
Honda SCL 500 – A Bomb on Two Wheels
When we talk about Honda, one thing immediately comes to mind – reliability and quality. Honda has always been a company that does not simply manufacture bikes, but creates machines that feel like a piece of art. Each motorcycle from Honda carries the DNA of Japanese engineering, which means you can expect smooth performance, strong build quality, and designs that stay fresh for many years.
Now, in the category of motorcycles under 500cc, Honda has introduced something really special – the Honda SCL 500. If I have to describe this bike in one word, I would call it a bomb. Not a dangerous bomb, but an exciting one – the kind of bike that explodes with energy, design, and uniqueness when you see it for the first time.
Honestly, I never knew about this bike until I suddenly spotted it in Hi-Tech City. I was there for some work, and suddenly I saw this bike standing by the road. At first glance, I thought – “Which bike is this? It looks unique and stylish, but I don’t recognize it.” Curiosity made me search on Google, but there wasn’t much information available. A little later, the owner of the bike arrived. He was passionate about riding, but even he admitted that he didn’t know much about the technical details of the motorcycle.
That made me even more curious. So, I went directly to a Honda BigWing showroom and collected all the proper details. There I discovered that this bike is none other than the Honda SCL 500, powered by a 471cc engine. Luckily, I also got the chance to ride it for a short distance – around 1 km. Believe me, that one ride was enough to realize that this bike is indeed a bomb in every sense. The engine was extremely smooth, the design looked stylish and fresh, and the overall feel was so solid that I immediately started liking it.
Now, let’s break down the details of this bike, because if you are planning to buy it, you need to understand what makes the Honda SCL 500 different from others in the market.
HONDA SCL 500 BIKE SPECIFICATION
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Engine type | 471cc liquid cooled parallel twin, 4 stroke |
Bore x Stroke | 67.0 mm x 66.8 mm |
Compression ratio | 10.7:1 |
Valve train | DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
Fuel system | PGM-FI with 34 mm throttle bodies |
Transmission | 6 speed manual with slipper / assist clutch |
Front suspension | 41mm telescopic fork |
Rear suspension | Dual shocks, adjustable preload |
Front brake | 310mm disc, dual piston caliper, ABS |
Rear brake | 240mm disc, ABS |
Front tyre | 110/80-19 |
Rear tyre | 150/70-17 |
Wheelbase | 1484 mm |
Seat height | 790 mm |
Ground clearnce | 155 mm |
Fuel tank capacity | 12L |
Curb weight | 192 kg |
Frame | Tubular steel frame |
Lighting | Full LED headlamp and indicator |
Max power | 46 Hp @ 8500 rpm |
Max torque | 43 Nm @ 6250 rpm |
Top speed | 175 km/h |
Mileage | 30 km/l |
Price | $6,799 - $8,700 |
471cc Parallel-Twin
The heart of any motorcycle is its engine, and Honda has placed a 471cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled engine inside the SCL 500. This is the same engine used in some of Honda’s most popular mid-weight motorcycles, like the Rebel 500 and CB500X.
What does this mean in simple words? It means you get a proven engine that is smooth, reliable, and powerful enough for both city rides and highway cruising. With around 46 horsepower and 43 Nm of torque, the SCL 500 is not an extreme superbike, but it gives you the right balance of performance and comfort.
This engine is perfect for someone who wants power but doesn’t want to struggle with an aggressive machine. It gives steady acceleration, good pickup in traffic, and enough strength to cruise at highway speeds without feeling stressed.
Design – Scrambler Styling
One of the most attractive parts of the Honda SCL 500 is its scrambler-inspired design. A scrambler is a type of motorcycle designed for both city riding and light off-road use.
The bike has a tall stance, wide handlebars, and a flat seat that gives it a rugged yet modern look. The exhaust is placed slightly higher on the side, giving it that retro scrambler vibe.
In simple words – this bike looks like a mix between a classic motorcycle and a modern street bike. If you love stylish motorcycles that stand out from the crowd, the SCL 500 will grab your attention immediately. It’s not a flashy superbike, but its simplicity and retro appeal make it unique.
Suspension and Comfort
The Honda SCL 500 comes with a telescopic front fork and twin rear shock absorbers. Now, what does this mean for you as a rider?
It means the bike can handle bad roads, bumps, and uneven surfaces without making you feel uncomfortable. Honda has tuned the suspension in such a way that it gives a soft and smooth ride for the city, but at the same time, it is stable enough for highways.
For long rides, comfort is very important, and the SCL 500 provides just that. The upright seating position, wide handlebars, and well-padded seat ensure that even if you ride for hours, you won’t feel tired.
Braking System – ABS Equipped
Safety is one area where Honda never compromises. The SCL 500 comes with disc brakes on both wheels, and more importantly, it is equipped with dual-channel ABS (Anti-lock Braking System).
What this means is simple – even if you brake hard on slippery roads or during sudden stops, the wheels won’t lock up. This keeps the rider safe and gives more confidence while riding.
For new riders especially, ABS is a must-have feature. The SCL 500 ensures that you get strong braking power with the safety of modern technology.
Weight and Handling
The bike weighs around 192 kg (curb weight). Now, this might sound heavy if you are comparing it to small scooters or commuter bikes, but for a 471cc motorcycle, this weight is actually quite manageable.
Because of its well-balanced chassis, the SCL 500 doesn’t feel heavy while riding. It is stable at high speeds and easy to control at lower speeds. For riders shifting from a 150cc or 250cc bike to something bigger, this bike feels like a natural upgrade – not too intimidating, but still powerful.
Mileage and Fuel Tank
Now let’s talk about something every Indian rider cares about – mileage. The Honda SCL 500 delivers around 28–30 kmpl in real-world conditions. For a 471cc twin-cylinder engine, this is actually very good.
The bike also comes with a 13.2-liter fuel tank, which means you can travel more than 350 km on a full tank. That makes it suitable for both daily commuting and weekend touring.
If you are planning long rides, this mileage and tank capacity will give you enough freedom to ride without constantly worrying about petrol stations.
Price and Availability
When it comes to price, the Honda SCL 500 is not a budget bike. In international markets like the US, it is priced around $6,800 to $7,000 USD. In India, if Honda brings it officially, the price may go above ₹6.5 – 7 lakh (ex-showroom).
This is not a bike that you buy casually. It is a motorcycle you purchase only if you are passionate about riding and if you love unique designs. As of now, availability is limited, and you might not see this bike everywhere.
MY OPINION
The Honda SCL 500 is not just another bike in the 500cc category. It is something special. A motorcycle that combines retro scrambler looks with modern Honda engineering.
If you want a daily commuter, maybe this is not for you. But if you are someone who loves unique bikes, enjoys occasional long rides, and wants a machine that feels solid and reliable, the SCL 500 can be the right choice.
Riding it feels like handling a small bomb – powerful, exciting, and smooth at the same time. Honda has once again shown that when they create something, they make sure it has both style and substance.
Before purchasing, think about your needs. If you want a stylish scrambler with Honda reliability, good performance, and comfort, the Honda SCL 500 is a worthy option. But remember – it’s not available everywhere, and the price is on the higher side.
Still, for those who buy it, this bike is not just transportation. It’s an experience.