- 471 cc parallel twin, 34.3 kW
- 43.4 Nm at 6250 rpm (Honda)
- Seat height 790 mm (Honda), tank 12 l
- 19-inch front wheel, fork with 150 mm travel
- ABS for tarmac and unpaved roads
- Slipper clutch, LED round headlight
Scrambler tradition since the CL72
With the CL72, Honda launched its first own street scrambler in 1962. The CL500 continues this line with a round headlight, high handlebar and high-mounted silencer with a perforated stainless steel heat shield.
According to Honda, the ABS is designed for both tarmac and unpaved roads. The seat height is 790 mm, and a taller seat is available as an option.
Engine and chassis of the scrambler
The parallel twin with 180-degree crankshaft produces 34.3 kW, with maximum torque of 43.4 Nm at 6250 rpm. Honda has designed intake, exhaust and gearing specifically for the scrambler so that torque is available across the entire rev range. A slipper clutch is included.
The front uses a 41 mm telescopic fork with 150 mm of travel, the rear two Showa shocks with adjustable preload. Braking at the front is by a floating 310 mm disc with a two-piston caliper, and the tank holds 12 litres.
The negative LCD display is easy to read even in sunlight; among other things, it shows the gear and fuel consumption. The round headlight works with four LED lights.
Customising with motorcycle accessories
For the Honda CL500 there are three packs of motorcycle accessories: Adventure with rally footpegs and high seat, Style with covers and hand guards, and Travel with saddlebag, heated grips and 12 V socket. This lets you tailor the scrambler to the way you use it.
A low-mounted pillion seat and the flat seat with new foam are part of the standard equipment. If you want to sit higher, choose the optional taller seat.
Who is the CL500 for?
One version from the 2025 model year is listed. With 34.3 kW, you can ride the model with a category A restricted driving licence.
If you want to combine a classic look with a twin-cylinder suitable for everyday use, the CL500 is a good choice. The scrambler feels just as comfortable in the city as on country roads.
CL500 variants
| Variant | Power | Model year |
|---|---|---|
| CL500 | 34.3 kW | 2025 |
Prices, colours and delivery times of the variants are available from Honda CL500 at Honda Motorrad Zürich.
Frequently asked questions about the Honda CL500
Can I ride the Honda CL500 with an A restricted licence?
Yes. At 34.3 kW, the model keeps to the 35 kW limit set for category A restricted. No restriction is necessary for this.
Is the CL500 suitable for off-road riding?
The CL500 is a scrambler for the road. According to Honda, the ABS is also designed for unpaved roads, and the 19-inch front wheel and 150 mm of fork travel help on gravel roads. Enduro models are intended for real off-road terrain.
What distinguishes the CL500 from the Rebel 500?
Both have a 471 cc twin-cylinder and suit category A restricted. The CL500 is a scrambler with a seat height of 790 mm and a high-mounted exhaust, the Rebel 500 a custom motorcycle with a seat height of 690 mm.
What is the seat height of the CL500?
Honda states a seat height of 790 mm. If you want to sit higher, choose the optional taller seat, which is also included in the Adventure pack.
