HONDA
Honda CL500 test drive
If you want a Honda 500, the buyer is faced with the confusion of abundance, because there are now 5 different models built around the 471 cm3, in-line two-cylinder block. After the CB500F naked bike, the CB500X crossover machine, the CB500R sports motorcycle and the CMX500 Rebel minicruiser, the range is expanded with the CL500 scrambler, with which the Japanese manufacturer appeals to those who live and die for traditional motorcycles. Since in the scrambler category it is no longer the Japanese, but Triumph, Ducati and BMW who are blowing the trade wind, it is particularly good news that Honda dared to undertake this move. In addition, due to its HUF 2,729,000 price and compact size, the CL500 is aimed at average bikers. Just like the legendary CLs of the 60s and 70s, whose features live on in the 500. You can see from the novelty that it was created by people who see motorcycles as more than just a means of transportation. The designer responsible for the exterior of the machine, Takeru Kurobe, only turns 30 this year, but he is a true old school designer. He told us that he did not create the first sketches of the CL500 on a computer, but on paper, with a pencil, and he also revealed that he was not looking for high-tech engines, but for honest and simple machines, such as air-cooled Harley Sportsters and Honda He really likes CB1300. He then passionately told us that the CL500 has practically all the elements that make a motorcycle a scrambler. The newcomer is characterized by a clean tank shape, light off-road tires and chassis, as well as a long, straight seat and high exhausts. And of course, he doesn’t miss such small delicacies as the fork with a rubber bell! As is usual with retro machines these days, the headlight is absolutely up-to-date in terms of technology, the full-LED front light with its characteristic light dots looks bombastic. The instrument cluster is simple, and although there is no problem with its readability, it is incomprehensible to me that there is no tachometer. Since Honda avowedly recommends the CL500 to both beginners and novices, it would be ideal if the less experienced rider could rely on more than just their ears to know when to shift.
If we start from the size of the machine, then the CL can clearly be ideal for those who are just getting to know the world of big engines. Due to the seat height of 790 mm, even people of smaller stature can reach their feet, and due to the ready-to-go weight of 192 kg, there is no question that it would be frighteningly heavy. Rather, I felt that with my height of 190 cm, I was a bit too big for this machine, and sure enough, the spring strut fit properly under my 90 kilo weight. The riding experience is largely determined by the soft suspension (fortunately, it is easy to adjust the preload at the back) and the clutch, which can be operated with one finger – the latter is such a delicate mechanism that even a fragile lady will have no problem operating it. Since Honda wanted the CL500 not to be embarrassed on the wrong road, Dunlop Mixtours tires are used on the front 19-inch wheels and 17-inch wheels at the back, which are basically for asphalt, but because of the deep grooves, they don’t bleed on loose surfaces either. Due to the low weight and the soft chassis, steering the novelty is a very special and fun experience, and due to the wide handlebars, you can also drive it in a supermoto style (primarily, you tilt the motorcycle into the turn with your hands, not your body weight). And the resource? Honda’s two-row drive is basically balanced, but there is some vibration at high revs, mostly at a constant speed of 110-120 km/h. Its 47 horsepower and pleasant sound make it a real pleasure to drive on a winding road, while it will not overwhelm the driver with its power or performance. Traction control is not missing, but anyone who prefers a sporty driving style will definitely be happy with the slipper clutch.
Nenhum comentário:
Postar um comentário