[Honda CB650R] Details and Test Ride Review
The new CB-R series was launched under the concept of "NEO SPORTS CAFE". Up until now, there were only three models in the series, the small-displacement CB125R and CB250R, and the large-displacement CB1000R, but the middle-class CB650R has been added to the lineup.
In recent years, this middle-class motorcycle has become one of the most popular categories, with the MT-07, Z650, and SV650 being the most popular models from each manufacturer competing against each other.
In this article, we bring you a review of the CB650R, the last entry in the CB-R series in the same class!
Condensed style
[Overall length / width / height]
2,130mm/780mm/1,075mm
[Curb weight]
202 kg
Other than the differences in the headlight, shrouds, and handlebar position, the CB-R shares its basic structure with its sibling, the CBR650R, but the round LED headlight, one of the identities of the CB-R series, gives it the impression of being a completely different motorcycle.
A short-style muffler with mass centralization, a shroud, an integrated intake chamber, and a voluminous tank design make the compact but condensed style feel more like a street fighter than a high street naked.
To say that it is as condensed as it looks maybe a misnomer, but the motorcycle weighs over 200kg, which is a heavy category for a 650cc middle-class motorcycle. Nevertheless, when you start driving, you can feel the benefits of the mass centralization of motorcycling handling, which is so light that you can feel the benefits of the mass centralization.
Foot grounding and position
[Seat Height]
810mm
[Foot grounding]
Seat height: 810mm (staff height 173cm)
Seat height: 810mm (staff height 161cm)
The seat is relatively low for a large motorcycle, so it's easy to get your footing without worrying about the width of the four-cylinder engine, and although my 161cm staff can lift their heels, it's easy to support them. The steering wheel position is a little low, not cramped but feels more like a street fighter position than a naked one.
Test Ride Reviews
Most rival mid-naked motorcycles have two-cylinder engines, although their layouts are different. The CB650R is the only one with an inline four-cylinder engine, and while we thought it would be better than the two-cylinder model for its ease of use on the street, it's not. We thought the two-cylinder model would have the edge in terms of street handling, but we were surprised by the mildness of the motorcycles in all areas. I had tested the CBR650R, a brother model with the same engine, just before, so I had some idea of how it would ride, but it felt like a completely different motorcycle just because of the changes in engine characteristics and position.
Specifically, it's more manageable in the lower-mid rpm range, or rather, the response from 3,000 rpm is very pleasing, even though it's not making much speed. Later we reviewed the differences between the CBR650R and the CB650R and found that the CBR650R's air cleaner is designed to use ram pressure for high rpm extension, just like the sport model, whereas the CB650R's air intake is designed with two intake routes at the rear as well as at the front, for sharper response at low speed and low rpm. It seems to be producing.
The position, as mentioned above, is a little low on the handlebars, and it feels more comfortable if you bend your upper body forward a little. The handlebars are also narrower than other naked models, and we found it easier to get in on winding roads and other mainly corner-oriented roads. The handling is relaxed in the city and firm on the winding roads, making it feel more like a street fighter. In fact, we had a chance to drive the circuit on a short course, and it had enough potential to enjoy knee rubbing with ease as it is.
The new traction control doesn't have any intervention settings, so it's best to think of it as more of a precautionary measure than as a means of assisting the driver. In terms of driving assistance, the quick shifter and assisted slipper clutch to reduce shift fatigue are more effective, although it's a factory option.
Detail Introduction Lamp & Meter
[Lamps]
Low beam
High beam
The LED round-eyed monocular headlight, an iconic feature of the NEO SPORTS CAFE series, features a positional light that motorcycles along the edge of the light, and low and high beams in the center.
Position lights
Brake lights
The tail light area is the same design as its sibling, the CBR650R. In case of emergency braking, the hazard lights flash at high speed to notify the following vehicle of emergency braking.
[Meter]
The newly designed, fully digital meter is compact and lightweight around the handlebars. In addition to the speed, tachometer, and ODO trip, it also has a shift indicator, water temperature system, clock, and upshifts indicator.
Details Introduction Driving performance
[Engine]
Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valve, in-line 4-cylinder
Maximum output: 70 kW [95 PS]/12,000 rpm
Maximum torque: 64 N-m [6.5 kgf-m] / 8,500 rpm
The 648cc liquid-cooled DOHC inline four-cylinder engine shared with the CBR650RR is mild and easy to handle throughout. It's especially responsive in the mid-range of revs, and you can enjoy smooth acceleration, crisp ride, and inline four-cylinder sound even around town.
Although they share the same engine, the main difference between the CB650R and the CB650R is the new air cleaner design: whereas the CBR650R's air cleaner is ducted upfront for ram pressure, the CB650R has an integrated shroud and chamber and two air intake paths at the rear of the chamber. The CB650R is equipped with the same engine as the CBR650R. This gives the CB650R a sharper response from low to the full range of rpm, as opposed to the CBR650R, which extends at higher rpm.
The assist slipper clutch makes clutch lever operation light and reduces sudden engine braking during downshifts, improving overall handling.
[Electronic control]
The electronic control is equipped with traction control as well as ABS. The setting is ON./There are only two stages, off, but the difference in speed between the front and rear wheels detects rear tire slip and adjusts the amount of fuel injection to mitigate it. It's best to look at this as an aid in case of an emergency, rather than to drive fast like a supersport model.
A quick shifter is also available as a factory option. This is only for shifting up, but it will help you to shift up comfortably in town and reduce the fatigue caused by the clutch operation.
[Handlebar]
The steering wheel switch is an orthodox design for Honda vehicles. Traction Control ON/The switch at the front of the left switch box is used to switch off.
[Brakes]
Front-mounted 310 mm disc brakes and Nissin radial-mounted 4-piston calipers are used for improved stopping power and control compared to the 2-piston, single-piston type used on the CB650F. A single 240mm single disc 1-pod caliper is used at the rear. ABS is standard on both front and rear.
[Suspension]
The front end features an inverted front fork. Although the forks are not equipped with any adjustment mechanisms, they help to reduce unsprung weight and increase rigidity. The rear suspension is a linkless mono-shock.
[Wheels and Tires]
Front size: 120/70ZR17 M/C (58W)
Rear size: 180/55ZR17 M/C (73W)
The newly-developed aluminum wheels feature a five-spoke Y-spoke design, which contributes to weight reduction. They are 440 grams lighter in front and 530 grams lighter in the rear than the previous model. The reduced weight of the wheels also contributes to lighter handling.
Detail Introduction Utility
[Fuel Tank]
Tank capacity: 15L
The fuel tank has been redesigned and is now 15 liters, down 2 liters from the previous model's 17 liters. Despite the reduced capacity, the voluminous design contributes to a more condensed style.
[Seat]
CBR650R
The seat has the same pillion seat and a separate design as the CBR650R. The seat also has stitching on it, which gives it a sense of quality. 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.
Selling price you are interested in
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (including 10% sales tax)
979,000 yen
As of November 2020
Summary
Middle-class motorcycles are known for their moderate power and ease of use in all kinds of situations. The CB650R has a different engine layout, but in a class where two-cylinder models are the norm, the CB650R is a "just right" motorcycles for the Japanese to enjoy the naked style and straight-four sound.
And since it's been a while since it was released, the custom parts have been enhanced as well. Finally, I'd like to introduce you to a custom machine built with Moriwaki Engineering parts!
A chic design with a neoclassical appearance
Clip-on handlebars
Bar-end mirror and master cylinder cap
Full exhaust system
Full exhaust system
Engine slider right
Engine slider left
Rearsets right
Rearsets left
Tuck-and-roll style seat
Fender eliminator kit
Photo by: Honda Motorcycle Japan Co.
