Honda is bringing back the ’60s, announcing that the SCL500 will be offered to American customers this summer. While the classic scrambler-style motorcycle will bring retro design, new updates to the rest of the brand’s lineup will carry it into the future. The SCL500 is inspired by Honda’s classic CL72 and CL77 motorcycles, which offered stripped down, go-anywhere utility. To that end, the bike has been equipped with a high-routed exhaust, block tires, plenty of suspension travel, and a retro design aesthetic.
Power will come from the brand’s 500cc
parallel-twin engine that may be familiar to American riders from the Rebel
500. That will make it small, nimble, and a great entry-point for customers. To
entice them further, it has a starting price of US$ 6,799, though Honda will try
to tempt buyers to spend more with a range of accessories. The SCL500 will be
offered in Candy Orange and Mattel Laurel Green Metallic.
Elsewhere in the motorcycle lineup,
updates abound for buyers. For instance, the 2024 Shadow Phantom now gets a
two-tone gas tank, new handlebars, handlebar clamps, headlight cover, air
cleaner cover, display instruments, turn signal, and machine-cut cylinder-head
fins. These changes were all made in pursuit of leaning further into the bike’s
“bobber” styling. To keep you comfortable, the Shadow Phantom will also get a
new single seat for long rides, and a passenger seat with foot pegs is also
offered as an extra. A new version with ABS will help keep riders safe, but a rear
disc brake is available whether drivers opt for the tech or not. Prices start
at US$ 8,399 for the standard model, or US$ 8,699 for the ABS model.
Similarly, the 2024 Shadow Aero will also
get a new standard disc brake (a feature that was previously only available on
the ABS model). New for the coming model year, the bike will also be offered
with updated color options. Prices start at US$ 7,949, while ABS adds US$ 300 to the
price tag. Like the SCL500 and the Shadow Phantom, the Shadow Aero will be
available as of June.
Moving onto Honda’s smaller offerings, the
ADV160 scooter replaces the ADV150, and benefits from a larger displacement
engine that delivers better performance on the road, and in terms of emissions.
An automatic transmission, two-stage adjustable windscreen, and under seat
storage are all aimed at making the scooter as capable as possible. Prices
start at US$ 4,499, and it will be available to purchase as of July. Meanwhile,
the Honda Grom and PCX are returning to dealers with no major updates. Prices for
the former start at US$ 3,599, and US$ 4,149 for the latter.
