/ News
Honda is planning a Rebel-based scrambler called the CL500
The new model will likely carry the same parallel twin engine as the Rebel.
The Honda Rebel 500 is a fairly popular cruiser that has endured since it first appeared in late 2016. It was a bold move by the Japanese giant to dive headlong into a segment traditionally dominated by the likes of Triumph and Harley-Davidson. That said, with the success of the Rebel, it appears Honda is ready to transplant the platform into a brand new scrambler model called the CL500.
Suspicions of Honda’s plans began in 2019 when the company filed patents for scrambler-style footpegs fitted on the Rebel 500’s frame. Whereas the Rebel 500 features footpegs that extend forward, the patent filing showed a setup that sits more backward and directly under the seat. This would make a scrambler easier to ride while standing on the footpegs in addition to the usual seating position.
While Honda likely encountered some engineering issues with the existing Rebel 500 chassis, it appears it has solved them sufficiently with the patent. The new footpeg design required the master cylinder to be repositioned below the swingarm pivot with a linkage attaching it to the brake lever.
In illustrating this, Honda inadvertently showed us the scrambler-style footpeg design, which features a sawtooth top surface and a removable rubber insert. The brake lever gets a similar serrated top, something you would usually find in off-road-ready motorcycles.
By all indications, the CL500 scrambler will pack the same parallel twin power plant as the Rebel 500. On the latter, it makes 46 hp and 43 Nm of torque. Other notable differences include a new subframe for the CL500, one that is angled more horizontally versus the downward form seen on the Rebel. This subframe likely raises the seat height by a considerable amount, with the rear shocks possibly getting longer and the rear suspension possibly traveling farther.
There’s not much information design-wise, and the patents don’t give any indication of what Honda could be planning for the CL500. Rumors out of Japan say it’s launching this year, and a CL250 model could also be in the works, but that remains to be seen.
Tagged Under
Related Articles
-
Have you seen the 2024 Honda CBR500R? / News
Honda has just launched the 2024 CBR500R, a beginner-friendly sportbike with design inspirations from the CBR1000RR.
-
Feast your eyes on the new Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X / News
Triumph has officially pulled the covers off the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X, two brand new models designed to cater to the entry-level market.
-
The Honda CL500 scrambler lands in the Philippines for P409,000 / News
Honda debuted the CL500 in the Philippines, and showcased it during the Makina Moto Show 2023.
-
Would you like to see the Honda CBR250RR SP in the Philippines? / News
Honda has debuted the 2023 CBR250RR SP in Malaysia. Do you think this bike would be suitable for the Philippine market?
-
Honda is working on a new crash detection system for motorcycles / News
Honda is developing new safety tech consisting of crash detection that works in tandem with your phone, Bluetooth headset, and the bike’s onboard sensors.
Latest News
-
Royal Enfield Philippines inaugurates new flagship store at Brixton, Pasig / News
Royal Enfield has opened the doors to its new flagship dealership in Brixton, Pasig.
-
BMW brings big updates to 2025 F 900 R naked bike / News
BMW has introduced updates to its popular F 900 R naked bike for the 2025 model-year.
-
Ducati showcases stealthy Diavel V4 Black Roadster / News
Ducati has unveiled the 2025 Diavel V4 Black Roadster, a unique and stealthy take on the power cruiser.