#Honda #SCL500 #scrambler #offroad

Can the Honda SCL500 scrambler #motorcycle handle the off-road trails? Is it a pleasant surprise on the trail, or does it fall short with its on-road focus?

The Honda SCL500 is proof that classics never go out of style. Originally rising to prominence in the early '60s, "scrambler"-style motorcycles have always been about freedom, versatility and expression. The SCL500 embodies these traits along with a modern engine, chassis and braking performance, making it an ideal option for commuting, casual weekend outings or café cruises. Utilizing the same 500cc parallel-twin engine found in the popular Rebel 500, this scrambler-style machine offers stylish, approachable performance in an affordable package. True to form, the upright riding position, flat seat, iconic rubber tank pads and high-mounted exhaust are a nod to the SCL's predecessors like the CL72 and CL77. Owners can personalize the SCL500 with Honda's wide range of accessories that tailor the bike to specialized riding experiences.

STYLING / DESIGN

The scrambler design is immediately recognizable—more for what's not there than what is. Originally a means of converting on-road machines for dirt use, the style has come full-circle, for a unique street-bike look. The retro-inspired look is achieved with a wide front wheel, high-positioned exhaust, flat double seat, twin shocks, fork gaiters and rubber fuel-tank pads.

High-mounted muffler is a key element of the signature scrambler appearance.
The riding position is natural and upright, making it easy and fun to ride.
Round LED headlight, turn signals and taillight reinforce iconic look.
Blacked-out mechanical components for a tough, minimalist look.
LCD meter with gear-position indicator and fuel consumption provides pertinent information to the rider.
Ignition is housed below the left side of the fuel tank.
CHASSIS / SUSPENSION

The tubular steel frame from the Rebel 500 is paired with a revised subframe to support the tall, flat double seat and repositioned shock mounts of the SCL500. As is appropriate for the scrambler aesthetic, the SCL has longer suspension travel than is typical of most street-bike genres.

Additional suspension travel compared to the Scrambler 500 (a total of 5.3 inches up front, 5.7 inches at the rear) results in a comfortable ride over rough roads, and plenty of ground clearance.
The 41mm fork stanchions are set wide at 230mm apart, for rigidity, comfort and style, and the lower legs are blacked-out.
Fork features buffing on inner pipe for smooth action.
Fork angle is 27°, wheelbase is 58.4 inches and seat height is 31.1 inches, for balanced, neutral steering.
Twin shocks' damper tubes use nitrogen gas to stabilize damping force.
Frame body has a narrow shape to complement its nimble handling.
Dunlop tires are mounted to a wide 19-inch front wheel and a 17-inch rear wheel.
ABS is standard on the SCL500, enhancing braking performance across varying conditions.
The sleek 12-liter fuel tank has rubber knee guards for classic Scrambler styling.
Blacked-out 45mm tubular swingarm with twin conventional, side-mounted shocks that feature two-step preload adjusters.
ENGINE / DRIVETRAIN

The SCL500 is powered by the same 471cc, eight-valve, liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine that has proven so popular and effective in models like the Rebel 500, CB500X, CB500F and CBR500R—fun, approachable and reliable.

Strong bottom-end torque and a smooth, linear power delivery make the model a pleasure to ride in a wide variety of applications.
The cylinder head uses roller-rocker arms; shim-type valve adjustment allows them to be light, for lower valve-spring load and reduced friction.
Assist/slipper clutch reduces effort in stop-and-go situations and enhances controlled deceleration.
The silent (SV Chain) cam chain has the surface of its pins treated with Vanadium to reduce friction through its increased protection against dust. Inlet-valve diameter is 26.0mm with exhaust-valve diameter 21.5mm.
Striations on the piston skirt increase surface area, introducing gaps in which oil can flow for better lubrication). An AB 1 salt bath process, used after isonite nitriding, forms a protective oxidization membrane.
Crankshaft pins are phased at 180°, and a primary couple-balancer sits behind the cylinders, close to the bike's center of gravity. The primary and balancer gears use scissor gears, reducing noise. The crank counterweight is specifically shaped for couple-balance and its light weight allows the engine to spin freely, with low inertia.
The crankcases use centrifugally cast thin-walled sleeves. Their internal design reduces the "pumping" losses that can occur with a 180° phased firing order. A deep oil sump holds 3.2 liters.
Six-speed gearbox is designed to offer smooth gear changes.
00:00 - SCL500 - fuel economy
02:15 - SCL Off-Road
11:58 - Back to concrete
16:32 - Bath Time