Motorcycle – Honda SCL500 2023 | Nice little Swiss army knife

Some brands simply cannot manage small cubing. This is not the case with Honda, which even offers a complete list of surprisingly interesting small-displacement mounts. The most recent is this SCL500, a scrambler-style go-anywhere offered for just over $8,000.

A Honda specialty

If other manufacturers struggle to produce affordable products, Honda practically makes them its specialty. Very small 50 cc scooters, 125 cc toys for adults and 300 cc beginner’s motorcycles even make up a significant portion of the Japanese giant’s motorcycle catalog. The new SCL500 nevertheless stands out from these models thanks to a displacement of 471 cc which can still be considered low, but whose performance is much more interesting. These performances are not only suitable for motorcyclists who already have minimal experience, but can also bring a smile to the face of the more advanced motorcyclist who appreciates the simplicity and lightness inherent in small volumes.

A little here, a little there

Although it is a very interesting new product, the 2023 SCL500 was not created from a blank page. Honda instead used here and there in its catalog to design the base of the model. The steel frame, for example, is very similar to that of the Rebel 500, a small custom-class entry-level motorcycle, while the 471 cc parallel twin is found on four other Hondas of completely different styles. Attached to this platform are components specific to the SCL500, including suspensions offering relatively generous travel and an exhaust system with a high silencer essential to the classic scrambler silhouette.

An attractive result

Despite its disparate origins, the SCL500 makes a rather good impression. Let’s be clear, with a bill of just over $8,000, we can’t expect miracles, but despite the low price, we have to admit that Honda has succeeded in the scrambler style, while the finish is not bad at all. The accordion tubes protecting the fork, the high silencer, the retro-style tank, the flat seat, the 17-inch wheels at the rear and 19-inch at the front, the dynamically designed tires and the flat motocross-style handlebars represent so many elements which give the SCL a silhouette that is ultimately quite attractive.

Thin and light

The lightness and especially the impressive thinness of the SCL500 are the first characteristics you notice once in the saddle. The latter is also rather low, but turns out to be hard. Thanks to the open driving position which bends the legs moderately, leaves the back straight and places the hands naturally on the wide handlebars, you instantly feel confident, an impression increased by the excellent handling demonstrated by the little Honda itself. in the tightest situations. Weaving around town is so easy on the controls that it’s a joy, while the strong sense of control proves very enjoyable for riders of all skill levels.

A modest, but nice engine

The 45 horsepower of the small twin-cylinder offers ultimately modest performance. However, it uses this limited power surprisingly well, so that you end up happily adapting to it. Frequent gear changes are required, but made easier by a light clutch and very smooth transmission. The good torque at low revs allows you to drive around town without feeling like you’re lacking power, and if greater acceleration is necessary, such as entering the highway or quickly overtaking a vehicle, the twin-cylinder has the capacity, but requires high revs to do so, the only circumstance where it vibrates a little unpleasantly, in fact.

A real scrambler?

A scrambler style motorcycle normally offers some off-road capability. In the case of the SCL500, this capacity exists, but in moderation. Thanks to the good travel of the suspensions and their rather flexible adjustment, it accepts driving on a gravel road without the slightest problem and even embarking on a path with little damage, at least as long as you maintain a reasonable pace. But be careful not to overdo it, otherwise the exhaust completely exposed under the bike will quickly be damaged. Furthermore, the flexibility of the suspensions becomes a major asset in town, where you can get around without being too stressed by the state of the road: a luxury.

Conclusion

Given its very reasonable price of just over $8,000, we definitely don’t find much serious to criticize about the nice little SCL500. No one will deny it, her performances are not dazzling, but she knows how to make up for it thanks to intelligently used horses and delicious agility. Its size logically targets novice or progressing customers, but the SCL500 has the potential to appeal to a completely different type of motorcyclist. Perhaps you have to have ridden the most powerful, heaviest and most complex motorcycles to appreciate such simplicity and ease of riding?