Honda scl500 review

They embody a carefree attitude and the freedom to go wherever, as well as a simplicity not offered by many modern, hyper-focused bikes. A lightweight, no-frills motorcycle is great for bopping around city streets, cruising up the honda scl500 review, exploring backroads, and even getting a little frisky in the dirt, though the only time we left the pavement during our test ride was to turn around in dirt pull-outs during photo stops.

We first saw the Honda SCL chassis in patent drawings years ago, a modification of the Rebel frame. Over the past year we saw various rumors and leaks about the bike, and then in June of , the SCL was confirmed for the US and Canada. As we told you then:. The engine itself is a cc liquid-cooled parallel twin, as seen also in the CBR, Rebel and so on. Of course, it is somewhat retuned for the scrambler application; expect similar power delivery to the Rebel, with an emphasis on low-to-mid-range torque. Max output is a claimed 45 hp and 32 lb-ft of torque. The steel tube frame is pretty similar to the Rebel as well, with

Honda scl500 review

The SCL is a mid-sized scrambler-style bike that is light, approachable with plenty of get up and go on the highways or in the canyons. Ideal for a new or casual rider who is looking to upgrade from a smaller bike, or for an experienced rider to return to the sport after some time away. The SCL is an addition to the established cc lineup from Honda. This bike borrows a few noticeable elements from the Honda Rebel, the most obvious being the shape of the fuel tank. The same cc engine from the Rebel is the star of the show, providing proven reliability for the newest model. All of Honda's cc range offers shift assist technology, which gives a lighter pull at the clutch lever and automatically locks the clutch up tight when you accelerate, while also avoiding a rear wheel lockup if a downshift is mistimed. Easy clutch modulation is an immediate confidence boost to a newer rider, removing some of the chance of stalling when leaving a stop or missing a gear while in motion, it also reduces hand fatigue in tight stop and go traffic, a welcome perk for even the most seasoned rider. Easing off the throttle in a turn tends to stand the bike up just enough to notice. While a seasoned rider may not mind the feedback, a newer rider may be surprised. The shift assist up and down is fantastic, the gear clicks over into the next with a solid thunk. The fork is non-adjustable and has 5.

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The first-gen Triumph Scrambler, with its New riders have new rider insecurities, of course—but the bigger challenge, in my case, was and evermore shall be my inch inseam. At any rate, the idea of a modern scrambler-style bike can be immensely appealing, depending on your personal aesthetic. How about heated grips as an available accessory option? Wider saddles make that more of a challenge, bordering on an impossibility. With a As with all bikes, your mileage may vary on any number of points, from how the bike fits you to how the styling hits you.

They embody a carefree attitude and the freedom to go wherever, as well as a simplicity not offered by many modern, hyper-focused bikes. A lightweight, no-frills motorcycle is great for bopping around city streets, cruising up the coast, exploring backroads, and even getting a little frisky in the dirt, though the only time we left the pavement during our test ride was to turn around in dirt pull-outs during photo stops. Like the SCL, these early scramblers were based on streetbikes, and all three models share common styling elements: fork gaiters, knee pads on the gas tank, bench seats, high-routed exhausts, and twin rear shocks. Another thing the SCL has in common with those early CLs is a parallel-Twin engine, though the older versions were air-cooled while the modern one has a radiator. The last time we put any of these bikes on the dyno was The CBF made 46 hp and 31 lb-ft of torque at the rear wheel, and the Rebel made 41 hp and 30 lb-ft. Swing a leg over the SCL, thumb the starter button, drop it into gear, and then just ride. Throttle response is user-friendly, power delivery is linear, and the slip-assist clutch makes gear changes effortless. A sturdy tubular-steel trellis frame holds everything together, and the bike, which has a narrow 3. More rebound damping would be nice, at least for a lb galoot like me.

Honda scl500 review

Last year, Honda announced the revival of the Scrambler in the United States and foreign markets at the same time. The bikes debuted as model years and foreign markets received the CL, using nomenclature that harkens back to the iconic CL72s and CL77s of the s, as well as CLs and CLs of the s. But here in the US, the new Scrambler will be known as the SCL—and in fact, Honda can only call it a "Scrambler-style" motorcycle , presumably because Ducati owns the official Scrambler name. Regardless of alphanumerical designation, however, the foreign and domestic Scramblers all use many parts shared with the rest of Honda's lineup. A cc parallel twin motor carries over from the Rebel, CBRR, and CBX , while higher exhaust routing increases ground clearance in classic fashion, along with a larger front wheel, retro rear dampers, and front fork bellows. The move seems to bank on the fact that most modern Scramblers, regardless of brand, look relatively similar from more than 15 feet away, so a cheaper alternative that still delivers all the familiar Honda quality should, therefore, attract more entry-level motorcycle buyers interested in that Scrambler style. Honda arguably inaugurated the Scrambler era in with the CL72 that shared just about everything with the CB72, including a four-stroke cc twin that revved to 9, RPM—nothing less than sky-high for the period.

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Password recovery. How about heated grips as an available accessory option? Stated range for the 3. You have entered an incorrect email address! By : Janaki Jitchotvisut. Easing off the throttle in a turn tends to stand the bike up just enough to notice. In the context of the Triumph and Ducati Scramblers, the retro vibe that I thought clashed with Honda's more modern headlight cluster probably nails the combo aesthetic that urban buyers want—turns out maybe market research is a thing. The very small amount of gravel we went over seemed to pose no great difficulty to the SCL and its tires , either. A bit of the old blended nicely with the new — both equally at home in Southern California. Patrick on Aug 29, Commenting Guidelines. The same nimbleness, smooth shifting, and power delivery that made threading my way through traffic a snap was also present as we started to make our way through the twisties. This is a possible all-rounder for me some time in the future. Subscriber Login.

The first-gen Triumph Scrambler, with its New riders have new rider insecurities, of course—but the bigger challenge, in my case, was and evermore shall be my inch inseam.

Obviously, use your own discretion and take all adequate precautions not to dump your precious lid top down on the pavement. Photos by Drew Ruiz. This bike borrows a few noticeable elements from the Honda Rebel, the most obvious being the shape of the fuel tank. Editor Score: Sign Up to Comment. We are committed to finding, researching, and recommending the best products. Published: August 28th, Share. This thing is ugly as hell! The twin-piston caliper on the single front rotor, though a bit soft on initial application, provides good stopping power and an adjustable brake lever lets you choose your perfect fit. A small circular gauge screen displays only time, speed, gear selection, odometer count, and fuel remaining. A single mm disc in rear.