The Siren Song of Four Cylinders: A Long-Term Review of the Honda CB650R
In the middleweight naked bike segment, where versatility and power often vie for dominance, the Honda CB650R stands as a captivating outlier. It's a machine that doesn't just promise performance; it delivers it with a soulful soundtrack and a sense of refinement rarely found in its class. Part of Honda's "Neo Sports Café" family, the CB650R merges a timeless, retro-inspired aesthetic with the best of modern technology. It's a bike that appeals to the heart as much as the head. After living with this motorcycle on a variety of roads, from the stop-and-go of city traffic to the sweepers of mountain passes, it's clear that the CB650R is a truly special motorcycle.
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| The Siren Song of Four Cylinders: A Long-Term Review of the Honda CB650R |
Design and Aesthetics: Neo-Retro Done Right
The first impression of the CB650R is one of stunning visual harmony. It successfully marries a classic round headlight and a minimalist tail section with an aggressive, forward-leaning stance and angular tank shrouds. The result is a bike that looks both vintage and futuristic at the same time. The exposed trellis frame, a key element of its design, is a visual centerpiece, while the beautifully sculpted 4-into-1 exhaust headers snake down the side, a direct nod to classic Honda four-cylinder bikes.
The quality of materials and the fit and finish are excellent, a hallmark of Honda. The full-LED lighting, particularly the striking round headlight, gives the bike a premium look. The digital LCD dash is a compact but comprehensive unit, providing all the necessary information, including a gear position indicator and a shift light. Every detail feels deliberate and high-quality, from the bronze-colored engine covers to the sleek aluminum footpegs.
Performance: The Inline-Four Experience
The heart and soul of the CB650R is its 649cc, liquid-cooled, inline-four-cylinder engine. In a world where many competitors are opting for twins, Honda has stayed true to its heritage, and the result is magnificent. This engine produces a peak power of around 94 horsepower and a healthy 63 Nm of torque. But these numbers don't tell the whole story.
What makes this engine so special is its character. It's an engine of two distinct personalities. At lower RPMs, it's smooth, tractable, and surprisingly docile, making it effortless to navigate through congested urban areas. There's enough torque down low to pull away from traffic lights without a fuss. But once you push past the mid-range and the revs climb past 8,000 RPM, the engine comes alive. It lets out a thrilling wail as it eagerly races towards its 12,000 RPM redline, delivering a surge of power that is both addictive and exhilarating. This dual nature makes the CB650R incredibly versatile—it can be a calm commuter during the week and a spirited canyon carver on the weekend.
The 6-speed transmission is a perfect partner to the engine, offering incredibly smooth and precise shifts. The addition of a slipper and assist clutch makes the clutch pull remarkably light and helps prevent rear-wheel lock-up during aggressive downshifts, a feature that significantly improves the riding experience. For more recent models, Honda's innovative E-Clutch system offers an even more seamless experience, allowing clutchless shifts both up and down, while still giving the rider the option to use the clutch lever manually.
Handling and Ride Quality: Nimble and Confident
The CB650R's chassis is a triumph of balance and agility. The steel diamond frame, combined with the inverted Showa SFF-BP forks at the front and a preload-adjustable monoshock at the rear, provides a ride that is both sporty and compliant. The suspension is well-tuned, absorbing bumps and road imperfections with ease while providing excellent feedback for spirited riding.
With a curb weight of around 202 kg, the CB650R feels surprisingly light and nimble, especially at low speeds. Its narrow profile and well-balanced weight distribution make it easy to flick from side to side, and it holds a line through corners with confidence. Braking is handled by powerful twin disc brakes at the front and a single disc at the rear, with a standard ABS system providing a crucial layer of safety. The brakes are strong, predictable, and offer great feel.
The riding position is sporty but not overly aggressive. The handlebars are well-positioned, and the footpegs are placed to encourage a forward lean without putting excessive strain on the wrists or back. This "Goldilocks" riding triangle makes the CB650R a comfortable machine for both daily commutes and longer rides.
Features and Practicality: Modern and User-Friendly
Beyond its core performance, the CB650R is equipped with a range of modern features that enhance its usability. Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) provides an extra level of confidence on slippery surfaces by preventing rear-wheel slip. The full-LED lighting is bright and effective. A USB-C charging port under the seat is a thoughtful addition for riders who need to keep their devices charged on the go.
The fuel tank capacity is generous, and the engine's fuel efficiency is surprisingly good for an inline-four, giving the bike a decent range for both urban and long-distance travel. The CB650R's clean design also makes it an excellent canvas for customization, with a wide range of aftermarket parts available to personalize the bike.
Final Verdict: A Masterpiece of Middleweight Fun
The Honda CB650R is a motorcycle that occupies a unique and special place in the market. It offers the refined power and thrilling sound of a four-cylinder engine without the intimidating nature or high price tag of a superbike. It’s a perfect step-up for riders coming from a smaller displacement bike, and it’s a brilliant, everyday machine for experienced riders.
It's a motorcycle that is more than the sum of its parts. It’s the perfect blend of style, performance, and practicality. The CB650R doesn't just get you to your destination; it makes every ride an event. It’s a testament to Honda's engineering prowess and their ability to create a motorcycle that is both a reliable companion and a source of pure, unadulterated joy. In the world of middleweight nakeds, the CB650R is truly a class act.
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