- CBR650R ABS
- CBR650R
When it was introduced in 2014, Honda's fully faired CBR650F provided a healthy slice of four-cylinder middleweight performance, and it received performance updates in 2018. For the 2019 model year, the CBR650F has become the CBR650R, taking styling cues directly from the CBR1000RR. The revised model name and looks indicate a potent shot of sporty ability that's designed to be explored and enjoyed on the street. In the process of its transformation, the CBR650R has become a rare breed: a sport bike that provides similar pleasure, enjoyment and adrenaline to an RR machine, yet with enough practicality to make it a viable option as day-to-day transport in addition to weekend fun.
STYLING
While its four-cylinder power unit is still firmly on display, the CBR650R's new wrapping ramps up the pure sporting appeal; dual LED headlights emit a penetrating, uncompromising stare, and the upper and (extended) lower fairings blend muscularity with sharp, slim lines and angles.
The seat unit is more compact and truncates the rear of the machine, adding to the harder-edged sense of purpose. The aggressive riding position starts with clip-on handlebars that now mount beneath the top triple clamp; they're 1.2 inches forward and lower than the CBR650F, and footpegs are .1 inches further back and .2 inches higher. Seat height remains 31.9 inches.
CHASSIS
The steel diamond frame is updated for 2019 with pressed (rather than forged) swingarm pivot plates; it's 4.2 pounds lighter than the previous design 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.
Curb weight is reduced by 11.6 pounds to 458 pounds on the ABS version (measured with all fluids), thanks not only to the lighter frame, but also savings to both the fuel tank and the new super-sport-style footpegs.
Also new is the 41mm inverted Showa Separate Function front Fork (SFF). Adjustable for seven-stage spring preload, the single-tube shock operates directly on the curvaceous gravity die-cast aluminum swingarm.
Four-piston radial-mount front brake calipers work on 310mm floating rotors, and are paired with a single-piston rear caliper and 240mm rotor. Two-channel ABS is available. The cast aluminum wheels are a brand-new design with five Y-shaped spokes, reducing weight by .97 and 1.2 pounds front and rear, respectively, improving handling by reducing inertia and unsprung mass.
ENGINE
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 5% more power above 10,000 rpm, with redline raised 1,000 rpm. Peak power arrives at 12,000 rpm, with peak torque delivered at 8,500. The net result is a motor that spins harder, and for much longer, 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 raised from 11.4:1 to 11.6:1, and the combustion-chamber shape is optimized by use of a revised piston design. The valve train has been reinforced and valve timing revised; iridium spark plugs are also now 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 reduces 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.
New twin air ducts on either side of the fuel tank feed a larger volume of air, as opposed to the single, central duct of the old model, raising atmospheric pressure in the airbox. They also produce a throaty intake roar. The exhaust now features a larger bore tail pipe—from 1.4 to 1.5 inches—inside the muffler to flow more gas and, 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 is a new addition and eases upshifts while managing rear-wheel lock up under rapid downshifts. On the ABS version only, Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTV) 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 equipmen
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