I have received information on the price and release date of the CL500, which Honda officially announced at the Milan show, and the CL250, which was previously shown in Japan, and would like to share our forecast with you.
I will also introduce custom specifications.
Photo: Takayuki Minami, Honda Motorcycle Japan
*Since the vehicle photographed is a prototype, some specifications may differ from those of the mass-produced model.
A review of HONDA CL250 and CL500 are back in modern times.Mr. Sagawa, a motorcycle journalist, explains in an easy-to-understand manner.
CL250 would be comparable in price to the Rebel 250S Edition.
Using the same engine and front side frame as the blockbuster Rebel 250, the CL250 is likely to be in the same price range. The expected price is around 4660 USD including tax, which is about 290 USD more than the 2023 Rebel 250 and comparable to the (approx.) 4655 USD Rebel 250 S Edition. The launch is expected to be in late March 2023.
The CL250 targets young riders, offering a fashionable scrambler image for enjoying a lifestyle that includes hobbies other than motorcycling. It offers a new choice with its unique style in an easy-to-manage chassis package with a single-cylinder engine.
HONDA CL250. Honda's new scrambler is expected to be released in late March 2023 for around 650,000 yen including tax. The coloring in the photo is Candy Energy Orange.
HONDA CL250. This is a custom cross-style vehicle. The coloring is Pearl Himalayas White, and the other three colors are Pearl Cadet Gray.
The CL250's engine is a liquid-cooled single-cylinder DOHC 4-valve 249cc. Assuming the same output as the Rebel 250, it delivers 26 PS.
There is a space under the engine that appears to be a catalyzer. The specifications are probably the same as those of the 2023 Rebel 250, which will be released in December 2020 to comply with the 2020 emission regulations.
The development concept is an entry-level casual scrambler
The CL250 has an upright riding position for everyday use and touring, and the front fork boot and tank pad evoke an off-road image. Also, like a scrambler, it has 19-inch front and 17-inch rear cast wheels to ensure durability on flat dirt roads.
The lights are the same as those on the Rebel 250, with a round LED headlight and indicator lights. The speedometer also features a round LCD type, similar to the one on the Rebel, placed above the headlight. The chassis was confirmed to have the same equipment as that of the CL500, so the 250cc model is expected to have plenty of power and performance.
The tank, similar to the Rebel but with the original shape, also comes standard with tank pads on both sides.
The capacity announced for the CL500 is 12 liters, which is an increase of 1 liter over the Rebel 250.
The seat is flat in the front and rear, and the CL250 is more advantageous than the Rebel 250 for footpeg and loading. Also, it should be easy to shift your weight back and forth when riding in a standing position.
The front haul is 19 inches for dirt riding. The 41mm-diameter fork provides 150mm of suspension stroke, and fork boots are standard. The brake disc has a large 310mm diameter.
The rear wheel is 17 inches and 150 mm wide. The two shocks are adjustable for five levels of preload, and the swingarm is constructed with a 45mm-diameter pipe.
- The rear brake is a 240mm-diameter disc with a 1-pot caliper.
Both front and rear brakes are equipped with ABS as standard.
- The small speedometer also displays a clock, fuel gauge, and gear position.
- The headlight is round, as on the Rebel 250, with four LED lights inside.
Two lights emit light on the low beam and four lights emit light on the high beam.
- The tail lamp also uses LEDs, similar to those used in Rebel 250. The indicator lights are also round LED type.
- The handlebars are wide enough to handle flat dirt roads and upright enough for standing.
- The key cylinder should be installed on the left side as in Rebul 250.
- The handle lock is non-linked to the ignition key and is locked at the bottom bridge.
- Grooved rubbers are included on the left and right steps, but they could also be removed to accommodate jagged off-road steps.