2023 Honda SCL500 Review With Riding Videos

New for the 2023 model year is American Honda’s 2023 SCL500. This is a new scrambler-style streetbike. This new motorcycle is based on the underpinnings of its ultrapopular Rebel 500 cruiser and is priced at $6,799 so it represents good value in the class versus bikes similar to Royal Enfield’s Scram 411.

The SCL500 is powered by Honda’s tried-and-true 471cc parallel-twin engine. It features an eight-valve cylinder head, dual overhead cam, water-cooling, and fuel injection. This nets around 43 ponies and 30 lb.-ft. torque at the business and at the Dunlop Trailmax 17-inch tire. This twin is really fun to ride. It offers friendly throttle response which makes it very beginner-rider-friendly. Power comes on smoothly and it still has enough acceleration to get up to 85 mph for freeway rides. There’s a bit of engine vibration through the handlebar, footpeg, and seat, but it is commensurate with the bike’s application and price range.

Related: 2024 Honda SCL500 and Honda Shadow Aero First Look Preview

We love its agile handling and how light it feels. With a full 3.2 gallons of fuel it weighs in at 419 pounds which is relatively light for a full-sized streetbike. It changes directions well and while the suspension is nothing fancy, it works. It rides well over small- and medium-sized bumps and generally delivers a pleasing ride.

The author stands 6 feet and weighs 205 pounds, and fits nicely on this bike. The ergonomics are balanced for taller and shorter riders alike. The handlebar bend isn’t too high, nor too low and has a nice rearward sweep. The proportions are spot on and it feels like a real, full-size motorcycle when seated at the helm.

Of course Honda prides itself on its durability and build quality. These particular models are built out of Honda’s Thailand factory. Fit and finish in typical Honda pedigree is excellent. This bike is put together well, much more so than other motorcycles in this class.

The SCL500 is yet another solid, quality, and value-oriented streetbike from American Honda. It’s easy to ride, and the engine has enough pep to get the blood moving but not enough bark to be overwhelming and take you for a ride. The styling certainly isn’t our favorite, but we respect Honda for trying with the upswept muffler, fork gaiters, and the LED lighting package. We didn’t ride at night this time, but we’ve ridden this headlight configuration extensively in the Rebel 500 and Rebel 1100 and the lighting performs well after dark.

Aside from the curious styling, and the fact that the instrumentation is a little bit hard to see in bright daylight (it would be nice if American Honda could introduce a more high-contrast LCD display). But pound for pound, this bike is a heck of a good deal. If you’re new to riding or desire a scrambler-style bike that’s not going to take up a lot of room in the garage and won’t scare you nor demand a crazy amount of maintenance, this SCL will be the bike for you.

Helmet: Shoei RF-SR

Jacket: Rev’It Hyperspeed 2 GT Air

Gloves: Rev’It Avion 3

Pant: Rev’It Reed SF

Boots: TCX R04D Air