2020 CB650R Review

[@mike1967sam]

I bought this bike, then sold it and bought 8 other bikes, all styles from Sport R versions to Adventure to Cruisers and i ended up buying the CB650R again, all around it's probably in the top 3 best bikes on the market. I came full circle. Great Bike.

[@th3matchless]

This is an honest genuine review I really liked it. It would do an indicared 72 mph on speedo in 1st but the speedo is a shocking 7.2% off. I agree, brakes on this bike are awesome. This bike inspires confidence and it's a pleasure to ride. It has its issues like the helmet lock I hate it. I didn't have any problems with the headlight brightness but the headlight beam is adjustable. You will get a lot of thumbs up and compliments on how beautiful the bike is. The front wheel does come up a tiny bit even with traction control if you rev it up in 1st and you are low on fuel but the tractoon control wont let it go up beyond a certain point. Overall your review was very genuine and honest. One thing I have heard but I haven't been able to confirm is that this bike makes different horse power in different countries as ECU is mapped differently I am not talking about A2 restricted bikes, I am talking about the full power bike. I have seen vidoes of this bike hitting an indicated 150 mph. I messaged the dude but he never responded. I don't see that ever happening on my bike not sure why but would be interesting to find out if it's true, max I seen was an indicated 131mph sitting upright on my bike. Get an exhaust man..4 cylinder screamers are all about exhaust note; it's a totally different experience riding this same bike with a good exhaust note; you would love it lol.

[@bmddlton]

th3matchless thank you so much for the detailed review! The helmet lock is probably garbage because the passenger seat is hard to remove. I can feel a little lift in the front tire at full throttle, but it’s nothing like a 600rr, it’s very tame with TC. I’m interested in the exhaust but will wait for the price to drop. On the different tune, I wonder if it’s a simple redline extender. This turns 12,800 from the factory so if it extended out to 14,000 (which is probably still “safe”) it would extend the top speed and HP. Btw how do you like the shifting? It feels picky about the shift points if they are low ie in heavy city traffic.

[@th3matchless]

@@bmddlton Hey! Sorry for the late response. I agree with you about the shifting I also don't like the false neutrals on this bike. what is the service interval on this bike ? The dealer keeps pestering me and insists I should have it "serviced every 6000 kilometer or 3800 miles but the book says it needs servicing 12k 6000 is only simple inspections. Any advice ? One thing I wanted to ask you was the traction control:- on my bike if you "Pin it during a spirited start" or "Launch it" from a stop it just cuts the power off as if someone had turned the ignition off causing the bike to dip and do all sort of odd maneuvers (guessing rear wheel skids a bit and causes TC to react in odd manner), my point is it feels like a very rudimentary herky-jerky "on off" kind of a system, have you noticed anything similar on your bike? One last thing have you noticed any power dips under 4k rpm?

[@bmddlton]

th3matchless Hi! On the service intervals I did the 600 mile service myself and the book says replace oil every 8k miles and filter every other oil change. HOWEVER, I would do both the oil and filter and do it annually if I didn’t ride 8k miles. Personally, I’ll probably change them ever 5-6k miles because it only holds ~2.7 Q and that’s not a lot. On the the shifting I actually adjusted the position on the lever so it sets a little lower making the up shift movement easier (my foot doesn’t have to do the full range of motion). On hard launching or taking it to redline it feels like the ignition cuts out near redline. Have you experienced that? I only wanted to see how fast it would go in first which was around 70 mph. It was like it clutched itself. Very strange.

[@th3matchless]

@@bmddlton Hey! thanks for that. I shall be changing the oil and oil filter then, what oil would you recommend? It cuts off at the rev limiter of course but what I wanted to ask you was the traction control seems to cut off the ignition during launch on lower RPM in certain condition during hard launches. I also notice a power dip below 4k RPM. Hope this helps. Try using GPS of your camera maybe? thats how I found out the gear ranges and speedometer accuracy on my bike lol.

[@bmddlton]

th3matchless hey again! I highly recommend Honda GS4 oil on the first 600 mile oil change to make sure everything breaks in correctly. After that I’ll probably do Amsoil since they have a good track record. Now I’m going to have to check my launch and see what it does, because mostly it just feels like it has a slight slip feeling. The 4K rpms is probably the first stage of fuel injection because most sports bikes have duel stage injection. Btw I do about 3.5-4K when launching from a stand still.

[@jamesjensen4696]

First thing I’d did on mine is a tail tidy and bar end mirrors plus a phone mount. Great bike replaced my ninja 650 another great bike, I love Japanese bikes!

[@Para-ni5lx]

Thanks for this detailed video. VERY HELPFUL on decision making what motorcycle to buy next. BRAVO

[@louisalfonso9493]

sorry to be so off topic but does any of you know a tool to get back into an instagram account?? I somehow forgot the account password. I appreciate any help you can offer me

[@kianfabian7867]

@Louis Alfonso instablaster ;)

[@locomaaan]

Great honest review👍🏻 I can confirm basically everything you said, I am enjoying my 2 week old 2020 CB650R and it’s my first bike. I am in Canada, I’ve put over 1000kms on it already and can’t get enough. I got the quick-shifter installed shortly after purchase as well. Funny you mentioned the red colour being your only option, it was the one I wanted but they were all sold out so I settled with the the black and it has really grown on me, very stealthy looking, that blue is a sweet colour too but not available up here. Any ways, great bike, gear review, I highly recommend this bike for anybody in this price range👍🏻

[@bmddlton]

locomaaan congratulations! I’m sure you will enjoy it for a long time. It’s an excellent bike.

[@locomaaan]

Brian M my be looking for a windscreen soon lol, you get pushed around pretty good at higher speed 😅

[@bmddlton]

locomaaan Puig is what I have and I love it.

[@petewebb6952]

The new 2021 Trident will probably be aiming at this mid-range market. Plenty of publicity about the Trident right now.

[@toethumbmorris9]

I live outside of jackson TN. Bobs house of Honda couldn't get me a CB650R so I drove your way and went to Desoto Honda in Olive Branch and bought a 2021 CB650R around 2 months ago. Man I love this bike!

[@bmddlton]

I actually traded my CB650R at Bob’s in late April for a 2021 Goldwing DCT and miss my CB but LOVE my Goldwing. Be a little rough in the lower gears after 600 miles and it will break in and engage the gears smoother! I wish I did lol it took me 2000 miles to feel “normal”.

[@toethumbmorris9]

Congrats on the new bike man! The CB650R was my dream bike coming from a 2018 CRF250L Rally, so far its been everything I wanted in a bike. Thanks for the advice man! I'll be changing my break in oil soon.

[@michaelakachunk]

Nice video man, I've just got my own CB650R and mine is in Matt Jeans Blue. I'm a UK owner but I'm surprised they haven't given the other options to you guys! We have Red, Black, Blue and Silver available here, I've seen some having a green colour available in other countries

[@ericzochowski3749]

Yes I just bought a matt silver one and I pick it up on the 25th, can't wait.

[@robertbieganski8143]

In Poland we have 4 coulors as well)

[@johntheaccountant5594]

Thank you for your discussion. The windshield spoils the looks but can see the practicality. Does it really stop wind in your face at speed? I personally prefer a throttle cable. I do not trust all this wireless electronic crap. Simplicity makes mechanical reliability.

[@bmddlton]

John Anderson there’s a huge difference with the windshield. When I drove it home the day I got it the wind really beat me up. I agree it’s a lot better looking without it.

[@johntheaccountant5594]

@@bmddlton I live in Thailand so always 30 C. I think I am going to buy it but just not drive more than 70 mph ( 122 kmph )

[@MihaiBrT]

I have the same windshield on my cb650r and it does the job properly. Is adjustable so if you want you can change the angle according to your position on the bike, cruising/a “racing” position. All together is a beautiful motorcycle and even after a long distance I personally don’t find it uncomfortable. Keep up the good work!

[@herjari]

Excellent review! Could you please share details on the transparent tank pad? (brand, model, etc).

[@TheCuriousOrbs]

Bought the exact same bike and also get compliments about the colour although I would much prefer a matt silver, same as the intakes. Question... Does your torque control light come on (seemingly) at random? I find myself riding and upon glancing at the down, notice that the torque control has been deactivated without my knowing. I used to think I was inadvertently triggering the switch while indicating, but now I'm almost certain that isn't the case.

[@rcronin1]

That happens on mine too. I can't figure out why

[@madingahmar4420]

The torque control light comes on when the system is active as well

[@bekindalways7629]

Beautiful bike very good choice . Can you lower the seat?

[@Ace_Brickman]

I played the aaah game with this video and now I am drunk.

[@scottmaddi]

I have question about the atlas throttle lock. I contacted atlas and they recommended the top kit for my 2019 Honda cb650r but when I Installed it none of the little rubber pads seemed to work correctly either to thick or to thin . I also noticed it was rubbing the paint of my throttle housing . I didn't move the handgrip any and just put the atlas in the little space between grip and throttle housing with different size pads but none worked correctly. Was wondering what you did to make yours work and what pad you used or did you slide your handgrip over alittle or what , thanks and love the Honda cb650r just a great bike here in Arkansas.

[@bmddlton]

scottmaddi I’m right across the river in Memphis! I used the smallest pad and positioned the atlas lock as close to the ignition housing as possible and I also put adhesive felt on the opposite side of the lock where the pad goes. The felt keeps the lock flexing when you push the button. I might make a video that shows this.

[@scottmaddi]

@@bmddlton I live just north of Russellville, and that would be cool if you make a video on the atlas installation. Are you happy with the atlas , It looks like a good product but yet to get mine to work right and it rubbed the paint off the bottom of my throttle housing where the arm is on mine. Thanks for the quick reply.

[@SimoneFrigieri]

I did put a Matte screen protector on the dash and it improved a lot

[@thomaswedel2879]

Where did you bought the windshield, looks amazing!!!! I bought a black CB650R about a month ago and I LOVE IT!!!

[@gmaz7846]

It’s a Puig Naked new generation windshield. Revzilla.

[@rcronin1]

@@gmaz7846 can't find that on their website 😔 do you have a link?

[@tharivera34]

Is that dark smoke or light smoke wind screen? It looks good!

[@toofastnobrakes]

Light smoke. The dark is well... much darker

[@Vec135]

This is pretty much the same as the CB650F, right ? Just a few differences I think

[@bmddlton]

spiddykilla basically. Honda updated the engine to run a little smoother, added abs, and upped the redline to 12,800.

[@madingahmar4420]

and ram air intakes plus higher footpegs

[@donavanguevara1806]

is this a good first beginner bike?

[@bmddlton]

donavan guevara if the new rider is responsible, yes. If you’re a young new rider the best beginner bike is something like a CB300R because it weighs less and you won’t immediately have an accident if you panic and twist the throttle or pop the clutch. This bike has nearly 100 hp and a mistake can be serious.

[@donniesimpson4608]

I'm thinking about getting this bike just how comfortable is the bike when rideing a long distance and if you've ever carried a passenger on it how comfortable is the passenger sitting on the back??

[@bmddlton]

Donnie Simpson I’ve only went 1.5 hours on it, but it’s comfortable. I’ve had an experienced passenger and they liked it on a 20 minute ride. Honestly, it’s one of the best Honda’s I’ve ever owned or drove.

[@donniesimpson4608]

@@bmddlton ok thank you I'm just having a hard time choosing lol the sale rep gave me the option of this bike or a 2020 ninja 1000sx

[@bmddlton]

Donnie Simpson it’s going to come down to what you like more, but I’ve never had reliability issues with Honda and this bike has excellent fit and finish. Let me know what you go with.

[@donniesimpson4608]

@@bmddlton okay will do thank you for your info

[@donniesimpson4608]

@@bmddlton how did the cb650r perform with two rides on it and how is it on the major highway

[@captainiglo5179]

2020 model and they still haven’t fixed the screen

[@NAJErEa91]

BEAUTIFUL BIKE! WOW!

[@NAJErEa91]

SPORT BIKES JUST DONT SEEM LIKE ENOUGH PRTOECTION TO ME, FOR THE BIKE NOR THE RIDER🤔💭 I OWN A CBR300R AND LOOKING INTO MY UPGRADE OPTIONS💯THAT SCREEN LAYOUT IS GORGEOUS!!!!

[@NAJErEa91]

I JUST PREFER THE FAIRED LOOK BUT I HEARD THE CBR600R HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED😕 SO🤷‍♀️

[@NAJErEa91]

REALLY NICE REVIEW! THANKS!

[@coolstorybro9946]

Nice review bro!

[@frenchipino25]

Do you have a like to the frame slider or cage you mentioned?

[@bmddlton]

Sure: www.ebay.com/itm/202820575919

[@gilmacababbad8526]

I look forward in your next video for the upgrad..

[@rcronin1]

Did you get any frame protection yet? I can hardly find any.

[@markb3180]

R & G racing a UK based company do frame protection for the cb650r.

[@rcronin1]

@@markb3180 thank you!

[@svenhofstede]

I bought crash bars from SW Motech. They also do frame sliders for the CB650R

[@gerardmilesmckinnell]

What's the helmet you have there? Is it an LS2?

[@bmddlton]

Teacher 'G' yes! It’s excellent with the small annoyance of the visor slide catching wind on left side... not much you can do about it.

[@danielsaid2042]

do u think suspension is stiff

[@bmddlton]

Kinda. Since I have a 30" inseam, I had my preload set really low, which tightens up the rear shock. Also, I think the perceived passengers would be prevalent as this bike is popular in EU and Asia.

[@321thach]

Is this a good beginner bike?

[@rcronin1]

It is not in my opinion. I've had mine for about 3 weeks and I would say the throttle is just too jerky for a beginner but that's just my two cents

[@benfuller2407]

I've been told you can put a slip on exhaust instead of a full system. Anyone have more on that please?

[@SimoneFrigieri]

Only full exhaust for this model Unless you cut the CAT and put a slip on

[@ericzochowski3749]

@@SimoneFrigieri yes unfortunately only a full system on this one.

[@lloydlopez411]

I have the same bike only complaint is head gasket is leaking something its not engine oil it looks like its coming from the rubber gasket when it dries up it turns to a white powder

[@michaelakachunk]

Hi Ysabella, they're starting to have some issue show up. One being with the water pump leaking from the mechanical seal. If you get it to your nearest honda dealership they should fix it under warranty.

[@TheCuriousOrbs]

Is it only on the rubber gasket surfaces? Mine has the same, I believe its just the rubber is drying out a little and not an actual leak. Worth asking your dealership if you're not sure though.

[@c.g.c2067]

Puig is Spanish, not French

[@AcmeRocket]

Beautiful bike

[@toofastnobrakes]

How much does that windscreen help?

[@bmddlton]

Mike Hunt it’s basically a different bike with the windscreen. Way too much wind at 65+ mph without one.

[@toofastnobrakes]

Brian M good to know. I’ve also been looking at the semi fairing version that puig makes for the cb650r. But it’s shorter and I’m not sure it would make much difference. Any thoughts?

[@eleminohpee9078]

@@bmddlton do you have a link where you bought it?

[@bmddlton]

luther Chase it came from Ebay and took about 3 weeks to get. It’s the Puig Light Smoke M9748H you can get it on eBay or pyramid-plastics.co.uk

[@geeraertshugo5431]

please can you right down te brand of the windshield? thxs hugo

[@ridehead8771]

The only downside is it's so damn heavy. That's why the MT07 is more easy to ride, though the overall quality of a Honda is marginally better.

[@tangosucka2000]

Umm, ahhh, um, arrr, ummm, arghh, ummmmmm, arrrrrr, uuummmmm, ummmmm, arrrrgh, arrrrr, ummmmm, ahhhhhhh!