Scrambler · 2026
Expressway-LegalHonda CL500 2026 Philippines
₱409,000
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.
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.
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)
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