Honda CL500

A Reflection of You

Back in 1962 our very first street scrambler, the CL72, made its debut. We figured it was time for a new breed to roll out, made for the streets of today. The new CL500 drips with raw style and detail that only comes with long history. It also packs a strong, A2-compliant twin-cylinder engine into a sturdy, compact chassis and begs to be ridden, customised and enjoyed. Just like the original.

Look the Part

Our iconic style starts with the 12L fuel tank; smooth, rounded and perfectly formed, with authentic rubber knee pads for comfort. And everything that can be – engine, frame and suspension – is blacked out for sleek, minimalist looks. Rubber gaiters protect fork legs, just like back in the day. High, wide handlebars give excellent control and, in true CL tradition, mirror the evocative high-level exhaust muffler, with its distinctive drilled stainless heat shield and twin-pipe exit, that sits just right.

Stand Out Individuality the Way You Want It

We’ve built the CL500, now you need to make it yours. And that starts with colour; choose between vibrant Candy Orange or Blue Metallic, ultra-modern Matte Gunpowder Black or rugged, earth-toned Matte Green. What else? That’s up to you. Maybe start with the simple pleasure of riding, meeting friends, hanging out and talking bikes. You’ll find what you need and want for your CL500. It will evolve around you, just as it should and become the motorcycle you dream of. More than lifestyle, this is living.

Built Ready To Ride

The CL500 is built to handle whatever you’ve got from dirt roads, cobbled city streets or weekends away. Longer travel suspension soaks up the bumps and deep-grooved tyres ensure confidence from walking speed upwards. Seat height is 790mm and the mid-section slim, great for easy ground reach and low-speed manoeuvrability. There’s plenty of leg room (a taller seat is available as an optional accessory) while the pillion seat mounts low, for easy access. 

Strong Torque Equals Instant Response

Whether just starting your two-wheeled journey – or have been riding for years – you’ll love this engine. Parallel twin-cylinder, DOHC 4V and spinning a 180° crank, it’s so easy to use at low speed, with smooth throttle response, easy-going power delivery and soulful sound. And, thanks to street scrambler-specification intake, exhaust and gearing there’s strong torque all the way through the rev-range – with peak of 43.4Nm @ 6,250rpm – which equals acceleration, when needed, that even the most experienced will enjoy.

A2 Licence Compatible

With 35kW peak power the CL500 is ready for an A2 licence holder. The engine’s power delivery and character are also well-mannered and easy going, especially low down in the rev-range, so perfect for new riders.

LED Lighting

The classic round headlight features four bright LED bulbs for a distinct light signature. But LED lighting is also energy efficient, runs cooler and the bulbs last longer. And, most importantly, visibility to other road users is much improved.

Minimal Yet Informative LCD Display

A street scrambler should keep things simple, so a neat, 100mm ring houses the negative LCD display. Information on show is just what you need, including a gear position indicator, fuel consumption and individual left/right indicator arrows.

Stability in Both On and Off-road Environments

41mm telescopic front forks feature 150mm travel for supple control, and the Showa rear shocks are preload adjustable. There’s the surefooted stability of a 19-inch front wheel, and the 310mm floating front disc and two-piston caliper ensure progressive stopping power with ABS optimised for dirt tracks as well as road.

Natural Riding Position with Flat Seat

For easy control and turning in an urban area the riding position is upright, with arms and knees placed in a comfortable, natural posture. It also gives you great all-round visibility. There’s plenty of room on the flat seat to move back and forward, allowing for a more aggressive attitude.

Assist, Slipper Clutch Control

The engine’s clutch is designed to help you ride; it assists with a light lever load and makes for smoother, easier gear changes up and down. And you don’t have to juggle engine rpm or worry about the rear wheel locking up on multiple down changes – the slipper function takes care of that.