With summer in full swing, Honda is all set to make a big splash with its latest offering, the 2023 Honda SCL500. This new “scrambler” style motorcycle, arriving right now at Excel Moto, is based on the renowned Rebel 500 platform. Merging modern ride quality and comfort with authentic retro styling, the SCL500 comes with an affordable price tag, making it an attractive choice for riders.
Agile performance wrapped in a legendary design
Honda has a long-standing reputation for crafting smaller capacity bikes that perfectly cater to riders’ needs. The SCL500 is no exception. It amalgamates usability, fun, powerful engine performance, affordability, and distinct individuality, drawing inspiration from the original CLs of the ’60s and ’70s. These iconic motorcycles were celebrated for their lightweight build, off-road dynamics, and suitability for city riding.
Taking a leaf from its predecessors, the SCL500 adheres to the winning formula of the original CLs. Its retro-cool style and robust construction make it apt for the urban rough and tumble, while the unlimited customization possibilities help create a truly personalized riding experience.
Tailored for a variety of uses
The “scrambler” style of the new Honda SCL500 is a perfect blend of retro-cool aesthetics, power, fun, and ease of riding. Aimed at a young, style-conscious demographic, the SCL500 is designed to integrate seamlessly into an owner’s lifestyle. It is a versatile bike that can handle the daily commute, a long weekend ride, or even light off-road adventures. Honda has also rolled out a range of genuine accessories for those looking to further customize their ride.
Beneath its stylish exterior, the Honda SCL500 houses a parallel twin-cylinder engine that produces substantial power and torque. Its gearbox and final drive gearing are optimized for smart acceleration around town. The bike’s design can be characterized as “Simple, Raw, and Tough”.
The SCL500’s unique aesthetics are accentuated by features such as the distinct fuel tank shape, upswept muffler, tank pads, rubber fork gaiters, outer seat skin with an embossed Honda logo, and high-level handlebars. The engine is a 471cc 8-valve, liquid-cooled parallel twin-cylinder that has been upgraded with revised fuel injection mapping and a new intake and exhaust setup. Its seat height is set at 790mm, and the bike is designed with sides that cover the frame rails and a low rear section for easy access.
In homage to the iconic CL style, the Honda SCL500 features a high air intake and upswept exhaust. Its sound has been tuned for a deeper, lower-frequency note compared to the Rebel, adding to its rugged appeal. The bike also comes with an LCD dash for a modern touch.
The 2023 Honda SCL500 will be available for sale at Canadian dealerships in June. With a selling price of $9,109, which includes MSRP and Freight & PDI, this scrambler motorcycle represents great value. Its striking Mat Laurel Green Metallic color further enhances its appeal. With the SCL500, Honda has indeed launched a motorcycle that ticks all the boxes for the perfect summer ride.