange!! This is the only CL500 my dealer got and it was just luck of the draw 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@LinkFelton]

@@LifeOfBurch I mean hey, it was a 50/50 shot right? Cause we don't get the enjoyment of more than 2 colors 😃

[@johnkraemer5505]

Looks like a very cool bike! I just wish it was something larger. Like a 760 cc!

[@jasonetters4092]

Super nice!! Love the ORANGE. Let’s meet up and ride in Naptown .

[@jordan18216]

I test rode this & the rebel. Went for the rebel as I preferred the lower riding position and i found the CL a little too skinny for my liking. Felt too much like a bicycle. But the looks of it are awesome and it was extremely light to flick around which was fun. & proper pokey!

[@ElevatedVehicles]

How tall are you?

[@jordan18216]

@@ElevatedVehicles 5’10

[@ElevatedVehicles]

@@jordan18216 awesome thank you

[@HomeAloneBoi]

Looking to get one of these myself

[@Purplehayes1024]

What gasket did you use for the new Vance and Hines muffler?

[@TheWhocoulditbe]

Brakes are with a kind of bright stuff, like the tires, so first braking it won’t brake at all

[@BronxLens]

How practical/comfortable is it for the pilon to ride with that humongous exhaust up there?

[@strangeuniverse1199]

I saw one of these Honda scramblers in the mid 70's, a fellow at work had one. It looked like a very boring bike to ride with only 360cc of displacement. This new Honda bike is a definite upgrade. Better than an enduro bike for street use but an enduro motorcycle still holds the definite edge in off roading.

[@Tripplebeem]

Congrats, it looks amazing! Only thing that worries me about it is that rear swing arm, it looks THIN!

[@LifeOfBurch]

Thanks dude!! Swingarm looks to be the same as the Rebel 500, so should be good. I don’t plan on abusing this thing, just more of a cafe racer with a little light off-roading thrown in 😎🤘🏻

[@Tripplebeem]

@@LifeOfBurch Heck yeah! I am looking forward to seeing your content with it!

[@hvymax]

I'm telling you that with a 14 tooth front sprocket it'll be a Hooligan Machine!!!

[@tippytailmckitty2658]

I have a 1200 parallel twin in my Super Tenere. I really like parallel twins.

[@cybermind4158]

Beautiful bike. I almost ordered one when it was first announced but decided to go for a Kawasaki Z650rs instead. I have a quick question. I’m noticing that you’re not really concerned about engine break in. Is this still required with Honda or no? I was told to keep revs below 6K for first thousand kms. What are your thoughts? Is engine break in really still a thing with today’s bikes?

[@allenanderson3649]

All engines have break in recommendations. 16 years turning wrencheshave my process of varying loads in all gears, staing out of read line, changing oil and filer after 600 miles (600 to 1200 miles) then have at ! Just my way of approaching break in periods.

[@shane_fryd_rice]

I went in to get the Rebel the other day and nearly ditched it when I seen the Scrambler sitting there. Might get one in due time though.

[@lawrencefournier686]

Looking to get my first dual sport in Southern, Md. you definitely recommend this dealer?

[@fendias]

Damn that's beautiful!

[@anderskleven9202]

You mention alot of cool upgrades that you would do at the start. You could totally get the other forks and other dash etc...

[@hvymax]

Set it up with a Midi fairing and an ATV lounge and you can have a mini Dirtwing.

[@Comeoffitman]

Still love the original best. CL 175 CL 350 or CL 360 are my dream bikes.