Honda announced the "CL500" model for overseas markets at the ongoing Milan Show.
The new scrambler is equipped with the same liquid-cooled, parallel twin-cylinder engine as the Rebel 500 and CB500 European models, but bears the name of Honda's historic "CL" model. Although the scheduled release date has not yet been announced, it is expected to go on sale in Japan in March 2022, along with a 250cc model, and is highly anticipated as a hot model in the middle scrambler lineup.
Scrambler style with modern image
The CL series is the name Honda has traditionally used for its scrambler-style models. The series was first introduced in the 1960s and was discontinued after the 1998 CL400. Its revival had been predicted by various sources based on information such as patents acquired by Honda, but now the official announcement has finally been made.
The CL500 follows the style popular in the 1960s and 1970s, with tank pads, an upswept exhaust system, fork guards, and short fenders. The wheels are 19 inches at the front and 17 inches at the rear, giving the silhouette of a true scrambler with an off-road feel. However, the equipment is state-of-the-art, with full LED lights, a negative LCD display meter, and ESS emergency stop signal technology, which provides a high level of comfort similar to that of the Rebel. The seat height is a low 790 mm, despite its off-road flavor, which is also likely to give it a user-friendly character.
It is powered by a 471cc liquid-cooled, parallel two-cylinder DOHC engine of the same design as the Rebel 500. It is equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission with a slipper clutch. Maximum output is 34.3 kW (46.6 PS), and the CL500's special ECU settings and short final gear ratio provide highly responsive acceleration performance.
The launch of a 250 cc model for the Japanese market is also expected to be announced in late March.
This model is expected to be a single-engine model based on the Rebel 250, and both the 250cc and 500cc models are expected to go on sale in late March. Both the 250cc and 500cc models are expected to go on sale in late March and will be officially announced in Japan in late January.
The new CL500 shares elements with the first CL Dream CL72 scrambler introduced in 1962.
While it has features such as tank pads, an up-exhaust system, and large-diameter wheels, its usability is situation-neutral.
The engine is a 471cc liquid-cooled, in-line two-cylinder DOHC engine that produces 34.3 kW (46.6 PS) at 8500 rpm, the same output as the Rebel 500. The bore and stroke are 67 mm x 66.8 mm, and the compression ratio is 10.7:1, the same as the Rebel 500. However, the feeling is different due to the use of a special ECU and the change in the number of teeth in the final gear from 40 in the Rebel to 41 in the CL.
Full LEDs are used for the lights. The headlight layout uses four LEDs, the same as the Rebel series from 2020 onward.
The ESS Emergency Stop Signal, which activates during emergency braking, is standard equipment.
When activated, the rear indicators flash to prevent the risk of rear-end collision.
The tank has a classic curved design and is equipped with a tank pad. Knee grip is also taken into consideration.
The capacity is 12.0 liters, an increase of 0.8 liters from the 11.2-liter Rebel.
The exhaust system is styled with the silencer section up, and the exhaust pipes meet at the bottom of the engine.
The sound is adjusted to a heavier low-frequency sound than that of the Rebel.
The meter is an LCD liquid crystal with a negative display. This is also the same design as the Rebel 500 but without the tachometer. The handlebars are upright and wide for easy maneuverability.
Wheels are 19" front and 17" rear with block pattern image tires. Both front and rear brakes are single discs.
The seat height is 790 mm. The width of the motorcycle is also set slim for easy access to the ground. A helmet holder is provided under the seat. The Honda emblem is embossed for a premium look.
Enjoy neo-retro style in four vivid colors
The newly announced CL500 will be available in four color variations: orange, green, blue, and matte black.
The vivid coloring, which is not fixed to the image of the classic CL, will show its individuality in various situations.
Matt Laurel Green Metallic
Candy Energy Orange
Candy Caribbean Blue Sea
Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic
CL250 is also sure to be released in Japan
At the same time as the announcement of the CL500, images of the CL250 were released on the Japanese website.
This one is a classic scrambler with the same concept as the CL500, but with a single-cylinder engine similar to that of the Rebel 250. The coloring of this model has not yet been released for overseas specifications, and we are very much looking forward to Honda's announcement of its release!
CL250 unveiled on Honda's domestic website, equipped with a single liquid-cooled engine that appears to be based on the Rebel 250, and appears to be white in color, which is not the case with the overseas model.
For more details, wait for the official announcement.
CL500 (2023: Overseas model) Main Specifications
Overall Length x Overall Width x Overall Height: 2175 x 831 x 1135mm
Wheelbase: 1485mm
Seat height: 790mm
Weight: 192 kg
Engine: SOHC liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, 8-valve, parallel twin cylinder, 1084cc, EURO5 compliant
Maximum output: 64kW (87PS)/7000rpm
Maximum torque:98Nm (9.9kgf-m)/4750rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 13.6L
Transmission: Liquid-cooled DOHC 4-stroke 4-valve 2-cylinder
Brakes: F=disc, R=disc
Tires:110/80R19M/C 59H, 150/70R17M/C 69H
Original Source. [ HONDA EUROPE ]
