CB650R
Model updates: Honda’s Neo Sports Café middleweight continues to carve out a strong following. Specification includes 41mm Showa Separate Function Big Piston USD forks, high-revving four-cylinder engine, HSTC, assist/slipper clutch and LCD dash. Minimal styling makes a bold statement, and includes practicality of a USB Type-C socket under the seat. The choice of colours grows to four for 2022, with the addition of a Sword Silver Metallic option.
KEY FEATURES
Colours:
Price:
Contents:
One segment remained for the new aesthetic to find expression: the hugely competitive naked middleweight arena and, in 19YM, the CB650R confidently took on this role. Aimed at a young demographic that looks to show off in style and enjoy to the maximum a combination of exhilarating four cylinder engine performance and light, versatile, refined chassis handling, it has proved a great success.
Building on the momentum, in 21YM the CB650R received a major front suspension upgrade, plus a range of detail improvements to enhance comfort, usability and practicality. For 22YM, the CB650R gains a cool new colour option.
Valerio Aiello, of Honda’s Rome R&D Department on the Neo Sports Café design aesthetic:
“The entire current Neo Sport Café range from Honda is the result of the CB4 Concept model presented at EICMA in 2015. Our desire was to explore the world of the café racer and reinterpret it in a modern key.
All the models of this CB series are not simply retro-vintage motorcycles, but rather neo-classics – that is, modern motorbikes showcasing classic design styles combined with modern techniques.
We wanted to create a new stylistic dimension, different from the muscular streetfighters of the last few years, and at the same time, far from the simpler café-racer style. The end result is that none of the bikes from the competition resemble the Neo Sports Café range and, like them or not, they are easily recognisable as Hondas. The competitors have classic or very modern motorcycles in their ranges, but in my opinion, not something that goes in the wake of both styles.
During development of the CB4 concept, I found inspiration from outside the world of motorcycles, in watches. I’ve always liked their technicality and one of the key concepts used during the Neo Sports Café design was ‘Mechanical Art’.
‘Mechanical Art’ is the desire to show the beauty of the various mechanical elements to which Honda has always given great importance. Watches do this very well indeed, with their mechanics always creating a certain charm.”
EURO5 compliance for the engine was achieved with no loss of top end power; other detail improvements included slightly more forward-set handlebars, improved visibility for the LCD display and USB Type-C charging socket under the seat. New side panels and rear mudguard were also minor cosmetic changes.
Showa’s Separate Function Big Piston (SFF-BP) 41mm USD forks offer high-quality reaction. A pressure separation damper in one fork tube and spring mechanism in the other deliver high damping performance and lighter weight. Together with the use of a larger sized piston the result is increased feel, bump absorption and control. Adjustable for 10-stage spring preload, the single-tube monoshock operates directly on the curvaceous gravity die-cast aluminium swingarm.
Four-piston radial-mount front brake calipers work 310mm wave-pattern floating discs, and are paired with a single-piston rear caliper and 240mm disc. The ABS is a two-channel system.
Cast aluminium wheels mount 120/70-ZR17 and 180/55-ZR17 front and rear tyres.
3.2 Styling & equipment
A 35° handlebar angle makes tight, slow-speed turns and U-turns straightforward. Compact side panels accentuate the minimalism, as does the steel rear mudguard. There’s a USB Type-C socket located under the seat, for easy charging of a mobile device; seat height is set at 810mm.
The round headlight is one of the key words of the Neo Sports Café design language. It’s LED, as is the rest of the lighting. Sharp LCD instruments use the CB1000R as a baseline and include Shift Up, Gear Position and Peak Hold indicators.
3.3 Engine
Direct cam actuation makes for a compact cylinder head; bore and stroke is set at 67mm x 46mm with compression ratio raised of 11.6:1. Iridium spark plugs are employed and twin air ducts – either side of the fuel tank – feed the airbox and produce a throaty intake roar.
Asymmetric piston skirts minimise bore contact and reduce 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 channelling from cylinder head to cylinders does away with most of the exterior hoses.
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 hard braking and rapid downshifts. Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) is fitted to manage rear wheel traction; it can be turned off should the rider choose.
Fuel consumption of 20.4km/l (WMTC mode) gives a range of over 300km from the 15.4L
fuel tank.
Accessories
A range of Genuine Honda Accessories are available for the CB650R:
Several aluminium parts and aluminium inserts to maximise the Neo Sport Café design that CB650R and CB1000R have in common (meter visor, front mudguard panels, shroud covers, side covers, seat cowl).
TypeLiquid-cooled 4-stroke 16-valve DOHC inline-4 cylinder
Engine Displacement (cm³)649cc
Bore ´ Stroke (mm)67.0 x 46.0
Compression Ratio11.6:1
Max. Power Output70kW/12,000rpm
Max. Torque63Nm/9,500rpm
Oil Capacity2.7L
FUEL SYSTEM
CarburationPGM-FI electronic fuel injection
Fuel Tank Capacity15.4L
Fuel Consumption20.4km/litre
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
StarterElectric
Battery Capacity12V/8.6AH
ACG Output370W
DRIVETRAIN
Clutch TypeWet, multiplate disc
Transmission Type6-speed
Final DriveChain
FRAME
TypeSteel diamond
CHASSIS
Dimensions (LxWxH)2130 x 780 x 1075mm
Wheelbase1450mm
Caster Angle25.5°
Trail101mm
Seat Height810mm
Ground Clearance150mm
Kerb Weight202.5kg
Turning radius
SUSPENSION
Type Front41mm Showa Separate Function front Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks
Type RearMonoshock damper with 10 stage adjustable preload, 43.5mm stroke
WHEELS
Rim Size FrontHollow section 6-spoke cast aluminium
Rim Size RearHollow section 6-spoke cast aluminium
Tyres Front120/70ZR17 M/C (58W)
Tyres Rear180/55ZR17 M/C (73W)
BRAKES
ABS System Type2 channel; hydraulic dual disc 310mm front, hydraulic disc 240mm rear
INSTRUMENTS & ELECTRICS
InstrumentsDigital speedometer, digital bar graph tachometer, dual trip meter, digital bar graph fuel gauge, gear position and upshift indicator, digital clock
HeadlightLED
TaillightLED
# Please note that the figures provided are results obtained by Honda under standardised testing conditions prescribed by WMTC. Tests are conducted on a rolling road using a standard version of the vehicle with only one rider and no additional optional equipment. Actual fuel consumption may vary depending on how you ride, how you maintain your vehicle, weather, road conditions, tire pressure, installation of accessories, cargo, rider and passenger weight, and other factors.
KEY FEATURES
- New side panels and rear mudguard/number plate mount.
- Handlebar angle increased for easier low-speed manoeuvring.
- LCD display now easier to read; USB Type-C socket under the seat.
- New Showa Separate Function Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks.
- Four-piston, radial-mount front brake calipers and floating discs.
- 120/70-ZR17 and 180/55-ZR17 front and rear tyres.
- 70kW peak power, 63Nm peak torque with 35kW A2 licence option.
- Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC).
- Full EURO5 compliance.
- 35kW A2 licence conversion available.
Colours:
- Sword Silver Metallic **NEW**
- Mat Gunpowder Black Metallic
- Candy Chromosphere Red
- Mat Jeans Blue Metallic
Price:
- OTR £7,699
Contents:
- Introduction
- Model overview
- Key features
- Accessories
- Technical specifications
- Introduction
One segment remained for the new aesthetic to find expression: the hugely competitive naked middleweight arena and, in 19YM, the CB650R confidently took on this role. Aimed at a young demographic that looks to show off in style and enjoy to the maximum a combination of exhilarating four cylinder engine performance and light, versatile, refined chassis handling, it has proved a great success.
Building on the momentum, in 21YM the CB650R received a major front suspension upgrade, plus a range of detail improvements to enhance comfort, usability and practicality. For 22YM, the CB650R gains a cool new colour option.
Valerio Aiello, of Honda’s Rome R&D Department on the Neo Sports Café design aesthetic:
“The entire current Neo Sport Café range from Honda is the result of the CB4 Concept model presented at EICMA in 2015. Our desire was to explore the world of the café racer and reinterpret it in a modern key.
All the models of this CB series are not simply retro-vintage motorcycles, but rather neo-classics – that is, modern motorbikes showcasing classic design styles combined with modern techniques.
We wanted to create a new stylistic dimension, different from the muscular streetfighters of the last few years, and at the same time, far from the simpler café-racer style. The end result is that none of the bikes from the competition resemble the Neo Sports Café range and, like them or not, they are easily recognisable as Hondas. The competitors have classic or very modern motorcycles in their ranges, but in my opinion, not something that goes in the wake of both styles.
During development of the CB4 concept, I found inspiration from outside the world of motorcycles, in watches. I’ve always liked their technicality and one of the key concepts used during the Neo Sports Café design was ‘Mechanical Art’.
‘Mechanical Art’ is the desire to show the beauty of the various mechanical elements to which Honda has always given great importance. Watches do this very well indeed, with their mechanics always creating a certain charm.”
- Model Overview
EURO5 compliance for the engine was achieved with no loss of top end power; other detail improvements included slightly more forward-set handlebars, improved visibility for the LCD display and USB Type-C charging socket under the seat. New side panels and rear mudguard were also minor cosmetic changes.
- Key Features
- Showa Separate Function Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks
- Four-piston, radial-mount front brake calipers and floating discs
- 120/70-ZR17 and 180/55-ZR17 front and rear tyres
Showa’s Separate Function Big Piston (SFF-BP) 41mm USD forks offer high-quality reaction. A pressure separation damper in one fork tube and spring mechanism in the other deliver high damping performance and lighter weight. Together with the use of a larger sized piston the result is increased feel, bump absorption and control. Adjustable for 10-stage spring preload, the single-tube monoshock operates directly on the curvaceous gravity die-cast aluminium swingarm.
Four-piston radial-mount front brake calipers work 310mm wave-pattern floating discs, and are paired with a single-piston rear caliper and 240mm disc. The ABS is a two-channel system.
Cast aluminium wheels mount 120/70-ZR17 and 180/55-ZR17 front and rear tyres.
3.2 Styling & equipment
- Minimal side panels and rear mudguard/number plate mount
- Handlebar angled for effortless low-speed manoeuvring
- LCD display easy to read; USB Type-C socket under the seat
A 35° handlebar angle makes tight, slow-speed turns and U-turns straightforward. Compact side panels accentuate the minimalism, as does the steel rear mudguard. There’s a USB Type-C socket located under the seat, for easy charging of a mobile device; seat height is set at 810mm.
The round headlight is one of the key words of the Neo Sports Café design language. It’s LED, as is the rest of the lighting. Sharp LCD instruments use the CB1000R as a baseline and include Shift Up, Gear Position and Peak Hold indicators.
3.3 Engine
- 70kW peak power, 63Nm peak torque with 35kW A2 licence option
- Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)
- Full EURO5 compliance
Direct cam actuation makes for a compact cylinder head; bore and stroke is set at 67mm x 46mm with compression ratio raised of 11.6:1. Iridium spark plugs are employed and twin air ducts – either side of the fuel tank – feed the airbox and produce a throaty intake roar.
Asymmetric piston skirts minimise bore contact and reduce 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 channelling from cylinder head to cylinders does away with most of the exterior hoses.
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 hard braking and rapid downshifts. Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) is fitted to manage rear wheel traction; it can be turned off should the rider choose.
Fuel consumption of 20.4km/l (WMTC mode) gives a range of over 300km from the 15.4L
fuel tank.
Accessories
A range of Genuine Honda Accessories are available for the CB650R:
Several aluminium parts and aluminium inserts to maximise the Neo Sport Café design that CB650R and CB1000R have in common (meter visor, front mudguard panels, shroud covers, side covers, seat cowl).
- Under cowl
- Wheel stripes
- Tank bag and seat bag – the same as those for Honda’s naked flagship, the CB1000R
- Quick shifter
- Front visor
- 12V socket
- Heated grips
- Tank pad
- Technical Specifications
TypeLiquid-cooled 4-stroke 16-valve DOHC inline-4 cylinder
Engine Displacement (cm³)649cc
Bore ´ Stroke (mm)67.0 x 46.0
Compression Ratio11.6:1
Max. Power Output70kW/12,000rpm
Max. Torque63Nm/9,500rpm
Oil Capacity2.7L
FUEL SYSTEM
CarburationPGM-FI electronic fuel injection
Fuel Tank Capacity15.4L
Fuel Consumption20.4km/litre
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
StarterElectric
Battery Capacity12V/8.6AH
ACG Output370W
DRIVETRAIN
Clutch TypeWet, multiplate disc
Transmission Type6-speed
Final DriveChain
FRAME
TypeSteel diamond
CHASSIS
Dimensions (LxWxH)2130 x 780 x 1075mm
Wheelbase1450mm
Caster Angle25.5°
Trail101mm
Seat Height810mm
Ground Clearance150mm
Kerb Weight202.5kg
Turning radius
SUSPENSION
Type Front41mm Showa Separate Function front Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks
Type RearMonoshock damper with 10 stage adjustable preload, 43.5mm stroke
WHEELS
Rim Size FrontHollow section 6-spoke cast aluminium
Rim Size RearHollow section 6-spoke cast aluminium
Tyres Front120/70ZR17 M/C (58W)
Tyres Rear180/55ZR17 M/C (73W)
BRAKES
ABS System Type2 channel; hydraulic dual disc 310mm front, hydraulic disc 240mm rear
INSTRUMENTS & ELECTRICS
InstrumentsDigital speedometer, digital bar graph tachometer, dual trip meter, digital bar graph fuel gauge, gear position and upshift indicator, digital clock
HeadlightLED
TaillightLED
# Please note that the figures provided are results obtained by Honda under standardised testing conditions prescribed by WMTC. Tests are conducted on a rolling road using a standard version of the vehicle with only one rider and no additional optional equipment. Actual fuel consumption may vary depending on how you ride, how you maintain your vehicle, weather, road conditions, tire pressure, installation of accessories, cargo, rider and passenger weight, and other factors.