Honda expands the family of A2 license twin cylinders with the new CL500 2023a retro nude inspired by the famous 1962 CL72. It uses the proven 471cc parallel twin from the CB500 series, appropriately tuned for this new model and credited with 46.6 bhp 8,500 rpm and 43.4 Nm of torque at 6,250 rpm. The distribution is double overhead camshaft, 4 valves per cylinder and liquid cooling system.
Bore and stroke measurements are 67mm x 66.8mm with a compression ratio of 10.7:1. The crankshaft timing is 180° and a primary balancer shaft is positioned behind the cylinders, close to the bike’s center of gravity.
The frame, although similar to that of the rebel, is new: it is a tubular steel with diamond structure, ground clearance is 155 mm; the inclination of the steering head is equal to 27°, the trail is 108 mm and the wheelbase is 1,485 mm. The weight with a full tank of petrol is 192 kg; the saddle is 790 mm above the ground. As far as the suspension is concerned, at the front we have a 41 mm telescopic fork which has a stroke of 150 mm and features black fork leg gaiters. The lower and upper triple clamps are specific to the CL. At the rear, a swingarm that uses 45 mm round tubes and double long-stroke shock absorbers (preload adjustable in 5 levels), which offer a travel of 145 mm.
If we talk about brakes, a two-piston front caliper acts on a 310 mm floating disc through sintered pads, at the rear a single-piston caliper with a 240 mm disc. Wheels are 19″ front and 17″ rear and mount Dunlop Mixtour tyres, in sizes 110/80 R19 and 150/70 R17.
For all the features of the CL500, however, we refer you to our presentation article, now the time has come to get on the saddle!
on the following pages find ours first driving impressions, with the strengths and weaknesses of the bike, in addition to the price.
