2019 Honda CB650R Review | First Ride

Honda hits the middleweight naked-bike segment hard with its 2019 CB650R. Honda is all about its Neo-Sport Café concept, adding another variation to its US model lineup with the 2019 CB650R. Big Red’s latest middleweight replaces the more streetfighter-esque “F”-designation CB650F, adding a level of flair while also amplifying performance.
Honda's all about its Neo-Sport Café concept, adding another variation to its US model lineup with the 2019 CB650R. Big Red's latest middleweight replaces the more streetfighter-esque "F"-designation CB650F, adding a level of flair while also amplifying performance.
Styling-wise the CB follows the shape of Honda’s awesome CB300R, an entry-level streetbike that rides better than you’d think considering its sub-five-grand price tag. The 650 sports flat lines that are modern and tasteful. Trim body panels showcase the chiseled 649cc inline-four and the elegant symmetrical pipes that were styled off of Honda’s ’75 CB400. Most importantly, it looks unlike other manufacturer’s naked bikes and comes with full LED lighting and exceptionally high build quality-an impressive feat considering its stamped from Honda’s Thailand (versus Japanese) factory.
The CB650R is powered by a purpose-built inline-four introduced six years ago. Although it shares the CBR600RR’s bore measurements (67mm), the internals are purpose built for road, not competition. It gets its extra 50cc capacity via a 3.5mm longer piston stroke. For 2019, it uses new pistons with a different crown shape, as well as updated valve timing and new camshaft profiles. Redline is now rated at 12,800 rpm-1,000 more than before.
An updated airbox design helps the engine breathe easier through larger induction ports and an air filter that is 1.7 times larger. As a side note, we also noticed a more rowdy intake note when the throttle is twisted.
In terms of day-to-day around-town use, the previous engine configuration wasn’t a slouch, churning out in excess of 38 pound-feet of torque from 4,000 to 10,000 rpm. Horsepower-wise, it produced 79.1 hp at 10,760 rpm. This reworked powerplant delivered 80.1 hp at 11,000 rpm and 41.7 pound-feet at 8,200 rpm-a marginal increase in horsepower, but a nearly 10 percent bump in torque.
The new version feels more lively and ready to play than we remember. But there is a fair amount of engine vibration above 6,000 rpm. The clutch lever requires less of a tug too, and the six-speed gearbox has appropriate gear ratios so the engine hums in its sweet spot. Curiously, the transmission did pop into neutral during our ride. In terms of fuel economy, we averaged 39.5 mpg, during our 100-some-mile loop, mostly at highway speeds.
An iPhone 4-sized monochrome digital display keeps tabs on engine vitals. While replete with information, including a handy fuel gauge and gear position indicator, the readouts appear crunched and can be difficult to ascertain at a glance. We do appreciate the crispness of the fonts and that the display is legible even in direct sunlight.
There still isn’t any adjustable engine power, nor throttle modes, but that’s okay. In typical analog Honda fashion, throttle response is near perfect. Its smooth action is compatible for a less experienced rider as it is for more seasoned twist tube yanker. Honda Selectable Torque Control (Big Red nomenclature for traction control) is now standard on ABS-equipped CBs, for a $300 upcharge. HSTC modulates engine torque to help maintain rear tire grip over slippery surfaces. It’s always “on” by default, but it can be easily disabled, if you want to pop wheelies or slide the rear end over loose surfaces.
With its 4.1-gallon fuel tank topped off, the CB650R weighs 455 pounds on the Cycle World scales, which Honda says is 9 pounds less than the outgoing F model. Specifically the frame, fuel tank, wheels, and even the footpegs are lighter. The ergonomics were also adjusted slightly for a more aggressive stance, yet it isn't overdone. We also like how thin the motorcycle feels between our legs-especially considering its inline-four engine configuration.
On the road the Honda feels balanced and ready to play. Updated suspension components offer a pleasing compromise between sporting feel through twisty sections of tarmac and everyday comfort over beat-up road surfaces. True, there isn’t any suspension adjustment (aside from spring preload on the shock), but the damping is so well calibrated we didn’t miss it. Metzeler’s awesome and do-it-all Roadtec 01 tires further complement handling. On a side note, this is the first time we’ve seen Metzeler providing OE-fitment on a Honda motorcycle.
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[@cycleworld]

Watch our dyno video of the 2019 Honda CBR650R to find out how much horsepower this inline-4 puts out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/naawXmtveNKhd6s

[@dwillemscott]

"We'll speed up right here so we can slow down really fast". Holy irony batman - there's a cop.

[@csmithrn]

Thanks for helping me decide to purchase a cb650r. I've had mine for exactly one week now and it has been an amazing bike. I won't be getting rid of this bike any time soon. It's a keeper for sure!

[@The.JZA.]

I might be buying one this week! Is the vibration as bad as he said in this video? I heard that you can put heavier bar weights on the bars and that dulls some of the vibes.

[@lysergicaciddiethylamide6127]

I dished out the extra $1,200 for the engine compared to the competition Yamaha XSR700. I’m very happy with my decision ;)

[@vintagerealityvr]

Same thing here bro. 👌👌👌

[@giovannimecenero5765]

Lysergic Acid Diethylamide i dont know suspensions are really bad and the exhaust too so i will spend the same dollars for a nice suspensions and quickshifter

[@stephenbriggs1736]

I was considering thr xsr700 as well. What made you so happy with the Honda...... 11 months ago at least.

[@toofastnobrakes]

@@giovannimecenero5765 the suspension on the mt-07 and xsr700 are awful if you weigh more than 180lbs. The Honda costs more. But it already has a much better suspension. And to get the xsr where I want it I’ll wind up spending the same amount of money on new suspension. Ide rather buy a complete bike

[@giovannimecenero5765]

@@toofastnobrakes ok im gonna move to united states 😂

[@r.heinrich3364]

Nice vid. However, just wondering how not having ABS on such a bike is more fun? Some newbies out there would actually take your word for it. Which doesn't really makes sense... Other than that, good review. Safe ridin'.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Beautiful bike. I just rode it and liked the power of the four. And the looks are aces.

[@PEZ1514]

its aesthetically ugly. The front of the bike and the rear are having a identity crisis. Maybe like yourself

[@michals1108]

@@PEZ1514 I think it looks awesome

[@toofastnobrakes]

@@PEZ1514 I love this bike, it’s a modern bike with a nod to the classic CB. Everything I wanted

[@sleeper.simulant7327]

Longer stroke coupled with the cam profile means more torque. And should also mean better MPG’s

[@alwaysup22]

Maybe show the non kick stand side of the bike to show off the gold pipes? Seems not thought out

[@dadfixesreviewsridesandinv309]

Awesome bike. Heard rumors they were making one a few months back. Now we know it’s true!

[@dukenukem7183]

mc commute de ja vu?

[@lagubrok92]

Lol.. they do sound the same

[@FoiMal123]

@@lagubrok92 They are the same

[@awnis001]

its Adam Waheed, the same guy

[@TheChewbaca69]

Quality review thanks.

[@resomony]

(16:12)---Chose the right time for a brake test.

[@ethanlancaster76]

resomony good eye 👌✌️

[@Fadic4]

I’m a little disappointed with the engine vibrations still an issue with this engine. This engine came out over 5 years ago, you would’ve think they would’ve fixed it by now. Could this become a reliability issue years down the line?

[@kirarittberg5088]

Fadic4 I once owned a 1979 CB650 and the powerband flat spot is still there on the new model after 40 years of Honda R&D. If you want a bike for "years down the road" look at a bike that has been proven for 20 years and is virtually unchanged, only improved. It is called a Suzuki sv650 and it still gets great reviews. My 2004 sv650s has been reliable,economical and fun to ride. The new Suzuki is way less money than all the competition because the R&D was paid for many years ago. Tough choice, flavour of the month or a v twin classic, tough choice !

[@Gottaloveguitars427]

It’s a motorcycle, enjoy the vibration

[@SWTrailsAndWheels]

Never buy a press bike ;p

[@darylhagle8565]

😂... haha almost got a ticket !

[@TheCuriousOrbs]

16:00 He picked a great time to really give it some beans!

[@tokyosmash]

God that engine sounds good

[@MrFelipe8686]

I agree about the price! It’s beautiful but for $100 more (from the ABS version) you can get the 2020 Kawasaki Z900 which is a lot of bike!

[@rodneybutler7939]

great job again!!!

[@ckenz21]

Correction, 94 horesepower dude.😉

[@cycleworld]

Correction, 80 hp dude 😉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/naawXmtveNKhd6s

[@petecraig11]

80hp at the wheels I think 👍 so you're both right more or less.

[@Gottaloveguitars427]

94hp from Honda specs, dunno mean shit when comparing bikes

[@ElCoco1984]

Think the US version is just weak.

[@davidmiller9852]

Man that bike makes 95 hp not 81

[@NigelRodger-mw8lb]

81 to the rear wheel 94 at the crank

[@toofastnobrakes]

On the 81 to the wheel, 94 at the crank

[@Gottaloveguitars427]

94 rates by Honda

[@costasbarzos3614]

Sir, I am amazed by the beauty of your Arai Helmet! I would be grateful if you could tell me which model and especially which color it is! Greatings from Greece.

[@geeartv8849]

Slipper clutch you mean bro for the light clutch feel😅

[@StrikerSG]

Now Honda did It right ... Last year bike was awful.

[@trxgloria409]

I would have taken a drink of water.

[@NailNNY]

Is that the check engine light on around 7:30?

[@JohnCarter-eg4ws]

I looked at them today and the shop had one for $7,600 .

[@naturalforlife6741]

Man that thing looks ridicules with those air boxes stuck on the side of the tank like a pair of ears. Looks like an after thought to me.

[@jonnycando]

You and Abhi need to put something together.....

[@byronwhite3620]

Why does not having ABS make a bike more fun to ride? What about safety, does that also play in the “fun” category? Beginning biker, serious inquiry. Thanks

[@hondapilot9132]

Can’t back it in with abs

[@toofastnobrakes]

It’s not more fun. The abs can be turned off....

[@hafo1979]

Sounds like Waheed of motorcyclist😂 with a much better camera angle now👍

[@chazzwozza]

Wait... Isn't it actually Waheed though?

[@hafo1979]

@@chazzwozza no it's Adam😂

[@mikehancock6280]

Your presentation lacks enthusiasm.

[@hankgs]

...it's the second time he did the review- First one was MC Commute.

[@aluisious]

Sounds like he finished an hour on the Stairmaster first.

[@aluisious]

@@hankgs Not our problem.

[@kd350]

Funny how you 'test the brakes' just in time with CHP just ahead. Very impressive memory and synopsis with attention to detail. What's it lack vs. my sleeper commuter FZ6 (non R thank you)? Center stand; fender hugger; analog tach; fairing; 25 hp; 150mph top speed; low elevens; 14 grand redline, made in Japan. Nice try Honda, but an $800 clapped out FZR 600 would dust your ass. A $2000 clean one would "turn more heads", never mind my RZ (it's getting ridiculous, just mention Banshee and a crowd ensues). You do mention eventually the Thailand manufacture. Yes Honda, this bike should be $7,999. Owners may get beat on resale on the back end. Great review Zach....keep 'em coming. Cheers.

[@alexandervp6180]

Why would anyone want to put all that garbage on a bike like this? Just keep riding your FZ6 full of garbage edition.

[@MarvFitBikesKicks]

any differences between 2018 and 2019 models?

[@toofastnobrakes]

The style, the motor tuning, and the riding position... so a lot yes

[@bigfranchise]

What helmet are you wearing in the the thumbnail?

[@lameactionhero7786]

Does this bike have H.I.S.S. in the USA?

[@johndonatucci737]

how could you not show the other fuckin side of this beautiful beast. this review is invalid simply for the lack of that. how could you

[@gouthams7825]

its looking like GTA SAN ANDREAS game naked motorcycle

[@m.l2321]

That’s Irvine on a rare cloudy day in sunny S. Cal.

[@Photo-ms1mo]

Those small box LCD panels looks terrible on most new bikes including this one! I wish the would offer something like the Kawa 900RS dash or Honda CB1100EX (mix of new & old)

[@Gottaloveguitars427]

Entry level lol seriously this is not an entry level bike

[@Carlos75_]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@kirarittberg5088]

The panels at the sides of the tank will turn more than heads, the styling kind of turns my stomach more! Not a nice looking bike IMO. Just what we don't need, another bike that revs stupidly high, I will keep my VTwin SV650 and purr down the road thank you!

[@javiervillalobos7]

"lighter clutch springs" really? do you know about the existence of something called a slipper clutch?

[@DistraughtRobot]

Slipper clutch prevents the rear wheel from locking up when downshifting and not rev matching; it doesn't affect the 'weight' of the clutch lever. This bike comes with a hydraulic assist to the cable-actuated clutch, this is what reduces the 'weight' of the clutch.

[@hipposnakeyo]

$9000?! Why not buy a mt09 or z900?

[@tokyosmash]

Some people aren’t looking for the displacement

[@bernardvelkaverh7824]

Cause people are willing to pay that much, simple as that. The bike is sold out more or less, difficult to get one at this point.

Quality

[@toofastnobrakes]

-Fuel economy -looks -computable -cheaper insurance -more tame just around town but fast when you want it

[@logicvstheworld6827]

Water. Water burn baby. One four one nine one.... queen

[@jeremycubs8331]

I prefer the looks of the Cb650f, plus this bike is uncomfortable to sit on

[@auomauom]

9k. Too expensive. 7.5k at least.

[@dbreardon]

$1500 more than all the other 650 standards in the marketplace. For that price you can get the MT09 or the GSX-750S

[@jackz7083]

That’s what I was thinking, Honda is overpriced

[@Four30]

Personally I think it’s worth it, the inline 4 produces another 15 horsepower over most other 650s and the finishes on middle and up Honda’s are always top notch.

[@jackz7083]

Four30 it’s advertised that they make 94 crank hp but in reality it makes only 80 wheel, not worth it at all

[@Adventure_blac]

Jack Z especially when 19’ mt-07s can be had at at around 6k, Z900 under 7k and the xsr range from 7-8k. This is 9k. Seems like Honda isn’t even trying to compete anymore. Even the cb1000r is underpowered and underspecked.

[@toofastnobrakes]

-Fuel economy -looks -commutable -cheaper insurance -more tame just around town but fast when you want it As far as it’s price it’s and I4. There more expensive to manufacture, and has waaay better suspension than the rest of the 650 class. If the other three made 650 i4’s and upped there suspension to match they would cost about the same

[@Davidlouis3]

Boring review

[@smilebro100]

Too expensive compared to other bikes in the same market segment

[@glaviationcph]

do the other bikes have 4 cylinder engine, full led lighting and a good suspension?

[@michals1108]

You mean twins?

[@dbreardon]

Exactly. For the price, you can get the MT09 or the GSX-750S.

[@glaviationcph]

@@dbreardon If you want more hp and that outdated transformer look.

[@dbreardon]

@@glaviationcph True, I will give you that.

[@aluisious]

I just don't understand why anyone would buy this when the Ducati Scrambler/Monster exists. Costs the same, sounds like a souped up lawnmower, looks like a teenage manga reader grew up, came to grips with the mediocrity of life, and learned how to draw CAD.

[@kevincrockett5155]

Looks and sound are subjective. The Monster has 7500 mile valve checks. Don't know the exact cost but figure around $700. Also the belts need to be replaced at 15,000 miles or every two years ( I think). Some don't want to pay the extra maintenance costs. Some prefer an inline 4 to a twin. Some want the predicted durability and reliability of a Honda compared to a Ducati.

[@captainaverage721]

Don't look cool pushing a Ducati

[@axellness]

Ugly ! Looks like its leaning on its kickstand by a lot.