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Meet Honda’s new CBR650R, replacing the discontinued CBR650F as Honda’s street-focused sport middleweight.
The R is more aggressive than the F, but not nearly as uncompromising as the race replica CBR600RR. It’s just a sporty motorcycle aimed at the street, and that’s one of my favorite categories.
The price hasn’t been announced yet, but consider Honda’s pricing elsewhere in its lineup for a clue. MSRPs for the CB300R naked and CBR300R entry-level sport bike are nearly the same, and both 300s use the same engine. Like the 300s, the CB650R and CBR650R share powerplants, so I’d expect the new middleweight to sell for around the CB’s $8,899 (ABS is an additional $300). From the spec sheet and Honda’s positioning, this motorcycle could be a daily rider, a weekend sport-tourer, and an occasional track day machine.
I’d like to have a big-picture discussion in a minute, but first, let’s flip through the Honda brochure. No surprises with a 649 cc, liquid-cooled inline four under the tank, but at 456 pounds ready to ride, it’s definitely not trying to replace the 410-pound CBR600RR. Is it clear yet this isn’t a purebred race bike? While the weight beats the CBR650F’s 461 pounds, the updated aesthetics are the bigger story. Honda claims the styling is based on Marc Márquez’s RC213V MotoGP bike, which is true because it says Honda on it, but I’m glad this isn’t another race replica.
I think it looks much more athletic than the F, and the headlights riff on the meaner, leaner CBRs for sports cred. Appearances are backed up by redesigned wheels for lighter weight, a Showa Separate Function Fork (SFF), slipper clutch, Honda Selectable Torque Control (if you buy the ABS version), and LED lights, which I can’t believe I still have to mention in 2018.
Honda says “The chassis, bodywork, and riding position are all designed to deliver a comfortable street ride, but still hold up when the going gets hot. In short, this bike is just plain fun to ride: light, nimble, and responsive without being a prima donna.” I don’t know about you, but those prima donna bikes aren’t the best choice for my average ride. But a down-to-earth motorcycle like this CBR650R? Sure makes sense.
Are there now enough street-focused sport bikes to call it a class?
So why are sensible, sporty, street-oriented motorcycles more of a niche than other kinds of bikes? I’m talking about faired, fun, middleweight and up machines with all-day ergonomics and good range. Something you could throw soft saddlebags on and take on a fun trip. One last thing: They shouldn’t look too out of place at a track day. You’ve got Honda’s CBR650R, the Kawasaki Ninja 650, Suzuki’s GSX-S1000F, the Ducati SuperSport, and a few other models in current production. Digging into the past, Honda’s own CBR600F/Hurricane fits the bill, along with the VFR and other bikes of that class.
With race replicas struggling in dealerships, and customers increasingly considering more practical motorcycles like ADV bikes and nakeds, I’m surprised the new Honda doesn’t have more company. But then again, this is a sporting motorcycle for riders who don’t need to win races. For some, that's a contradiction. For others, that's the perfect motorcycle.
