In recent years, Honda has developed a range of accessible models through platform sharing. Utilizing the same 471cc parallel-twin engine in the Rebel 500, CBR500R, CB500F, and CB500X, Big Red developed the all-new SCL500 with similar performance but with unique styling. The 2023 Honda SCL500 shares an engine and a main frame with the Rebel 500, but offers riders iconic scrambler styling that pays homage to Honda’s original scrambler, the CL72.
The 2023 Honda SCL500 features a 471cc liquid-cooled DOHC parallel twin with four valves per cylinder. Performance is similar to the Rebel 500, but the SCL500 has a model-specific air intake, subframe, and a larger rear sprocket, yielding slightly different results on our in-house dyno.
Before loading the 2023 Honda SCL500 on our Dynojet 250i dynamometer, we rolled the scrambler on our automotive scales where it weighed 425 pounds. On the Cycle World dyno, the Honda SCL500 produced 39.6 hp at 8,100 rpm and 28.6 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,100 rpm. This slots the SCL500 just under the 2020 Rebel 500 in our performance database at 40.8 hp at 7,900 rpm and 29.9 lb-ft. of torque at 6,300 rpm.
The SCL500′s decrease in horsepower from its Rebel 500 sibling may be attributed to increased emissions since that 2020 dyno test as well as the SCL’s slightly different air intake. Nonetheless, the 2023 Honda SCL500 offers extreme ease of use due to its linear power delivery and flat torque curve. Both models achieve the same goal for Honda: Provide an approachable and accessible motorcycle, but with unique styling and ergonomics to further expand buying options for the company’s 500-model range.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/octane/E3MSMGH27ZG7DIOXLEBZDI73RU.jpg)
