2018 Honda CB650F | Our First Ride and Review

[@Apollo949]

It's not the bike, it's you. You need to keep the engine buzzing to get the most out of it, but I appreciate that it wasn't possible with a brand new bike on new tyres on wet roads! I've got one of these, and for the first 500 miles, it was a slug, but now it goes like hell. You need to run it in.

[@user-rb3jw7yj9o]

Pretty pointless reviewing a brand new bike not yet run in on new tyres in the wet. Waste of time and effort IMHO.

[@williamclark618]

Agreed, the bold guy had no clue. Didn’t even sound like he knew how motorcycle’s work.

[@ridehead8771]

My EXACT first impression as well when I rode this, especially if you're used to riding parallel twin. There's no torque felt if you don't rev it high, but once you really open her up, it's like all hell break loose the power just keeps on coming! That's typical inline 4 engine behaviour, they are revvy.

[@monck552]

Try revving it.

[@God1stProductions]

this is a wonderful bike but your review is really bad this bike deserves more respect

[@jeremycubs8331]

This engine begs to be revved in every gear to achieve acceleration, like any inline fours they are screamer, some people don't like it some do but personally parallel twin every time. But it all depends on what you want, if top speed is your goal every time then inline four delivers that.

[@stevegandalf4739]

I've only watched the first few minutes of this video, but when he says "At 50mph I'm getting a lot of wind blast because there's no screen" or words to such effect, I have to ponder hard for a little while ..... until I realise ..... "If you want a bike this size with a good screen and wind protection, get a Versys or a V-Strom" ... :))

[@RiderCamTV]

hahhah, thats very true indeed, or an RT

[@takeflite6799]

The ol Honda 650f 4 cylinder bikes don’t really get a wriggle on until you get them above 6500 rpm then they come alive (a little) the 4s tend to like the Revs Fun review as always Toby/Mark

[@RiderCamTV]

Hey buddy thanks for the kind words. We didn’t want to push this one as it had no miles on it :(

[@fatfinger7436]

It wakes up at 8k rpm.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Reminds me of the hornet - good looking, but the windage sounds more than I'd like. The KTM 790 is naked, and the windage is far less. Cheers for the review.

[@RiderCamTV]

Thanks for the comments matey. The KTM 790 has much less wind noise as you say :) Ride safe

[@motorpolitan8884]

CB650 was built to a price. Obviously 4 cylinder engine costs more to make, yet the CB650 costs about the same as other twin cylinder bikes.

[@SweeneyTTodd]

Oh Dear The Honda CB650F , gets a bad review ..... the engine didn't even get a chance Just done a Scotland tour on one , fantastic all round bike imho after 34yrs riding many many bikes , as long as you ride them, errr , properly Great Video Best regards

[@dwarfrex]

Hi guys, new subscriber, love the vid. I live in mid-Cornwall and have had far too many bikes in the last 25-ish years of daily riding. Bikes like these have long been passed over, perhaps unfairly to my point of view, as they are not the latest hyper machine. Most of the bikes in the middle weight class are perfect for daily riding with enough power on tap to get you into trouble on the weekend. It's horses for courses ultimately and if you fancy a 200bhp Bahnstormer then fair play but on a blast down to the Lizard, I think I'll stick with my Suzuki. Keep up the good work chaps!

[@RiderCamTV]

Hey matey, thanks for the sub and welcome to the channel. Thanks for the kind words too :) Totally with you as there is a bike for everyone no matter what their taste. The lizard road is fab too ride safe

[@norriemasson4080]

Nice light hearted review guys

[@RiderCamTV]

Thanks buddy :) Ride safe

[@millerswood39]

1:48 twin cilinder? 😂🤔

[@khristoffersonalcachupas7536]

iam PLANNING to buy that bike...but since ive watch your honest review and thought about that bike..ive change my mind..I will get Kawasaki z900rs anyway..thanks guys.

[@RiderCamTV]

no probs, always great to ride a bike too to make the choice, but the z900rs is fab! Ride safe :)

[@philalbion867]

I've got a 900rs. Great bike get one

[@teerwutsrysin7915]

Good.,,/,i love CB650f.

[@kings17court]

No gear indicator? C'mon Honda. Another point for the Yamaha FZ-07/MT-07. I really like a gear indicator.

[@RiderCamTV]

Agreed, we would have liked to have seen this on the bike. It does help a lot of people to see the gear they are in.

[@Englishbikerdan]

Although the MT also suffers from terrible corrosion on the swing arm (around the welds) and on the coolant pipes. So much so that they replaced many under warranty. I can't deny the MT07's engine is absolutely brilliant but it suffers from reliability and shoddy build quality. Plus the suspension is pretty poor on the MT.

[@thomasmaier3737]

Gear indicator for greenhorns right?

[@normski262]

I think, this type of class, for me a little old school ish, my 600 , 102 BHP Hornet is mostly, the king. bullet proof engine 13000 rpm. its happy to go old man and wander about at 30 to 40MPH using ,second and third, but you want it go, in a blink of an eye, she will hit 90 to 100MPH in those gears. Then keep on going up the gears, all the way to 140+mph is mad enough, if you are able to hang on. HAHAH. But I admit I do love the look of the 650, shame its not quite as hard as she looks, as they say. lol.

[@ram64man]

How does this compare to my old beloved 1992 cb500 is this model it’s successor?

[@RiderCamTV]

Hey matey, its alot smoother, although you would never think that could happen with a Honda as they are all smooth, but they have managed to refine the engine and also add all the modern gadgets to make a great bike, even greater. Head over to your local dealer and try one out as every experience is subjective, but i don't think that you would be disappointed at all :)

[@Ravan_Caw]

Great review. Would like to see one on the Kawasaki z650 see how that compares. Look forward to seeing the next one. 👍🏻

[@RiderCamTV]

Thanks for the kind words matey. Will see what we can do ;)

[@mwdfinch76]

Showy forks hey? A twin hey?

[@joshuaworrall3320]

trying to decide if i swap my drz400sm for one of these...

[@DVGTS1]

Having ridden both the CB650F and the '06 Hornet (which is my current bike), I much prefer the Hornet. The CB650F is too soft and doesn't accelerate with the urgency of the Hornet, despite having similar power/torque. Dash is terrible under sunlight. It's still very comfortable and easy to ride, good bike, but the Hornet can do better, and for cheaper as a second hand bike.

[@RiderCamTV]

100%

[@Aliff_Klg]

God. It has the same top speed as my Z800!!!

[@RiderCamTV]

It’s epic!

[@FlyingGentile]

Honda should have just made a 2 cylinder instead, if its that....eh about it. Gonna have to test ride it myself here in the states.

[@RiderCamTV]

It’s a fab bike and hondas build quality is amazing as always. :)

[@FlyingGentile]

Excellent review mate

[@johntheaccountant5594]

Honda do; its a Honda CB500F

[@ctclothbagco]

I think the gutless feeling you found was cause it was new, mine was a bit sluggish till it was run in, now with 8k miles it's great

[@RiderCamTV]

Very true Cameron, didn’t want to scream it as it was brand spankers:)

[@Surpriseify]

Good call RiderCam, but before calling a bike slow, you might wanna try and actually go on the throttle abit more. Even a Super Duke is slow when you never go above 25% throttle ;)

[@RiderCamTV]

😂

[@niamhsdad1960]

No good for 6 footers then?

[@jamesshephard6984]

Colin Hill I got one and put a screen on. 6ft tall no issues now with wind. Goes OK if you twist the thing on the handlebars

[@filoIII]

Wish Honda made a naked parallel twin 650.

[@unkindguy88]

so get the MT 07 instead?

[@Englishbikerdan]

Can't deny the engine is awesome but build quality and reliability is nowhere near Honda's. Sadly.

[@Nervi121]

that's not the 2018 model, at least the numbers u showed, new one has 94bhp and 62nm tq

[@mihaelmihajlovic4487]

2018. is 90hp and 64 Nm tq, same as 2017

[@mikedignum1868]

As always guys a fun review.

[@RiderCamTV]

Thanks buddy :)

[@ajmf-hy8qt]

You need to ride like a meeennn

[@lambo2817]

Good review chaps, that Honda has nothing for me, no spark or the fizz!

[@RiderCamTV]

Thanks for the kind words matey. Ride safe

[@mikealdridge5608]

Great video and review as always guys. Keep it up.

[@RiderCamTV]

Thanks mike. Ride safe

[@jtwardley]

Love your reviews guys keep em coming

[@RiderCamTV]

Thanks buddy. Ride safe

[@omegabiker]

A downgrade from the previous Hornets but it's still likeable and ... can still buy them brand new which is always good.

[@SkyRu1eGaming]

It's a 4 cylinder not twin

[@lynsmith1096]

Another good review Guys

[@RiderCamTV]

Thanks Lyn :)

[@edwardleniston1076]

Nice looking bike. But, blimey not a lot else going for it, asthmatic after 60 mph it should be capable of much more. Good review.

[@RiderCamTV]

Thanks for the kind words. :)

[@darrenelbrow5144]

Just spent the day in company of a CB650F and it’s not that bad once it has a few miles under its wheels

[@Surpriseify]

Asthmatic after 60mph? Look at the vidoes of this going from 0 to topspeed, then say that again This thing hauls ass.

[@ctclothbagco]

Wasn't till after the run in service at 600 miles mine started opening up, now with 8k miles it's great

[@RiderCamTV]

Cool, often the case after the first service :) Ride safe matey

[@tommcquiggan8402]

Looked like poor riding to me. Thought it was a twin??? Wow!

[@RiderCamTV]

What an odd comment!

[@matt-zr6zs]

subbed......!

[@RiderCamTV]

Hey buddy, welcome aboard, thanks for the sub :)