2023 HONDA SCL500

Base Price : $ 6,799 Website : Powersports . Honda . com Warranty : 1 yr ., unltd . miles Engine Type : Liquid-cooled , transverse parallel-Twin , DOHC w / 4 valves per cyl . Displacement : 471cc Bore x Stroke : 67.0 x 66.8mm Transmission : 6-speed , cable-actuated slip / assist wet clutch Final Drive : Chain Wheelbase : 58.4 in . Rake / Trail : 27 degrees / 4.3 in . Seat Height : 31.1 in . Wet Weight : 419 lb Fuel Capacity : 3.2 gal . Fuel Consumption : 60.6 mpg ( per bike ’ s display ) vibration- damping rubber inserts that can be removed to add a skosh more legroom , but the better option for me was the accessory tall seat , which adds another inch of foam for more height and support . It ’ s reasonably priced at $ 64.95 , though it only comes in brown .

The SCL500 is the kind of bike that lends itself to customization . In addition to the tall seat , other factory accessories include a headlight visor , a high front fender , handguards , a number plate- style rear side cover , rally footpegs , a center tank pad , a 14- liter left- side soft saddlebag , a rear carrier , a 38- liter top case , heated grips , and a 12V socket . Vance & Hines also offers a high- output slip- on exhaust that is compliant in all 50 states .

Other than limited legroom for my frame , my only real complaint about the SCL500 is

its instrumentation . It has a single round instrument panel that ’ s lighton- black LCD . Available features includes a clock , a gear- position indicator , a speedometer , a fuel gauge , and multifunction display that can be scrolled through for different info ( odometer , tripmeter A / B , average mpg A / B , instant mpg , and reserve fuel tripmeter ). The instrument panel lacks a tachometer , is difficult to read in bright sunlight , and is all but useless when wearing polarized sunglasses . For a retro bike like this , an analog speedometer with an inset multifunction display would be sweet .

After logging just over 100 miles in and around Ventura , mostly on backroads where I did my best to wring the SCL ’ s neck , the bike ’ s fuel economy reading was 60.6 mpg . That translates to 194 miles of range , which would be even higher for a typical owner who cruises around or commutes in a less caffeinated , type- A state of mind .

All in all , the Honda SCL500 is a helluva lot of fun , and in Candy Orange , it turns a lot of heads . A more subdued Matte Laurel Green Metallic color option is also available .

The SCL500 ’ s wide handlebar and light weight make it easy to throw into corners . And the Candy Orange paint on the tank is eye catching .

RIDERMAGAZINE . COM / FEBRUARY 2024 / 41