Few experiences can match ripping through a canyon on a sport bike, and the CBR650R delivers that thrill to a wide spectrum of riders. To achieve the ideal mix of practicality and performance, this model has a high-quality Showa Separate Function Big Piston fork, stylish aesthetics and up-to-date emissions technology. With a finely tuned chassis delivering light, responsive handling, and a high-revving inline four-cylinder engine that offers enjoyable power, the middleweight CBR650R is exciting to ride and a pleasure to own, a gratifying intersection of values for the modern sport bike rider.
DESIGN / STYLING
While its four-cylinder power unit is firmly on display, the CBR650R’s wrapping offers pure sporting appeal; dual LED headlights emit a penetrating, uncompromising stare, while the upper and lower fairings blend muscularity with sharp, slim lines and angles. The LCD display has excellent visibility, while the side panels and license-plate holder add stylish appeal. The seat unit is compact and truncates the rear of the machine, adding to the hard-edged sense of purpose. The aggressive riding position starts with clip-on handlebars that mount beneath the top triple clamp; they’re pushed forward and low to create a performance-focused seating position, as are the rearward-set footpegs. Seat height is 31.9 inches.
CHASSIS / SUSPENSION
The steel diamond frame uses pressed (rather than forged) swingarm pivot plates; it’s light and uses twin elliptical spars with a rigidity balance specifically tuned (stiffer around the headstock and more flexible in the spar sections) to deliver balanced handling characteristics with high levels of rider feedback.
The CBR650R has a 41mm inverted Showa Separate Function Big Piston fork, offering high-performance handling in any type of riding, while a single-tube shock operates directly on the curvaceous gravity die-cast aluminum swingarm. The shock is adjustable for seven-stage spring preload.
Four-piston radial-mount front brake calipers work on 310mm floating rotors and are paired with a single-piston rear caliper and 240mm rotor. ABS is standard. The cast aluminum wheels have five Y-shaped spokes, which keeps weight to a minimum and improves handling by minimizing inertia and unsprung mass.
ENGINE / DRIVETRAIN
Honda’s development engineers wanted to create the purest, most enjoyable midsized four-cylinder performance possible for the CB650R rider, so the 649cc, DOHC 16-valve engine has been tuned to deliver good power above 10,000 rpm. Peak power arrives at 12,000 rpm, with peak torque delivered at 8,500. The net result is a motor that spins well at high rpm, with a smooth, linear torque delivery that builds strongly as revs rise, and sounds great in the process.
Direct cam actuation makes for a compact cylinder head; compression ratio is 11.6:1. The valve train is reinforced and iridium spark plugs are employed.
Asymmetric piston skirts minimize bore contact, reducing friction. Ferrous spines on the outer surface of the cylinder sleeves reduce oil consumption (and friction) with improved heat transfer, and a silent SV cam chain minimizes frictional losses by using a Vanadium coating on its pins. Internal water channeling from the cylinder head to the cylinders does away with most of the exterior hoses.
Twin air ducts on either side of the fuel tank feed a large volume of air, raising atmospheric pressure in the airbox. They also produce a throaty intake roar. The exhaust features a large, 1.5 inch-bore tail pipe inside the muffler with its exit pipe angled upward to emit an emotional howl.
The engine uses a compact internal architecture, stacked six-speed gearbox and starter layout with the cylinders canted forward 30°. An assist/slipper clutch eases upshifts while managing rear-wheel lock up under rapid downshifts, while Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) manages rear-wheel traction; it can be turned off should the rider choose.
Transferable one-year, unlimited-mileage limited warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan.
- Meets current EPA standards.
- Models sold in California meet current CARB standards and may differ slightly due to emissions equipment.
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