Taking cues from the supersport realm but designed to be enjoyed on the street, the CBR650R ABS pulls motorcyclists' heartstrings with its sharp lines, full fairings and corner-carving abilities, while still offering comfort, practicality and value. A fully faired sport variant of the CB650R, this model has undergone a number of changes for 2021, including the switch to a high-quality Showa Separate Function Big Piston fork, as well as improvements to the aesthetics and emissions performance. The CBR650R boasts light, responsive handling through its finely tuned chassis, and enjoyable power through its high-revving inline four-cylinder engine. LED lighting and a sporty riding position complete the package, moving the bike toward an enjoyable intersection of values for the modern sport bike rider.
STYLING
While its four-cylinder power unit is still 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. For 2021, the LCD display has improved visibility, new side panels and license-plate holder have been added. Said 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
The steel diamond frame uses pressed (rather than forged) swingarm pivot plates; it's light weight 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 458 pounds (measured with all fluids), thanks not only to the lightweight frame, but also savings to both the fuel tank and the super-sport-style footpegs.
For 2021, the CBR650R has a 41 mm 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 310 mm floating rotors and are paired with a single-piston rear caliper and 240 mm rotor. ABS is standard. The cast aluminum wheels have five Y-shaped spokes, which keeps weight to a minimum and 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 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 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.
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 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 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.
The CBR650R also has improved emissions performance for 2021, an update that required revisions to the ECU, cam lobes, intake timing, exhaust pipe, catalyzer and silencer, as well as the addition of a crank pulsar.
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.
