Honda CL500 Scrambler Ready For American Launch, Alongside 2024 Grom

Sep 16, 2023

One of these is the ADV160 adventure scooter that'll replace the currently on-sale ADV150

The popularity of scramblers has been on an upwards trajectory in the last decade, and all bikemakers want to cash in on the opportunity. To do just that, Honda resurrected its 50-year-old ‘CL’ moniker, with the reveal of the new-for-2023 CL500 at the 2022 EICMA. The bikemaker didn't provide an American timeline, however, and left us daydreaming about the new scrambler.

But deep down, we knew it was only a matter of time before the CL set foot here, and now, it seems the D-Day is ever closer. That's because the Japanese giant has finally registered the CL500 with the America's Environmental Protection Agency for an imminent launch. Not just that, the filings also reveal a new Honda Grom and the ADV160 off-road scooter are on the trot.

RELATED: This Custom Honda CL500 Is A Unique Beast Ready For All Terrains Or No Terrain

According to the documents (sourced by Motorcycle.com), the CL500 will be part of Honda's 2023 lineup. We expect it to break cover in a few weeks' time at a strong MSRP. A little homework suggests the CL500 undercuts the Rebel 500 by five percent in the UK, and by these calculations, it would cost around $6,200 in the US. If so, this price will make it the most affordable offering in the company's 500cc lineup here.

Coming to the motorcycle, the scrambler employs Honda's 471cc, parallel-twin engine that produces 45.9 horsepower (confirmed in the EPA document) and 32 pound-feet. This is identical to the Rebel 500, but the power arrives 100rpm sooner. Honda also claims the CL has shorter gear ratios and a different engine map to help kick out the rear with ease.

Likewise, the new motorcycle employs the same front trellis as the Rebel but pairs it up with a new rear subframe and suspension. The latter comprises 41 mm telescopic forks (150 mm travel) and adjustable rear shocks (145 mm travel), sprung on a 19-inch and 17-inch wheel, respectively. The cast aluminum hoops wear dual-purpose rubber and house single disc brakes (310 mm fore, 240 mm aft) with Nissin calipers. Oh, and in case you’re curious, the EPA filings suggest the US-spec CL500 will come with ABS as standard, just like the CB500F, CBR500R, and CB500X.

Bringing all this together is a likable aesthetic. You get a multi-projector all-LED headlight, followed by a minimalistic tank (with traction pads) and a ribbed seat. The latter end is our favorite, however, courtesy of the extended fender and the muscular up-swept exhaust. The features remain basic, with a round instrument cluster, all-LED lights, slipper clutch, hazard lights, and an immobilizer.

Scrambler aside, Honda has registered two other offerings - the ADV 160 and a new Grom - with the EPA. The ADV160 broke cover last year and will serve as a replacement for the ADV 150 in America. It doesn't differ too much from the 150, but the new adventure scooter brings slightly more power to the table, in addition to a refreshed design and improved tech. We’re talking Honda Selectable Torque Control (Honda's jargon for traction control), keyless ignition, all-LED lights, an auto on/off feature to save fuel, and a cubby compartment with a USB charging port–all topped by a digital instrument cluster.

RELATED: After A Self-Balancing Gold Wing, Honda Now Plans A Supercharged Africa Twin!

As for the Grom, the filings reveal a new certificate number and engine code. This, together with the lower emission norms, hints at a new generation of the mini bike. There are no differences in the peak performance (10.1 horsepower) or engine capacity (124cc), though, so it's likely the lower emission norms are thanks to a new exhaust. If that's the case, a sleeker, refreshed design also seems probable with the exhaust.

Regardless, the ADV160 and new Grom are expected to be farther down the line than the CL500, as they are listed as 2024 models. So we think they will arrive in the next couple of months, followed by a dealership dispatch in late 2023. Expect the new scooter and mini bike to cost more than the current $4,349 ADV150 and $3,499 Grom.

Punya is an avid motorcyclist who's always up for a ride to the canyons or the racetrack. He insists his riding skills are better than his writing skills, even though he's worked with some world-renowned automotive websites.