BMW R nineT Urban G/S versus Honda CL 500

BMW R nineT Urban G/S

Retro

Honda CL 500

Scrambler

Retro, Scrambler, Naked, Tourer - what kind of machine is this?

The classification of the BMW R nineT Urban G/S is not easy. Is it a retro bike, a scrambler, a naked bike or even a tourer? Like the model, the R80G/S from the 80s, is probably a mixture of everything. How did the Urban... weiter

BMW R nineT Urban G/S im Test

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Test of Honda's new and affordable A2 Scrambler

Honda is now also sending an A2-class Scrambler into the race in 2023 with the CL500. What are the differences to Honda's other 500s and what makes the CL 500 stand out? Tanja and Dietmar have a tour... weiter

Honda CL 500 im Test

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Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2017 bis 2023

Built von 2023 bis 2025~

RRP 14.750 €

RRP 6.400 €

Ausführliches Test-Video von Motorradtest.de

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Competitors

Pros:

Engine
Handling
Brake
Chassis
Impression of quality
Optics

Pros:

very accessible, easy-to-ride motorcycle
manoeuvrable and agile handling
Easy to use, sit on it and drive off

Cons:

missing indicators for fuel level, engine speed and gear
Travel possibilities and wind protection not at GS level

Cons:

Footpegs in the way
dark display
Lever not adjustable within reach

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.527 mm
Length : 2.175 mm Height : 1.105 mm
Seat : 850 mm
Weight : 221 (max: 430 ) kg

Wheelbase: 1.484 mm
Length : 2.153 mm Height : 1.137 mm
Seat : 790 mm
Weight : 192 kg

Engine

Motor design: Boxer 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.170 ccm
Hub: 73 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: Öl-Luft
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6

Motor design: Reihentwin 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 471 ccm
Hub: 67 mm
Hole: 67 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 220 km/h
Performance: 110 HP at 7.750 U/Min
Torque: 116 NM bei 6.000 U/Min

Tank contents: 17 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 321 km

Performance: 47 HP at 8.500 U/Min
Torque: 43 NM bei 6.250 U/Min

Tank contents: 12 Litre
Consumption: 4 l
Reach: 333 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Lattice tube (steel)

Front suspension:
Telescopic fork 43 mm (travel 125 mm)

Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 140 mm)
Rear suspension:
Paralever

Tyres at the front: ZR
Rear tyres: ZR

Front suspension:
Telescopic fork 41 mm (travel 150 mm)

Rear suspension:
Stereo shock absorbers (travel 145 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm

Tyres at the front: 110/80R19M/C 59H
Rear tyres: 150/70R17M/C 69H

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 265 mm)

Front brake
Single disc, two-piston caliper (∅ 310 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, single-piston floating caliper (∅ 240 mm)

Conclusion - what sticks

Without question, Urban G/S is beguiling. Our tester Markus let himself be carried away to the remark that in his eyes it is currently the most beautiful motorcycle on the market. It is also a typical boxer child and high-quality workmanship from front to back. For those who do not constantly commute between Germany and Mongolia, the Urban G/S may even be better suited than a normal GS, because the Urban G/S is handier and weighs significantly less.

The test bike was provided to us by Bergmann & Söhne in Pinneberg for this test. There is exactly this bike as a demonstrator and is looking forward to a lot of test riders. So, let's go to Pinneberg near Hamburg!

Result

The Honda CL500 is an easy-to-ride and very accessible bike that is a lot of fun to ride. It is simply equipped, does not pose any puzzles to the driver and works very well. As usual with A2 bikes, you shouldn't expect any performance miracles. The CL500 is more of a leisurely bike with which you consciously enjoy every kilometre.

The test machine was kindly provided to us by motofun . motofun is a large Honda dealer in Kaltenkirchen, north of Hamburg. There, the CL 500 is a demonstrator - and almost every other current Honda can also be test-driven there. Let's go to motofun!