In the heart of British motorcycling culture, where winding country roads meet urban landscapes, Honda’s CL500 has carved out a niche that resonates with riders seeking both nostalgia and modern performance. This compact scrambler, with its heritage-inspired design and accessible chassis, has quickly become a favourite among UK motorcyclists who value versatility, customisation potential, and pure riding enjoyment.
A Heritage Reborn for Modern Times
The Honda CL500 draws its inspiration from the iconic scramblers of the 1960s and 70s, particularly the much-loved CL series that helped define a generation of motorcycling. However, this is no mere exercise in retro styling. Honda has masterfully combined vintage aesthetics with contemporary engineering to create a motorcycle that performs as good as it looks on British roads.
The CL500 shares its foundation with the popular CMX500 Rebel but transforms that platform into something distinctly scrambler in character. With its upright riding position, raised exhaust, and rugged styling cues, the CL500 pays homage to its ancestors while offering the reliability and efficiency expected of modern Honda motorcycles.
Top 10 Most Popular Bikes in the UK, British Riders’ Favourites
Honda CL500 Specifications Overview
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 471cc liquid-cooled parallel twin |
| Power | 46 bhp (34.3 kW) @ 8,500 rpm |
| Torque | 43.4 Nm @ 6,250 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Frame | Tubular steel diamond |
| Front Suspension | 41mm telescopic forks, 135mm travel |
| Rear Suspension | Twin shock absorbers, 145mm travel |
| Front Brake | 310mm disc with 2-piston caliper, ABS |
| Rear Brake | 240mm disc with single-piston caliper, ABS |
| Wheels | 19-inch front, 17-inch rear |
| Seat Height | 790mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 12 litres |
| Kerb Weight | 192kg |
| Fuel Economy | 3.5l/100km (80mpg) |
| Price (UK) | Starting from £6,299 |
| Warranty | 2 years, unlimited mileage |
| A2 Licence Compatible | Yes |
| Available Colours | Candy Caribbean Blue Sea, Candy Energy Orange, Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic |
Compact Chassis: The Perfect Match for UK Roads
The UK’s diverse riding environment demands a motorcycle that can handle everything from tight city streets to narrow country lanes. The CL500’s compact chassis excels in this environment, offering a perfect balance of agility and stability that makes it ideal for British riding conditions.
Standing at a manageable 790mm, the seat height provides confidence for riders of various statures, while the narrow profile allows for easy manoeuvring through congested urban traffic. This accessibility doesn’t come at the expense of comfort, with the upright riding position providing excellent visibility and reducing fatigue on longer journeys through the British countryside.
The steel tubular frame not only contributes to the classic aesthetic but also delivers the perfect blend of rigidity and flexibility, allowing the CL500 to remain composed on varied road surfaces. Whether navigating potholed city streets or exploring gravel farm tracks in the Cotswolds, the chassis communicates road conditions clearly without overwhelming the rider.
Engine: Character and Capability
At the heart of the CL500 beats a 471cc parallel-twin engine that delivers a perfect balance of performance and accessibility. With 46 horsepower and a smooth, linear torque curve, the power delivery suits both novice riders and experienced enthusiasts looking for a characterful machine for Sunday rides.
The engine’s character is perfectly suited to UK riding, with enough punch to overtake safely on A-roads while remaining unintimidating in urban settings. The exhaust note, enhanced by the high-mounted silencer, provides an authentic scrambler soundtrack without becoming intrusive on longer journeys.
What’s particularly impressive is how this parallel-twin combines spirited performance with remarkable efficiency. With fuel consumption figures averaging around 3.5l/100km (80mpg), the CL500 makes economic sense for UK riders facing ever-increasing fuel costs.
Customisation: Make It Your Own
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of the CL500 for UK riders is its tremendous potential for personalisation. Honda has embraced the modern custom scene by designing the CL500 as a blank canvas, ready to be transformed according to individual taste.
The simple frame architecture and uncluttered design make modifications straightforward, whether you’re looking to enhance its scrambler credentials with off-road accessories or transform it into a stylish urban runabout. From practical additions like luggage solutions and weather protection to aesthetic modifications such as different seats, handlebars, and paintwork, the CL500 welcomes customisation.
This adaptability has fostered a vibrant community of CL500 owners across the UK, sharing ideas and inspiration through social media and at meetups. Local workshops and parts manufacturers have responded with an ever-growing catalogue of bespoke components, making it possible to create a truly unique motorcycle that reflects personal style while retaining Honda’s legendary reliability.
Riding Experience: Joy in Simplicity
Where the CL500 truly shines is in the pure enjoyment it delivers on the road. Free from unnecessary complexity, riding the CL500 reminds us why we fell in love with motorcycling in the first place. The direct connection between rider and machine, the accessible performance, and the characterful engine combine to create an experience that puts a smile on your face whether you’re commuting to work or exploring the Lake District on a weekend getaway.
The lightweight chassis (192kg wet) and responsive handling make every corner an opportunity for enjoyment, while the comfortable ergonomics ensure you can keep riding all day without discomfort. The suspension setup, with 41mm telescopic forks and twin rear shocks, provides a compliant ride that absorbs the worst of British road surfaces while maintaining composure when pushing on.
Perfect for UK Conditions
The UK’s variable weather conditions demand a motorcycle that can handle everything from summer sunshine to winter showers. The CL500’s practical nature shines here, with good weather protection from the upright riding position and excellent low-speed stability on wet roads. The standard ABS provides reassurance in challenging conditions, while the predictable power delivery helps manage traction on slippery surfaces.
For year-round riders, the simple engineering makes maintenance straightforward, with excellent parts availability through Honda’s comprehensive dealer network across the UK. The robust construction stands up well to British winter conditions, with good corrosion resistance and protection for critical components.
Conclusion: A Modern Classic for British Roads
The Honda CL500 represents a perfect blend of heritage appeal and modern usability that resonates with UK riders. Its compact chassis, characterful engine, and endless customisation potential create a motorcycle that not only celebrates the past but also delivers a thoroughly enjoyable modern riding experience.
As more riders seek alternatives to increasingly complex and expensive motorcycles, the CL500 offers a refreshing return to motorcycling fundamentals while incorporating just enough modern technology to ensure safety, reliability, and performance. For British roads and riding conditions, it’s difficult to imagine a more appropriate combination.
Whether you’re new to motorcycling, returning after a break, or simply looking for a fun addition to your garage, the Honda CL500 deserves serious consideration. This is a motorcycle that begs to be ridden, customised, and above all, enjoyed—just like the original scramblers that inspired it, but thoroughly reimagined for today’s UK riders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Honda CL500 suitable for taller riders despite its compact chassis?
Despite its compact dimensions, the CL500 accommodates taller riders surprisingly well. The upright seating position provides adequate leg room, while the wide handlebars create a spacious cockpit feel. Riders above 6 feet (183cm) report comfortable ergonomics for medium-distance journeys, though some may benefit from aftermarket seat options for longer tours. The narrow tank and frame allow effective leg positioning, and the footpeg placement strikes a good balance between scrambler style and comfort. Many taller UK riders appreciate the CL500’s manoeuvrability without feeling cramped, making it more accommodating than its dimensions might suggest.
How does the CL500 perform on British B-roads compared to the CMX500 Rebel it shares an engine with?
The CL500 transforms the shared 471cc parallel-twin engine into a more dynamic package specifically suited to British B-roads. While the Rebel excels as a laid-back cruiser, the CL500’s higher ground clearance, more responsive geometry, and upright riding position make it noticeably more engaging on winding country roads. The revised riding position allows for better weight distribution when cornering, inspiring confidence on the typically narrow and sometimes unpredictable surfaces of UK back roads. The suspension setup—firmer than the Rebel’s—provides improved feedback and control during spirited riding, while the 19-inch front wheel enhances stability over rough surfaces. UK riders consistently report that the CL500 feels more agile and planted when pushing on through typical British countryside, making it the preferred choice for enthusiastic B-road exploration despite sharing the same power plant.