Traded in my Africa Twin to an NC750X and now ride a CB500X - if you don’t ride motorways often, or carry a passenger the CB500X on the back roads is the best of the 3 IMO. I was concerned about the power of the 471cc engine but that disappeared after 5 mins test ride. This 500 is great fun and i am sure the scrambler is too if the gearing is similar to the 500x vs the rebel.
@@domi9577 yeah the Transalp is definitely a threat to the CB500X, I suspect the main difference is the Transalp will be quite a bit physically larger so not quite as easy to handle. That and the price!
@@domi9577 after 2 puncture with my AT I said I would never have a bike with tubed tyres again. So unless they have a tubeless option the Transalp would not be on my list.
There's a lot to be said for smaller bikes, I've only ever had bikes for my daily transport and my first bike was a brand new CB200 so you can work out how many decades that's been. I've ridden plenty of bikes and for me less weight and bulk wins out over more power that you can rarely use in everyday conditions ,and in adverse weather a big old lump with an excess of power can be a real pain. 500-600 is the sweet spot for in the wide range of roads and conditions I ride in. I once traded in a 600 Hornet for the 900 thinking it would be better, it wasn't as involving and felt like a truck around the local B roads compared to the nimble 600,which also felt a 250 commuting through city traffic. Bigger is not always better.
Back in the day we used to call bikes 350 - 650 cc middle size bikes . Small bikes were under 350 cc down to 50cc ,anything 750 & above was a super bike .
I'm seriously tempted! Nice review Mr fish👍 I love taking the wife's Rebel 500 out and having a thrash around the Surrey countryside. Totally agree this will make a cracking city commuter/ Scratcher. Such a simple FUN bike that with a few mods will be a cool bike, especially when some better looking and sounding exhausts hit the market👌👊
The biggest weakness is that the driver's boot scrapes the exhaust pipe cover. This cover is then quickly worn off and an unsightly stain is formed here. The second minus is the motorcycle's footrests, which interfere with reversing with your feet on the ground.
Falling in love with nearly every bike you ride means you're riding for the right reasons. Big and fast or smaller and not so quick, as long as you're having fun !!!!
If I replace my KTM 390 Duke Mk2, it will be with a CL500. The white cowling is the only extra worth having apart from the side bag. Orange is my favourite colour. Good review. Nick J
Sir, you do an outstanding job with your reviews/first impressions. The information you give and how it's delivered is fantastic. The humor is a nice touch as well! For a couple years, I had a moto with the same engine, 2016 CB500X. What a smooth machine that was. This bike looks good and knowing it has the same powerplant, I can expect it to be punchy and fun enough, but nothing to crazy to get me in trouble. I might have to give my CBR650R a little brother. cheers!
I bought the candy orange CL 500 a couple of days ago. And I have the Honda rebel 1100 Dct. Both bikes are awesome. The candy orange 500 really stand out. I have had a lot of compliments on the bike . and the bike handles and shifts great. honda did a great job of the 2023 scrambler CL 500 and also the 1100 rebel here in the US.
The CRF450L motor is likely lighter and peppier. The CB500X and this scrambler are probably fine offroad, for what they are. Add a skid, strip weight, swap on some street-legal knobbies. Upgrade the suspension to what you want. It isn't rocket surgery. It's fun. The original scramblers were streetbikes that were MODIFIED to travel on dirt, so buy something like this and MODIFY it to suit your desires. That's what I'm doing with my wife's Leoncino Trail 500. I already got a skid, knobbies, folding mirrors, and a 46T rear sprocket for it.
Good review, enjoyed it. I’m riding this bike and you’ve done it proud. Speedo display is adjustable for brightness and knee pads are standard. Keep up the great reviews
@@Mrfish2015 they have lots of options tbh, there is definitely a gap in terms of medium capacity scramblers so the CL750 would make a lot of sense. I also sort of like having a Rebel and CL at both the 500 and 1100 capacity but maybe I just want symmetry!
To me it looks like something Triumph would have come up with in the 60's or early 70's, not like a CL350 or 450. I would take one over a Rebel in a heartbeat; but I won't be giving up my 500F. I do really like the fork gaitors though.
When it comes to Scramblers my 1st question is would Steve McQueen approve? If the answer is yes in your mind then the bike is a proper scrambler, you can plop down your cash.
What were your first impressions of the suspension? I watched a review of an Enfield scram where the reviewer complained the suspension felt too stiff. Would you pay the extra for a CL500 over an Enfield scram?
I’ve ordered mine and added the travel pack and the thicker seat going from a Kawasaki Vulcan which I love but not suitable for the lanes I’ve had a cb500x that I enjoyed so hopefully this will do the job Certainly looking forward to it A very good review Mr Fish
I’m a big Honda fan but not of this one, it’s the Honda ridgeline of the motorcycles, I really don’t like the tank. They should make more retro like the original scrambler’s from the sixties and seventies. That’s why Royal enfield is chipping away of Honda market.
I just don't like the fuel tank it has the same angle as the original ridgeline bed. I guess I like straight lines. The tank looks better on the rebel. I really like the originals honda Scrambles from the sixties.
@@hakimlehaineux it will get better .. I rode for 2 hours no problems today … depends what you mean by a long time .. I can do 10 hours on the Africa twin so I class that as long 😂
Love this video and the enthusiasm! I am myself trying to move on from my Svartpilen, which after a few years, does feel a bit too small / short. I am not craving power, and would like to stay within the scrambler styling - am seriously thinking about the CL500. I am 188cm and about 85kg myself, so similar to you. Any idea of how big of a sizewise improvement this would be over the Svartpilen 401?
No, no, no! That frame and tank are not nice to look at. The exhaust doesn't convince and the plastic extras are...plastic extras. Styling wise the Rebel is much more coherent. I love Hondas but this is a lazy effort. Thanks for the review though Mr Fishy.
I really wanted a scrambler from honda...but this moto is a rebel revisited, and the result is awful 😂, cb500r wonderfull cb500x and cb500f great but rebel and cl500 bleah
Traded in my Africa Twin to an NC750X and now ride a CB500X - if you don’t ride motorways often, or carry a passenger the CB500X on the back roads is the best of the 3 IMO. I was concerned about the power of the 471cc engine but that disappeared after 5 mins test ride. This 500 is great fun and i am sure the scrambler is too if the gearing is similar to the 500x vs the rebel.
The new 750 transalp doesn't appeal?
@@domi9577 yeah the Transalp is definitely a threat to the CB500X, I suspect the main difference is the Transalp will be quite a bit physically larger so not quite as easy to handle. That and the price!
@@domi9577 after 2 puncture with my AT I said I would never have a bike with tubed tyres again. So unless they have a tubeless option the Transalp would not be on my list.
Put Bike Seal in the tubes. You won't get a puncture.@@marklevy9
There's a lot to be said for smaller bikes, I've only ever had bikes for my daily transport and my first bike was a brand new CB200 so you can work out how many decades that's been. I've ridden plenty of bikes and for me less weight and bulk wins out over more power that you can rarely use in everyday conditions ,and in adverse weather a big old lump with an excess of power can be a real pain.
500-600 is the sweet spot for in the wide range of roads and conditions I ride in. I once traded in a 600 Hornet for the 900 thinking it would be better, it wasn't as involving and felt like a truck around the local B roads compared to the nimble 600,which also felt a 250 commuting through city traffic. Bigger is not always better.
Great video. Love a small bike and thrashing it down the B roads. Currently on a 2022, 500x. Love it. 10,000 miles of fun in the last 12 months.
Back in the day we used to call bikes 350 - 650 cc middle size bikes . Small bikes were under 350 cc down to 50cc ,anything 750 & above was a super bike .
I'm seriously tempted! Nice review Mr fish👍
I love taking the wife's Rebel 500 out and having a thrash around the Surrey countryside. Totally agree this will make a cracking city commuter/ Scratcher. Such a simple FUN bike that with a few mods will be a cool bike, especially when some better looking and sounding exhausts hit the market👌👊
The biggest weakness is that the driver's boot scrapes the exhaust pipe cover. This cover is then quickly worn off and an unsightly stain is formed here. The second minus is the motorcycle's footrests, which interfere with reversing with your feet on the ground.
Can’t see that sell that well They should sold the CT125 in the UK
Yes they should as well
Falling in love with nearly every bike you ride means you're riding for the right reasons. Big and fast or smaller and not so quick, as long as you're having fun !!!!
If I replace my KTM 390 Duke Mk2, it will be with a CL500. The white cowling is the only extra worth having apart from the side bag. Orange is my favourite colour.
Good review. Nick J
They're all green here .
I like it, I expect the aftermarket exhaust manufacturers are rubbing their hands together.
100%
It's been many years since I longed for a brand new motorcycle. This one I am longing for. Thanks for a great review.
Sir, you do an outstanding job with your reviews/first impressions. The information you give and how it's delivered is fantastic. The humor is a nice touch as well!
For a couple years, I had a moto with the same engine, 2016 CB500X. What a smooth machine that was. This bike looks good and knowing it has the same powerplant, I can expect it to be punchy and fun enough, but nothing to crazy to get me in trouble. I might have to give my CBR650R a little brother. cheers!
Review of bike starts at 3:00
I put a down payment on one yesterday and will pick it up this week! The bike is awesome! Effortless miles
I bought the candy orange CL 500 a couple of days ago. And I have the Honda rebel 1100 Dct. Both bikes are awesome. The candy orange 500 really stand out. I have had a lot of compliments on the bike . and the bike handles and shifts great. honda did a great job of the 2023 scrambler CL 500 and also the 1100 rebel here in the US.
do you recommend Cl 500 for 2 people, does it still have power?
Nice looking bike! I really wish Honda would build a true offroad capable dual sport with this engine.
CRF 500 rally would be nice...
100% agree .. but it would need more low down tuning for off road
The CRF450L motor is likely lighter and peppier.
The CB500X and this scrambler are probably fine offroad, for what they are. Add a skid, strip weight, swap on some street-legal knobbies. Upgrade the suspension to what you want. It isn't rocket surgery. It's fun. The original scramblers were streetbikes that were MODIFIED to travel on dirt, so buy something like this and MODIFY it to suit your desires. That's what I'm doing with my wife's Leoncino Trail 500. I already got a skid, knobbies, folding mirrors, and a 46T rear sprocket for it.
@@RKmndo
Crf 450 is a high maintenance single with lots of vibration that can't really travel, it's a different animal
Good review, enjoyed it. I’m riding this bike and you’ve done it proud. Speedo display is adjustable for brightness and knee pads are standard.
Keep up the great reviews
Even on brightest it’s rubbish 😂
I’ve found it ok
I would very much welcome a version of this using the new 750 or the 1100 engine, I too am a larger human!
A 750 retro would be nice … don’t think they’ll go 1100
@@Mrfish2015 they have lots of options tbh, there is definitely a gap in terms of medium capacity scramblers so the CL750 would make a lot of sense. I also sort of like having a Rebel and CL at both the 500 and 1100 capacity but maybe I just want symmetry!
Sort of harks back to the FT500 , not in love with the styling 🤔
Great review! Looks to be lots of fun to ride.I'm in Thailand and want one! They are sold here at a really good price point(manufactured here)😉
To me it looks like something Triumph would have come up with in the 60's or early 70's, not like a CL350 or 450. I would take one over a Rebel in a heartbeat; but I won't be giving up my 500F. I do really like the fork gaitors though.
When it comes to Scramblers my 1st question is would Steve McQueen approve?
If the answer is yes in your mind then the bike is a proper scrambler, you can plop down your cash.
if this bike has the Husky badge on the tank, he wouldn't hesitate:))
"Little 500cc motorbike".
In Thailand, where I now live, anything over 400cc is classified as a "Big Bike".
Because Thais are generally small.. And nothing over 500cc is made in Thailand
😂
@@domi9577 Most Triumphs are made in Thailand, the proposed smaller models will be made in India.
@@dave8204 I meant no honda over 500 is made in Thailand
@@domi9577 CBR650 is made in Thailand
New to the channel but love your energy and your positive vibe on Insta is GREAT!
Thank you 🙏
Thanks , appreciate that
Trying to get the wife back on a bike after an off - she likes the look of this and this review might clinch it for her
16:35 Ya got ya "hoot-ah"
We’re getting ready to go down there to take a look at them.
You can change the brightness of the dashboard!;)
how do you do that, its a negative LCD display.
Great job mate. Pretty much my thoughts too👍
Another gudun Fish really enjoyed that one,cant wait for Iceland,the place not the shop ;-)
Ride Safe Mr B \m/
Not going sad😢 😂
@@Mrfish2015 Bugga,,,,,you were robbed mate ☹️
What were your first impressions of the suspension? I watched a review of an Enfield scram where the reviewer complained the suspension felt too stiff.
Would you pay the extra for a CL500 over an Enfield scram?
I’ve ordered mine and added the travel pack and the thicker seat going from a Kawasaki Vulcan which I love but not suitable for the lanes
I’ve had a cb500x that I enjoyed so hopefully this will do the job
Certainly looking forward to it
A very good review Mr Fish
I would swap the tank to give a straight line along the seat. Bet is coming soon a CL750 with the same engine as the transalp and hornet
Love the look of the bike minus the exhaust but that would get replaced asap
nice but in a different colour,and bigger fuel tank.
I’m a big Honda fan but not of this one, it’s the Honda ridgeline of the motorcycles, I really don’t like the tank. They should make more retro like the original scrambler’s from the sixties and seventies. That’s why Royal enfield is chipping away of Honda market.
The Ridgeline is awesome so I dont get your point.
I just don't like the fuel tank it has the same angle as the original ridgeline bed. I guess I like straight lines. The tank looks better on the rebel.
I really like the originals honda Scrambles from the sixties.
Hi , what do you think of the saddle ? the original saddle is really too hard 😢
I’ve done 1000 miles on mine this month (new seat) and it’s bedding in but still not soft
Hoo nooo 😢 , not a bike to ride a long time then 🥺
Thank you so much sir 🖐️
@@hakimlehaineux it will get better .. I rode for 2 hours no problems today … depends what you mean by a long time .. I can do 10 hours on the Africa twin so I class that as long 😂
Great first impression, do like a bench seat for moving around a wee bit, one to look at for sure :)
Love this video and the enthusiasm! I am myself trying to move on from my Svartpilen, which after a few years, does feel a bit too small / short. I am not craving power, and would like to stay within the scrambler styling - am seriously thinking about the CL500. I am 188cm and about 85kg myself, so similar to you. Any idea of how big of a sizewise improvement this would be over the Svartpilen 401?
Hey Mr. Fish. Great vid. BTW what helmet are you using love the look of it too. Thanks
Too expensive for a basic bike, for me better to add some cash for the cb500x or other bikes with more options and tech...
Pezza's Bike. He is a little bit quirky like the bike....
The cheap looking white plastic would have to go, other than that it looks great 👍
I agree
Could you please do a review about Royal alloy 300?
I only do reviews when they offer me bikes , I don’t go chasing sorry .. speak to them and tell them lol😂
Great review looks nice.. 🤩🏅👍
I don't see any benefit of this bike over the CB500X
The cb 500x is so boring looking😴
It’s if you don’t want the the x 😂
Tested one last week, absolutely fantastic, just waiting delivery.
Question is…can the baffles be removed?!
No
@@Mrfish2015 short and succinct Mr Fish…..ta
Bikes don’t sip coffee, love that comment 😂
What's the helmet?
It says in the video 😂 nexx
do you recommend Cl 500 for 2 people, does it still have power?
nein
Nice 👍
No, no, no! That frame and tank are not nice to look at. The exhaust doesn't convince and the plastic extras are...plastic extras. Styling wise the Rebel is much more coherent. I love Hondas but this is a lazy effort. Thanks for the review though Mr Fishy.
Thought I was watching beans on toast then
The food ? 😂
Could honda have made it any uglier 🤔
Exaust let this bike looks down
Is it just me or does anyone else think it’s the ugliest exhaust ever seen on a bike?
😝 shhh it has feelings
@@Mrfish2015 😳😂
But seriously, it would actually put me off buying it until there’s some aftermarket solutions
I love mine (the bags and tent don’t melt on the back)
It's too quiet needs a exhaust
Liquid cooled. ZZZZZZZZZZZZ
I really wanted a scrambler from honda...but this moto is a rebel revisited, and the result is awful 😂, cb500r wonderfull cb500x and cb500f great but rebel and cl500 bleah
Designed by Stevie Wonder .. Uggh.
Such a terrible motorcycle.