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 honda scl500 review 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 honda scl500 review early CLs is a parallel-Twin engine, though the older versions were air-cooled while the modern one has a radiator, honda scl500 review.

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

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 of , the SCL was confirmed for the US and Canada. As we told you then:. The engine itself is a cc liquid-cooled parallel twin, as seen also in the CBR, Rebel and so on. Of course, it is somewhat retuned for the scrambler application; expect similar power delivery to the Rebel, with an emphasis on low-to-mid-range torque. Max output is a claimed 45 hp and 32 lb-ft of torque. The steel tube frame is pretty similar to the Rebel as well, with Like most scramblers, the SCL runs on basic dual coilover shocks, with five-way adjustability and 5. The fork appears to be basic and non-adjustable, with 5. The front wheel is a incher, and the rear wheel is a incher, as seen on most scramblers. Claimed curb weight is lb. Skip to content. Photo: Honda Motorcycle. Featured , Honda , Motorcycle. Comment

A cc parallel twin motor honda scl500 review over from the Rebel, CBRR, and CBXwhile higher exhaust routing increases ground clearance in classic fashion, along with a larger front wheel, retro rear dampers, honda scl500 review, and front fork bellows. It does allow you to move around a bit more freely, should you head to the dirt, but most riders will not be pushing this machine that hard.

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. At any rate, the idea of a modern scrambler-style bike can be immensely appealing, depending on your personal aesthetic. How about heated grips as an available accessory option? Wider saddles make that more of a challenge, bordering on an impossibility. With a

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.

Honda scl500 review

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. At any rate, the idea of a modern scrambler-style bike can be immensely appealing, depending on your personal aesthetic.

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The bike will get up to a few miles per hour past 80 on flat ground, possibly more happily than the CBX, but reverberations through the frame start a tinny and buzzy sensation in the seat and handlebars. That counterintuitive fact might harken back to the original Scramblers' off-road provenance, but the bike I rode felt more perfectly engineered for city commuting than Baja adventuring. They embody a carefree attitude and the freedom to go wherever, as well as a simplicity not offered by many modern, hyper-focused bikes. Rider pictured is 5-foot, 4-inches with a inch inseam. Make sense? Nothing less. Obviously, use your own discretion and take all adequate precautions not to dump your precious lid top down on the pavement. Northeast U. Stated range for the 3. The SCL is the kind of bike that lends itself to customization. The steel tube frame is pretty similar to the Rebel as well, with

They embody a carefree attitude and the freedom to go wherever, as well as a simplicity not offered by many modern, hyper-focused bikes.

The rear is preload- and rebound-adjustable. Please enter your comment! Where I found the Fireblade almost impossible to ride comfortably at 6'1" tall with long limbs, the Scrambler's upright geometry helped my wrists and knees relax noticeably. Evans Brasfield on Aug 29, The SCL in the hands of a new rider, or even one that has some experience off-road or on smaller dual-sports, is an excellent starter street bike. Claimed curb weight is lb. Follow us. With a host of aftermarket accessories available, customizing the SCL should be a breeze. The little twin just putters smoothly enough without too much chop, and the exhaust routing never gets too loud nor too hot. Then came the Rebel , to get the cruiser fans on board with this middleweight powerplant. The steel tube frame is pretty similar to the Rebel as well, with This is a possible all-rounder for me some time in the future. Rolling into the Scrambler's throttle almost never produces any lurching, with progressive power but no touchiness unless I completely let off and the combination of aero drag and suspension travel caused a bit of nose dive.