Earlier in the year, we reported rumors suggesting Honda’s foray into the baby scrambler lineup. Since then, these rumors have cemented thanks to patent filings from the Japanese giant with everything pointing towards two promising scrambler models, CL250 and CL500, based on the lauded Rebel 250 and Rebel 500, respectively. How will they be promising? Well, here’s how.

Honda CL250 & CL500 Scramblers Will Look The Part

*Honda Rebel 500 shown

The Rebel twins are handsome motorcycles and one can expect no less from the upcoming scramblers. The design elements - blacked-out mechanicals, retro-type LED lights, ten-spoke alloy wheels - will all likely make way to the scramblers. However, to bring some scrambler flavor to the package, Honda will throw in a flat seat, off-road tires, and an upswept exhaust reminiscent of the iconic CL72. In case you’re having a hard time picturing it, Japanese publication Young Machine has done an epic job as you can see above.

In addition to all this, the upcoming CL250 and CL500 will carry forward the same features as their Rebel counterparts. The list includes all-LED lights, dual-channel ABS (we’d like a switchable one on the scrambler), disc brakes, and a round LCD instrument cluster.

Honda CL250 & CL500 Will Pack A Punch

According to sources, the new Honda scramblers will use the same engine and chassis as the Rebel twins. Now, this isn’t a bad thing by any means because the 250cc, single-cylinder engine on the Rebel 250 and the 471cc, parallel twin unit on the Rebel 500 are both already proven engines. But if Honda really wants to make its scramblers fun as ever, the bikemaker should fiddle around with engine tunes to make the bike more responsive in lower revs, so you can kick out the rear whenever you want.

Engine aside, you shouldn’t expect any major chassis changes here. The Rebel 250 and Rebel 500 already use the same chassis and it’ll be the same for the scramblers. You can expect tweaks to the suspension, though, because the scramblers will need more travel for off-road duties which will also bump up the seat height. Likewise, expect Honda to rework the rake.

Honda CL250 & CL500 - Expected Launch & Price

*Honda Rebel 250 shown

By now, you know the scramblers will share a lot of components with the Rebels. While this might bum out a few people, it’s actually a good thing because this will help keep the costs down, resulting in an affordable price tag. Plus, with barely any 250cc or 500cc scramblers on the market, the upcoming bikes will give Honda a good chance to reel in customers without dedicating special resources to the new bikes. We think the CL250 and CL500 will break cover either by the end of 2022 or by early 2023.