The spirit of scramblers is back — and it’s wearing the Honda badge. The Honda CL500, launched as part of Honda’s 500cc lineup, merges vintage charm with modern mechanics. For riders in the UK seeking an affordable, stylish, and versatile middleweight motorcycle, the CL500 offers a tempting combination of heritage and functionality.
Whether you’re weaving through city traffic, taking a coastal weekend ride, or exploring gravel tracks, the CL500 adapts with ease. It’s designed not just to turn heads, but also to deliver an enjoyable, flexible riding experience — one that both beginners and experienced bikers can appreciate.
Inspired by the Past, Engineered for Today
The Honda CL500 draws heavy inspiration from the 1960s and 70s CL series — scramblers that were built for versatility and freedom. That DNA is visible in the high-mounted exhaust, classic tank shape, round LED headlight, and upright ergonomics. But don’t be fooled by its vintage look — under the retro exterior is a thoroughly modern motorcycle.
It’s built on the same trusted platform as the Honda Rebel 500 and CB500X, powered by the reliable 471cc parallel-twin engine. The chassis and suspension, however, are tweaked for scrambler performance, making it more suitable for uneven roads and light off-road paths.
Performance: Smooth and Manageable Power
The CL500 houses Honda’s tried-and-tested 471cc liquid-cooled engine that delivers around 46.6 bhp and 43 Nm of torque. It’s A2 licence-compliant, making it an ideal choice for newer riders in the UK.
Power delivery is smooth and linear, perfect for relaxed riding or an occasional spirited throttle twist. Whether you’re cruising through the countryside or navigating city streets, the engine provides enough grunt without being overwhelming. The six-speed gearbox is slick, and the light clutch lever makes city commutes a breeze.
It’s not built for speed demons, but for those who appreciate a refined, stress-free ride — the CL500 hits the sweet spot.
Design: Scrambler Cool with Everyday Comfort
Design-wise, the CL500 is where modern meets retro in the most elegant way. The minimalist style, circular LED headlight, and scrambler-style high exhaust all blend to create a bike that looks timeless yet fresh.
Key design elements include:
- Flat seat with generous padding – perfect for rider and pillion.
- High-mounted twin-exit exhaust with heat shielding.
- Round digital instrument cluster – compact and easy to read.
- Dual-purpose tyres – good for tarmac and light trails.
- Available in classic colour options like Matte Laurel Green, Candy Orange, and Grey Metallic.
The seat height is a comfortable 790mm, making it accessible for riders of various heights. Its upright handlebars and footpeg placement promote a neutral, relaxed riding position, perfect for both beginners and veterans.
Handling and Ride Quality
One of the Honda CL500’s biggest strengths is how easy and forgiving it feels on the road. Weighing around 192 kg, it strikes a great balance between stability and agility. It’s nimble enough for tight city turns but stable on motorways and country roads.
The suspension setup includes:
- 41mm telescopic front forks
- Twin rear shock absorbers with preload adjustment
These components are tuned to soak up potholes, speed bumps, and uneven terrain with ease — especially useful for unpredictable UK roads. While it’s not a full-fledged adventure bike, it handles gravel paths and mild off-roading well, staying true to its scrambler roots.
Braking duties are handled by:
- 310mm front disc with two-piston caliper
- 240mm rear disc with single-piston caliper
- Dual-channel ABS for added safety
Brakes offer enough bite and feel for confident stopping in both dry and wet British weather conditions.
Technology and Features
Although the CL500 focuses more on rider experience than tech overload, it does come with essentials:
- LED lighting all around (headlamp, tail, indicators)
- Assist & slipper clutch – reduces rear wheel hop on aggressive downshifting
- USB-C charging socket (under the seat)
- Digital instrument cluster with speed, revs, fuel gauge, and gear indicator
It doesn’t have ride modes or traction control, but the simplicity is refreshing. The bike is about the ride, not distractions.
Fuel Efficiency and Practicality
For UK commuters, fuel efficiency is a key consideration — and the CL500 doesn’t disappoint. It offers an estimated 26–28 km/l (around 65 mpg), depending on riding style and conditions.
With a 12-litre fuel tank, you can expect a range of over 250–300 km per full tank, making it perfect for weekend rides or daily commutes without frequent stops.
Other practical features include:
- Luggage accessory options (panniers, racks)
- Optional heated grips (ideal for UK winters)
- Centre stand accessory for maintenance ease
Pricing and Availability in the UK
As of 2025, the Honda CL500 is priced at approximately £6,199 (on-the-road) in the UK, making it a great value for a mid-range scrambler. It competes with the likes of the Royal Enfield Scram 411, Yamaha XSR700, and the Benelli Leoncino 500, but stands out due to its smooth engine and Honda’s build reliability.
Honda also offers a wide dealer network and affordable service plans, making ownership easy and budget-friendly.
Who Should Buy the Honda CL500?
The CL500 is for riders who want:
✅ A stylish, everyday motorcycle
✅ A retro aesthetic with modern reliability
✅ A2 licence compatibility
✅ Good comfort for long or short rides
✅ Light off-road capabilities
✅ Honda’s peace of mind engineering
It’s not for those seeking high-speed thrills or cutting-edge electronics. But if your riding style is relaxed, stylish, and adventurous, this bike ticks almost every box.
Final Thoughts: A Balanced, Beautiful Scrambler
The Honda CL500 is a return to motorcycling’s simple joys — open roads, manageable power, and iconic styling. It brings vintage scrambler charm into the 21st century with the reliability and refinement Honda is known for.
Whether you’re a new rider looking for your first proper bike or a seasoned enthusiast seeking a stylish commuter with weekend potential, the CL500 is a solid contender.
In a world full of complicated electronics and aggressive styling, the CL500 reminds us that sometimes, less is more — especially when it’s done this well.
Hello, my name is Muskan Kumari and I am an experienced Digital Marketer. I have been blogging for the last 3 years and I have special interest in SEO. Here I give you easy bikes and writes easy-to-understand reviews and news about the latest bikes, helping readers choose the best options.. My aim is to always provide you with accurate, new and useful information.
