Last November 8, the CL500 was officially unveiled at the Milano show. The CL500 and the liquid-cooled single-cylinder CL250 are expected to go on sale in Japan. Here, I would like to provide an overview of the CL250 as we know it now, based on materials from HondaGO Bike Lab and information obtained independently.
Body and equipment are the same as the CL500, and two original CL250 colors are available.
The scrambler-style CL250/CL500 debuted as a sibling to the Rebel 250/Rebel 500 with a common chassis and only engine changes. With 19-inch front and 17-inch rear styling that differs from that of cruisers, this concept can be enjoyed from on-road to flat dirt roads.
The CL250's original equipment consists mainly of the same liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine and color variations as the Rebel 250. Candy Energy Orange is the color shared with the CL500, but Pearl Himalayas White and Pearl Cadet Gray are the other available colors, which are unique to the CL250.
The price is currently not yet announced but is not expected to deviate significantly from the (approx.) 4305 USD price of the 2023 Rebel 250. The price is expected to be finalized by the end of December and will be released on the expected mid-February announcement date. The new model is expected to go on sale in late March, so if you order early, you should be able to get it in time for the next season.
HONDA CL250 Japan specifications. The 250cc version, featuring a 250cc single-cylinder engine, will be officially announced in mid-February. The candy energy orange color will be shared with the CL500.
HONDA CL250 domestic specs. This is a Pearl Himalayas White model with the Pearl Himalayas White option.
It is believed to be a Tour-style accessories package model.
HONDA 2019 Rebel 250 Japan specs. The Rebel 250 shares the same engine and mainframe parts.
This Pearl Cadet Gray will be the third color scheme for the CL250.
The seat is 100mm higher than the Rebel 250, but enjoyable to drive.
The seat height of the CL500, officially announced in Europe, is 790 mm; since the 250 and 500 have the same seat height as the Rebel, the CL250 is also expected to be around 790 mm. This is 100mm higher than the 690mm of the Rebel 250, so the legroom will be at a disadvantage. This will be a disadvantage in terms of footing, but the increased bank angle and other features should make it as enjoyable to ride as a naked model.
The front 19-inch wheels, which are larger in diameter than those of regular naked models, give the CL250 an advantage when riding on uneven terrain, and the semi-block-pattern tires also make it suitable for flat dirt roads, among other benefits. For riders who are not concerned about footing, the CL250 is likely to enjoy a wider range of motorcycle life than the Rebel 250.
The upright handlebars seem to make it easier for standing riding.
The fuel tank capacity should be about 1L more than the Rebel, as the CL500 holds 12L.
Comparing the engine and mainframe of CL250 (left) and Rebel 250 (right), we can see that they have almost the same shape.
The front 19-inch wheels with semi-block pattern tires will be able to handle dirt riding.
Fork boots, an important element of the scrambler, are also standard equipment. The four LED headlights, round LED indicator lights, and tail lamps are all equipment that follows that of the Rebel 250.
The flat seat allows for easy weight transfer from front to rear and is probably superior to the Rebel 250 in terms of ease of tandem and luggage loading.
The meter is an LCD type with a black background display, the same equipment as on the Rebel 250.
There is no RPM gauge, but gear position and fuel gauge are also displayed.
CL500 European Main Specifications (reference)
Overall Length x Overall Width x Overall Height: 2175 x 831 x 1135mm
Wheelbase:1485mm
Seat height: 790mm
Weight: 192 kg
Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke, in-line 2-cylinder, DOHC 4-valve, 471cc
Maximum output: 46.6 PS at 8,500 rpm
Maximum torque: 4.42 kg-m/6250 rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 12 liters
Transmission: 6-speed return
Brakes: F=disc, R=disc
Tires: F=110/80R19, R=150/70R17
HONDA CL500 European specifications. The CL500 with a parallel twin-cylinder 471cc engine was unveiled in Europe. Body dimensions and tank capacity will not differ much from those of the Rebel 250.
