New 2023 Honda CL500 Scrambler Review: The Enfield Killer?

[@K5KTM]

Rode one yesterday. Fun little bike. It’s back to basics, all bike and no BS. It’s got enough power and torque to make it fun. It handles great, stops great and it’s comfortable too.

[@hathaway.1166]

A lot of ppl may not like this bike but I just simply like the chilled vibe the bike gives off~

[@kuldeepmakwana7242]

Yes, it’s ugly.

[@bibekjung7404]

Kabir Almighty

[@Firstlastname000]

Your right only one person needs to like it .

[@unclebadger597]

I think it looks like a great all 'rounder. Hope it comes to The States

[@savage22bolt32]

@@kuldeepmakwana7242 bikes since the 70's are the result of some art & marketing scheme. I like the older bikes that were the result of the engineering process. Yeah, I'm old too, so that's my bias.

[@juanamaya4766]

Motobob has the best motorcycle reviews on the internet. Informative, yet entertaining. Amazing, thank you so much!

[@guidogbd7302]

It's a bit expensive for the bike, but for some reason, I can't but like this little thing a lot. Simple, straightforward, sensible. It just makes sense, with its aesthetics that looks half way a concept.

[@wsbill14224]

I owned a 1994 Suzuki GS500 from 2007 until last year. I took that bike from 13k miles to 35k miles and it needed nothing but a clutch cable. Great bike. Not long after buying it I bought a new front sprocket with one extra tooth. It made the bike cruise wonderfully and didn't make it sluggish. It made the bike smooth as butter. It had a 6 speed gearbox so you can stay in the lower gears a little longer if you need to and I didn't. It was better with the bigger front sprocket.

[@kristofferrydquist8384]

Tried one today and I am a beginner. It was really friendly and very easy to ride and position on the road. Found myself really trusting the handling at once and picking lines and having fun. It’s probably the easiest and most manageable motorcycle I’ve tried so far, could ride it slow and tight. Perfect for around town riding. Also surprised that my 199cm fit on it. Tried the NC750x and CB500x and they are nice but more bike to handle. The CL500 might be simple fun and a success for Honda. I wanted one. Love the look too.

[@PalavraVivaUSA]

Great insight!!

[@friktionrc]

How did you find it filtering in traffic? It’s the one thing that scares me on any bike (even bicycles) 😂

[@Antody]

@@friktionrc you can always ride it normally until you get comfortable enough to filter.

[@dylanlamarre3768]

This bike is pretty much exactly what I want - a road bike that's not afraid to go off-road, but not an "off-road" bike.

[@bena3341]

That already exists. It's called an CB500X. This is a Scrambler in name only.

[@everythinggaming7938]

look at the triumph scrambler or bmw r nine t scrambler

[@nathandalleave252]

@@bena3341 you and @motobob are cracking me up, so the CL500 has better ground clearance, lighter weight, comparable suspension and lower seat height than the CB500x soooooo why are yall saying it's not going to be as competent off road? from where i'm sitting id much rather have the flat seat off road than the saddle of the CB500x. both need better tires to be good off road.

[@garyrobbins5505]

I had a 1972 CL 350 Scrambler I bought new. Then a CB500 Four and a CB750 Four. Currently a 2010 Harley Road King. I loved riding every one and the 350 was by far the most fun! This CL500 Scrambler has me wanting one very much!

[@bluejayg56]

I have always enjoyed your videos! They are so complete and informative! Looking forward to seeing many more! And greetings from Texas USA !

[@motobob]

Many thanks for the support! 🙏

[@kokilimonke]

I cant understand why they wouldn't just put the Honda H'ness CB 350 on the European market. Coolest Honda in years! 👍

[@kokilimonke]

@@Paul-kp1tu its because its air-cooled. But 27hp is ok for a small bike. The RE Meteor have good enough sales numbers to make it to Europe, with a even more gutless engine. Less HP means less tax in many countries. I think it would sell good just by the looks, the air-cooled engines looks nicer also, so if you want to use it as a custom templet for a build, it is more attractive to the builders.

[@IggyWildcat]

I think you’re right. The H’ness would be a big hit in the UK and North America. They could also offer a 500 parallel twin version.

[@mattdog1982]

Honda missed a trick. That 350 market would’ve been theirs in Europe. Why do that though when plenty of Europeans are still being fooled into paying big bucks for a bike.

[@tombombadilofficial]

Its because Honda already tried in the 90s with Honda GB series and sales were underwhelming so they scrapped it.

[@kokilimonke]

@@tombombadilofficial that's almost two generations since

[@davidskogley3570]

Good video! I am a bit surprised you don't "get" the Enfield, as even if it is slow and underpowered, it gives most riders a real sense of satisfaction and a realization that you don't need tons of power or money to have a good time on a very competent bike. As opposed to the Honda, the Enfield's engine has a wonderful "old school" feel to. And I think the Enfield designers have really hit the nail on the head when it comes to creating a great mixture of old and new. That said, I totally agree with you that Honda missed an opportunity to make their scrambler more retro. The tank just doesn't look right.

[@motobob]

Well for me there's a sweet spot of enough power to be fun, but not so much that it's unnecessary or overpowered for road use. For me the RE fell well below the fun threshold...

[@davidskogley3570]

@@motobob I guess we have different sweet spots!

[@norbert_engel]

I’m personally not a fan of the Rebel, but this looks surprisingly cool despite being built on the same platform.

[@jeniko2841]

It fits me a lot better than the rebel. I have a 34 inch inseam and I'm 6' tall.

[@igamewhenimbored7696]

these scramblers look really cool! dont have a bike yet but i really love the styling and light offroading!

[@peterford9369]

Basics are good. Less to break. Honda is definitely great with R&D. And quality is way more. My opinion obviously. But having to have had 2 Hondas over the years, my thought. I don't know about RE. Just what I've heard. Mostly in comparison to triumphs. But I do like the looks of this bike. And if I were 30 years younger, I'd check it out. 😂. Thanks again for another great review. 👍👍

[@whiskywhippet]

Great to see Honda really making an effort with their bike line up after years in the doldrums.

[@bena3341]

Is this an effort? They have just taken the Rebel frame and engine and bolted on scrambler styling while not actually making it a Scrambler.

[@mikeb1039]

@@bena3341 non adjustable suspension, cheap parts in general.

[@mikeb1039]

an effort for the rest of the world maybe. That even looks Indian made.

[@4akat]

Thanks to RE for making a bike Honda had to respond to

[@thatren7179]

This is a good looking bike. I think they've hit that single bike highway/city commuter sweet spot in terms of power without then loosing out too much on fuel economy. The Scram411 is just that tiiiiny bit under powered if you need to mix in highway speeds into your daily commute.

[@TerraMagnus]

It’ll be interesting if RE punches out their existing engines a bit and tried to get a bit more power for western buyers without jacking the price up much. I own an Interceptor 650 (and have been riding a long time), and it seems like RE is really coming into its own now.

[@radarroi27]

​@@TerraMagnus they have a 450cc Himalayan coming around by this year end, which is expected to be more powerful and with a lots of features. .. the initial launch is in India and probably will take couple of months to launch outside. . .

[@Win7ermu7e]

Looks to me like they are going after the Svartpilen 401 more than the RE.

[@Roger_Ramjet]

I'm not seeing anything good looking there

[@Roger_Ramjet]

​@@TerraMagnus love my 650 gt. It's the real deal. Waiting for the scrambler 650 version!

[@jemtreays]

Totally different bikes. The harris frame on the Himmie is sublime. The long stroke engine is a beauty. You can do Morocco on one. You can maintain them yourself The Himmie oozes character. Us older riders love them as it's a trip down memory lane. However as a first bike, a mile muncher, an entry to faster bikes, build quality, the honda.

[@philtucker1224]

I prefer the mechanical spec of the 500 twin Honda although the tank is a bit too similar to the rebel and looks a bit diminutive for this version. A deeper, squarer looking tank with side Knee pads would be great.

[@blackskunk54]

Tank is too small for me and the exhaust looks too much. Tank 12L, MPL 16.8 = 201 range. Shame, apart from that it looks great and I would consider buying one. Colours are much better than the new transalp.

[@TheAnnoyingBoss]

Idk man. Theyre better at engines compared to fuel tanks.

[@onecookieboy]

There are a ton of near new, low milage Himalayans for sale here in New Zealand and while no one is really saying why they are getting rid of their near new bike, I suspect the lack of power is a big factor. The CL500 looks like the perfect first 'big' bike or commuter.

[@CaseyJones88]

For me only downside of this bike is 180 crank... It can go off road I'm sure of it, just like old sleds and scramblers can, it just need a bit of customisation. I will wait for proper RE scrambler 450/650 and then decide what to buy.

[@williamrae9954]

270 degree crank would be better?

[@TT-ch2pz]

I think this bike is going to be a classic and sell very well. I dig the colors on your test bike. A set of wide 50/50 tires would look good on this bike.

[@mottorcyle5052]

If you're American or Canadian that's the only colour we're getting.

[@friktionrc]

⁠@@mottorcyle5052is that a problem though? A lot of vids I see from riders in the US/Canada seem to custom paint their bikes anyway ….granted you may not be one though lol (if so, my bad mate)

[@ANONYMOUSBIKERUSA]

cool bike! i love the himmy for off road/on road yes it's slow but soooooo good for 70% off road this bike seems like a fun ripper on tarmac hope all is well sir 🎉

[@kevskibiz]

Great Vid Bob … as always, I would like to try this little Honda, looks like a great simple to ride and own commuter, as well as a bit of fun, I am assuming great on juice as well 👊

[@victorgonza4528]

That’s right the Enfield come with the custom rust pipes , you reminded me there nicely done

[@garrywright3380]

Enjoyed the review very much but would have liked to hear more about the Honda CL ‘s performance

[@GO-fd6rm]

If anything has the potential to be an ‘Enfield Killer’ it’s Honda’s CB/GB 350. Similar in appearance to the Hunter 350, basically a baby Bonneville. However, it’s nonexistent outside of Indianand Japan- Honda needs to give it a chance in the US and Europe. I dare say increasingly more people in the UK are interested in low-CC retros.

[@ShikiKaze]

It'll eat into their CB300R / CMX300 market so I highly doubt they will bring it over. I would love a GB350 in the US market but knowing Honda they will always be the last guy to the party. Always, and that generally works for them in the car market but in the motorcycle market it's a terrible market strategy. Trends move quick and die fast.

[@SurajSinghTomarArya]

Yes, I believe GB350 would do well in Europe but as it still doesn't have the feel of Enfield. People buy Enfield for the feel it gives. GB350 also has very tall gearing which no one likes.

[@STho205]

If the CB/CL 500s are 5999, then the CB/GL 350s are going to be 5499 at lowest, since the small RE are about 5000. Honda need not drop it any lower since the MT03 is in that range. So will you save $500£ but get 27hp over 47hp with water cooling and ABS. I'd buy the 500x or CL

[@easy8077]

But tbh, if anything I'd love to see he Honda Hawk 11 make it to Europe/US

[@samarthakur4u]

If this cl500 is launched in India at pricing below royal Enfield 650 twin , then it can surely bring in real good sales and buyers will get good option.

[@marcomasetti2260]

Not sure about a bike killing another one, but if I have to pick one, I think the new X-ride 650 Trail from Mash is what most of us wanted from Royal Enfield: a simple, reliable, light, single cylinder trail bike.

[@wandering_armadillo]

Nice to check you channel from time to time: you excel and well edited content and great commentary. Nice front end on the bike but side profile has a bit too much of a Rebel vibe for my liking.

[@bigjoe4020]

Here in Oz, Honda seems to have real problems putting bikes on the showroom floor. The 2 bikes that have my interest are the CB500X and even more so the Transalp. My dealer can't even tell me when they will get any, let alone have either on the floor to test ride. End of the year is what I am hearing. Interestingly most other manufacturers while suffering shortages are nowhere near this bad. All well and good to make nice bikes but not much use of you can't get your hands on them. Meanwhile RE has bikes by the truckload at every dealer in just about every color on the floor to ride away now.

[@rogerkay8603]

I had a Rebel 500 for a week as a hire bike when my KTM Duke was written off and hated it. Wouldn't be put off this but the CB500X is a batter bet I'd say for my money.

[@axelotl86]

Had the first CB500F with this engine in 2014 and it’s a little gem. It can do everything.

[@AgricUltra]

Love it, especially in that colour scheme, with the white accessories. Better tyres, and off you go!

[@takeit1229]

I mean c'mon it's just a rebel 500 with a different look. The Scram is at least based on a capable platform, I don't like Honda's approach to the scrambler even if I like Honda better as a brand and I would buy their bike all things being equal. I'm also certain RE will be making a more powerful Himi and Scram soon, they see the competition and all they're lacking is a bit of power.

[@midcitygym]

Love the look of this bike, takes me back to my youth.

[@christosswc]

I'd definitely put this on top of my list for my next bike, if it were not for the Kawasaki Z650RS.

[@mototomcambodia]

You will have to wait for the Himalayan and the Scram 450 liquid cooled to really put RE vs Honda in a fair match up. This makes no sense to have the slug and cheaper Scram or Himalayan 411 alongside the better built (more urban, less rough) Honda. Damn, Honda should have really changed the design of that tank and frame. This looks like a scramlerized Rebel which is very odd to me (add the ugly exhaust and no protection under the bike) and I fall into the hater category. Stop making ugly bikes Honda...seriously! I expected spokes, more dirt capabilities and a more retro style from Honda. Probably a good seller but I guess good sellers are not to my taste. Sad because I wanted that scrambler so badly with that engine...what a let down!

[@richardjones3112]

Summed up perfectly 👍.

[@chrisford9068]

I agree! Looks too much like the whole Rebel lineup. If they spent so much time re-engineering the rear frame section, why couldn’t they have redesigned the bottom of the gas tank to align with the bottom of the new, flat seat pan. THAT would be a more authentic retro look. . . and couldn’t they create a slimmer exhaust/muffler???!!! Another Rebel parts bin effort.

[@jessbailey6718]

@@richardjones3112You guys speak the truth such a let down. That exhaust suck and no holes for a center stand the DR 650 just is looking better.

[@shermantincher3417]

Yep my first thought on the Honda is that is ugly.

[@Alexander4332]

Completely agree, went out to my local Honda dealer to take a look.....that tank / frame combination looks hideous, would have purchased one if not for this awful ugly mash up.

[@shardlake]

Scram looks better, the CL has the extra pep to make it more usable for me, test ride will seal the deal. Also should have mentioned the huge difference in service intervals over the RE

[@sidecarmisanthrope5927]

The Honda will be more reliable, have better resale value, will out live the RE and will sit on highway speeds all day. No contest.

[@shardlake]

@Devil Bird Not sure which bit your question is about. If its servicing, 3000 miles for the SCRAM - 8000 miles for the CL - so certainly for me that would be 2 services a year for the SCRAM 1 for the CL

[@shardlake]

@Devil Bird Air cooled v Water cooled the oil gets much more variation of temps in air cooled so takes more of a beating, also older style valve adjusters on SCRAM - easy to work on but more prone to getting out of alignment. SCRAM will certainly be easier to DIY servicing.

[@turvyjj9232]

But services for the RE will be cheaper than for the Honda. RE can also be serviced by the owner more easily.

[@shardlake]

@@turvyjj9232 3 services to the others one, not going to be that cheap...

[@TroggyPK]

they nailed the asthetics on this one, one of the better looking and sounding hondas to come out for a while i'd say

[@ivanbrasla]

I disagree, I think is one of the worst looking and sounding Hondas for a while

[@richardjones3112]

@@ivanbrasla Could have been so much better.

[@MauriceTarantulas]

​@@ivanbrasla I agree looks bland to me.

[@mototomcambodia]

One of the worst design ever from Honda. That cruiser type design and frame and the horrendous exhaust make it look terrible, not mentioning scrambler accessories for a bike that cannot scramble. It was made for sales not for riding. It is a nice marketing selling machine.

[@peterwilson8039]

I'm not really a fan of the looks but it's a HUGE improvement on the Rebel that it's based on.

[@potterportraits]

my ex girlfriend had a rebel 500, and it was fun, the moment I got on it I said this needs to be a scrambler. I own a ducati scrambler, and a klx300. I could see me adding this to my garage, using the ducati for mostly street and the klx for mostly dirt and this being my scrambler build. I don't even need to ride it.

[@potterportraits]

nvm if the abs is locked on

[@Foodgeek]

I'll wait for the CL1100 ;)

[@williamrae9954]

Or 750...

[@Kevin-hp5fk]

Real shame we're not getting this in Canada. Had my eye on this as my first new bike as an upgrade to what I'm on now.

[@dirkdiggler5164]

The CB500X is known to suffer broken engine cases. Because the engine is used as a stressed frame part. I think it'll be much the same with CL500. It'll be fine as long as you keep it on paved roads.

[@zyonsdream]

Known by who? Do you have any idea how many ADV bikes use a stressed member cradle? Pretty much every KTM adventure bike, the Pan America, many Ducati models. The list is long. I own a CB500X and I’m in the forum communities and I really haven’t seen anything about engine case failures outside of what you’d find on my model with a SMF. If you off-road your ADV bike and you have a high quality bash plate that connects in the correct spots, I’d venture to say you’ll never crack your engine.

[@Mjbiker83]

@@zyonsdream totally agree. Never heard a single report of this happening

[@dirkdiggler5164]

@@zyonsdream If you look at the forums online, there's examples of them snapping, along with pictures. There's a reason every dual sport (Suzuki DR, Honda XR, Yamaha XT, and Kawasaki KLX) have full cradle frames. This bike doesn't. But if you want to buy a CL500 and catch some air, it's your money. Myself, I don't think this bike is suitable for off road use. A scrambler that doesn't scramble.

[@johnclifford1911]

@@dirkdiggler5164 I think you miss the point. A scrambler isn't an off-road bike, it's a road bike that can also handle gravel. Not meant to jump, and if people are jumping with the Hondas they're abusing them. Just like you shouldn't be jumping with a GSA... it's like a hyper-scrambler, not a dirt bike.

[@FourIntoOne]

I like the idea of it .....but......it doesn't hide its rebel underpinnings quite enough for me and the engine (whilst decent and peppy enough) with its 180 crank just isn't very interesting- crying out for the 270 treatment like just about everything else these days... I had a cb 500x for a while (which I think is the pick of the bunch with this powerplant) and in the end the boring nature of the engine made me sell it.

[@gregm9230]

Yes, seems like that's what almost everyone says about the 500 engine!

[@luciustitius]

Had a CB 450s as my first bike - will not by a CL until they put the 270 crank in it. Period.

[@BioHorror]

Great Video, Agreed...I like the looks of it but it's a road bike (rebel) masquerading as a scrambler like everyone else's scrambler. Whereas the Enfield scram is built off an Adventure Bike, the Himalayan. For offroad I'd choose the Royan Enfield all day long but I'm not itchy boots so the CL500 wins.

[@rocinantenomad4698]

I love my CB500X 2019... but this, this is everything.

[@cosmiccharlie8294]

Thinking of one of these for a mellow gravel road cruiser.

[@williamrae9954]

When I first was shown,I realised this is the bike for my Americas trip,I even contacted Acerbis and Nomad about larger tanks(UK Acerbis was a waste of a phone call,I'd be better flying to Italy). Most offroad CB500X parts should fit(same wheels etc),low,comfy seat,economical, reliable, what's not to like?

[@maximusdecimusmeridius]

Scram 450 is on it’s way!

[@johnwillard6198]

Aesthetics matter to right ? I like the retro looks of the Classic 350 and Interceptor 650.

[@ssrc30]

The SCL500 is an excellent bike and now that the wife works for Honda I may pick one up as my first bike.

[@dannyd8918]

I think this would be a perfect motorbike for me, a beginner. I love the retro scrambler look, the 30 inch seat height compared to the 27 inch of the Rebel, for a 6ft(185 cm), 300lbs and 32 inch inseam. Too bad it not available in the USA, or I’ll be buying it off the lot or pre-order. It it not here in the summer, I’ll just have to get a Rebel 500 or. Vulcan S 650, with a higher seat height.

[@atomic9183]

Get the cb500, same engine and much better ergonomics(also cheaper)

[@dannyd8918]

@@atomic9183 thanks for the suggestion. I like the scrambler look with its flat seat and seat height. I don’t like the hyper naked, sportbike look. But I did actually found a perfect alternative for the Honda CL500. It’s the Kawasaki Z650RS, the retro looks vey similar to the scrambler, with a 649cc engine and performance, but without the off-road capabilities and a 9099 USD MSRP.

[@areyou0k98]

It is in USA now SCL 500

[@KevinSmith-qi5yn]

I think the issue is that they sell it as a Scrambler but approached it like it was a styling choice rather than a utility choice. If the question was, what is the better Scrambler? It would probably be the Scram 411 at this price.

[@shivamarya5225]

This would do better offroad than a scram 411

[@MotoVania]

Love getting to see all these Honda launches. Wondering if we will get that rumored NX500 dominator with this engine

[@mototomcambodia]

Would be great but they need to fire someone at the Honda design department.

[@MotoVania]

@@mototomcambodia Agree to disagree

[@steveb1297]

I’m a Honda 500cc bike fan having owned 4 already but the new CL500 cannot be compared to the Scram 411 and the Himmy. The latter are both more capable off road machines and acceptable on road too. Of course if you could only have 1 x bike then the CL500 makes a more rounded bike in my aspects but the Enfields are still able to do everything and anything. I’m lucky enough to have my Scram as a 2nd bike. I chose it because it is all round capable and with good economy and a good size fuel tank. The CL500 will be a good quality bike for sure but it’s kinda just vanilla to me. Decent but not really he characterful bike that a lot of people want. The pricing is ok I suppose. Someone has already mentioned that Honda would be appraised if they brought over the CB350. Simple bikes are definitely appealing. Happy riding 👍

[@celticmugwump]

What kind of cruising speed would a bike like this comfortable do over distances of around 100 miles

[@MrPansophy]

@@celticmugwump depending on your country. Here in Australia the top speed on the motorway is 110kmh anyway, so, this will never ever be an argument fro me. I think I'll stick to the RE.

[@noelenejeffries6264]

I like the new CL500 especially with the accessory screen and plastics. Like the orange color-way the best.

[@borealiskim7137]

This can't replace Enfield due to ground clearance. This can't go into some terrain where Enfield can.

[@uno1087]

A higher seat is a big plus on this bike. The power, sound, style and cost are winning me over. Plus the nearest Royal Enfield dealer is 300 plus miles away. The Honda dealer is 15 minutes of city driving away.

[@lloydallin4706]

What's access to the Spark plugs and valve adjustment like and general ease of maintenance, it's something that bike reviewers tend not to mention.

[@AndrewDay_Aston-Martin-DBS5126]

It seems to me quite incredible that when you compare cars from the 70s to today's, the HP offered for the same capacity of engine has usually more than doubled, but compare the CL500 with the CB500T of '75/'76; that had 42HP and this has 46HP. Why is the technology not increasing the HP by double (or enabling mid 40s HP engines to be half the capacity)? I am not taking efficiency into account though - was the CB500T much more thirsty?

[@richardgitz2264]

Tubeless tires are worth something. Gas tank capacity looks like it leans toward the RE. I like the Honda for it's parts/service accessibility in the USA, the Royal Enfield however looks like a real motorbike, the dealer network & parts availability in the US is pretty bad. The horsepower difference will impact the North American marketplace.

[@p.santos6694]

I'm guessing is coming a new CL750 with the same engine as the hornet and transalp 😎

[@CaseyJones88]

I don't think they will release it, but it would be some proper bike to keep for many years to come. I think that engine is on par with 700 Yamaha, maybe even better.

[@p.santos6694]

@@CaseyJones88 also believe will come a CBR750r with the same engine as the hornet and transalp 😎 Triumph, Yamaha, Aprilia, Honda, they all are using the same engine to create new bikes

[@williamrae9954]

Pictures look amazing for the CL750 and GB750, only thing that concerns me is the exhaust doesn't look fat enough for all the Euro5 gubbins, which means it ain't coming here?

[@user-jr1cs6ob3m]

Love my 21 CB500X. You forgot to mention the incredible gas millage. I do like the Scramble seat, I wonder if it will fit on the CBX to. Would love to see a head to head of all Hondas 500 line.

[@grtbgf]

Yea.. If i had another bike, it would probably be a scrambler. For now, I'm waiting for my 2023 cb500x, one month to go.

[@TerraMagnus]

If you want to compare Honda to Royal Enfield, have a look at the difference in the welds. Even in 2024, RE struggles to do well here.

[@critterIMHO]

I know this is becoming commonplace, but I don’t understand having a high exhaust that passes underneath the engine first.

[@TheKevphil]

I *_LOVE_* the look of the old CL450, especially the DOHC air-cooled engine. Honda should re-release that model, with some of the mechanical shortcomings addressed.

[@sanjeevbhaskar5472]

Very nice and informative comparison video between Honda and RE. I think in my personal opinion it's about Brain vs Heart ❤️ RE is more of a decision made from Heart like the fan following of Harley davidson and Honda is more of Brainy decision like Yamaha owners. Specs have very little to do in buying decisions. It's mostly what brand you want to go for and then you start looking for different categories like Adventure or Cruiser or Touring or Scrambler. But still good to know specs between different manufacturers in same category with respect to Price. Thanks for making this video 🙏🙏🙏

[@deltabluesdavidraye]

Wrong ,the Enfield is the more practical bike. Better guarantee,price ,mileage,easier maintained and more parts availability by far .Quality? Same robots welding ,same metals and all materials as the Japanese manufacturers.They have the cleanest factories in the business and the oil flush competition between manufacturers proves it. Making 800,000 motorcycles a year assures their customers can maintain their bikes forever if they chose .Actually much more practical.

[@sanjeevbhaskar5472]

@@deltabluesdavidraye YOU THINK

[@tdeloriea]

Let's face it, the fact that Honda is competing with Royal Enfield is a picture of the motorcycling industry's race to the bottom. Those of us from the glory days of Honda wish for a bit more. I think I'll jump into a time machine and buy a spanking new VT500 Ascot. Ah, we didn't appreciate them back then with our lust for V4 victory. Today they would be a tour de force in that entry level spot.

[@verlinswarey507]

Never thought of it quite like that! But I think you’re exactly right.

[@IggyWildcat]

Agreed. Also, the Nighthawk of the early 80’s with a couple of modern updates would be a great bike today.

[@skymningforelsket1302]

The 1980s was the high water mark of Japanese motorcycle innovation

[@mattdog1982]

Is it about accessibility though.? People and especially the young don’t have money to throw around on motorcycles. £10k plus on something you use twice a year in the uk is ridiculous. These are all year round bikes.

[@morri03]

The VT500 was a pile then it would be hideous now

[@BN1960]

For the price it can't be beat and I'd have one over an RE any day of the week

[@StevenFrost]

I’ve never understood the hype behind the Himalayan/Scram. The only positive is they’re cheap. They’re underwhelming in every other metric. Having ridden a CB500X on a 5,500 mile, 17 day, semi off-road trip to/around Norway, I’d love to give the new CL500 a go. A great engine in an interesting guise. Not a fan of the white headlight surround and front mudguard, but not a bad base to start with. Thanks for the review 👍🏼

[@pdbordelon]

I love it! Glad Honda is offering something different and cool! I ride a Kawasaki z900rs and a Ducati Desert Sled.

[@famousj6]

Wearing elsinor 2's! I love icon gear, especially these boots.

[@robcreel4257]

I'd have to ride both before I bought either, but I do like the look of the Honda straight off.

[@kalaharimine]

Wow, the classic CL looks fantastic with the wired rims and chrome. Just give it a modern motor, upgrade the brakes and suspension and other small tweaks, but keep it classic.

[@1990-t1j]

It's a twin which will put fans of air-cooled singles off, perhaps, but I'd rather have a CL, and I like singles. It looks better without those white 'accessories'. I was looking at one this afternoon in Chiang Rai.

[@chrisford9068]

I agree. The white “accessories “ look like generic parts bin leftovers that someone forgot to paint! So what’s with 2 front fenders??? Give me a better looking exhaust, PLEASE!

[@pera_bebeda]

Great video as always, you’ve got to try and review the Benelli Leoncino 800 trail, a great scrambler that you keep ignoring. I’m really thinking buying the beeline moto because I’ve already damage 2 iPhones with the QuadLock.

[@BoZhaoengineering]

This bike is beautiful! I like both rebel and this scrambler

[@barmetler]

I am watching this because I think I want to by a cl500 as my first bike, I don't need power and I don't 100% like the look on the rebel, so as a naked bike I think this looks good enough to me I'll think about it

[@saveurselves989]

I hate most exhausts they put on bikes today. Simple, loud and straight still my favorite. As far as Honda, I liked their scramblers pipes of yesteryears!

[@anaru5643]

Like the others on the market, not so much a 'scrambler' more an out in about mild 'ambler' in reality. Nice vid Bob, cheers.

[@paulsmith3487]

A nice retro look with some more adjustments,possibly the way of the future.a 650 would be perfect.

[@ripmax333]

Personally I don’t understand what exactly they took from the old design to This, all I see is horrible gaps between the tank and frame, its basically a Cruiser posing as a scrambler. But as they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

[@ivanbrasla]

That exhaust really puts me off. The tall pipe is supposed to help with riding under a bit of water, but the rest of the bike doesn't seem to be designed for that kind of riding. I would rather have better pillion comfort and more traditional exhaust. Rest of the bike looks fine

[@Tommass79]

The main specs are great on the Honda incomparable with all the competition but the scrambler aesthetics were bolted on where possible on a shared platform where as the triumph 400 scrambler and Himalayan have the scrambler grass roots DNA in spades ♠️ ♠️ so power and performance vs street cred.

[@jedw9983]

Looks a lovely bike but I'll stick with my Fantic Caballero 500 which is a great little scrambler.

[@mototomcambodia]

The Fantic doesn't cheat. It is gorgeous and capable in dirt!

[@weemark67]

Am a short arse, with 27 inch inside leg. Seat heights on bike are much higher now, than back in the 70/80’s. Might have ordered one of these, but legs were dangling. So stuck with Rebel.

[@turvyjj9232]

Beautiful Seville, bella Sevilla!

[@PaydayGabeBCNV]

I had a 72 CL350 when I was stationed in the UK many decades ago. It was a peach🍑😊. This is even peachier. If you want real offroad capabilities,, get a Duel Sport 🤷‍♂️. I'd save the extra money for this over the RE Scram. Honda quality and Zoom Zoom. Thanks Bob. 🍻✌️

[@marcusthompson4931]

RE for me for it’s individual style and a grand buys a good set of riding gear

[@spaceted3977]

I have a Royal Enfield 535cc Continental GT and I'm happy with the Low Revving Engine !!!! I also have a KTM RC 390 Racing Bike !!! My Royal Enfield has Brembo Brakes, Pirelli tyres Italian Gas Shocks and a Harris Frame !!! What's budget about That ????

[@divexplore21]

Should have taken some styling pointers from Italy!

[@richardjones3112]

Hear,hear!

[@diversityhobbit]

looks great

[@angelnokare6906]

question: does that exhaust get spicy hot? I feel a bit worried about that pipe being so close to ones' bottom.... also how does a pillion sit? do they rest their leg on a hot exhaust(if it gets hot?) or like... how

[@karstenflecktarn]

Looking great. But personal prefer Fantic Caballero.

[@RR-rk5gj]

I've always thought those gas tanks look tiny perched on top of the frame like that. They look like they're just sitting there, not part of the design. How much does that tank hold?

[@sambel-mon601]

Can't wait to try it! ❤😎👍😍

[@andrewmeek624]

Great review...thanks.

[@56sketch]

Definitely looks better without the front guard and headlight shroud but I still can't get over the looks. It looks too similar to the rebel for me and that just feels like a cash grab for me

[@richardjones3112]

Agreed.

[@mototomcambodia]

Absolutely. Looks like a fake scrambler that was just made for sales.

[@WyreForestBiker]

@@mototomcambodia " just made for sales" ? what do you think ANY bike is made for !!

[@mototomcambodia]

@@WyreForestBiker I should have said a bike with no soul...The CL500 is as exciting as a new smartphone...but has no soul! Does this make more sense?

[@donshell9358]

Not a fan of the fuel tank and the exhaust. If the aftermarket comes up with a solution that improves the looks of those two things, I might be interested

[@JaisonV-it6xv]

Scram 411 and CL500 are both very different bikes. There is a 650 scram coming with the interceptor engine, i think that will be a correct comparison.

[@Quigagleman]

I wish North America Honda got away from the cruiser/crotch rocket models.... I'd love to see this or a RS/H'ness model up here!

[@alexugur]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I hate the inclined tank-perched-on-top design of many of the modern 'retros'. I think it looks ungainly and top heavy. Furthermore, it depends on what you want the bike for: I was looking to downsize from my 2008 650 V-Strom and specifically wanted something small and nimble to explore the countless miles of single track roads in West Cork, Ireland, where I live. Most have grass growing up the middle and you often find yourself up some picturesque dead end, at a farm gate and with no further space to turn around. For this, the Hunter 350 won out, and I can say it's an absolute delight to drive this stunningly beautiful little tractor: it is incredibly stable, even at ridiculously slow speeds, allowing you to drink in the landscape and explore the hedgerows as you trundle on by.