Honda CL500 .. 3 Bike Sales Flops ! .. Coolest Bike Photo' of all Time !

[@air-run3984]

Mine’s all black with knobbys and the side soft pannier. The bikes looks like a bad ass military bike. I love it!

[@WyreForestBiker]

Sounds great !😊

[@MrEko21]

I watched a lot of your videos. Now I have an all black CL500 myself and still watch your videos. Greetings from Spain!!🙌🙌

[@WyreForestBiker]

That's wonderful ! ... thanks for watching.😊

[@owenparkerjr.6588]

Prices in the US haven't dropped plus availability is also a concern. I refuse to compromise on choice when I am paying in full hard-earned money. What's with you Honda?

[@drdoolittle5724]

Glad to hear your comments about honesty in testing, my appetite to watch amateurs spouting lyrical without any financial commitment is rapidly waning! On the basis of a glowing review of the BMW C400 GT scooter, I parked up my Honda ADV 350 at a dealer and tried to test the BM - what a joke, yes it was covered in high tech but the simple basics of perfect suspension and very low vibration engine were totally missing! Very glad to get back on the Honda without even asking for a quote to change!

[@WyreForestBiker]

You can't beat a Honda 😊.. Thanks Dr . !

[@robertmassey807]

110% Totally agree David. Congratulations on your first 1K. Loved the photo and I love your format. ❤

[@WyreForestBiker]

Thank's Robert .. appreciate it.

[@ayrtonpiazza9026]

Good evening Mr Jay, very recent owner of a Honda CL 500 Candy Energy Orange, demonstration motorcycle with 332 km on the clock, I of course immediately agreed with your very explanatory videos, all imbued with humor and British phlegm I adore ! because yes I am French living in the Cognac region 150 km north of Bordeaux... I was of course amused to note (I am from 1963) that we have a lot of shared opinions about many of your exposed, even if from another country... In the same way, by watching your videos I realized that we had the same desires for improvements to the first scrambler imported into Europe by Honda. Cover, brake fluid reservoir ordered on Amazon for me, Honda tank protector and the headlight and number plate and their stickers which give another look...but I'm overflowing, come back to you later for some questions regarding the accessory bag optional... Thank you for your contribution to the motorcycle world!

[@WyreForestBiker]

@ayrtonpiazza9026 thanks so much ... appreciate your comments ...hope you love the bike ...

[@tracybuckalew2482]

The scl500 is a great ride, wonderful video. Congrats on reaching the 1000 mark.

[@WyreForestBiker]

Thanks Tracy , really appreciate it.

[@robertbryson4576]

Hi David, my local Honda dealership in Ballymena has a 2023 cl500 with 400 miles on it for only £5,099. The dealer has even fitted a couple of extras, a screen and a side-panel. I reckon that is a pretty good illustration of your argument as I assume this is stock they just could not shift!

[@WyreForestBiker]

100% Robert , it's the same everywhere.

[@markspash178]

Here in NZ the Z650RS was a sales flop, mainly due to price. It was $4000 more than a Z650 and $6-7000 more than a Royal Enfield 650, for those who love a retro look. The CL500 has also been a sales flop, $1200 more than a CB500X, with no TFT, no USD forks, no twin disc, no mono shock, it’s a budget bike at a premium price. Also $5000 more than a Triumph Scrambler. I still bought a CL though!

[@WyreForestBiker]

LOL ...here it was priced the same and now is available cheaper than the bikes you mention ..Thanks Mark.

[@markspash178]

@@defsonic2884 Our RE are cheaper, about £5.5k and about £8.5k for a Z650RS, very few sold and with good reason, many sat unsold in showrooms for over 2-3years, the last of them finally sold reduced to clear at about 6.5k of your pounds but even then, I think the general public still thought they were too expensive, as Suzuki often has sales of its SV650 for £5k

[@pggp273]

If you love the bike and enjoy it. Just keep it and continue to love and enjoy it. Dont get hung up on depreciation. It is what it is. Every decision is half chance and you cant always get ot right. Enjoy the bike its a marvelous bit of kit for the money 👍

[@WyreForestBiker]

Spot on . In a way it focuses your attention on the bike as selling isn't a realistic option ..

[@MsDenver2]

I was at that cafe a few days ago on my second ride of my Enfield 350 classic, thanks to everyone for being very friendly as I was quite nervous after over 40 years not riding.😊

[@WyreForestBiker]

That's brilliant and good to hear, It's a friendly place and there is always someone to chat too 👍

[@simonbowen6653]

My 2018 T100 looks a lot like Steve McQueen's, sadly no Jacqueline Bissett though. I think the Suzuki is competing with other models with the same engine that are better looking. Chinese bikes from CF Moto and others are also impacting sales. Congratulations on 1k subscribers.

[@WyreForestBiker]

Thanks Simon . The T100 is a lovely bike, I will be bringing a test on a CF moto in due course ...

[@alienbiker5036]

well done dave may your subs continue to grow

[@WyreForestBiker]

Thanks , really appreciate it .

[@rodg2335]

Congrats . I am enjoying my CL as well. If you ever find an alternative instrument pod, that is my only major issue with this ride.

[@WyreForestBiker]

It's not one of the strong points for sure ...Thanks for watching ..

[@cptntwang]

Congratulations! I watch all your stuff. Yesterday i rode a perfect tour on my cl 500: small roads, unpaved farmtrails, autobahn. Itsa perfect bike. Still the triumph scrambler is lurking in the back of my head.

[@WyreForestBiker]

Thanks Captain , sounds like a perfect day out and the perfect bike for it ! ... thanks for watching ...appreciate it.

[@wimperelly]

Did you testride the Triumph. I am in the opposite direction. Have had multiple single cilinder bikes and many other. But I think the great thing about this CL500 is that is has a parallel twin. It is more smooth than the single cilinder bikes I rode. The smoothest single was the meteor 350. The duke 390 and husqy vitpilen 401 were more brutal and it made me drive more aggressively and that's why I sold them quite fast. More fast than my other bikes.

[@cptntwang]

@ i got me a triumph 900 scrambler in the meantime

[@wimperelly]

@@cptntwang even better 😃

[@henryhartley9993]

Nice one DJ, congratulations on the subs, in total agreement with you regarding the Z650, great bike I'm sure, but an in line four would be a lot better. I do like the CL but Honda couldn't have put less effort into the design, a more Scrambler esque exhaust and a retro shaped fuel tank would improve the looks and sales instantly.....

[@WyreForestBiker]

Agree Henry , mind you as others have mentioned it sells better in other markets with different aesthetic preferences.

[@Butlers_Bike_life]

Congratulations on the 1000 subscribers !!! 👍

[@WyreForestBiker]

Many Thanks !

[@TheNorfolkThunderbolt]

I’m getting a blue CL500 ex demo for £4995 from my local Honda dealer!

[@jamessouthworth1699]

I'm still hoping the CL300 comes to the states.

[@handsfree1000]

The Yamaha Niken was a massive sales flop yet they are making an updated version !?..

[@WyreForestBiker]

Yes that's a strange one .. I suppose they have invested so much initially they feel compelled to continue with it and an update won't cost that much ... Great comment.

[@docsbmw525i]

Just come across the channel, excellent 👍 nice to see some local area, I’m not a million miles away from you, based in Coseley and ride a 2018 Harley Sportster 48 115th Anniversary

[@WyreForestBiker]

Thats great , welcome along. I expect you know the Food Stop cafe then .. if you see me there say hello 👍

[@simonhall5086]

Nice 1 Dave. Wasnt that keen on CL at first but it has grown on me. Love my 500x so probably won't be trading it in. Had an MZ 250 so i like quirky machines. Can't be arsed running 2 bikes TBH too much hassle. Always enjoy your videos especially when you go right instead of left 😂

[@WyreForestBiker]

LOL yes right is the way to go !! ...Thanks Simon that made be giggle 😂 ... PS if you liked the MZ did you know there is a new Jawa 2 stroke 250 available now ?

[@simonhall5086]

👍 I'd be tempted if it was the price of my MZ😂 Cheers Dave 👍

[@IrelandRider]

Congratulations 🎊

[@WyreForestBiker]

Thanks , much appreciated 😊

[@IrelandRider]

@@WyreForestBiker you're welcome 😊

[@BarronFujimoto]

My next motorcycle is either the CL500 or the Speed 400. Love the look of them both. Yours is a beauty, for sure!

[@WyreForestBiker]

They are both rather different in many ways ...test both if I were you and see which suits .. Thanks for commenting 👍

[@volt8684]

@@WyreForestBikercan you find a dealer😂

[@andrewdyson4255]

Congratulations on your 1k subscribers. I’m sure you’ll increase as time goes on. Spot on with the K650 the exhaust is just wrong, and it should be a 4 cylinder. The Suzuki back end looks like they run out of time when designing it. The Honda just isn’t my cup of tea. I think you have to love a bike and look back at it with pride. If you love it , you will forgive it all its quirks. I don’t think any bikes hold their value really. That said it would be a boring old world if we all liked the same things.

[@WyreForestBiker]

Very true Andrew , the variety in designs is amazing really and they all add something to the hobby we love .

[@markpercy4277]

Well done on your 1K subs bud, and that picture of Steve and Jacqueline is marvellous. The Z650rs is a good looking bike there's one in the green and gold in a local dealers for £6299 which looks good value, l do know what you mean though us oldies remember the original Z650 if you can look passed that i'm sure the latest version is a good bike, take care bud 👍

[@WyreForestBiker]

Could not agree more Mark .. I've seen low miles RS's as low as £5500 and there is one brand new going for £6499 ...

[@RR-rk5gj]

I like the looks of this bike. Mostly because it doesn't look like an insect with godawful plastic pointing in all directions. I also like the dual rear shocks look over the single and the flat-ish seat. However, not a fan of the tank. I'd prefer it looking more a part of the bike, not looking like it's just sitting on top. Of course, I'm old, so I prefer the true classic motorcycle look. Crikey, I still think the CX500 is a beautiful bike! I'm 75 and haven't owned a bike in decades but If I were to buy a new bike (and I'm lookin'!) this would be it. I like the 500, the mid 40's hp, the nimbleness... My last two bikes were the 500 Four and the CX500. I rode across the country and was a courier for 5 years on the CX. I've spend the last 40 years on bicycles and only recently got an e-bike which has only poked the sleeping beast. I'm loving your videos...

[@WyreForestBiker]

Thanks , glad you're enjoying them .. I can't speak for you directly but I think the CL would suit you perfectly . It's light ( lighter than the specs suggest ) very easy to move around due to the wider bars and really easy to ride , at the same time quick enough to do anything you want it too. As you have kept riding two wheels I'm sure you would take to it very quickly ... Good luck and tell me how you get on ...David

[@Matt-i9n]

Hi David I am new to the area I was wondering if you would be up for a biker to join you when you go out and about

[@pielight7449]

Congratulations on reaching 1000 subs Dave. Going by the £900 discount I was given by my local Honda dealer on a brand new CL500 (green) just over a week ago, your bang on about the poor sales of the bike. I paid £5295 on the road (including 12 months road tax) which to my mind was an absolute bargain. I even got a discount on the high (brown) seat which I bought for £77 at the same time. The discount I was given includes £500 that Honda themselves are giving at the moment. I was also goven an additional £400 discount to match the lowest price that the bike was being sold for in the UK (after I pointed out the discounted prices I had seen advertised). So, now looks to be a great time to buy a new one (the £500 discount ends in a week or two apparently). One problem for Honda, is that the bike isnt very photogenic...I found it looks way better in the flesh than it does in photographs or videos. It attracts a fair bit of attention and positive comments by fellow bikers and non bikers alike. I love the thing and have put 450 miles on in 10 days just bimbling around the back roads....I got a nail through the rear tyre at 150 miles, so used my K1600gt that day otherwise Id have had another 80 miles on the CL. The CL and K16 compliment each other perfectly, i.e. each excel most in the areas that the other is weakest. I considered the Triumph Scrambler 400x, but after test riding the CL,I didn't bother testing the Triumph as I knew the single couldn't match the twin for performance or lack vibes (and very likely, reliability). I had tested the Himalayan 450, which I did like a lot, but I was not convinced I could live with the engine vibes. I had firmy decided on buying before being offered the discount, so the decision to buy it was a no brainer. Im now averaging 80mpg, now its run in, which is better than initially (bearing in mind Im riding it harder). All in all a brilliant little bike, which has to be one of tbe best smiles per miles bargains out there!

[@WyreForestBiker]

Agree with all of that ! ... what a bargain you have there congrats .

[@Bazza47]

Why not do some test rides and be brutally honest Dave, I bet your channel would prosper as a result as many like myself would value such reviews over the usual sugar coated stuff that's out there. Well done on getting to 1k subs, I hope your channel continues to grow, I've not done the Stupony to Bridgenorth road for ages as I tend to head west towards Wales instead so thanks for the reminder.

[@WyreForestBiker]

I will Bazza , I just won't attach myself to a dealer and do them every week ... Thanks for the comment😊

[@davidledgerton7914]

Had a test ride on the triumph 400x and the cl500 preferred the cl500 and the honda dealer told me there were deals on it but my current ride (honda adv 350) is to me much more comfortable and it feels quicker

[@WyreForestBiker]

Thanks David, interesting, I've never ridden the ADV350 .

[@williamrae9954]

Michael Madsen on 'The Gent' has to the coolest motorcycle photo? Planning to buy a Suzuki GSX 8R...TST Industries do nice rear tail lights and number plate holder...uncorked, the 8S/8R are competing with the old Yamaha CP3, only 1bhp less,8ft/lbs MORE...according to runs on the same dyno!

[@WyreForestBiker]

Thanks William ... good call if choppers are your thing 👍

[@williamrae9954]

@@WyreForestBiker Not really, just the epitome of cool,wearing a suit on a bike,and it's not a charity ride! :)

[@simondemetriou7750]

Honda are offering a £500 deposit contribution on the CL500 atm. I really like them and am test riding soon!

[@WyreForestBiker]

I can highly recommend them Simon , great fun to ride and own . ... and now a bit of a bargain too.

[@Bobi_Rudi]

Have you tried long distance travel with luggage? How is on long distance and on highway? I would like to buy this bike, it seems simple and as jack of all trades, little city, little light offroad, little travel etc, highway capable ... Low fuel consumption, cheap insurance, i don't like adv bikes, to tall, to big etc...good only for travel not commuting, going in a coffe shop would be a blast on CL :) z650rs is only 1000€ more than cl in my country, simplicity of this cl catched my eye, not even a tachometer, like riding big version of apn 😅

[@WyreForestBiker]

I haven't done very long trips 4/5 hours max , but I think it is more than capable of touring any distance . The exhaust does limit luggage somewhat but apart from that it would be a great choice in my opinion... Dave

[@MsDenver2]

I had one one of the original Kawasaki 650 a great bike , but the modern one Kawasaki have ruined.

[@WyreForestBiker]

I know what you mean ,certainly not an accurate copy of the original.

[@GlynOC]

The little ER6 engine is a riot but is a bit bland (I had one), shame they couldn't re-engineer it for a 270 degree crank 🐇

[@WyreForestBiker]

@GlynOC Yes Glynn ...a worthy engine but as you say bland ... mindvyou I always thought the Honda 500 was but in the CL they tweaked it and its much more characterful ...

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

Triumphs were the coolest of the BRITISH bikes.Rita Hayward rode Triumphs in the old days. British motorcycles were cool but the Triumph was the coolest of the cool.

[@WyreForestBiker]

Can't argue with that Frank! 😊

[@volt8684]

This vlog had me thinking, the not seen a z650 on the road but seen plenty of Suzukis, including one being recovered the other evening. I think the engine is gorgeous but would take the vstrom over the road bike. The hornet looks very much built to a price. The 500 is not enough poke for me but I really like the smaller capacity bikes. I am 6’1” but very stiff so most bikes are limited fit unfortunately. What a combo steve McQueen/ Jaqueline basset and a bonny all beautiful in a non gay way😂. I have tested many bikes and it’s too short to “know” the bike and I often get back on my own bike I think this is lovely, then I examine the figures and stay put😂

[@WyreForestBiker]

Lol ..no not gay at all ..something for everyone in that pic ! ... I always feel that 'nice to be home' feeling getting back on my own bike after a test ride . I wish I had your height though ...being short is a real pain as a biker !...thanks for commenting 👍

[@volt8684]

@@WyreForestBikerbeing tall and very old and stiff is much worse😂

[@TheNorfolkThunderbolt]

To be fair, your videos prompted me to seek out the CL500 and buy one….

[@WyreForestBiker]

@@TheNorfolkThunderbolt Have you now bought one Steven ? ...that's great 👍 can't wait to see it 😀

[@TheNorfolkThunderbolt]

@@WyreForestBiker yes! Put a big down payment on it Friday! I should have it in my garage by the end of the month. It’s a blue one! Your many ride out videos, and the motorway one in particular made up my mind! So always remember that content you produce can be very valuable.

[@stevenyates6732]

There's some cl500 bargains to be had if you shop around

[@WyreForestBiker]

Absolutely Steven .. very low miles for under 5K

[@davidpalin1790]

Don't forget the dodge challenger

[@WyreForestBiker]

Yes David , classic lump of Dodge V8 there too !

[@AliasMrHackenbacker]

I must admit I'm not a fan of the looks of the Suzuki 8S or even the new Hornet, I much prefer my old 600 Hornet for looks and the feel of an inline 4. The CL feels too small for me, I must admit to liking the retro style bikes but that style is ignored by Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki with only Kawasaki offering the 650 and 900 and I do agree with your comments about the 650. Triumph Bonnevilles look great but they are expensive and heavy.

[@WyreForestBiker]

Good point about Bonnevilles .. they are overpriced and heavy but they sell and to be honest I would have one again ( I had the Street Scrambler before the CL)...lovely bike.

[@AliasMrHackenbacker]

@WyreForestBiker The Bonneville Scrambler is my favourite of the range, even used they are still commanding a high price.

[@borderlands6606]

Japanese manufacturers have to appeal to a world market, and presumably volume sales are to places that don't share the same aesthetic sensibilities as ourselves. To my eyes all the bikes mentioned look like they were designed by committee.

[@WyreForestBiker]

Yes good point , I'm sure sales may be different elsewhere .

[@brockett]

"Cool", an Americanism that means anything and nothing. The Bonneville T120 huh! So boring to ride. I have had one. To adjust the chain, first remove the silencer!! Water-cooled, Overhead cam and fake carburettors is just not "Retro". Does the new 'twin' Kawaski 650 has more power than the old 'four'? Too many modern bikes are fugly with high and very uncomfortable seats. The new Hornet is cut price cheapskate bike compared to the Suzuki. The CL has a tank like a Harley peanut job. Quite horid. Right then I'm going back under the bridge. PS good picture, clear sound, good dialog. PPS That Steve McQueen was a bigheaded, egotistical, scene stealer. ( another sacred cow slaughtered eh?)

[@WyreForestBiker]

LOL Thanks, can I ask ,are you having a bad day ? ..lets talk 😂 PS ..I do agree with the cool thing actually but we're all guilty and at least I don't call everyone "Guy's" ... I hate that!

[@johnharris7353]

The Suzuki's ugly. The kawa and your bike I would be interested in used. I still think Honda makes excellent bikes...I rode a black bird for 7 years it was a world beater!

[@WyreForestBiker]

I do know a man that swears by the Blackbird .. one of Honda's best ever bikes in his opinion . Thanks John.

[@wimperelly]

Awesome video's thx for that. I just sold motorbike number 26 🫣. I changed every year. But the last one, royal enfield meteor 350 I kept for 2,5 years. But it's time for something new and i watch a lot of your video's. Still doubting between a Royal Enfield Guerrilla and this CL500. What i would like to know is. In which condition are the exhaust pipes coming out of the engine. I always worried if i see a bike coming pit not equipped with a stainless steel exhaust system. Both i testride this CL500 and I was pleasantly surprised about the smoothness of it. I've had multiple single cilinder motorcycels like dmthe duke 390, duke 690, vitpilen 401 and this parallel twin is awesome. Smooth and still some character. Another thing i have doubts about is the comfort when my wife is riding along for some shorter (40km) trips. Thx again for your great movies. They were a joy to watch. Greetings from Antwerp (Belgium)

[@WyreForestBiker]

Thanks you for the complements . I have ridden for 5000+ miles now in most weathers and the exhaust downpipes are still in perfect condition. I had reservations myself about them but so far so good and should any paint come off it will be an easy job to repair with heat resistant paint....David

[@wimperelly]

@WyreForestBiker thx David, for this answer. It gives me even more trust in this bike. First I am going to testride the RE Guerrilla 450. But it's a modern little single cilinder and it must be unbelievable smooth otherwise I'd go for the Honda. Thx and good luck. PS: maybe you should just go for 200 YT video's 😉