[Honda CBR650R] Details and Test Ride Review
The CBR650R, a fully redesigned version of its predecessor, the CBR650F, was introduced in 2019, and while the engine is primarily based on the CBR650F, it's a different model, with a design that's closer to the CBR1000RR (SC77), an inverted front forks and other undercarriage features, and electronic controls. It has been reborn. Of course, it's not just the design and equipment, but also the sportier driving experience of the "R" version.
In this article, I will bring you the test ride of the CBR650R, which has been steadily gaining in popularity since its release!
R for a sportier design and ride
[Overall Length / Overall Width / Overall Height]
2,130mm/750mm/1,150mm
[Curb weight]
207 kg
The design of the motorcycle was drastically changed without making any major changes to the mainframe, including the aggressive twin-eye headlight typical of the CBR series, upside-down front forks, and radial-mounted calipers for the suspension. The handlebars are also mounted under the top bridge, transforming the motorcycle from a tourer model to a supersport model. The distinctive exhaust pipe layout is not hidden, but peeks out through the under cowl.
In addition to the design, the new ram air ducts under the headlights, which are used on the new SuperSport models, contribute to the sharp acceleration at high speeds.
By redesigning every part, we have succeeded in reducing the weight by approximately 6kg compared to the previous model. With an aggressive design, a performance that rivals that of a supersport model, and a lightweight body, the R model is even sportier than the previous model.
Foot grounding and position
[Seat Height]
810mm
[Foot grounding]
The seat is relatively low for a large sport model, so the width of the four-cylinder engine doesn't bother us, and even our 161cm staff could support the motorcycle on one leg with one foot. The position of the steering wheel is now mounted at the bottom of the top bridge, so the upper body leans forward more than before, giving a greater sense of unity with the chassis.
Seat height: 810mm (staff height 173cm)
Seat height: 810mm (staff height 161cm)
Test Ride Reviews
The CBR650R is the only four-cylinder engine on the market, while most of the other manufacturers' models of the same displacement have two-cylinder engines. The CBR650R is the only four-cylinder model with a four-cylinder engine. The CBR650R has low to mid-range torque for stress-free riding around 3,000-4,000 rpm in the city, but if you open up the throttle firmly, the motorcycle extends comfortably into the red zone. Compared to supersport models, the less-than-100PS power might seem like it's not enough, but the less extreme nature of the motorcycle means you can open up the throttle and enjoy the feeling of riding a big motorcycle on the streets and on the winding roads.
Not only the engine, but the changes to the front end have contributed greatly to the sporty driving experience. Inverted forks have been added to the suspension, and the brakes have been replaced with radial-mounted 4-piston calipers instead of the 2-piston single-push calipers of the previous model. The vehicle weighs over 200kg, which is heavy for a vehicle in this class, but the handling and braking were never felt the weight of the chassis due to the solid suspension.
The electronic controls include ABS and traction control, but neither has a setting for the degree of intervention. It's better to think of them as just a precaution in case of an emergency rather than as a way to always drive with the traction control working. I didn't have a chance to use the traction control in town, but when the rear slid on the track, I was able to see the indicator on the meter to confirm that the traction control was working. Other factory options include a quick shifter and assisted slipper clutch, which not only makes shifting easier but also reduces fatigue.
It's almost a whole new model, but it's still the same high-revving four-cylinder engine sound that you can enjoy on the street without feeling overwhelmed.
Detail Introduction Lights & Meter
[Lights]
Low beam
High beam
All lights, including the blinkers, are LED. The design of the headlights has also undergone a major change, changing from a single-lens type to a dual-lens type. The air intakes under the headlights have been installed to feed air into the ram air ducts.
The tail lights share the same design as the CB650R's sibling, the CB650R. In case of emergency braking, the hazard lights blink at high speed to notify the following vehicle of emergency braking.
[Meter]
Newly designed, fully digital gauges help to reduce weight. In addition to the speed, tachometer, and odometer trip, it also has a shift indicator, water temperature system, clock, and upshift indicator.
Details Introduction Driving performance
[Engine]
Engine type: 648 cm3 liquid-cooled, DOHC, in-line four-cylinder
Maximum output: 70 kW [95 PS]/12,000 rpm
Maximum torque: 64 N-m [6.5kgf-m]/8,500 rpm
While the CBR600RR is the racy Honda four-cylinder in a similar displacement range, this CBR650R is more street-oriented and has completely different engine characteristics. The engine is designed for ease of use rather than power, and the response is good from 3,000 rpm onwards, without the jerky ride at low speeds that four-cylinder engines tend to have. Even though the emphasis is on ease of handling, the engine has 5PS more power than the previous model due to a review of intake efficiency and the installation of Ram Air, so you can enjoy the powerful driving that is typical of a sports model at high rpm.
For the clutch, an assist slipper clutch, which is becoming more and more popular on small displacement models, has been adopted. This reduces the amount of sudden engine braking that occurs during downshifts, while making clutch lever operation lighter, and improves overall handling.
[Electronic control]
Quick shifter as a factory option
In addition to ABS, a new traction control system has been added to the electronic control system. It detects rear tire slippage based on the speed difference between the front and rear wheels and adjusts the amount of fuel injection to mitigate the slippage. The system detects rear tire slippage based on the difference in speed between the front and rear wheels, and adjusts the amount of fuel injection to mitigate the slippage. It is better to think of it as an aid in case of an emergency rather than for driving fast like a super sports model. A quickshifter is also available as a factory-installed option. This is for upshifting only, but it is a good way to upshift and reduce fatigue from clutch operation even in town.
[Handlebar]
The handlebar switch is an orthodox design made by Honda. The traction control is switched on and off with the switch located in front of the left switch box.
[Brakes]
The front end features 310mm disc brakes and new radial-mounted 4-piston calipers. These brakes provide more stopping power and control than the previous two-piston, single-piston type. The rear features a single 240 mm single disc, 1-pod caliper. ABS is also standard on the front and rear.
[Suspension]
A new inverted front fork is used in the front. Although the forks do not have an adjustment mechanism, they help to reduce unsprung weight and increase rigidity. The rear suspension is a linkless monoshock.
[Wheels and Tires]
Front size: 120/70ZR17 M/C (58W)
Rear size: 180/55ZR17 M/C (73W)
The new aluminum wheels feature a five-spoke Y-spoke design, which contributes to weight savings. The front and rear wheels are approximately 1 kg lighter than the previous model.
Detail Introduction Utility
[Fuel Tank]
Tank capacity: 15L
The tank capacity is now 15 liters, down 2 liters from the previous model's 17 liters, in line with the design change.
[Seat]
The tandem seat has been replaced with a separate seat layout. The seat layout is the same as its sibling, the CB650R. It is not as sharp around the tail as the supersport model, so installing a seat bag or other items is expected to be easy. The space under the seat is for in-vehicle tools and documents, and once the ETC is in, there doesn't seem to be any other space for it.
Selling price you are interested in
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (including 10% sales tax)
Grand Prix Red: 1,089,000 yen
Matte Ballistic Black Metallic: 1,056,000 yen
*As of October 2020
Summary
The new CBR650R is one of those models that not only satisfy you with its design but also with its performance. Not only is it easy to handle on the street, but it also has perfect cornering performance on the winding roads, making it one of the best motorcycle I've ridden this year in terms of the total balance. The total balance of the motorcycle maybe my number one personal motorcycle of the year. I want a motorcycle that is mild and easy to handle at low speed on the street. I think this is the kind of motorcycle that fulfills the selfishness of such a rider. It's easy to handle and one that I would recommend to riders who are looking for their first big motorcycle to ride a full cowl sport motorcycle!
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