Honda CL 500 versus Fantic Caballero Scrambler 500

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
Honda

Honda CL 500

Scrambler
Fantic

Fantic Caballero Scrambler 500

Scrambler

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2023 bis 2024~
Built von 2021 bis 2024~
RRP 6.400 €
RRP 6.990 €
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Pros:
  • very accessible, easy-to-ride motorcycle
  • manoeuvrable and agile handling
  • Easy to use, sit on it and drive off
Pros:
  • partly high-quality parts
  • very light and manoeuvrable
  • crisp sound
  • chic scrambler look
  • LED Headlights
Cons:
  • Footpegs in the way
  • dark display
  • Lever not adjustable within reach
Cons:
  • partly inferior parts
  • doughy front brake
  • Reluctant to idle

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.484 mm
Length :
2.153 mm Height : 1.137 mm
Seat :
790 mm
Weight :
192 kg
Wheelbase: 1.425 mm
Length :
2.080 mm
Seat :
820 mm until : 840 mm
Weight :
157 kg

Engine

Motor design: Reihentwin 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 471 ccm
Hub: 67 mm
Hole: 67 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Motor design: Single-cylinder four-stroke 1 Cylinder
Displacement: 449 ccm
Hub: 64 mm
Hole: 95 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance


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

Performance: 39 HP at 7.100 U/Min
Torque: 40 NM bei 6.000 U/Min
Tank contents: 12 Litre
Consumption:
4 l
Reach:
286 km

Chassis

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
Frame type:
Central tube (steel)
Front suspension:
USD 41mm (travel 150mm)
Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 150 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarmstead swingarm with variable cross-sections and progressive steering
Tyres at the front: 110/80 R19
Rear tyres: 140/80 R17

Brakes

Front brake
Single disc, two-piston caliper ( 310 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, single-piston floating caliper ( 240 mm)
Front brake
One, floating saddle ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc ( 230 mm)

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!

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price: 6.400€
  • Availability: since 03/2023
  • Colors: orange, green, black, blue

Conclusion - what sticks

Awesome, an imperfect bike! The Fantic Caballero 500 is a typical Italian: Here a little diva-like, boastful and loud, but absolutely endearing and emotional. You like them or you don't like them, there will be hardly anything else in between. Performance and technical equipment take a back seat to the Caballero, with design, sound and the wonderfully mocking single-cylinder engine in the foreground.
 
The test bike was provided by Legendary Cycles in Hamburg. There is the Caballero 500 Scrambler as a demonstrator. And while you're there, take a look at the many other bikes from Legendary: There are bikes from Indian, Benelli, Royal Enfield, Moto Morini, Mash and Fantic. Delightful shop. Coffee is also available, but do not press "Capucchino", the milk frother is broken.

Price/availability/colours/years of construction

  • Price: 7.090€
  • Used (3 years old): 5.500€
  • Years of construction: 2018-2022
  • Colours: red, bright yellow