2023 Honda SCL500 Announced for North America

Oct 02, 2023

Honda officially announced the CL500 scrambler for North American markets, though it will be marketed here as the SCL500. The 2023 Honda SCL500 will arrive in showrooms in June with a choice of either Candy Orange or Mattel Laurel Green Metallic, and a $6,799 price tag.

Honda didn't explain why the name was changed (the model code remains "CL500A"), though we suspect it's a trademarking issue in the U.S. Announced for international markets at EICMA, the (S)CL500 is built on the Honda Rebel 500 platform, trading in the cruiser styling for a retro scrambler look in a nod to the CL72 and CL77 models of the 1960s.

The chassis uses the same tubular steel frame as the Rebel 500, but with a different subframe to support a higher, flatter seat. Compared to the Rebel's single saddle and its 27.2-inch height, the SCL500's seat fits two, with the rider seated 31.1 inches from the ground.

The gaitered 41 mm fork offers 5.3 inches of travel, with the stanchions set at 230 mm (9.1 inches) apart to improve rigidity. At the rear, twin shocks with nitrogen gas damper tubes provide 5.7 inches of travel. Dunlop provides the tires, with a 110/80-19 up front and a 150/70-17 at the rear. The braking system is comprised single caliper with a 310 mm disc on the front wheel and a single caliper with a 240 mm disc on the rear. ABS comes standard.

The engine is the same 471cc eight-valve liquid-cooled Parallel-Twin that powers the rest of Honda's 500 series lineup. An assist/slipper clutch reduces effort in switching gears through the six-speed transmission. Befitting the scrambler motif, the SCL500 is equipped with a single high muffler positioned just right of the tail.

Other features include a round LED headlight, blacked out components, a 3.2-gallon fuel tank, and rubber tank pads. Honda will also offer a range of accessories, available a la carte or in Rally and Tour styling packs. These include hand guards, a headlight fairing, heated grips and a dirt bike-style front fender.

2023 Honda SCL500 SPECIFICATIONS

Engine Type

471cc liquid-cooled 21º parallel-twin four-stroke

Valve Train

DOHC; 4 valves per cylinder

Bore x Stroke

67.0mm x 66.8mm

Compression Ratio

10.7:1

Induction

PGM-FI; 34 mm throttle bodies

Ignition

Full transistorized

Starter

Electric

Transmission

6-speed manual

Clutch

Multiplate wet

Final Drive

Chain; 15T/41T

Front Suspension

41mm telescopic fork; 5.3 in. travel

Rear Suspension

Twin shocks; 5.7 in. travel

Front Brake

Single hydraulic caliper w/ 310mm disc; ABS

Rear Brake

Single hydraulic caliper w/ 240mm disc; ABS

Front Tire

110/80-19

Rear Tire

150/70-17

Rake (Caster Angle)

27º

Trail

108mm (4.3 in)

Length

85.7 in.

Width

32.7 in.

Height

44.6 in.

Seat Height

31.1 in.

Ground Clearance

6.1 in.

Wheelbase

58.4 in.

Fuel Capacity

2.4 gal.

Curb Weight

419 lbs. (claimed)

Colors

Candy Orange; Matte Laurel Green Metallic

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I'll take a SCL300, and about 60lbs. less weight.

Honda slaps a high pipe on a Rebel 500, makes a couple minor styling cue changes and calls it a scrambler. Next to no effort and or pride. That's what happens when the bean counters are in control.

Honda really just hasn't been the same company since the old man died