Honda CL500 – Retro Scrambler with modern technology

Honda has introduced the new model CL500, which was inspired by the CL72 scrambler from 1962.  With it, they want to bridge the gap to old times and offer a certain retro charm, coupled with modern technology.

The Honda CL72 was powered by a 250cc twin cylinder and was innovative and unconventional at the time.  It quickly established itself as a fun machine, as it was suitable for asphalt and also for off-road trips.  Honda now wants to revive this concept with the CL500.

Engine and performance

The CL500 is powered by the familiar 471cc liquid-cooled 8-valve parallel twin that produces an A2-compliant 47 PS (34.3 kW) at 8,500 rpm.  Maximum torque is rated at 43.3 Nm at 6,250 rpm.  The mapping has been adapted accordingly for use in the CL500. 

The link between the six-speed transmission and the rear wheel has been short-geared to enable crisp acceleration and dynamic driving pleasure.  The muffler was mounted appropriately high in typical scrambler style. 

Chassis and suspension

The engine was transplanted into a new steel trellis frame.  The 41mm front fork offers long-travel suspension.  Two shocks were mounted on the swingarm to provide quietness at the rear.  The suspension elements are adjustable in spring preload. 

The wheels are 19″ at the front and 17″ at the rear.  They were equipped with tires with block profile.  At the front, a 310mm single disc, supported by a 2-channel ABS, provides deceleration.

The seat height is 790mm, below which is a helmet holder.

Equipment

The Assist/Antihopping clutch prevents a stamping rear wheel during ambitious downshifts at high rpm.  The lighting uses LED technology all around.  The current speed, a gear indicator, a fuel gauge, a fuel consumption indicator, the time and a shift indicator are shown via an LCD display.

In the event of emergency braking, the ESS emergency stop signal function ensures that rear traffic is warned accordingly.  In this case, the rear turn signals are activated.

Original accessories

Honda offers a range of original accessories to enhance or customize the machine.  In the offer are also three prefabricated packages.

• The ADVENTURE PAKET includes hand guards, short front fender, shock cover and rally footpegs.
• The TRAVEL PAKET includes a 14 liter soft saddlebag on the left including carrier system, 12V power outlet, adjustable brake lever and tank protector.
• The STYLE package awaits with: Headlight mask, decal for headlight mask, rim decor decal set for front and rear, rear side cover, decal for rear side cover and high seat.

Availability and price

The Honda CL500 will be offered in four colors.  An exact release date has not been announced yet, currently they are only talking about 2023

The four possible color variations:

• Candy Energy Orange
• Matt Laurel Green Metallic
• Candy Caribbean Blue Sea
• Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic

Mr. Hiroshi Furuse, CL500 Project Manager, Honda R&D Japan: “We developed the CL500 as a machine that truly allow its owners to stand out from the crowd, and as a form of self-expression. It can be used and enjoyed casually – without hesitation – by the young generation in their daily lives and is designed to become a joyful and integral part of a lifestyle. In standard form, the off-road street style has a visual charm unlike any other model in the Honda range, and can really inspire owners to take it further in any direction they wish.”

Technical specifications

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Bildergalerie der Honda CL500 (70 Bilder)

Honda CL500 - 2023

23YM CL500

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