2024 Honda CL500 retro scrambler - pros & cons review

In this video Bry gives us her opinion of the 2024 Honda CL500 (471cc parallel twin cylinder engine). All up Bry has had this bike for a month or so which we feel is a fair amount of time for her to have a well rounded opinion.

Thank you to The Classic Competition Company for sponsoring this video.

Click the link below to be taken to their website.

Location for this shoot is in and around Wrotham, Kent, England, UK.

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The Classic Motorcycle Channel is for people who love classic, modern classic, vintage and antique motorcycles. We are passionate about classic motorcycles and produce high quality motorcycle profile videos, restoration videos, workshop vlogs, restorer profiles and also anything that takes our interest.

The Classic Motorcycle Channel has three YouTube channels:
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//COPYRIGHT
All our photo and video content is original work and copyright to The Classic Motorcycle Channel. We DO NOT give you permission to copy our work for any purpose.

// A BIG THANK YOU TO
- Bry for taking the time to film with us.
Instagram: @bryrides
- Iain Baker and Alex Palmer from Honda for sending us the bike to review.
- Sallyha Din for sending in the photos and videos for us to use in the video.
Instagram: @sallyhadin
Content by: @666haz
- Alex Rollings for producing the video.
YouTube: @motofilmer
Instagram: @motofilmer

// IMAGE ATTRIBUTION
- Honda CL350 - Mick from Northamptonshire, England - no changes
- 1967 Honda - RedlightG20 - no changes
- 1972 Honda CL450 - SG2012 - no changes

#hondamotorcycles
#honda
#hondacl500

[paracog]

I had a CL305 in the 60s, and my heart went out to this bike immediately. If I could drop 20 years I'd have one. I think they'll sell a lot of them. I think it covers a huge percentage of what most people would want a bike for, looks pretty, is a solid build, and great value.

[martincartwright]

I am considering buying one for my wife she is 5'6" with a short inside leg.at the moment, the moment rides an NC750S but is finding it top heavy.
It looks like the CL500 would be the same as yourself, putting her feet on level ground that would be a plus for her. Excellent review, putting the idea forward and hopefully we can organise a test ride.
It's very helpful getting a lady's point of view on a bike, for a lady. Heated grips foot pegs etc.

[GaryE-hk]

Great review, I am considering buying one. At first, I was not that keen on the looks but with looking around for a motorcycle that would suit my needs, its stating to grow on me. Reliability, performance and comfort is what my main things I'm looking for. I like the orange tank best. I don't like the white add on's.

[grays]

I bought this to replace my CRF300 Rally, as I'm getting too old for off roading, and I really like it, great in the unclassified lanes and a bit of green laning, but can also do a good job on fast roads (my rear is at max preload and has 20mm spacers in the tubes) it does move around a lot, and it gives you nice feedback, 🙂 needing tyres now and not sure what to go for !! Nice bike and well worth the investment. 👍

[HairDom]

Great to see Bry on the bikes again! I hated this when I first saw it but the concept has grown on me, not a fan of the brown seat though!

[philipwright-vdyn]

Rode one on the off-road course at the ABR Festival, surprisingly capable and great fun.

[ProGamer-nmey]

i want this bike so bad, went to the dealership and sat on it im 6 foot 3 and this is the best for me
i needed it to commute to college

but no money

[ferkuzuel]

Great review! I have the same bike with same package, and I agree with everything you said

[EricThomasHunterSweetland]

Hi, I had a test ride of one at Vertu Honda Grantham back in August. I ordered one and got the colour wanted inside four weeks. Neither of them (the demonstarator or the one I bought) vibrate appreciably and in comparison to my old '68 Triumph T100 it's smooth as silk. Thats not to say there's no vibration but certainly not much at all and after two hours continuous riding I have no numb hands or feet. The footrests as standard have rubber grips and stick out a little but again not a great problem when you become acustomed. The only gripes I have are no centre stand so chain lubing is a pain, no grab handles for the pillion or rider to help rack it around tight spaces (when stationary in the garden) and I find the dualseat rather short for rider and pillion, though solo it's fine. Altogether I don't regret buying it. It's around my 43rd or 44th bike and first ever bought new, probably the last as I'm 74 now and suffering from incurable cancer but it gets me out and about on two wheels again and is within my capability to move around and puts a smile on my face. I'm 5' 10" and weigh in at 12.5 stone. Hope this helps.

[mattdog]

When this bike was released, I thought it was horrible. A poor imitation of the CLS of the past. HOWEVER, I ended up renting one in Gran Canaria. A fantastic bike. Light and dependable.

[windmilljohn]

I was about to write about needing luggage capability and a proper front mudguard. And how bikes are trinkets for many, nowadays and you just saved yourself at the end by saying it’s a great second bike. That encompasses everything 😉😊 Good video though, very well put together.

[garrywright]

Great review, I have one of these bikes and you’re bang on with the review information and opinions…

[sherwincody]

i had two honda CL 350s a 68 and a 70 and found them a bit heavy and bulky for 350s but they were still a ton of fun my, also cousin bought one of these and is super happy with it

[Simulera]

This bike is growing on me. Maybe an after market tucked low scrambler pipe would allow bags. But that pipe is classic honda CL

[williamrae]

You need a Cumpan, yes, that is a product from German company, Berotech...rev counter with other functions, super neat...huge amount of accessories out there, especially from Japan, a Motoism(Germany again) rear light is a must, as is a Vance & Hines exhaust!

[libraeotequeverpointoh]

The cigarette lighter is versatile. A usb charger could be dropped in, or it could be used with a power cord normally used with a GPS navigation unit.

[lears]

Nice job. Thanks for the content.
Considering all bikes you have reviewed, which would be your top three and why.
Appreciate you!

[WyreForestBiker]

Hi, I've had one since they came out and have done over 4000 miles . One point, I don't know your leg length but the Brown seat is actually a High Seat option so your bike is not 790cm high, it's actually 810 cm ... Dave

[JohnDoe-xris]

It's nice to see the transmission cover doesn't push out into your ankle like the 500 Rebel does.

[adaptableadventurerider]

Absolutely brilliant video Bry thanks for sharing it’s an interesting option compared to the NX500 option :)