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New model 2023: the Honda CL500

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New model 2023: the Honda CL500

Inspired by Honda's 500 CL72 scrambler, the new CL1962 bridges the gap to the glorious past and blends retro charm with today's technology. The patented twin heart comes from the CB500 family, the handsome lattice frame has been redesigned, including 19/17-inch cast wheels and disc brakes. The all-rounder shines as a city express as well as in the free off-road wilderness, the style is consistent down to the last detail: tank with knee pads, fork with rubber bellows and raised exhaust pipe including a perforated heat shield. All-round LED lighting technology, cockpit with LCD display and four color variants round off the custom-friendly new model for 2023.

2023: Honda CL500

Honda has built a number of motorcycles in its history that have written history and enchanted buyers around the world - again and again with modest displacement. It was often the combination of attractive design, smart motorization, simple operation, affordability and distinctive individuality that grew dear to their owners and over time meant so much more than just any construction made of aluminum, plastic, rubber and steel.

New model 2023: the Honda CL500

The 72 Honda CL1962 twin 250cc scrambler3 Displacement, was such a bike. Innovative and unconventional, but first-class fun equipment that was equally suitable for asphalt and off-road trips, often used enthusiastically over many years - on the street, on country lanes, as a job or university commuter device as well as in leisure time; some even contested dirt bike competitions with it, like Barstow-Las Vegas or through the Baja Desert. In any case, the light machine with multi-qualities turned out to be a great success and a darling of the public, whose shiny, raised chrome exhaust system caused a sensation and remained in the almost transfigured memory of many contemporaries.

New model 2023: the Honda CL500

Five Decades Later. In 2017 Honda launched the A2-capable CMX500 Rebel, which combines old school and custom cool, became a hit and shines as a custom-friendly bike. But the fun-loving mixture of mobility and styling also has a lasting impact on legions of rather younger bikers, with the result that the half-litre Rebel has become the best-selling two-wheeler in the custom segment throughout Europe in 2020 and 2021.

New model 2023: the Honda CL500

Jump in time by five more years. Honda is releasing something funky again for 2023 with the new CL500, which revives the timeless formula of the CL72 scrambler of yore. The look is right, the engine anyway and all the trappings. It has everything you need to excel in the urban jungle; or let off steam in the wild as the mood takes you. There are also plenty of options when it comes to customization, as far as the owner's imagination and individuality go. In short: there are no limits with this bike.

Mr. Hiroshi Furuse, Project Manager CL500, Honda R&D Japan:

  • “We developed the CL500 to enable buyers to stand out from the crowd and contribute to self-expression. Younger generations in particular can safely use and enjoy the machine in everyday life, as a cool mobility provider and lifestyle tool. The unique off-road street style offers a visual charm like no other Honda bike and is indeed intended to inspire owners to develop it individually in any desired direction.”

Model overview

The development concept of the CL500 was described as "Express Yourself". The new bike should appeal to young, style-conscious target groups and fit into their lifestyle. Qualities required were: everyday mobility and commuting, wherever, weekend trips, here and there easy off-road terrain or mastering the journey to the next beach. Stand out from the crowd, draw attention to yourself. And of course keeping costs under control. Motorbikes are more than just a simple means of transport, especially for younger generations. That's why adaptability and customizing with Honda Genuine Accessories were also an issue. Keywords such as practicality, personality and style were also mentioned.

New model 2023: the Honda CL500

Honda's parallel two-cylinder with 471 cm3 Displacement is an A2 driver's license compliant engine (from the CB500 family) that produces a lively 500 hp (47 kW) of power and a healthy 34,3 Nm of torque in the CL43,4. Six-speed transmission and a short rear wheel ratio support crisp acceleration and dynamic driving pleasure, the assist/anti-hopping clutch enables smooth shifting maneuvers and prevents the rear wheel from pounding when braking vigorously and downshifting at the same time.

The newly designed lattice frame made of tubular steel is not only attractive, but also the basis for safe driving behavior and easy handling. The required long-travel suspension is provided by a 41 mm telescopic fork and a stable swing arm with two spring struts. The spring preload can be adjusted at the front and rear. Block tread tires adorn the 19-inch front wheel and 17-inch rear wheel. Safe deceleration is ensured by hydraulically operated single-disc brakes in combination with a 2-channel ABS.

New model 2023: the Honda CL500

Headlights, taillights and turn signals shine with LED lighting technology, an LCD display in the cockpit provides information, which presents numbers and letters in an attractive way in negative form. An ESS emergency stop signal function flashes the rear direction indicators like hazard warning lights in the event of abrupt deceleration to warn following traffic. The Honda CL500 will be available in four colors in 2023:

  • Candy Energy Orange
  • Matt Laurel Green Metallic
  • Candy Caribbean Blue Sea
  • Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic

Styling & Furnishing 

  • Stylish design, casual and cool, like the former CL.
  • Low seat height (790 mm) facilitates ground contact.
  • Cockpit with LCD display, helmet holder under the seat.
  • LED lighting technology all around, indicators with emergency brake signal function.

Terms like “simple, raw and tough” set the direction for the design team. The result is impressive from every perspective, the street scrambler style of the CL500 is a sight to behold. The combination of elegant tank, raised silencer and stainless steel heat shield hits the spot not only with nostalgically sensitive contemporaries. Also loving details such as the side tank rubbers, the fork bellows, the Honda logo on the seat or the high handlebars contribute to the overall appearance, which simply exudes charm. Even the paintwork, which is coordinated with the combination of the blackened engine and frame, makes the CL500 appear handsome and personable in each of the four color variants on offer.

The seat height is 790 mm and, in combination with the slim machine, ensures that you can easily reach the ground with your feet and that you have a secure footing when stopping and manoeuvring. In addition, covers protect the side frame tubes when riding in a seated or standing position. The low seat allows passengers to climb onto the pillion seat without major contortions. The seat can be unlocked with the ignition key, underneath there is a helmet holder. The high handlebars with off-road-style grip rubbers not only look good, they are also practically shaped to function well when riding in a seated or standing position. The tank rubbers offer a practical contact area for the legs; the steel footrests with a wide contact surface and rubber inserts also support a firm hold.

New model 2023: the Honda CL500

The 175 mm round headlight with four LED lenses creates a striking front signature. At the rear, the LED indicators frame an oval LED taillight. A round instrument houses the LCD display with speedometer, gear display, fuel gauge, consumption display, timer and shift indicator. The ESS emergency brake signal function flashes the rear turn signals to warn following drivers of sudden braking maneuvers. The tank capacity is 12 litres. With a consumption of 3,6 liters per 100 km, the CL500 offers a potential range of over 300 km.

Suspension 

  • Newly designed tubular steel frame.
  • 41 mm telescopic fork, steel swing arm and two shock absorbers.
  • 310 mm Ø front disc brake with two-piston caliper.
  • 2-channel ABS system as standard.
  • 19 inch front wheel and 17 inch rear wheel.

A new tubular steel frame was developed for the CL500 using CAE technology (Computer Aided Engineering) in order to optimize the construction perfectly in terms of geometry, stability, flex behavior and weight distribution. A Scrambler should be able to cope with everything - in the city, over country, across unpaved terrain - so the objective was to combine safe driving behavior with the best handling and suspension behavior that also absorbs rougher bumps with ease.

New model 2023: the Honda CL500

The ground clearance is 155 mm; the fork angle 27° and the trail 108 mm. The wheelbase measures 1.485 mm. The weight with a full tank is 192 kg. The 41 mm telescopic fork offers 150 mm travel and is equipped with classic bellows that protect the stanchions from dust, dirt and stone chips on off-road escapades so that the fork seals can function as desired for as long as possible. The upper and lower fork bridges are produced specifically for the CL and contribute to precise handling and the best steering feel.

New model 2023: the Honda CL500

The rear wheel is guided on a stable steel swing arm made of 45 mm round tubes. The stereo shock absorbers offer 145 mm travel and can be adjusted in 5 preload settings (3 steps up and 1 step down from the standard setting). The damping characteristics are designed for a smooth, comfortable ride and practical absorption capacity. The front wheel is decelerated by a hydraulically actuated two-piston caliper, which accesses a floating 310 mm disc with sintered pads. A 240 mm disc with a single-piston caliper brakes the rear wheel. Both stoppers can be operated and dosed sensitively. If the road surface is slippery or difficult to assess, the 2-channel ABS is ready to protect CL500 users from unpleasant experiences.

New model 2023: the Honda CL500

The combination of 19-inch front wheel and 17-inch rear wheel ensures supremely safe road holding and easy handling, both on asphalt and off-road on loose ground. Roughly profiled Dunlop Trailmax Mixtour tires in size 110/80-R19 (front) and 150/70-R17 (rear) are mounted on cast aluminum rims.

Motor

  • 471 cm3 Two-cylinder engine, suitable for A2 driver's license.
  • Specially tuned PGM-FI injection mappings, short final gear ratio.
  • Assist slipper clutch.
  • Raised Scrambler exhaust system.

The liquid-cooled 8-valve parallel-twin cylinder with 471 cc3 Displacement pleases with sympathetic power delivery. The universally popular and well-engineered engine has proven itself in the CB(R)500 family and the CMX500 Rebel. For the CL500, the twin received an adapted mapping for the PGM-FI injection, and modifications were made to the intake and exhaust sides to achieve attractive torque (43,4 Nm at 6.250 rpm) and 47 hp (34,3 kW) of power to be generated at 8.500 rpm. A 41T sprocket is fitted to the rear wheel for snappy acceleration and improved torque in all gears, compared to the 40T sprocket on the CMX500 Rebel.

New model 2023: the Honda CL500

The CL500 engine strikes a beautiful balance of physical size and bubbly performance. The mix of torque, performance and driving pleasure is far more convincing than the displacement size might suggest. In any case, the driving impressions with the CL500 make it easy to understand why this engine from Honda in particular enjoys such enormous popularity.

Technically noteworthy: Bore and stroke are 67 x 66,8 mm, compression 10,7:1. Roller rocker arms are used for the valve train in the cylinder head. Light bucket tappets and shims ensure correct valve clearance, which is positive in that it reduces both valve spring loading and internal friction. The timing chain is made with vanadium-refined pins, which reduce friction and increase mechanical smoothness. The pistons with coated piston skirts are optimized to reduce noise and friction at higher speeds.

New model 2023: the Honda CL500

The twin's crankshaft journals are offset by 180 degrees, and a balancer shaft sits behind the cylinders. The primary drive and the drive of the balancer shaft are carried out backlash-free via gear wheels that are braced against each other, which reduces mechanical noise. The crank webs are carefully sized for a balanced ride to support the best response and easy revving of the twin while riding. The intake valves measure 26 mm in diameter, the exhaust valves are 21,5 mm.

The crankcase uses special cylinder liners, the design of which reduces the pumping losses that can occur with 180° firing orders. The lubrication system with a low oil sump is designed to counteract sloshing of the lubricant when cornering and braking manoeuvres. The amount of engine oil is 3,2 liters. Six-speed transmission and smooth-running clutch support smooth gear changes when shifting up or down. The assist/anti-hopping clutch makes it easier to avoid rear wheel hop when downshifting and braking at the same time.

In typical Scrambler style, the muffler is raised and fed by a 2-into-1 manifold system. The exhaust sound is low-frequency bass tuned with a similar pulsating feel to the CMX500 Rebel.

Accessories

The equipment of the CL500 can be further individualized and supplemented with specially tailored, perfectly fitting Honda original accessories. The rear frame of the CL500 is already designed for easy installation of add-on parts, such as soft bags; a luggage rack for a 35 liter top case can also be easily attached. A 30 mm higher seat (in brown with black contrast stitching) is available as an option for taller riders.

New model 2023: the Honda CL500

Classic off-road accessories are also available: such as decorative sticker sets, headlight masks, hand protectors or a short fender cover at the front. Equally practical accessories such as heated grips, 12V socket and an adjustable brake lever. All accessories are available individually, and Honda dealers also offer accessory packages at a reduced price. For example:

  • The ADVENTURE PACK includes handguards, short front fender, shock absorber cover and rally footpegs.
  • The  TRAVEL PACKAGE includes a 14 liter soft saddlebag on the left incl. carrier system, 12V socket, adjustable brake lever and tank protector.
  • The  STYLE package waiting with: Headlight mask, decal for headlight mask, rim decoration decal set for front and rear, rear side cover, decal for rear side cover and high seat.

Technical specifications*

MOTOR
Type Liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-valve, parallel-twin, four-stroke, Euro 5
Capacity 471 cm3
Bore x stroke 67 x 66,8 mm
compression 10.7:1
Performance 47 PS (34,3 kW) at 8.500 RPM
Max. Torque 43,4 Nm at 6.250 rpm
Engine oil quantity 3,2 liters
Starter E-Starter
FUEL SYSTEM
mixture preparation PGM-FI petrol injection
Tankinhalt 12 liters
CO2 Emissions 84 g / km
Consumption** 3,6 liters per 100 km (27,7 km per liter)
ELECTRICS
Battery 12 volts / 7 Ah
DRIVE
Clutch Multi-discs in oil bath, with anti-hopping function
Transmission 6 gears
Final drive Chain
LANDING GEAR
frame steel tube
Dimensions (LxWxH) 2.175 x 831 x 1.135 mm
wheelbase 1.485 mm
Steering head angle 27°
trailing 108 mm
seat height 790 mm
ground clearance 155 mm
Weight with a full tank 192 kg.
turning circle 2,6 meters
WHEEL SUSPENSION
your Front Wheel. 41 mm Ø telescopic fork, travel 150 mm
behind 45 mm Ø round tube swingarm, two shock absorbers, spring base adjustable in 5 positions, spring travel 145 mm
BIKES
Front / rear rims cast aluminum
Front tire 110/80-R19 M/C 59H
Tire behind 150/70-R17 M/C 69H
BRAKES
ABS 2-channel
Front brake Brake disc 310 mm Ø, floating,
2-piston caliper
rear brake Brake disc 240 mm Ø, single-piston brake caliper
INSTRUMENTS & ELECTRONICS
cockpit instruments LCD, with speedometer, fuel gauge, gear indicator, consumption indicator, clock, shift indicator, two trip meters
headlights LED
Taillight LED
12 volt on-board socket Optional
immobilizer HISS
Other features ESS emergency stop signal

New model 2023: the Honda CL500

Of course, that was far from it. Our tuning magazine has countless other tuning reports in stock. And also with the topic Motorcycle and motorcycle tuning we meet regularly. Do you want to see all posts about motorcycles and motorcycle tuning? Just click HERE and look around. Or is a small extract enough? Then take a look at the following Mopped posts.

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New model 2023: Honda CL500
Photo credit: Honda
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About Thomas Wachsmuth

Thomas Wachsmuth - He has been an integral part of tuningblog.eu since 2013. His passion for cars is so intense that he invests every available penny in them. While he dreams of a BMW E31 850CSI and a Hennessey 6x6 Ford F-150, he currently drives a rather inconspicuous BMW 540i (G31/LCI). His collection of books, magazines and brochures on the subject of car tuning has now reached such proportions that he himself has become a walking reference work for the tuning scene.  More about Thomas

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