2019 Honda CBR650R Review | First Ride
Автокөліктер мен көлік құралдары
Motorcyclist senior editor Adam Waheed helps out Cycle World with a review of Honda’s most practical and affordable sportbike, the 2019 CBR650R.
Sportbike-like styling and performance with everyday comfort-that's the type of experience Honda offers with its 2019 CBR650R. Big Red's latest sportbike borrows lines from the CBR1000RR with a punchy, but more easy-to-live-with inline-four engine. Its well suited to day-to-day life during work week commutes, or for apex strafing missions on the weekend.
Viewed from the front, it's easy to see the CBR family lines. The front end has a symmetrically shaped nose housing a pair of bold LED headlights and dual ram air intakes, just like its larger Supersport cousin, the CBR1000RR. Even though a lower fairing partially covers the header pipes, you can still see their clean, flowing tubed lines through the panel slits. The upper half of the engine remains exposed, and we appreciate is chiseled look and tasteful two-tone mix of bronze and black.
The shape of the frame rails resemble that of a higher-end twin-spar setup, however instead of alloy, it’s stamped from steel. All told, the frame weighs 4.2 pounds less than the previous iteration. A stout-looking aluminum swingarm and thin, low overhang tailsection appear equally as pleasing and is a fender-eliminator kit away from perfection. In typical Honda fashion, fit and finish is top-notch, and on a level that is every bit as premium as a Japanese-built Honda (the CB/CBR650Rs are both assembled at Honda’s Thailand factory).
The CBR650R uses the same purpose-built inline-four that power's Honda's CB650R naked bike. Despite sharing identical cylinder bore measurements as Honda's CBR600RR supersport (67mm), the engine internals are completely different says Honda. It also features 3.5mm-longer piston stroke boosting displacement to 649cc. For 2019, it benefits from pistons with an updated crown shape. Valve timing and new camshaft profiles were also fitted. It breathes through a redesigned airbox with twin ram-air intakes, instead of one. The air filter is 1.7 times larger and tilted downward by 20 degrees to reduce turbulence. The engine revs 1,000-rpm higher with the limiter coming in at 12,800 rpm.
Dyno testing reveals that this updated I4 is good for 80.1 hp at 10,950 rpm and 41.73 pound-feet torque at 8,170 rpm. That’s 1.05 hp more than the previous configuration, but 0.74 pound-feet torque less peak torque. To be fair, the new engine arrives at its torque peak 570 rpm earlier. During our ride, we noted an average of 39.5 mpg.
Around town the CBR’s engine has a relatively punchy feel for a middleweight class inline-four. The engine feels snappier than we remember with the prior “F” designation CBR, plus the intake roar sounds more throaty. It isn’t as rambunctious as other bikes in its class, yet exudes enough personality to be entertaining to ride. Engine vibration does creep through the control surfaces above 6,000 rpm.
A six-speed transmission and manual cable-actuated clutch complement the engine’s broad powerband. The gear ratios help ensure that you’re always in the meat of the power, allowing you to pass slower traffic with ease. Another plus is the clutch lever offers an easier squeeze (12 percent less effort according to Honda). The gearbox meshes between cogs well, with short lever throw. Occasionally, however, the transmission slipped into neutral when shifting between first and second gear at high rpm.
There aren’t any adjustable engine power modes, but that’s okay as the engine delivers ample power that’s docile in the lower revs but willing through the midrange. Although it does not employ ride-by-wire, the cable connection between throttle and engine is well-calibrated and natural feeling, which makes this Honda even easier to ride.
A modest $300 upcharge adds ABS and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC). The system functions either on or off; at a sane pace it’s hard enough to feel the electronics at work. Still, it’s nice to know it’s there if you’re riding in inclement conditions or unfamiliar surfaces.
Seated at the controls this 458-pound CBR feels comfortable and well proportioned for a 6-foot tall rider. Seat height is listed at 31.9 inches to accommodate shorter folks. Both rider and passenger seats are wide and generously padded, plus the slim shape of the 4.1-gallon fuel tank makes it easier for the rider to place his feet on the asphalt at a stop.
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Пікірлер: 81
Awesome beautiful ride and review, really like this as a secondary bike, all the best.
Great review! FYI this bike has a factory option quick shifter
Such a good review
Made in Thailand doesn't matter. All of the key people including quality control came from japan. Honda won't let quality slip. Honda 's aren't the prettiest or fastest. But build quality is always there.
Excellent well balanced review! I intend to to a moto vlog on this bike in the Spring as this bike is also do-able for short riders too!
Vey nice and informative review! Really liked that wheelie btw, stay safe!
Love the wheelies!
Nice job Adam. You're growing up! (just kidding, I've always lined your vids)
@salskars6637
4 жыл бұрын
I agree. Adam always hits the real world points with honesty. Definitely my fave reviewer.
This bike looks so good 😄
I like Adam waheed reviews..
That bike is perfect for ME...I'm over riding my 600rr around town, but the 650f WAS a bit too dull for my taste...I would have loved to see them put a tank cover on it like the 1000rr and 600rr instead of the painted metal gas tank.
Nic Vid, Is the new CBR 650r comfortable for long distance travel ?
lovely road
The Dunflop d214 is flat out dangerous in the wet and slips in corners on dry roads. They should be taken off the market.
@Jash_F
5 жыл бұрын
can say it is true. had my back wheel slip an inch or so at least 40 mph on a fairly regular corner.
@Smaug1
4 жыл бұрын
I normally like to disagree with such extreme statements. But in this case, I agree wholeheartedly. I had these on my 2012 CBR500R. Inflated to the right pressure, on a dry and clean road, warm but not too warm. Perfect conditions. I leaned over in a turn, not even that close to peg feelers touching down, and the rear slid out. I almost crashed. In addition to that, the tread life was not very good. How can it be both hard AND not long-wearing?! I replaced it with a Pirelli Angel ST, and it was better in every way. Amazing difference.
@blipco5
4 жыл бұрын
Jeremy D ...It does seem like an extreme statement but it is true. I replaced mine with Continental Road Attack 3. Amazing tires.
@F1ll1nTh3Blanks
4 жыл бұрын
So anything but D214s then.. 😂
@blipco5
4 жыл бұрын
ғɪʟʟ 1ɴ ᴛ҉ ʜ3 ʙʟᴀɴᴋs ...Yup. If you ride fairly slow in dry weather you won't have a problem but any kind of a quick pace or in the wet and you'll find out. Mine were new with all the tread when I replaced them with the Conti RA3 and I'm the type that will run a tire down to the wear bars and then some. The 214 is bad rubber. There's more than one online review where the professional tester has slid with them.
The right blinker not being turned off bugged me no lie haha.
Is the engine vibration worse that something like a Ninja 300, or is it just bad when compared to other inline-4s? I’m looking to get this bike as a permabike.
This bike looks awesome in matte black, but for some reason it’s not available in the States. Only available in red .....WTF ?
You think you can throw on hard bags and use this like a VRF( since Honda won't make it)?
@Smaug1
4 жыл бұрын
Honda made VFRs for decades. They finally got expensive enough that people stopped buying them. Corbin made BeetleBags for them for awhile. Anyway. Permanent hard bags kind of ruins the lines of a bike like this. They're just not well-integrated enough. Better to use soft luggage when needed. Maybe a permanent top case. With a top case, tail bag on the passenger seat and a tank bag, you can do a LOT. Just gotta pack light.
@F1ll1nTh3Blanks
4 жыл бұрын
Yes. I think Honda even sells a touring kit for it.
@brianpreval5602
4 жыл бұрын
use kriega bags
do you recommend this bike for beginners ? :D
The initial msrp is steep but I do really like the idea of this bake amazing if you can only own one at a time
@wirenut3020
3 жыл бұрын
You can usually pick them up discounted
You were the only one of your group who respected the stop sign. Is this sign in the US more kind of a recommendation? What do the cops do if they see such a behaviour? I'm really curious about this because not respecting the stop sign is so often to be seen in American motorbike videos, but also in car dashcam videos, of course. Weird, isn't it?
@WattsUpDev
4 жыл бұрын
You’ll get a ticket for failing to stop at signs. It’s damn sure not a recommendation, everyone is different Adam is a lot more mature chill vs the more loud and rowdy bunch.
You mention in the video this bike has ABS brakes I recently bought a 2019 and has no ABS Should I be concerned about it Or is nothing to worry
@wirenut3020
3 жыл бұрын
For me ABS is an important safety feature, like a fall arrest harness when climbing, I’ve no intention of falling but just in case something goes wrong, it’s there.
UK models have quick shifter as standard, why have the not incorp'd it into the US model?
@WattsUpDev
4 жыл бұрын
It’s an option for both US and Europe I believe Adam just wasn’t aware.
How weight you are?
ah....i will add it!!! must
You're very good 😊 and I enjoy every video you display. I need your professional opinion though. My son fell off my bike several months ago. I recorded it as I was trailing from behind. The er6n is up on the road today after 4 months in 'ICU' due to insurance redtapes. Could you please do a kind of visual investigation and post your comment please. It's in this channel. Video titled "er6n down. Nothing else matters but my son" Appreciate it Adam.
Sheesh, this would be a tough sell. Modest output, made in Thailand, non adjustable suspension...all for $9500? This bike does not do very well playing the " which barely used motorcycle can I buy for the same money" game.
@steve-wu7jp
5 жыл бұрын
To be fair ,made in Thailand isn't really a negative from a quality perspective. The ones I have seen have be as good as Japanese bikes or better.
@F1ll1nTh3Blanks
5 жыл бұрын
It's brilliant imo. It does nothing particularly special but it does everything well enough. It covers multiple platforms well. Its a great single bike garage for long distance riders that also want a more sporty ride without the aches and pains. It won't scare you straight away but if you wanna get your knee down hard, it does that well enough. It looks great, sounds alright. It's reliable, relatively premium. If you really wanted to you can tour on it, you could without issue. What's not to like. If you want a fun super sporty but functional bike and cant afford multiple bikes (,one casual naked sport, one sport tourer and one supersport..) why not just smash it all into one bike and be happy? Sure you won't get the best of everything but you'll get a good enough from alot of it.
@hby7768
5 жыл бұрын
performs good enough for the road and looks great for the targeted buyers. most experience riders that are over the 600s will probably pick this one up. 90% of the r6 riders on the street ride like shit so this bike is probably not for those posers.
@Adventure_blac
4 жыл бұрын
Gerald G yeah Honda is making head scratching decisions with price. Pretty much pricing themselves out of every category with almost every bike they make. Ktm 790 duke is 10500. Blows this thing away. So does the MT-09, Z900, and the base model street triple
@maggie937
4 жыл бұрын
My first bike and couldn’t be happier with my purchase
What's the fuel consumption of that bike????
@NellisNelson
4 жыл бұрын
C. I .A the avg as stated in this video was 38mpg over 120 miles of riding.
Is this gonna be available in California?
@WattsUpDev
4 жыл бұрын
If it’s available in the US then it’s Available in California
Hi just a question for anyone experienced do u think this would be a good beginner bike I've never ridden before and I'm looking for something I won't get bored of for at least 1 year in a half to two years I heard the 650 class is good for this so yeah,??
@Esau_Redmon
4 жыл бұрын
Yes i started on a yamaha r3.it was fun but to slow for me on the interstate.i love my cbr650r.smooth.plenty of power .fun in the turns.i would recommend.only learn to ride before you get on it too hard
The display looks nice compared to the 650f. Those gauges plain sucked. Bought my bike two weeks ago they had the 650Fand cbr 600RR i didn't see the 650R. So i picked up the mate black 600RR.
The display panel should be a bit bigger and the sitting position should be a bit upright maybe!
@WattsUpDev
4 жыл бұрын
It is upright 😂 lol if you want a cruiser buy a naked otherwise making this seat anymore upright would ruin the bike itself
@sikandernuruddin9214
4 жыл бұрын
WattsUpDev You are right brother! I will get this as is and a Harley 1200 custom sportster as well!
Bothers me they use those ugly turn signals. They should’ve used the same style front and rear signals from the 14-15 VFR
CB650R has metzeler roadtec 01s...
Someone explain, how does one sport ride without bringing a bike to the track? And how does one sports ride when you can't adjust suspension? Sounds like a limited beginner bike.
Im confused who this bike is made for. Either you get a sport touring bike or a real supersport... why this?
@acjohn6995
4 жыл бұрын
People like me who want a sport tourer that's more exciting than the 650f. We don't really track much.
@walilololo
4 жыл бұрын
People like me didn't have balls to ride supersport bike.
Last!! oh wait :-/
not sure why this bike weighs so much, especially when an mt 07 weighs 400 lbs wet.
@ticopain
5 жыл бұрын
The fairing and a 4 cylinder vs 2 cylinder motor (means bigger motor and exhaust), not sure of the spec but brakes might be a little bit bigger also
@AmazingPoultry
5 жыл бұрын
ticopain tru
@salskars6637
4 жыл бұрын
@@AmazingPoultry - The cat-delete and a lighter silencer will shave enough weight for it's target buyers.
@WattsUpDev
4 жыл бұрын
AmazingPoultry And the MT 07 gets smoked by the CBR650R too!
Why to spend so much for honda cbr650r with vibrations post 6k rpm..better to buy yamaha r3 with half the price and super smooth with capable engine as well
@Kelevelin
4 жыл бұрын
Why not buy a bicycle with 10th the price and no vibrations at all? They are just in no way comparable.
@anirbanghosh5066
4 жыл бұрын
@@Kelevelin hmmmm u said it right
@tuomasheikkinen9251
3 жыл бұрын
Yamaha r3 with half the power as well...
first
Best looking most disappointing 500/650
@WattsUpDev
4 жыл бұрын
Disappointing how?
@BF703
4 жыл бұрын
WattsUpDev because they’re slow and heavy
@thomastribulus3748
4 жыл бұрын
kawi ninja 650 is the most dissapointing 650