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Wasting no time getting to know the fifth model in Honda's range to be powered by the rev-happy, dependable 471cc parallel twin motor, Charley and Chris took to the road. A scrambler at heart, dressed in minimalist bodywork, the CL500 shares the same tubular steel main frame as the Honda CMX500 Rebel, with a new subframe and swingarm; this model also includes an extra tooth on the rear sprocket for that added spring in its step.
A playful road-friendly naked that’s capable of nipping through rush-hour’s city streets and buzzing along a bendy back road.
It’s clear to see where the inspired styling came from, with the CL’s of the 1960s and 70. A cheeky twin raised exhaust swept up to the right, a neat 12-litre fuel tank, bench seat, and rubber fork gators as standard creating a look that’s right on trend with the wave of modern-retros now hitting the biking scene.
A bit of number crunching? Start up-front with a set of non-adjustable 41mm forks, with twin rear shocks offering five-stage adjustable preload. It’s soft at both ends, adaptable for the potholes and speedbumps of urban living – with the spritely ability to flick from one corner to the next when the going gets twisty. There is certainly enough travel for some light scrambling with the 155mm of ground clearance. Key to this particular machine being an A2 licence compliant 46bhp parallel twin, means it is accessible to many more riders than before. All of this, plus a selection of colours for less than £6,000? We are keen.
You also get ABS at the front and rear to help meet Euro5, which will only kick in if you’re being particularly mean! Full LED lighting to boot, and there’s a single-unit LCD display up front, keeping the dash simple but effective, particularly with the gear indicator for the newer riders amongst us.
Adding even more to the CL’s appeal is a wide range of accessory packs, offering everything from heated grips to off-road mudguards, strap-on luggage to real flat-track inspired rear number boards. With an impressive choice of accessories, we went for the number boards and brown seat which also adds another 30mm to the seat height – making things a little bit more of a teeter on toes for 5ft 7 Charley, but an ideal choice for 6ft Chris.
Book your test ride with North West Honda Super Centre 7 days a week. Or why not check out some of the on-board footage below.
Book your test ride Discover the Honda CL500
