★ 2023 HONDA CL500 REVIEW ★

A review on the charming honda cl500
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[@thisandthat1265]

I test rode this bike with no intentions to buy it. But it was a great smooth easy to ride bike. So I bought one . Its perfect for my style of riding. Thanks for the great honest review.

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

Once again it seems like Honda produce another versatile machine for the masses. It's my guess that not only new riders, but those who no longer demand 200bhp and 0-60 times of a Bugatti Veyron will buy this fabulous little bike (I remember when 500cc was a reasonably big bike).... Great review (as we have become accustomed to) from you.

[@markpulling12]

Thanks again 👍.... great bike this for UK roads Best wishes mark

[@marksimpson5218]

Yes, 500cc was classed as a big bike. My dad had a Suzuki GT380 and that seemed quite big. How times have changed.

[@andregrastyan3403]

Hi Mark. Listen to this. I showed your video on the CL500 scrambler to 4 people. 3 of them bought it here in NJ USA. Myself included. You must be good. 😂

[@markpulling12]

Haha many thanks....my mum lives in Kentucky Best wishes mark

[@jmulroy1]

For real world riding this is a very good choice.. Excellent fuel milage and enough weight to be stable on highway riding. LED lights are a great upgrade. Shame there is no second front disc! Would prefer if the fairing and front fender and hand guards were tank color. Great review.

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

I completely agree. For a daily use is perfect. I rode it. Can check it. Drop by, you may like my content.

[@williamrae9954]

Why would you want the extra weight and gyroscopic effect of a second disc? My single disc XSR700 beats the standard bike from 60 - 0...lines and a better caliper is what you want...Beringer radial 4 pot on my bike!

[@andytownsend9163]

Looks very utilitarian, always had a soft spot for a Honda. Great review, thanks Mark 👍👍

[@markpulling12]

Cheers Andy ... these honda engines are great...super reliable and economical... it suits this bike really well Cheers mark

[@kalnwi2023]

Team Red !

[@craigrogers9799]

Great description of how it operates. Definitely aiming to get one as a rider of 20+ years.

[@TEKKYTWO]

This is honestly a beautiful looking bike I would definitely consider getting one as my next bike 😍 fantastic review as always Mark

[@martinehulme8743]

I'm surprised, I didn't expect it to look like this, love the brown seat, orange tank option would be my choice.. I had the 500f great confidence giver..💯 can't go wrong with honda, great review Mark xx

[@markpulling12]

Thanks Martine ...yes definitely a bike that grew on me the more I rode it x

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

This is a very good-looking bike. They offer also a nice range of colors. Can check my test ride of this machine. :)

[@richardpetty9159]

I think that the brown seat is an upgrade.

[@markpulling12]

@@richardpetty9159 yes I think it's part of the style pack Cheers mark

[@nikos-giorgos]

@@markpulling12 And it's 81cm high. 79cm is the stock black seat.

[@splodge5714]

Another great review of what seems a good bike. So refreshing from channels that only like one make of bike (RE or BMW.) 🤣

[@markpulling12]

Haha 😂 many thanks 👍

[@shardlake]

Having bought one, interesting to get your take on the bike, pretty much spot on comfy all-rounder, agree with the dash, not great although everything you need. Travel pack seemed to be great value, the heated grips are great now the weather has changed, and that bag great for my essentials.

[@grays5112]

How strange you reviewed this 🙃. JUST bought one today, same colour, and swapped my CBR500R, as this is way better suited to the lanes and tracks here in Mid Wales 🙂 I'm hoping it will suit me fine, I really like the riding position, and the plusher suspension, nice review 👍

[@markpulling12]

Great choice... probably better for the lanes in Wales Best wishes mark

[@peter7624]

Are there any bad bikes these days? I don't think so, certainly not from Honda. Looks like a nice all-rounder with all the great attributes of the 471 lump. Who says you can't have it all? Another great review in the lovely Dorset outback! Thanks Mark.

[@markpulling12]

Many thanks Peter ...yes most bikes these days are good ... they have $$$$ spent on them I guess R and D plus testing Best wishes mark

[@mattdog1982]

When I first saw these bikes, I thought the styling was horrendous. Now, I’m actually starting to like it. Fantastic real world bike. Good job Honda. If Honda could produce a true retro ( like the highness) with this engine, I think they’d sell shedloads. Nothing wrong with this though.

[@VanBaylen]

Horrendous? Sheesh.. to each their own. I think this bike is quite a marvel.

[@mattdog1982]

@RioBolio read the comment. That was my FIRST impression. I actually ended up renting this bike and throughly enjoyed it. I do wish it was a tad more like the old cl though.

[@nikosjackson2512]

i really like watching your reviews mark!Keep them coming.Much love from Greece!

[@markpulling12]

Many thanks and greetings to Greece Nikos :)

[@chrischristofis8501]

I think it is true to say that Honda have never made a bad bike, they always get the right mix of functionality quality and price, to get a better bike kne has to pay a lot more

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

Great medium-sized bike. You could do everything on it: commute, weekend blasts, tour. Seemingly, the whole of northern Europe used to tour on Yamaha XT500s once up on a time. The CL would leave my old XT behind. The high mudgard: I saw one in Chiang Rai the other day with a black one. Looked better, but they look better without them. Nick J

[@markpulling12]

Thanks nick .....I really enjoyed this cl500 ...rides superbly.... great for the UK Cheers mark

[@cliveomahoney4096]

It really looks good in green with the brown saddle.

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

A very good-looking machine. It can be a very good commuter. I test rode it and even being 6ft 1 it felt quite comfortable. Got my like. Great video MP.

[@markpulling12]

Many thanks 👍

[@svaralen]

Will be nice to see your review on the new Voge DSX 525 😎

[@sexytasmin]

Excellent review Mark. I really like the chrome rims on the wheels.

[@markpulling12]

Many thanks as always Andrew 😀

[@kenj.8897]

Always a great review . Mark how many years have you been riding?

[@markpulling12]

I'm 53 ...been riding constantly since 16 ! 1986 Best wishes mark

[@kitsadaphethaew5333]

I have this one . After I have ridden cl500 for a while. I'm very sure that beginners can ride this bike. This bike is just a normal bike. If anyone needs so much speed ,this bike is not that way. But anyone wants a bike is easy to ride ,CL500 will make you happy really.

[@rogerdunn5150]

Thanks for the review Mark. I like the fact you night ride. No else seems to. I'm 6ft so I'll need a test ride to check the fit, seems small in the showroom. They do a high seat so maybe that'll be for me? It does seem expensive when the NX is only 300 more? As a personal favor please always comment on the steering lock. Bikes with no lock irritate me! 😂

[@markpulling12]

Thanks Roger .... cheers mark

[@jamescant6625]

Tempted .. The sub 500cc bikes are getting popular , enough everyday power, good economy , insurance and tax friendly . The competition is hotting up , the new Triumph 400s , the new 450 RE Himalayan all about the 40hp range .

[@Hinckley_Biker]

Hi Mark, I love this bike! It would make a great second bike option or for commuting with that excellent fuel economy. A good choice for the new rider moving up through the ranks too, great review as always, regards Dennis.😊

[@markpulling12]

Many thanks Dennis 😄

[@donreed1133]

How’s the wind on the highway? Do you think a windscreen would be a good add-on? Thanks for the thorough review! 😊

[@markpulling12]

Hi the wind blast at 60/70 mph was fine for me ...but yes a little screen would definitely help Best wishes mark

[@gemail6112]

Hi Mark, i think the Brown seat is optional and higher than 790 + 30 mm

[@markpulling12]

Thanks it's part of the style pack on this bike I believe...but the seat feels super low to me I was flat footed with knee bent and I'm not tall Many thanks for the info Best wishes mark

[@MoiPloy]

basically its a rebel that can take on offroads ... neat design ..im digging on that exhuast

[@andregrastyan3403]

Hi Mark, great video again. I like the fact that you are very detailed and accurate on specs. I purchased this bike got 1,800 miles on it and love it. Trated in my Rebel 1100cc DCT for it. I had that bike for 2.5 years and the ergonomics started to bother me more and more. Put 14,500 miles on it. This bike is a lot more nimble and a lot more comfortable. Now I'm taking every turn 10 miles faster, at least. Missed the power first,but now I'm used to it. I did some mods, painted the exost black, better horn luggage rack, black brake and clutch handles. Thanks again, greetings from the NJ shore USA.

[@markpulling12]

Thanks andre appreciate the feedback I went to long Island NY many years ago and my mum lives in Kentucky Best wishes mark

[@andregrastyan3403]

That is great. I'm a retired helicopter pilot and live on the Jersey shore. Love riding my bike close to the water. Had 5 motorcycles in 6 and a half years Here, you can not test drive most of the bikes, so you end up keeping buying them until you find the right one.

[@neilanderson2374]

Just had a look at one of these in the flesh. Much better without the optional white mudguard. It’s the least popular member of the Honda 500 family and much more likely to be on offer. I saw one up for £5.8k including a few options

[@gregstotts1638]

Great review. Think I'll get one for a second ride. Thx

[@FarHanSolo]

For all the clowns who actually haven't owned or ridden it, you might want to give it a go. I've seen reviewers going out of their way to hate it from the outset (Missenden Flyer, that's you), but end up enjoying riding it. Yes, if you don't like the looks fine, but I actually bought it for numerous reasons; one of them being that lovely exhaust pipe!

[@letni9506]

I think it looks good. Bit odd but I'd have one. It's just the price that's just that tiny bit tasty for me. 5k is more or less my budget and I can't stretch to 6k

[@nickholmes6376]

I really like this bike to, at first I thought honda were been very lazy with altering the rebel design but it's grown on me, I really like certain parts,the exhaust end can, the proper rear mud guard and light assembly, the overall scrambler style and riding position, little bit disappointed at the downpipes been mild steel though, a demo bike I looked at had rust creeping out of the pipes near the cat,

[@user-gq2bs3vn3q]

Great video 👍👍

[@ronlysons6750]

All these Honda 500s are very nice, what would be nicer though would a CB500R.

[@andrewturner4728]

These bikes are so underrated. I've just bought a CL300 which is a single cylinder. Only £2,650 at the moment in Thailand and great for back lanes and city traffic.

[@olethorhermansen5696]

Instead of two silly, useless front mudguards it would have been preferable with just one that actually worked. Even though it's mounted quite high, the radiator will soon be full of dirt, the mudguards certainly don't protect it. The bike could do with a hugger on the rear wheel too. Like all the other manufacturers, Honda don't give their bikes functional mudguards anymore, perhaps to ensure that they will deteriorate faster, so we will buy more new ones?

[@peter7624]

Only Royal Enfield bother with real mudguards. I guess Indian riders demand them for the Monsoon, but I think Britain probably has more rain overall, and most riders here seem to hate them! Strange..

[@EricThomasHunterSweetland]

It's all about style over function unfortunately.

[@danam0228]

Seems great, but I would demand the dealer to spray those white bits to match black elsewhere on bike

[@bicmac333]

Technically and practically this may be a fine motorcycle, but Honda hasn't really put any effort into the visual design. It's actually a shame, the base would have had potential for a nice old style scrambler like a CB 350 CL. They should take an example from the Kawasaki Z 650 RS. Kawasaki does old style much better!

[@jimmyjam8795]

Just seems like a lazy attemot at trying to reproduce the 1985 CB350SG.... and failing.

[@stephenheys6851]

The bike is fine, but for an extra 900 pounds you can get the 750 Hornet , have it limited for A2 and have a bike you will get plenty from after getting your full licence.

[@douglaswright5689]

My only concern is why the exhaust is such a threat to the passenger?

[@cliveomahoney4096]

Fabulous review, thanks Mark. When I sat on the bike at the NEC it seemed to be very insubstantial. You clearly liked it on the road, and that's all that matters really. I got my Hornet, grey, after waiting a very long time. I adore it. Your review of that was spot on too. Safe riding.

[@aceball7076]

I'm not liking the brown color seat. I wish it came with a longer front fender. Not liking the adventure package except for the heated hand grips.

[@markpulling12]

Yes I'm not a fan of the white plastic Better in black ? Best wishes mark

[@aceball7076]

Better in blue to match the tank.@@markpulling12

[@FairladyS130]

Fan here but that dash is awful as is the lack of a rev counter which nearly put me off buying one. But love the quirky looks and particularly the exhaust and it's sound. Looks like it will handle the crap roads around here too.

[@josevi5835]

This bike looks awesome in the flesh. Tank is well designed and the seat looks gorgeous. In my humble opinion, the best looking bike of Honda that uses this versatile engine. The only complaint is the bulky clutch that does obligue you to adopt a rare position of the right foot in the footpeg.

[@drdoolittle5724]

Once again Mark, truly objective review, Honda have done us proud again hey! Also very glad you reviewed this model because another reviewer was most unkind, he has become very bloated with his views, was not objective and I hope manufacturers will realise and not send him bread and butter bikes! ps, did you see something nasty in the mirror lol

[@markpulling12]

Many thanks 👍 yes 😀... probably checking the camera was on lol 😁👍😆

[@sundukibrahim2944]

Thanks for your reviews. Do you have any possibility to make review of a MBP C1002V? (Keeway)?

[@markpulling12]

Maybe I've seen these ...my dealer may get one Cheers mark

[@stonkerontheroad9609]

It looks a nice little bike but I can't see why I would buy one over a CB500x personally

[@stevenyates6732]

If you hit pot hole on main road, you have chance of not falling off with scrambler 😂

[@hakimlehaineux]

Hi , what do you think of the saddle ? the original saddle is really too hard 😢

[@markpulling12]

Hi this one seems fine for me...I rode it for 2 hours without any issues Cheers mark

[@hakimlehaineux]

The black seat is horrible 😭

[@hakimlehaineux]

Ok sir , thank you very much 👍

[@leeinwis]

@@hakimlehaineux It is, get a air hawk for about 70 bucks.

[@johnrocker2986]

Redemming feature? I don't own it.

[@cptntwang]

Thats like a better xt500 in a way.

[@BreezyRider66]

Why has it only got half a mudguard and I'm talking about the bottom one not the top one. And why is there no protection for everyting sitting in front of the back wheel? Does my head in. Otherwise looks like a good fun bike!

[@markpulling12]

Yes me too ...I think they do over style these bikes rather than practicality Cheers mark

[@splodge5714]

Most bikes have a too short front mudguard. I've put a Pyramid fenda extenda on mine. Works a treat and only cost £21.😊

[@hctim96]

Looks like Honda has another winner. Looks wise that ugly fuel tank has to go. Or at least do something to make it more pleasing to the eye. To me it looks like they took it off a Suzuki SV650 from a parts bin. I wonder how it compairs to the CB500X? brother from another mother?

[@paul5683]

It's about time that Honda put a better gage pack/clock on these 500 cc bikes. It's like they bought an entire warehouse full of those crappy things and they plan on using every last one of them.

[@flesz_]

This or speed 400

[@markpulling12]

Tough choice but I'd go for the speed 400 ...just prefer the looks Cheers mark

[@martinking1597]

I test rode one of these. The seat was agony after about 45 minutes. Do you know if your demo bike had an optional comfort seat on it?

[@markpulling12]

Hi Martin ...yes I believe this bike had the style adventure and comfort packs on it ...the seat isn't standard...I found it very comfortable Best wishes mark

[@Rick-ve5lx]

Looks like a cross between a Himalayan and an MT07. I’m not a fan of the high level exhaust. Nice bike though.

[@adrianstrand1120]

Needs a sump guard and rid of that hideous exhaust, hand guards, fly screen and charging point all extras ? That ridiculous shorty front mudguard. Oh and extra £££ if you want a centre stand.

[@davidbesant]

This one fell out of the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down. That exhaust is just a nuicance. Means you can't have throwovers but can still ground it on a pebble. Can't see it flying off the shelves.

[@kalnwi2023]

That horn/indicators reversed thing sucks bad .

[@user-pw9us5kl5r]

Почему voge стоит дороже?

[@simonbisley4746]

Don't like the exhaust does not suit the look of the bike at all way out of proportion with the rest of it, not keen on the headlight either.

[@markcherriman6136]

It's neither fish nor fowl .

[@jamesballard6564]

I haven't heard that expression in quite a while. Thanks for the chuckle. I agree entirely. 👍

[@markrigg7038]

It looks like they designed and built it in the dark, not one of Hondas better looking bikes

[@girlinagale]

I'd rather the petrol tank go over that ugly black machinery rather than be pushed up visually. I like the dual sport front mudguard but it's null and voided by the tight little one below. The silencer is big and ugly.

[@lewisallan9963]

I personally love it, in black just have to relave the exhaust

[@richardpetty9159]

I really, really like it except for the white plastic stuff.

[@josevi5835]

This bike is much more attractive in the flesh, believe me. I tried one six months ago in Madrid and I liked it a lot. The front 19" wheel gives a great feeling, clutch is very light and engine has enough power. I already have a big bike (XSR900), otherwise I would buy a CL500.

[@stuartstibbs2069]

Yep. Disappointing from Honda. Could have been so good. Sat on one at the bike shop. Seat is rock hard! Pathetic really. Doesnt anyone test ride these things? 😂🎉🎉

[@barrios4458]

Prob a good enough bike but just looks wrong.

[@mikehurley5052]

That hideous exhaust says not for me.

[@mylifeinthailand8751]

The Triumph Scrambler 400x and the Himalayan 450 are both cheaper and better looking than this monstrosity, in Thailand they accessorise it better

[@leeinwis]

I agree with the cheaper part, but I don't mean price 😏.

[@leslatham7797]

Really Mark, your going to ride that around for a couple of weeks? You need to get your dark visor out mate! That bike is ugly 😧 mind you, at least you don’t have to look at it if your riding it 😂

[@duncancleverley6366]

Looks only a mother could love.. 😳… but it’s a Honda so they’ll sell gazillions of them anyway.

[@nigelcb1300]

Rather have a Royal Enfield to be honest

[@marcinpiak3540]

The new 450 Himalayan?!

[@jamesballard6564]

Indian assembly quality is questionable.

[@lestersmyth692]

IMHO one of the worst looking bikes currently available 🤮

[@sambagogo777]

From the beauty of the RE Bullet 350 to this hideously ugly monstrosity!

[@kalnwi2023]

Ten years from now the Honda will still be on the road 😏.

[@user-xw9bw6qd8x]

Have you ever gave a a bad review for a motorcycle or are you scared a dealer (Poole motor ) will not let you give a review on there bikes

[@markpulling12]

No ...I just tell it how it is with bikes ....and give the info .... manufacturers spend $$$$ millions on research and development so much so that bikes are good these days ...bit different to say 60/70 years ago...best wishes mark