2023 Honda CL500 First Look

Peon Maface · November 8, 2022

Honda is adding a new model to its 500 platform, introducing a retro-inspired CL500 street scrambler.

The new CL brings back a nameplate Honda used in the ’60s and ’70s for lightweight off-road capable motorcycles. The modern interpretation draws on that heritage with the upswept muffler with stainless steel heat shield, round tank with tank pads, and gaitered forks.

“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,” says Hiroshi Furuse, Large Project Leader for the CL500. “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.”

While the 500 series began with the CB and CBR models, it’s the Rebel 500 that shares most in common with the CL500, both in its aesthetics and the chassis. The tubular diamond steel frame is similar to the Rebel’s, with a loop-shaped subframe.

Of course, for the CL500’s light off-road aspirations, you need some alterations from the Rebel’s cruiser model. The CL500 is equipped with 41mm telescopic forks with 5.9 inches of travel and preload-adjustable twin rear shocks with 5.7 inches of travel, compared to the Rebel’s 4.8 inches front and 3.8 inches of rear travel. The CL’s top and bottom yokes are unique to the scrambler, with Honda claiming enhanced steering accuracy and feel.

The CL500 also runs on larger wheels than the Rebel, with a 19-inch front and a 17-inch cast wheels. Dunlop supplies the deep-groove Mixtours tires with a 110/80 R19 up front and a 150/70 R17 at the rear. The longer travel suspension and larger wheels contribute to 6.1-inches of ground clearance, and a 31.1-inch seat height.

The front wheel is equipped with a single two-piston caliper with sintered pads and a 310 mm floating disc. A single-piston caliper and 240 mm rotor are fitted to the rear wheel. Honda says the hydraulic pressure between the front and rear brakes are balanced for controlled braking on a wide range of surfaces. ABS comes standard, with settings optimized for both paved roads and dirt tracks.

The CL500 uses the same 471 cc Parallel-Twin engine as the CB500 family and the Rebel 500, but with revised mapping, and a new intake and exhaust. Honda claims a peak output of 46.0 hp at 8,500 rpm and 32.0 lb-ft. at 6,250 rpm. The upswept exhaust uses a two-pipe muffler fed by 2-into-1 downpipes.

The CL also uses a 41-tooth rear sprocket – one more than the Rebel – with Honda claiming crisper acceleration through each of the six gears. An assist/slipper clutch helps to reduce lever load and rear wheel hop.

Honda offers a range of accessories for the CL500, for sale on their own or combined in Adventure, Travel or Style packages.

2023 Honda CL500 Specifications
Engine Type	Liquid-cooled DOHC 4-stroke 4-valve two-cylinder
Displacement	471cc
Bore x Stroke	67 x 66.8 (mm)
Compression Ratio	10.7:1
Max. Power Output	46.0 hp at 8,500 rpm
Max. Torque	32.0 lb-ft. at 6,250 rpm
Oil Capacity	0.8 gallons
Starter	Electric
Carburation	PGM-FI electronic fuel injection
Fuel Capacity	3.2 gallons
CO2 Emissions WMTC	84 g/km
Fuel Consumption	65 mpg (claimed)
Battery Capacity	12V 7Ah
Clutch Type	Wet multiplate, assisted slipper clutch
Transmission	6 speed manual transmission
Final Drive	Chain
Frame Type	Steel diamond
Front Suspension	Telescopic 41mm Upright forks, 5.9 inches travel
Rear Suspension	Twin shock with 45mm round pipe swingarm, 5-step pre-load adjustment; 5.7 inches travel
Front Wheel	Cast Aluminum
Rear Wheel	Cast Aluminum
Front Tire	110/80R19M/C 59H
Rear Tire	150/70R17M/C 69H
ABS Type	2 channel
Front Brake	Single 310mm floating disc, 2 piston calipers
Rear Brake	Single 240mm disc, 1 piston calliper
Instruments	LCD Meter with speedometer, dual trip meters, fuel level and consumption gauge, clock, gear position, upshift indicator
Headlight	LED
Taillight	LED
12V Socket	Optional
Security System	HISS
Additional Features	ESS
Height	85.6 inches
Width	32.7 inches
Height	44.7 inches
Wheelbase	58.5 inches
Caster Angle	27°
Trail	4.3 inches
Seat Height	31.1 inches
Ground Clearance	6.1 inches
Kerb Weight	423 pounds
Turning radius	8.5 feet