Honda Updates American Motorcycle Offerings With Retro SCL500 Scrambler

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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 $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.

“More than any manufacturer, Honda has consistently demonstrated an ability to deliver fun, retro motorcycles that scratch a nostalgic itch while offering the performance and reliability for which Honda is so well known,” said Brandon Wilson, American Honda Manager of Sports & Experiential. “That’s the case with the all-new SCL500, and we’re confident it will be a hit with American customers.”

Read: The 28 MPH EM1 e: Scooter Is Honda’s Slowest, Cheapest EV

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 $8,399 for the standard model, or $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 $7,949, while ABS adds $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 $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 $3,599, and $4,149 for the latter.