Honda scl500 review

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 ofthe SCL was confirmed for the US and Canada, 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.

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 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. ABS is standard, and there are single-disc Nissin brakes front and rear, with a 2-pot caliper pinching a mm disc in front and a 1-pot caliper slowing a mm disc out back. With my inch inseam, I was a little folded up on the SCL with its low The cleated footpegs have vibration-damping rubber inserts that can be removed to add a skosh more legroom, but the better option for me was the accessory tall seat, which adds another inch of foam for more height and support.

Get the latest motorcycle news first by subscribing to our newsletter here. Duken4evr on Sep 03, The gas tank, borrowed from the Rebel but mounted flatter than on that dedicated cruiser, honda scl500 review, comes in honda scl500 review orange or green—of course, Honda gave out the iridescent orange for this press loaner to pop in photos.

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.

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.

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 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.

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Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. See more articles. The fork is non-adjustable and has 5. Who designs this crap!! The gauge screen's tinting and lighting often make actually reading the display somewhat difficult, in glare or direct sunlight and especially with a tinted helmet visor. The paired down scrambler style is itching for customization, an upgrade to meatier tires, and a map of your nearest mountain roads. A small circular gauge screen displays only time, speed, gear selection, odometer count, and fuel remaining. 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. Last year, Honda announced the revival of the Scrambler in the United States and foreign markets at the same time. Easing off the throttle in a turn tends to stand the bike up just enough to notice. Stated range for the 3. Got a tip for us? The tank perched on top the frame rails is awkward. Password recovery.

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.

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. Follow us. The gauge screen's tinting and lighting often make actually reading the display somewhat difficult, in glare or direct sunlight and especially with a tinted helmet visor. News Reviews Features new bikes Photos Videos. The last time we put any of these bikes on the dyno was But sliding over and hanging off the bench seat isn't really the point here, though, given the high bars and foot pegs mounted relatively far forward even if a bit higher than expected. 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. The Staff. Patrick on Aug 29, That Scrambler market keeps expanding, though. Learn more about how this works.