Today we’re talking about a motorcycle that, in my opinion, will appeal to many people new to the world of motorcycling.This bike doesn’t rip your arms off, but makes you want to ride. The 2025 Honda SCL500 is a bit like the first girlfriendwho teaches you to dance without stepping on your toes: gentle, tolerant, but capable of giving you a lot of fun. 

Overview

The SCL500 isn’t the bike that’s going to propel you into a Fast & Furious movie. We’re talking about a 471 cm³ in-line twin that puts out around 46 horsepower. In other words: enough to send shivers down your neck, but not enough to send you flying into the middle of a field because you sneezed while accelerating. It’s built on a reliable, proven base, and designed so you can learn to ride without feeling like you’re taming a wild horse. It’s a bike that forgives small mistakes, handles like a solid bicycle, and gives you confidence from the very first meters.

Start-up and first impressions

When you turn on the ignition, the engine gives you a quiet purr: no intimidating roar, just a little “Hi, let’s go”. Beginners will appreciate this: no need to grit your teeth or sweat before releasing the clutch.

In first gear, the SCL500 takes off smoothly. Even if you’re not yet super-comfortable with the play of the clutch lever, it forgives you. It’s a bit like saying, “Don’t worry, big guy, we’ll take it easy”.

Acceleration and handling

Let’s be honest: with its 46 horsepower, we’re not in the “arm-wrenching” category. But that’s not a weakness here: it’s exactly what makes it perfect for learning. You can give it a good push on the throttle without getting spooked.

In town, it’s smooth and easy to control. On the road, it reaches legal speeds effortlessly, but you’ll soon forget about the 200 km/h top speed dreams. It’s not about breaking speed records: it’s about riding with a smile on your face and getting used to your machine.

Handling and braking

This is its greatest strength: it handles like it can read your mind. Light and well-balanced, it changes direction without you struggling with the handlebars. In a parking lot, you can turn as tightly as with a small 125. Braking is progressive, with reassuring ABS. You can learn to control pressure without fear of locking the wheels at the slightest mistake. Perfect for someone who hasn’t yet accumulated years of reflexes.

Comfort and ergonomics

The riding position is upright and natural: you can ride for long periods without bending over or ending up with burning wrists. The footrests are positioned to keep your legs relaxed, and the seat, though it could be a little softer, remains comfortable for reasonable rides.

The digital instrument panel is simple and clear: speed, gear engaged, fuel remaining. No complicated gadgets to distract you from what matters: learning to ride.

Style and finish

It has a neo-retro look that catches the eye without shouting “look at me”. It’s “Scrambler” style, with tires that let you ride on gravel or asphalt roads. Beginners often like to pass unnoticed until they feel comfortable, but here you’re riding a stylish bike all the same. Sober paintwork, simple lines, a few metallic accents: it’s beautiful without being flashy.

Minor drawbacks

• 12-liter fuel tank: sufficient for short rides, but not for long, non-stop trips.
• Dial difficult to read in bright sunlight.
• No excessive power: if you want to ride the track or overtake like crazy on the freeway, this isn’t the model for you.

Conclusion

The 2025 Honda SCL500 doesn’t try to impress with numbers or extreme performance. It’s all about ease, smoothness and reliability. It’s an ideal bike for someone just starting out:

• Moderate power that inspires confidence
• Exemplary handling
• Comfort and riding position adapted to learning

It’s the bike that lets you concentrate on the road, your trajectories, your reflexes… in short, on the pleasure of riding, without fear of losing control.

My verdict: 9/10 as a school-bike for the road, and even a little more if you’re just looking for a reliable companion to ride peacefully for the rest of your life.

Thanks to Honda Canada for the loan of this bike, which made this test possible.

Equipment worn during this test ride :

• Helmet: CKX Atlas
• Coat: Oxford Montréal 4.0
• Boots: Falco Liberty 3
• Gloves: Leatt ADV Rally 5.5