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 design is achieved with a wide front wheel, high-positioned exhaust, flat double seat, twin shocks, fork gaiters and rubber fuel-tank pads.
Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
2025 Honda SCL500: CLASSIC STYLE, MODERN THRILLS.
Introducing the 2025 Honda SCL500…
Combining modern technology with timeless style, the SCL500 is inspired by Honda’s iconic scramblers of the ’60s, capturing the charm of those classic machines in a package that’s tailored toward modern riders and roads. Powered by the same 471cc parallel-twin engine from the proven Rebel 500, the SCL500 offers a balanced combination of power and fuel efficiency, suitable for both city commuting and weekend adventures. The lightweight frame, plush suspension and slipper clutch deliver comfort and performance, for maximum enjoyment on every ride.
Yesterday’s vibe. Today’s ride.
Born from the scramblers that ruled the ‘70s, the SCL500 blends timeless style with modern performance. Now in Pearl Smoky Gray and Matte Black Metallic, with standard ABS and a full line of Honda customizable accessories, it’s built to own today’s roads while tipping its helmet to the past.
2025 Honda SCL500 Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
- 471cc parallel-twin DOHC engine
- Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
- Two-up seating
- Retro meets modern styling
- 19-inch front; 17-inch rear wheels
Engine Type
471cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin four-stroke
Transmission
Six-speed manual with slipper clutch
Front Suspension
41mm fork; 5.9-inch travel
Rear Suspension
Dual shocks, 5.7-inch travel
Seat Height
31.1 inches
DOHC twin-cylinder engine
Featuring a 471cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine, this mid-sized motorcycle strikes a perfect balance of power, torque, and agility.
Slipper clutch
The slipper/assist clutch reduces clutch-lever effort by 30 percent compared to previous systems and reduces rear-wheel hop under aggressive deceleration.
Scrambler styling
This bike gets the scrambler-style look just right: high-mount muffler, 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels with wide rims, and a blacked-out engine and frame.
Two-up seat
The seat provides an open, unencumbered riding position, making it ideal for both commuting and adventuring while still allowing space for a passenger.
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 design 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.
2025 Honda SCL500 Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
DOHC twin-cylinder engine
Featuring a 471cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine, this mid-sized motorcycle strikes a perfect balance of power, torque, and agility.
Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
The PGM-FI system monitors various variables to ensure optimal fuel mixture for improved throttle response in different riding conditions.
Brakes
Its large front disc brake offers strong and predictable stopping power, and the adjustable front brake lever ensures a perfect fit.
Anti-Lock Braking System
Our Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) comes standard, helping you make smoother, more controlled stops under less-than-ideal riding conditions.
Pro-Link® rear suspension
Pro-Link® rear suspension connects to an adjustable spring-preload shock with large-diameter internals to provide nimble handling and a smooth ride.
Steel-tube frame
The mainframe, made of diamond-shaped steel tubes, provides a solid base for the engine with four mounts, ensuring a smooth and stable ride.
Multi-spoke cast wheels
These lightweight multi-spoke cast-aluminum wheels are not only stylish but also easy to clean and enhance handling.
Smooth transmission
Our engineers profiled the shift dogs in the transmission to help you get smoother shifts every time. You’ll never see these parts, but you’ll feel their effects.
Exhaust
We equipped it with a unique scrambler-style exhaust featuring an upswept design and a twin-outlet muffler that produces an amazing sound.
Slipper clutch
The slipper/assist clutch reduces clutch-lever effort by 30 percent compared to previous systems and reduces rear-wheel hop under aggressive deceleration.
Scrambler styling
This bike gets the scrambler-style look just right: high-mount muffler, 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels with wide rims, and a blacked-out engine and frame.
Two-up seat
The seat provides an open, unencumbered riding position, making it ideal for both commuting and adventuring while still allowing space for a passenger.
Digital instrumentation
An easy-to-read LCD screen displays a digital speedometer, tachometer, clock, odometer, trip meter, real-time and average fuel consumption, and engine diagnostic indicators.
LED lighting
With an unpolished, utilitarian appearance, the LED light and multi-faceted reflector produce ample illumination for enhanced visibility on the road.
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 Rebel 500 (a total of 5.9 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, 3.2-gallon 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, NX500, 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 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.
Honda ACCESSORIES
A full range of official Honda Accessories is available for the SCL500, helping owners create their own custom look. A total of 25 accessories are available.
2025 Honda SCL500 – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $6799 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $9,252 CDN (includes Freight, PDI and Fees)
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ See Dealer for Pricing in GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
| ENGINE | |
| Type | 471cc liquid-cooled 21º parallel-twin four-stroke |
| Valve Train | DOHC; four valves per cylinder |
| Bore x Stroke | 67.0mm x 66.8mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 |
| Induction | PGM-FI; 34 mm throttle bodies |
| Ignition | Full transistorized |
| Starter | Electric |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Clutch | Multiplate wet |
| Final Drive | Chain; 15T/41T |
| SUSPENSION | |
| Front | 41mm telescopic fork; 5.9 in. travel |
| Rear | Twin shocks; 5.7 in. travel |
| BRAKES | |
| Front | Single hydraulic caliper w/ 310mm disc; ABS |
| Rear | Single hydraulic caliper w/ 240mm disc; ABS |
| TIRES | |
| Front | 110/80-19 |
| Rear | 150/70-17 |
| MEASUREMENTS | |
| Rake (Caster Angle) | 27º |
| Trail | 4.3 in. (108mm) |
| Length | 85.6 in. |
| Width | 32.7 in. |
| Height | 44.6 in. |
| Seat Height | 31.1 in. |
| Ground Clearance | 6.1 in. |
| Wheelbase | 58.4 in. |
| Fuel Capacity | 3.2 gal. (incl. 0.7 gal. reserve) |
| Curb Weight* | 425 lbs. |
| OTHER | |
| Colors | Matte Black Metallic |
*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride
Meets current EPA standards
Models sold in California meet current CARB standards and may differ slightly due to emissions equipment
2025 Honda SCL500 – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details
- Engine: 471cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin four-stroke
- Bore and Stroke: 67.0mm x 66.8mm
- Compression Ratio: 10.7:1
- Valve Train: DOHC; four valves per cylinder
- Induction: PGM-FI with 34mm throttle bodies
- Transmission: Six-speed manual with slipper clutch
- Final Drive: #520 O-ring-sealed chain; 15T/41T
- Front Suspension: 41mm fork; 5.9-inch travel
- Rear Suspension: Dual shocks; 5.7-inch travel
- Front Brake: Single 310mm disc with two-piston calipers; ABS
- Rear Brake: Single 240mm disc; ABS
- Front Tire: 110/80-19
- Rear Tire: 150/70-17
- Rake (Caster Angle): 27.0°
- Trail: 4.3 inches
- Wheelbase: 58.4 inches
- Seat Height: 31.1 inches
- Fuel Capacity: 3.2 gallons (including 0.7-gallon reserve)
- Curb Weight: 425 pounds (includes all standard equipment, required fluids, and full tank of fuel)
- Ground Clearance: 6.1 inches
- Colors: Matte Black Metallic
2025 Honda SCL500 – Totalmotorcycle.com Europe Specifications/Technical Details
NA
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
