10 Things We Like About The Honda CBR650R

A practical sports bike for the modern rider

Born on the racetrack, but made for the street, the Honda CBR650R is a remarkable machine that derives characteristics from the famous super bike CBR1000RR - also known as the "Fireblade". The CBR650R is the sporty successor to the old CBR650F middle weight sports tourer, and it carves a special place in the hearts of bikers who crave the freedom of full-throttle rides.

Motorcycles from the 600 cc segment generally entice enthusiasts with their balance of power, medium weight, and easy maneuverability, making them a compelling choice for those seeking a powerful yet practical riding experience on normal roads. The Honda CBR650R delivers on all this and more.

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What sets the CBR650R apart is its versatility. It doesn't shy away from the occasional track day, while also not compromising on practicality as it effortlessly combines its sporting features with daily street usability. It proves to be the perfect option for riders in the real world, as it provides a seamless and stress-free commuting experience while still packing an impressive punch. Apart from its evident sporting capabilities, this bike offers an added advantage of a comfortable and roomier ride when compared to traditional race replicas, making it well suited for occasional weekend trip too.

The CBR650R holds immense appeal for beginner bikers. Honda has designed its engine to deliver predictable smooth power that allows novice riders to ease into their motorcycle journey without feeling overwhelmed by sudden bursts of power.

The bike also has an upright riding position that offers a comfortable and commanding view of the road, and provides better visibilty and confidence to first time motorcyclists. Further, a nimble chassis makes it maneuverable, and easy handling features ensure easy cornering for those who have just upgraded a level by ditching their old bike for this..

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The heart of the CBR650R is its inline-four engine, which unlike other more aggressively tuned engines of similar size, exhibits a consistent and predictable power response, thus catering to riders who desire a smooth and seamless experience throughout the RPM range. Novice riders can relish the ease of taming this machine, while experienced enthusiasts will appreciate its responsiveness.

The engine's potency shines through with an impressive 80 horsepower, while the 42 pound feet of torque gives it a decent burst of acceleration. Whether cruising leisurely through the city streets or pushing the bike to its limits on highway roads, the CBR650R's engine effortlessly strikes the right balance.

Honda has certainly put a lot of effort into the styling of the CBR650R. It offers premium sports styling that looks modern but draws inspiration from the previous generation CBR1000RR. The 650R has several eye-catching design features. Firstly it has an aggressive appeal, courtesy of its sharp and dynamic lines. Secondly, the upper and extended lower fairings blend muscularity into the whole package, and finally a short tail section maintains compact proportions, and gives it a distinctive presence. The 2023 lineup consists of three color variants to suit different riders' preferences, including Matt Gunpowder Black, Grand Prix Red, and Pearl Spencer Blue.

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The CBR650R's suspension includes a 7-step mono-shock unit with adjustable preload settings, allowing riders to fine-tune the suspension according to their preferences and road conditions. Starting from 2021, the bike also underwent a significant transformation with the introduction of the 41mm Separate Function Big Piston (SFF BP) front forks instead of the Showa Dual Bending Valve forks. Although the previous models already offered a good balance of cornering prowess and daily comfort, this update provides improved damping performance and enhanced rider feedback, and makes the 650R more suitable for touring. As a result the CBR650R is a more versatile and enjoyable motorcycle now.

Rider ergonomics is another selling point for Honda's CBR650R. Its twin-spar frame with integrated pivot plates and engine hangers ensures a medium weight yet robust build, and contributes to its impressive handling. The 650R also deserves special recognition for its comfortable seat. Unlike many bikes in the fully-faired sport bike category, it offers a pillion seat that is actually usable, providing a comfortable riding experience for both the rider and the passenger. Further, the seat, bar and peg relationship is also optimized to enhance the rider's connection to the bike.

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Since it was established in 1948, the Honda Motor Company has garnered a strong reputation for manufacturing vehicles with exceptional build quality. Honda has long maintained a preference for straightforward and practical construction, resulting in reliable, long-lasting products. The CBR650R, introduced in 2019, has continued this legacy, meaning it showcases a solidly constructed body and precise fitting components. Moreover, both the CBR650R and its predecessor, the CBR650F, have exhibited no significant problems related to durability or dependability, further instilling confidence in prospective buyers when contemplating their purchase decision.

The Honda CBR650R comes equipped with essential safety features, including dual-channel ABS and switchable traction control. The braking system, crafted by Nissin, incorporates dual 310mm floating front discs with radially mounted calipers, complemented by a 240mm rear disc. The brake lever and pedal offer clear feedback, making it easy for riders to understand the braking performance, and the discs provide sufficient stopping power for typical street usage. While the ABS is always engaged, the Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) can be easily deactivated, and riders can refer to the LCD dash to check its status.

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The CBR650R also comes with high-end technology. It has a unconventional dual lens LED headlight which enhances its styling. Its revised LCD dash features improved font size and LED angle for easier reading, offering all the necessary information at a glance. Additionally, for a little more cash, the 650R also offers an extensive list of official accessories, including heated grips suitable for cold conditions, luggage, crash protection features, and a quick shifter option. The bike also features a USB-C socket for phone charging under the rear seat, which can really come in handy.

The middle weight sport bike segment is a highly contested space, with lots of options available on the market. To maintain a unique selling point, and cater to different rider preferences, motorcycle brands offer their products with certain unique characteristics including different engine configurations, choice of technology and riding styles. The Kawasaki Ninja 650 and the Yamaha YZF-R7 are quite similar to the Honda CBR650R, therefore making them its biggest competitors. All three bikes are available for under $10,000 in 2023, with Ninja 650 starting at $9,699, the YZF-R7 starting at $9,199 and the CBR650R coming in at a highly competitive $9,899.

Ayush Dhungel is a researcher with over 6 years of professional experience writing for international research institutions. He is a motorcycle enthusiast, and loves riding especially in the himalayan region. His writings are a blend of expetise and passion.