Scrambler · 2026
Expressway-LegalHonda CL500 Price Philippines 2026
₱409,000
By Aditya AmanPublished Jan 15, 2025Updated Feb 1, 2026Editorial PolicyLives in the Philippines and has driven nearly every Luzon expressway with his family.45
Expressway Score
471
cc Displacement
46
hp Power
30
km/L Fuel Eff.
Expressway Score
45/100FAIR
Score Breakdown
Overview
The Honda CL500 is Honda's modern scrambler, repackaging the proven Rebel 500 platform into a retro-inspired dual-purpose machine that looks equally at home on SLEX as it does on a weekend dirt trail in Rizal. Its 471cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine delivers a smooth 46 hp with the emphasis on low-end torque, making it effortless to ride in any situation from toll plaza crawling to expressway cruising. The Honda CL500 price Philippines is ₱409,000, a ₱10,000 premium over the Rebel 500 that buys you higher ground clearance, upright ergonomics, and scrambler styling. Key features include ABS, a comfortable upright riding position, and block-pattern tires that handle both asphalt and light off-road terrain. The fuel-efficient 471cc engine paired with a 12.8-liter tank delivers approximately 384 km of range, excellent for expressway touring. For riders in the Philippines who want a versatile motorcycle that handles NLEX commuting during the week and Tanay mountain runs on weekends, the CL500 is Honda's most well-rounded big bike.
This overview is AI-assisted based on manufacturer specifications and Philippine market data. Specs and pricing are sourced from official dealership listings. Editorial Policy
Expressway Driving Review
The CL500 handles expressway duties like its Rebel 500 sibling, smooth, efficient, and beginner-friendly, with a few scrambler-specific trade-offs. At 100 km/h on NLEX or SLEX, the parallel-twin engine sits at around 5,500 rpm with minimal vibration, delivering the same refined highway experience as the Rebel 500. The more upright scrambler riding position is slightly more comfortable than the Rebel's feet-forward cruiser stance for extended expressway riding, keeping weight neutral and reducing lower back fatigue. The wide flat handlebars provide excellent leverage for crosswind corrections on elevated sections like Skyway Stage 3, but they also catch more wind than clip-on alternatives. Block-pattern tires generate noticeably more road noise than pure street tires at highway speeds, and their grip on wet expressway surfaces is adequate but not as confident as dedicated road tires. Fuel efficiency on the expressway is excellent at 28-30 km/L, giving approximately 358-384 km range on the 12.8-liter tank. Overtaking capability with 46 hp is adequate for single-lane passes but requires planning for quick highway maneuvers. The absence of wind protection means sustained speeds above 110 km/h become tiring after 60-90 minutes.
This review is AI-assisted based on manufacturer specifications and Philippine market data. Specs and pricing are sourced from official dealership listings. Editorial Policy
Safety & Electronics
Honda CL500 2026 Price & Variants
| Variant | Price |
|---|---|
| CL500 Standard | ₱409,000 |
All expressway-legal motorcycles (400cc+) are classified as Class 1 for toll purposes, same rate as cars.
Specifications
- Displacement
- 471 cc
- Power
- 46 hp @ 8,500 rpm
- Torque
- 43 Nm @ 6,000 rpm
- Transmission
- 6-speed manual
- Fuel Tank
- 12.8L
- Seat Height
- 790 mm
- Kerb Weight
- 192 kg
- Top Speed
- 165 km/h
Fuel Efficiency
30
km/L Estimated
384
km Range (full tank)
Pros & Cons for Expressway Riding
Pros
- ✓Unique scrambler styling, stands out from every other bike on the expressway
- ✓Proven Rebel 500 parallel-twin engine with Honda reliability
- ✓Excellent expressway fuel efficiency (28-30 km/L) with 384 km range
- ✓Comfortable upright riding position, natural for mixed city-expressway riding
- ✓Versatile for both expressway commuting and weekend off-road exploration
- ✓ABS standard for safe braking on wet expressways and gravel roads
- ✓Honda BigBike dealer network provides easy access to service and parts nationwide
Cons
- ✗No traction control, a notable omission for wet-season expressway and off-road riding
- ✗Block-pattern tires generate significant road noise at highway speeds above 100 km/h
- ✗No wind protection, aftermarket screen recommended for regular expressway commuting
- ✗46 hp is modest, overtaking on SLEX requires planning, especially two-up
- ✗Block tires wear faster on asphalt than dedicated road tires (expect 8,000-10,000 km life)
- ✗₱409,000 price is a premium over the mechanically identical Rebel 500 (₱399,000)
This analysis is AI-assisted based on manufacturer specifications and Philippine market data. Specs and pricing are sourced from official dealership listings. Editorial Policy
Other Honda Models
Honda Rebel 500
Cruiser · 471cc · Score: 52/100
Honda CB650R
Naked · 649cc · Score: 55/100
Honda Rebel 1100
Cruiser · 1084cc · Score: 67/100
Honda CBR650R
Sport · 649cc · Score: 48/100
Honda CBR500R
Sport · 471cc · Score: 42/100
Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin
Adventure · 1084cc · Score: 70/100
Expressway Essentials for Honda CL500 Riders
Honda CL500 FAQ
How much is the Honda CL500 in the Philippines?
The Honda CL500 retails at ₱409,000 in the Philippines as of 2026. It is available through authorized Honda BigBike dealers in Metro Manila, Cebu, and other major cities. This is a ₱10,000 premium over the mechanically identical Rebel 500.
What is the monthly installment for Honda CL500?
With a 20% down payment of ₱81,800 and a 36-month financing term at approximately 8-10% annual interest, the monthly installment for the Honda CL500 is around ₱10,700 per month. Honda BigBike dealers offer financing through partner banks with competitive rates.
How many km/L does the Honda CL500 get on expressway?
The Honda CL500 achieves approximately 28-30 km/L on Philippine expressways at a steady 100 km/h cruising speed. With the 12.8-liter fuel tank, this translates to roughly 358-384 km of highway range, enough for a Manila-to-San Fernando round trip without refueling.
Honda CL500 vs Rebel 500, which is better for expressways?
They share the same 471cc engine and produce identical 46 hp. The Rebel 500 has a lower seat height (690 mm vs 790 mm) and more relaxed cruiser ergonomics for long highway rides. The CL500 has a more upright position and higher ground clearance for versatility. For pure expressway comfort, the Rebel 500 wins; for mixed expressway plus weekend off-road use, the CL500 is the better choice.
Is the Honda CL500 good for beginners?
Yes. The CL500 is an excellent beginner big bike. The manageable 46 hp, smooth parallel-twin engine, and comfortable upright position make it forgiving and confidence-inspiring. The 790 mm seat height is accessible for most Filipino riders, and Honda's rider-friendly engineering ensures a gentle learning curve.
Does the Honda CL500 have ABS?
Yes. The Honda CL500 comes with dual-channel ABS as standard. However, it does not include traction control, which is worth noting if you plan to ride on wet expressway surfaces during the Philippine monsoon season or on loose off-road terrain.
What are common issues with the Honda CL500?
The CL500 shares the Rebel 500's excellent reliability record with few common issues. The block-pattern tires wear faster than road tires on asphalt (8,000-10,000 km vs 12,000-15,000 km), increasing running costs. Some owners find the stock seat too firm for rides over 2 hours. Chain maintenance every 500-800 km is recommended for Philippine conditions.
Is the Honda CL500 expressway-legal in the Philippines?
Yes. The CL500 has a 471cc engine, well above the 400cc minimum displacement requirement for Philippine expressways. It is classified as a Class 1 vehicle for toll purposes, paying the same rate as cars on NLEX, SLEX, Skyway, TPLEX, SCTEX, CALAX, CAVITEX, and all other toll roads.
How much is insurance for Honda CL500?
Comprehensive motorcycle insurance for the Honda CL500 in the Philippines costs approximately ₱16,000-₱24,000 per year, depending on the insurance provider, rider profile, and coverage level. CTPL (Compulsory Third Party Liability) alone costs around ₱600-₱1,200 annually.
Can the Honda CL500 carry a passenger on the expressway?
Yes. The CL500 has a pillion seat and rear footpegs for two-up expressway riding. The upright scrambler ergonomics accommodate a passenger reasonably well, though the seat is on the compact side. The 46 hp engine will feel less responsive with a passenger at highway speeds, so allow extra distance for overtaking maneuvers on NLEX or SLEX.