BMW R 1200 GS (K50) versus Honda CL 500

BMW R 1200 GS (K50)

Adventure

Honda CL 500

Scrambler

The rally version of the BMW 1200 GS - not just pretty to look at.

Wild Bavarian woman in a smart rally dirndl The BMW R 1200 GS was a particularly eagerly awaited test object for us. And not only because the GS gave hope for numerous interested parties for our test report due to its popularity. No, above all, we were all really keen on... weiter

BMW R 1200 GS Rallye

Gallery

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

Gallery

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2013 bis 2018

Built von 2023 bis 2024~

RRP 15.300 €

RRP 6.400 €

Ausführliches Test-Video von Motorradtest.de

waveform

Competitors

Pros:

has neat Wums
extensive electronic helpers
significantly more off-road capability than the standard version of the GS

Pros:

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

Cons:

Price mainly with full equipment

Cons:

Footpegs in the way
dark display
Lever not adjustable within reach

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.507 mm
Length : 2.207 mm Height : 1.412 mm
Seat : 850 mm
Weight : 244 (max: 460 ) 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: 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: 219 km/h
Performance: 125 HP at 7.700 U/Min
Torque: 125 NM bei 6.500 U/Min

Tank contents: 20 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 403 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:
Bridges, motor supporting (steel)

Front suspension:
Telescopic fork 37 mm (travel 190 mm)
Front suspension:
Shock

Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 200 mm)
Rear suspension:
Single-arm swingarm

Tyres at the front: 120/70 R 19
Rear tyres: 170/60 R 17

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 (∅ 305 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 376 mm)

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

Conclusion - what gets stuck

No, our high expectations were by no means disappointed – not even a bit! The R 1200 GS Rally not only made us very good, but it makes it really difficult for us to find criticisms. Well, it's quite expensive. But quality has a price. And if you look at the prices on the second-hand market, you have to say that gs keeps its value quite long. In addition, it is of course up to everyone to decide whether they really need all the equipment packages. Clearly all do their tasks reliably and well, however, drive up the price again neatly. And already in the basic equipment we have to deal with a mature, great bike!

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!