The Honda Scrambler is Back! The SCL500 (CL500) is Practical, Easy-Going and Fun.

[@BigRockMoto]

What do you think of Honda's attempt to bring back the CL Scrambler? 🏍TODAY’S GEAR: ⚡ Merlin Alton Jacket: imp.i104546.net/DVA9Eq ⚡ REV’IT! Reed Jeans: imp.i104546.net/JzqVee ⚡ Schuberth C3 Pro : imp.i104546.net/ZQrND1 ⚡ REV’IT Dirt 3 Glove: imp.i104546.net/BXa3A0 ⚡ Forma Adventure Boot: imp.i104546.net/vnXJ6e 🏍BEHIND THE SCENES / DISCORD SERVER / CHAT WITH ME! ⚡ Patreon: www.patreon.com/bigrockmedia 🏍 SUPPORT BIG ROCK MOTO BY USING MY AFFILIATE LINKS! ⚡ Rocky Mountain ATV/MC: bit.ly/33kgRIz ⚡ Revzilla: imp.i104546.net/6bxxXN ⚡ Mosko Moto: moskomoto.com/bigrockmoto ⚡ Amazon: amzn.to/3viGZ0A ⚡ Merchandise: big-rock-moto.myspreadshop.com/

[@lukefish7562]

I think I want one! Thanks for the great content! You’re not lying about Hondas great reliable rep! That’s why my dual sports are CRFs.

[@georgedoolittle7574]

Honda continues to dominate the entire Motorcycle World from entry level near scooter/e-bike to dirt bike to this to the now legendary NC750 to the near immortal now Goldwing all crazy good seemingly forever now. Long HMC Honda Motor Corporation strong buy.

[@gamacher1]

Great review! If the decision was between this and the KTM adventure 390, which way would you go? Some light off road work, mostly road....Thanks!

[@thomasmcsherry6122]

I have owned a number of bikes and Honda proofed to be the most reliable . I am still holding on to my NC750X with 48k km and my 1000 Africa twin but considering a replacement for the NC. I think this Scrambler is rather cool. I love the simplicity and like you said back to basics Awesome review as always Ian👊

[@rhei700]

I will do this in Thailand for retirement 🙂

[@warrenr4]

I’m a big fan of the engine in this bike and the back to basics approach. It’s just fun ! I’ve been riding 40 years and have just returned from a three month tour of Europe on a CB500x. 12,000 miles, two oil changes and a set of tyres. Started first time every time and zero problems. In real world riding , including some forest roads and trails it’s all you need. Honda really know how to screw a bike together and I’m planning next summers trip already ! Thanks for the video Ian , I think you really get what Honda is doing with these simple fun bikes.

[@censored4christ162]

Exhuast is ugly but the motor is what its about. I atill think its worth having cruise control on more motorcycles. I dont need radar adaptive etc unless im rich but its nice to set it at 60 and there you go

[@truss6282]

I could see myself riding this bike in the Philippines when i retire.

[@RufusCapstick]

At that price, why wait, life can change in an instant

[@MrUnderEstimated]

​@@RufusCapstick the annual minimum wage in our country is just around $6,000 so yeah....

[@truss6282]

​@@RufusCapstickIt'll be a few more years before we get to retire, right now my garage is full of dirt and dual sport stuff here in Texas. One day I'll need something more like this though.

[@MrUnderEstimated]

@@Scollier1961 its 400 cc, though motorcycle companies can now register their 350-390cc motorcycle as 400cc and highway legal.

[@nahzareth]

@@Scollier1961yup! they call the 400cc+ bikes as “expressway legal” bikes.

[@lukefish7562]

Another quick comment. That’s a powerful statement at the end and your voice carries a lot of weight considering you own/have owned or at least ridden every decent bike out there. And it reminds me of the saying I heard when I first started riding that…”it’s more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow.” I’ve found that to be true many times. And now I’m afraid I’ve found my next bike. Thanks??? 🤣

[@leeinwis]

I swear if one more person says that..JFC .

[@lukefish7562]

@@leeinwis get ready, it’s coming. 😁 Cliches are very annoying I’ll admit but usually based in reality. Edit- curious, WHEN someone else says it whatcha gonna do? “I swear if one more person…” 👀🍿

[@jensenbeachjay]

.... and you have not likely blasted down country HWYs at 65 on a TW200, thrashing into third year before out of a left hand turn?! ....Then straight off the road to the mt trail. The feeling is absolutely awesome... To rag-out, thru all FIVE gears, all under 55mph! Shits wildly fun! Plus, dirt will humble folk real quick - who haven't seen it. Sat on one of these the other day, and thinking it may be a done deal.

[@shardlake]

I bought one, you nailed the review, practical, fun and back to basics - dash is crap and the luggage options are limited until the aftermarket kicks in. Great for the poorly maintained roads in my country and copes with some light trails or gravel roads, typical Honda a bit beige, reliable and no unnecessary electronics, will last for years.

[@andrevanduren9045]

Thank you Ian for your informative video on the Honda SCL500. I was planning to buy one but there was no one available at Honda for a test ride. I never buy a bike without a test ride so I opted for the slightly more expensive CB500x. That one also offers a bit more for the money and I don't regret it.

[@ricardosalcedo2824]

I recently purchased a barely used 2022 Honda CB500X. Your review of that bike definitely helped me to make that choice. My other bike is a 2018 Harley Forty Eight. Since I got the 500X I've decided to sell the Harley because I haven't used it. I love the 500X for the reasons you talk about on the Scrambler - it's super fun to ride, it's easy to live with - to get it in and out the garage and parking spots, it's fantastic or terrible roads, and the ABS is a must. I appreciate your reviews of the smaller displacement and more cost effective motorcycles. Thank you!

[@johnwood4448]

Thanks once again Ian for an informative video. As someone with 27,000miles on a CB500X,one thing I like about the CL500 is the total absence of plastics,one thing I don't like is the dash,the one on the CB500X is much better.

[@Evolution_Kills]

I'm an experienced rider with over a decade of 700+cc UJM riding under my belt, and I got one of these to step-down from my 2006 Honda 919/900 Hornet. That bike's 100+ HP is absolute overkill for 99% of the riding I do, which is around the town commuting and backroad bombing in western PA. It's the same character as the Mazda Miata, in that it is more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow. The SCL500 makes me roll on the throttle in a way that I cannot do in the 919 without being a danger to myself and others on the road. The seat height is low, allowing my 5'11'' self to flat-foot it in sneakers. The up-right position is handily the most comfortable bike I've ridden. The tires are great for the occasional gravel surface or dirt washout on the road. I love the metallic fleck orange tank. The bike has a nice rumble and sounds good, and all impressions I've seen indicate that the Vance&Hines pipes will only improve that. Honda finally made a neo-retro mid-sized UJM that I wanted. It lacks the retro heritage of the CB1100, but it's smaller size makes it so much easier to man-handle and operate, all the while sipping gasoline and costing far less. I was kinda bummed at not having analog gauges or any tachometer, but the complete lack of one has actually been nice in that I find myself worrying less about my RPM's and just enjoying the ride more. This bike is absolutely more than the sum of its parts. A reliable bike that damn near anybody of any riding skill level can enjoy.

[@aldengoode2939]

Totally agree about missing the analog clocks. I have a Concours 1000 and at 67 I gotta get off it. This might be the bike or the RE INT650.

[@kawabungah20]

One of my first motorcycles was a CL305 Scrambler. It was a sweet machine in it's day. Simple and fun. The legend lives on!!

[@philgipson394]

First class review, Ian- as usual. Couldn’t agree with you more on the smaller displacement more “basic” machines. I recently downsized from MT 09 power to the CB500F (same engine as the Scrambler). Thought I might miss the power of the CP Triple, but NOPE. I enjoy being able to utilize most of the 471cc power of the 500F. Being 55 yrs old it seems that as my age gets higher, my need for cc power goes down. Always looking for your next review! Keep doing what you do!

[@vergedrums]

I’m 56 and want to get back into riding after many years. This bike is just what I was picturing. Get me there in style!

[@mart7404]

Another fine review Ian. Capable bike. Nice when design is whittled down to perfection. Nothing over the top. Simple. I like it.

[@lukefish7562]

Nice! Looking forward to this ride! I completely agree with the “back to basics” comment about the attract ability of a bike like this compared to our faster and more expensive bikes. For me riding my ADV bike for thousands of miles and then jumping on my Crf300L one day is a joy because of the simplicity of it compared.

[@BigRockMoto]

Well said!

[@BERZERKERSV4]

But at $9k?…. For a beginner bike ??? That’s a easy pass…

[@marshalls951]

just started my motorcycle lessons and probably will get this bike for my first one. Looks super nice, has enough power to last a while, and is cheap so won't be too scared of dropping it which I'm sure will happen one day.

[@Dan-56]

Two aesthetic changes I’d love to see Honda make on this bike; A gas tank that looks more conventional, even if it’s just a non functional part that covers the frame more. And I wish they had put a “crease” down the length of the muffler or heat shield to give it more of a dual muffler look, it would work well with the dual outlets it already has.

[@Roger_Ramjet]

Totally agree. It's a lazy-ass effort stylistically. I can't unsee the Rebel that it is.

[@stavrosk.2868]

Looks like the perfect bike for countries like Greece. Many hills, twisty, some good highways, easy to handle, light yet powerful enough. Great review.

[@reloadfast]

It's really, really appreciated that you take the time to convert to metric, and the A2 pointer was fantastic!

[@JJfromIA]

Sharp little bike! Saw one on the road yesterday. It looks like it would be a fantastic commuter or casual riding bike. Another great video, as always!

[@BigRockMoto]

Totally agree!

[@censored4christ162]

I like their 500cc twin cylinder its an impressive little thing how it performs even up at the interstate speed limits for its price, power and economy. It was really cool to see it in one of the rebels. I also like how the rebel 300 engine is sort of on display more in the rebel 300. I hope they find a way to cram it into the mini motos. The trail 125 is cool but im not a scooter kinda guy so if ik going to get on it i need a 6 speed 250 for the trails and the hughway back home after. Its hard for me to spend big money on a bike and it struggles to go 55 and if a hill comes youre doomed. This 500 is a nice balance because the twin cylinder unlocks rpm and reduces vibration compared to a 1 cylinder so this 500 scrambler i bet you will beat things like dr650s in races eventhough they have 150 more cc. More than a grom worth. Thats why i think it should have cruise control. I think the exhuast is ugly butnits also a commuting bike thats good for exploring, I might take it for a longer trip it would be nice if i could pin it at 81 and just go with no right hand on the throttle all day long all day long

[@Geshmaal]

Very controversial but I kind of wish they'd put the NC750 engine in a scrambler like this. The low down grunt would suit something with a bit of off-road capability and it's such a simple to maintain engine that it would fit with the no-frills approach of the new CL/SCL bike. I'm assuming instead we'll get a model with the new Hornet/Transalp 750 or Rebel 1100 engine. I do like the look of the CL500 but I had a sit on one in my local Honda dealership and it felt *really tiny*, it almost feels like a 500cc Honda Monkey to me.

[@giftoftheroad7651]

Mirrors are super steady. I can see the rider and other things behind you in the video. I totally want one.

[@TarunChoudhry]

Same feelings, I ride a Tiger and for commuting to work or short rides, I take out my Honda CB350, also known as GB350 in Japan... definitely not available in US or Europe. That humble 27 PS and 30NM just does magic to the mood. It just chugs along. The whole contrast between the two bikes and yet both of them being so lovable keeps me going. I am always intrigued by Honda, how can something that small and well engineered, so reliable can still satiate a biker's senses.

[@abhayvadhavkar2231]

If I didn't have a BMW G310GS, I would get it. The 310 is quite amazing for the size and with a 17 tooth front sprocket, I can do 75 mph all day.

[@karlfonner7589]

I’ve been riding motorcycles since the late 70s. One of my favorite motorcycles that I bought for $300 and brought back to life was a 1972 CB 500 F. I live in Concord and rode that thing to Hollister and back at their 50th anniversary taking skyline all the way. I also rode it to Fort Ross and back . Definitely not the fastest or best bike in Highwinds but my gosh, the fuel economy is amazing. And on tight twisty roads, what can I say, it was just fun without sticking your neck out. it was also great and in the gold country where there are a lot of gravel roads and you don’t have to wrestle a 500 pound bike

[@gregannewest-walker6862]

One of the best reviews of this bike I have watched thanks! I am buying one as a round town bike - love the retro styling touches, to have along with my 1250GS which is too big for regular city riding!

[@motoexploration4169]

Overall, it's a holistic and useful review of an attractive option from Honda. One thing you can improve on your reviews of other bikes in the future is this: have a short segment to record the engine sound accelerating and decelerating and another for us to hear the exhaust note doing likewise. As you may already know, sound is important to potential motorcycle owners.

[@FalconMe]

This was my first bike. Only kept it a month (2000 miles). I commute a lot on the highway. Ultimately traded it in due to the fact that you sit on top of the bike and get a lot of wind and does move around a bit when passing semi's. Suspension is quite soft and doesn't instill confidence for me personally. The engine braking is also very strong and can cause new riders not to use their brakes often which I feel was a safety issue. At least that was my experience. It has a very utilitarian feel to it so I never really fell in love with it. It was a great first bike though.

[@andrew390]

Nice review! Would love a comparison ride video by you of Triumph Scrambler 400x when it comes out in Jan-24.

[@sebasbecu]

Old Honda scramblers are so much nicer to look at ! Sounds like a great bike . Wish they where better looking .

[@Roger_Ramjet]

It is a major fail from a stylistic perspective

[@sercio994]

Jesus Ian you are at peak producing power haha Kudos!

[@paracog]

Pretty bike. I had a 305 in the 60s; too old to ride now, but I would have one of these if I did.

[@MrUled]

The only bike review channel I trust. Thanks big rock.! (sidenote : I still don't find this a scrambler in any way, but oh well haha)

[@djm6900]

The Ptwin 500 platform from Honda is one of my favorite engines for fun daily riding (I have a CB500x). I'm really curious to see how the Honda scrambler stacks up against the Triumph single 400 scrambler coming out in 2024; hope Ian gets to review the Triumph 400 when it comes out.

[@christopherdean2893]

Thank you brother, I put my money down on one. It should be ready soon. I will be turning 60 soon and wanted something easier to rind then a big, tall adventure bike. I think I was fooling myself when I thought I need a 900 Tiger or something like that. I always try to live by this saying, (we buy things we don't need to impress people we don't like). Keep it simple stupid KISS.

[@brianharradine8130]

Simplicity 😊 with enough power for the urban world

[@kalaharimine]

Nice, would look better with spokes and less flat black. Practically needs a rear rack, and a screen would be nice. +400 lbs is a bit much for a beginner bike though.

[@gerardungerman1442]

Modern scramblers have been available in Europe for several years and it took a senseless time for them to arrive in the U.S., why I don't know! The moment I test rode a Rebel I thought it would make a great scrambler. Gee! I thought, if only Honda had the vision...... I'm excited about the CL. I've been riding for over 30 years and I'm completely over heavy bikes. My years of overachiever are behind. I have no-one to impress and a light, fun, polyvalent bike is what I like. I currently ride a "scramblerized" Sportster. I Iove it BUT... It's too heavy and I'm now spending hundreds of dollars to lighten it. I doubt HD will have the vision or even the desire to turn the Street into a light scrambler because HD despises cheap and small. All that to say that if and when I come upon a used CL in the future, I think I won't be able to pass on it. And that cumbersome muffler will be gone hahahaha. Thanks again for a great video, Big Rock! Ride safe all.

[@meanman6992]

Probably going to buy one of these, I just wish yes it had a brighter or higher contrast “dash” and a second equally sized gauge that’s purely a tachometer… like old school analog tachometer. (Digital signal is fine but with an actual needle) that and Honda, drop the four LED lights in the round bezel. Use a really good halogen or some monster single LED emitter in a round house/reflector, the four individual LED’s looks awful and clashes with the rest of the bike.

[@Enjoytheinbetween]

Love this bike!! Thanks for the review.

[@pinkiewerewolf]

Another nicely done video Ian. 👍

[@jaybou007]

After a test drive, I can safely suggest you think of an OEM seat replacement to have something a tad more plush. Especially if you usually ride something more comfortable. Sincerely, that seat is like a plank. Otherwise, I sincerely have no bad comment about the bike. The built quality is exactly what you expect from Honda. The transmission and the clutch are a charm to deal with. Typical Honda fuel sipping for longer rides. A tad lazy on power but nothing to write home about.

[@BigRockMoto]

the honda tall seat was better

[@karsteng1809]

Hey Ian, great review If this Bike. I did consider the CL500 as I want something "back to basics" as you describe. What makes me hesitate, i am not restricted to (Europe) 48; HP/ A2. Also pricewise $2.000 more are affordsble for me. Bikes with 900cc plus, 120 HP plus are way more expensive to buy but also to run (insurance, gas etc) My big "but" is the Yamaha XSR 700 (as you for sure know an MT07 in neo retro clothes).The Yamaha does cost a little more, run cost is almost the same. But the Yamaha has about 72 HP, dual front brake discs and other tiny advanatges. I do understand its a different price point. But you understanding my positon and points, whats your 5 Cent on this "2 great choices*. Thx a lot Ian

[@bseidem5112]

Get the Yammy. QC on Honda is now behind Yamaha; both good but I'd get the Y. Bill, Phoenix, AZ, USA getting rid of a BMW R1200R.

[@CanadianTexaninLiguria]

Those stop signs are really effective....

[@donsmith3573]

Another bike for the masses typically Honda, nice average bike definitely a great beginner bike, but definitely get aftermarket exhaust. The twin is a good touch

[@mattbryan8535]

Great Stuff,Thanks! I'm in Thailand and they sell this exact motorcycle with the '286cc single engine' which Honda uses in a couple of their other bikes. As I'll not be doing 'highway miles', I think it may fit the bill - there's only two differences(other than the engine)from what I can see - it's 18kg lighter and has 10mm more ground clearance. Anyhow, I'll try both and decide.Your review was very thorough - Thank you!!

[@auroratours6716]

Thanks soooo much for this one🙏

[@mechaniac]

Similar specs to a Gen 1 KLR650. If Kawasaki made a scrambler version of the KLR it could weight 400 lbs. And have the exhaust tucked away like it is normally. That Honda will be a best seller. A 300 version would be fun.

[@SamiNami]

Perfect first bike

[@Innereyehawk]

Test the ABS on dirt or gravel road. Probably will hit the tree or go over cliff before stopping. Just ABS front brake best set up.

[@jenaflood9173]

I love my CL500!

[@LTLT900]

I love your CL500 too.

[@sakissakis7992]

Great presentation. I have one question regarding to off road usage: If this bike has skid plate, off road tyres,can it go through dirt roads or off road with medium difficulty (mud,rocks etc)?Also, can the suspensions be replaced by others with more suspension-travelling? Thank you.

[@HypeRapEnjoyer]

Man, that chapter beep sound is real jarring. Please turn the volume down on those if you do it in the future 😊

[@alanprice9938]

I apologise to everyone in advance for any assumptions and stereotypes here…….but if you were gonna teach your wife to ride, initially on fire tracks, which bike would you choose to start on. I started with mine last year, absolutely from scratch on the basic controls, on a 701 enduro, but it’s a little tall for her. So I’m thinking of buying something else for the purpose.

[@user-sh5dy5tr9d]

Honda XR150L or dual sport 250 or below....Kaw 140, Kaw 230, Yam XT 250....

[@fredhobbs3613]

I am a 55 yr old mostly beginner rider who will do 98% street riding. I’m deciding between this bike and the RE Himalayan 450. Which would you recommend?

[@terrafound]

I would like to hear more comparison with the CB500X. I just bought one of those a few months back as my first motorcycle. In what ways do they stand out from one another?

[@kristofferrydquist8384]

My 2p, drove them back to back. CB bigger feeling, heavier, larger, more conventional, good but slightly dull, not as enjoyable in tight urban settings. CL easygoing, feels small and light, very very VERY easy to ride and handling is the most precise I have experienced (never tried sports bikes though) and I was picking inch perfect lines immediately. I think Ian is on point and beyond. Dash annoyed me, too dark. Oh, and despite being 6’6” 199 cm it was comfortable to sit on and operate.

[@garrywright3380]

Great review, enjoyed it

[@avery4528]

The bike will do a 100 miles per hour downhill with a minute of full throttle. Realistically the bike can do 85 mph before tapering off and has a top speed of 98 mph.

[@ace100hyper3]

I like the Rebel. This one seems very similar, just scrambly. I don't like how the exhaust pipe looks, and how it's naked behind the front wheel. They failed to improve the gauge of the Rebel by showing a tach.

[@PaulCataliin]

Compared to the Hunter 350, beside twin engine and the reliability, how does it feel? Is it worth the diference of the price for a comute bike, rarely going to the mountains?

[@adventureundone]

I have been thinking about getting one o these. Would prefer it in a 750. Also how about a vid comparing the CL500 to the CB500X (not full off-road or adv bikes, but good options for the occasional dirt road)

[@drchristofor]

Thanks, love your channel ! Are you planning a review on the R18 Roctane? Stay safe !

[@erelat]

Google CL500 K-Speed....yes, that version. Art.

[@C11raider]

How does this compare to the CB300r, wanting something light and flickable for around the city, but highway able, fun

[@loganbussell4855]

Having owned the CBR250R I can tell you the small single cylinder gets tiring very quickly.. I switched bikes after 1 season. If I had a Honda 500 I’d still likely be riding it

[@davidb9323]

Other than the passenger seat it looks solid.

[@BigRockMoto]

WAY more power than the 300

[@alq1967]

My first bike was the original CL scrambler...

[@lastsonofkrypton36]

I've been hoping Honda would make a scrambler again, but mostly I just dislike the lines of the thing. It's clearly based on the bobber frame of the rebel, so it's the opposite of what it should be. All they had to do was stick w/ the straight lines of their 70s scramblers. Otherwise the specs are pretty good.

[@avidwatcher70]

ride is as you described. but the looks have been mixed to put it mildly when people talk about this bike. strong likes and dislikes no middle for this design. but people have lot of options for this engine platform and the sales figures will show what's what. and people who really like it can get a deal on it after sometime if they can hold out till later. can get the whole transport fee waived off and then some.

[@TrollToll-x5p]

I really like this bike but having just sold my rebel 500 to move to something like this, I feel like it is basically just a reskinned rebel 500. The tank and like 70% of the bikes are identical...It's way easier to see if you've owned one I think but it literally looks almost exactly the same 😛

[@DMugsP]

This most likely will be my next bike.

[@SWTrailsAndWheels]

I'd like to see a Scrambler 1100 DCT.

[@ericweber1969]

Am I the only one in the US who wants to see them build a 300 version? It’s my understanding that they’re selling a 300 already in Thailand, and I like that engine more than the 500 engine.

[@terrykeil6751]

Yes I'm in Thailand and you can get the CL300 for about $4300 here. I have a honda ct125 and I'm considering the CL300 very much.

[@cocchiam]

I have a question: what are the pros and cons compared to either CB500f and CB500x? The look is nice and it’s catching the Scrambler’s wave but…

[@avidwatcher70]

Main difference in these bikes are their set-ups - they are designed to suit different needs. Naked sport vs Adventurer designs. The 500cc engine is the same (with some slight tune difference based on design would be not noticeable on performance alone but the design change between them). The other main difference is the year on year part upgrade they have received. The new model year ones for the CB500 F and X should come with new swingarms, inverted Showa forks, dual front disc brakes. The adventure CB500X shares the same new brake but has longer front suspension travel and a lighter, larger 19-inch front wheel compared to the CB500F. Slight difference in the fuel tank capacity and saddle height. But the Adv CB500X gets more safety features in the instrument panel. So compare this to the scrambler features with these points. Cheers.

[@MrUnderEstimated]

This looks nice but I'd still pick the vulcan S over this, rebel 500 and eliminator.

[@gladsonj2333]

Comfort for the Pillion rider since the silencer is raised above? Somebody please let me know.

[@randygravel2057]

City bike? Would make a great around the world bike.

[@TheoSaar]

I wonder if an SCL1100 will be coming??

[@deaczorz]

tried it a few weeks ago, super nice. dash is the only thing. super easy to ride in town. tried the new hornet too but it felt twitchy and made me want to speed and play

[@klemenm6967]

I’m wondering if the radiator is really vulnerable… it seems to be sticking out quite a bit.

[@OrangeGenerator]

I just bought a 2022 Yamaha R3 for the precise reason of small bikes are so much fun and it's a return to my roots (started on an R3 back in 2015-16) I also am aiming to add an adventure/tourer to the garage yes because i need another bike to complement it. But yeah can't wait to pick it up tomorrow from the dealer!

[@AnomadAlaska]

Two questions: can you feel heat off the high exhaust? And how do you think it would fit a 6'2 dude with long arms/legs? That looks like a fun simple little bike! I should probably go throw a leg over one. I'm old and just like to putt putt around on the, increasingly paved, backroads around here.

[@arnohag1]

Great review Ian. Why did Honda wait soo long. By the way you look a bit of a giant on it. A bit like me on my XSR900.

[@GS-zv3qn]

Great review on honda 500. Are there any plans on the 450rl duel sport

[@juzentz]

How do you like this bike as compared to the CB500X? I know you appreciate both of them. I own the 500X and really love it. However I’m attracted to this bike too.

[@avidwatcher70]

the CB500X has the nice ADV upright stance. And heard people talked about OEM seat replacement after test ride. Also the alteration for right side saddle carry ability. It hit me that cause of very high exhaust - being nearly right next to read seat, the luggage carry frame spacing will effect the saddle weight balance too. So lot of practical things are lost for the scrambler not to mention the loss of all the safety features compared to the ADV instrument panel.

[@vesperti]

What ever happened to your Aprilia Tuareg?

[@tonyfortier8835]

When will honda release a 4 banger one

[@KK-hm5bd]

I don’t like the dash, that ignition key on the side and that huge exhaust. Would some aftemarket short exhausts for rebel fit this bike? It should also have better forks and twin dissc like 500f and x.

[@alq1967]

I'm not sure about the colour scheme... I'd like to see it in red

[@erikdrobey8607]

Thanks for the review. I am a new rider and purchased a hunter 350 in May. It’s a great bike for the city (I live in SF) and short excursions; for my longer commute, though (50 miles rt), I doubt it will prove practical long term. Would the Honda be a good eventual step up as an all-rounder, or should I keep the Hunter (which I like) and add something more highway-focused (Triumph Tiger 660/similar)?

[@rickterry8148]

As always, a great review. You do have a particular tallent for doing this. Rick, Isle Of Skye, Scotland.

[@BigRockMoto]

Thank you kindly!

[@brentevans6923]

Looking for a Scrambler ? Look elsewhere . It is a Great Honda !

[@michaellauer3397]

Great idea, but how do they get extra hundred pounds in there …holy crap the Big Red Pig weighs how much less? And it’s a 650 and a monster bike in comparison. Sounds like a neat motorcycle though. Been riding over 50 years and At 65 years old, this seems like a good fit for a “last bike”

[@jauken83]

Great review, got a sub out of me!

[@cerberus2881]

So, price aside if pressed which would you pick, This or the CB500X?

[@ryanhoeffs484]

We need to know!!

[@dogmanXR600]

please review the ktm 1290 super adventure R im dying to know the difference between that bike and the pan america/ktm 890R

[@thedadchronicles]

Would this fit someone that is >6'?

[@BigRockMoto]

legroom might be a bit tight, but it would be OK

[@verlinswarey507]

I’m 6’ even with long legs. I sat on one at the dealer and it fit like a glove!

[@jazpore1]

Ride Modes?

[@BigRockMoto]

nope

[@bikeboyjase]

Big fan of your content. But I have an itch that needs to be scratched. Can you say a quote for me by Kip Dynamite??! "Napoleon, don't be jealous that I've been chatting online with babes all day. Besides, we both know that I'm training to be a cage fighter."

[@kalash2874]

How is the R nineT Urban gs off road?

[@jamesriley1207]

Looks great! I would buy a CB500X.

[@avidwatcher70]

yes CB500X or CB500F seem more purposeful in their design and features itself

[@BigRockMoto]

You and me both!

[@bseidem5112]

72' SCL350 wet weight was 350. Honda should've reduced weight or reproduced the SCL350. The curb weight of this 500 is 419. For NO of road capability? Smooth dirt roads only.

[@croscoe333]

I like it, but! The low to high pipe isn't doing it for me. If you're going to have a high pipe, go full tilt, leg burning style like the Triumphs. A mid height pipe or dual megaphones would be killer on this machine, although not indicative of the scrambler ethos. This would probably be an awesome bike in a city. I wish Yamaha would build a real Japanese scrambler by putting the Tenere 700 suspension on a XSR700. Man, that'd be sweet. 😊 All in all, the Honda is pretty cool and will last forever, as they do.

[@Ijusthopeitsquick]

I agree about the pipe, it looks awkward and it's impractical.

[@avidwatcher70]

yup. the pipe!

[@Greenmachine305]

For the same money, why not buy the CB650R?