Honda SCL500 Insurance

The Honda SCL500 — a retro-styled scrambler built around Honda’s proven 471cc parallel-twin — made its debut for the 2024 model year. Designed as an approachable, affordable, and stylish all-rounder, the SCL500 shares its powerplant with the Rebel 500, CB500F, and CB500X, but packages it in a high-pipe, upright, retro-scrambler format.

Lightweight, fuel-efficient, and extremely beginner-friendly, the SCL500 instantly became one of Honda’s most accessible modern classics. With an MSRP around the mid-$6K range, many riders shopping the bike naturally ask: how much does it cost to insure? Below, we break it down.

Honda SCL500 Insurance Rates

Like any motorcycle, insurance costs for the SCL500 vary widely depending on rider age, driving record, state, credit tier, and type of coverage. However, we were able to gather real-world rider-reported premiums from SCL500 owners.

Here are several examples:

Male, 39, Texas, clean record, full coverage: ~$280/year
Male, 28, California, clean record, full coverage: ~$540/year
Female, 33, Georgia, clean record, liability only: ~$128/year
Male, 55, Arizona, clean record, full coverage: ~$225/year
Male, 24, Tennessee, 1 at-fault accident, full coverage: ~$610/year
Female, 41, Florida, clean record, full coverage: ~$460/year

As expected, young riders in high-cost states (California, Florida) tend to pay the most, while older riders with clean records in lower-rate states see much cheaper premiums.

One SCL500 owner summed it up well:

“The SCL500 isn’t seen as a high-risk bike by most companies. It’s a ‘standard’ bike with moderate power, so rates tend to be very reasonable as long as your record is clean.”

As always, the only way to know your exact rate is to compare quotes. Premiums for the same rider can easily vary by several hundred dollars between insurers.

Honda SCL500 Background

The SCL500 is Honda’s modern take on the lightweight scrambler formula. Powered by the 471cc liquid-cooled straight twin used across Honda’s 500 lineup, it produces about 46 horsepower and weighs just over 400 pounds.

Taller handlebars, upright ergonomics, and a high-mount exhaust give it a classic scrambler silhouette, while the low seat height and smooth power delivery make it extremely approachable for new riders.

Key characteristics include:

• Easy-handling chassis
• Upright posture suitable for commuting
• Torquey, beginner-friendly engine
• Light gravel / fire-road capability
• Simple maintenance and excellent reliability

It’s a budget-friendly modern bike with retro charm — exactly the kind of model insurance companies tend to rate favorably.

Honda SCL500 Coverage Requirements

In the United States, liability coverage is mandatory in most states, though minimum limits vary. This covers injury or property damage you cause to others — but not your motorcycle.

If you finance your SCL500, the lender will require full coverage, which includes:

• Collision – covers your bike if you crash
• Comprehensive – covers theft, fire, vandalism, weather damage, animals, etc.

Even if not required, many riders choose full coverage because the SCL500 is relatively inexpensive to insure and repairs can still be costly after a crash.

SCL500 Insurance Tips

If you want to keep insurance costs low, here are a few proven strategies SCL500 owners recommend:

• Bundle motorcycle + auto (often saves 10–20%)
• Take an MSF course (many insurers discount certified training)
• Add theft protection if you live in an urban area
• Increase your deductible for lower monthly payments
• Ask insurers to classify the SCL500 properly (it’s a “standard” bike, not a sportbike or performance model)
• Garaging the bike instead of street parking often reduces premiums

The SCL500 is one of the easier motorcycles to insure thanks to its modest power, strong safety record, and Honda’s reputation for reliability.