2022 Honda CB650R | Better Than A Boring Parallel Twin??

[@gmer16402]

Own an identical one. Great bike. Miles better handling than other middleweights. Super planted at high speed. Handles weight transfers very well. Super smooth at low speed but becomes a rocket when you twist the throttle. Hope Honda will continue developing this platform adding more technology, ready to pay a price premium on twins.

[@The.JZA.]

100% agree. I owned an MT07 and now a 2022 CB650R and the Honda is miles more refined and well thought out. I hope they can keep meeting emissions standards because I would like to see what they can come up with in 5-6 years when I might be ready for an upgrade.

[@Thommy_1983]

This is the most beautiful naked bike to me ... I like the sound of 4 cylinders better than two ... I had a Yamaha MT07 but I always liked this Honda better. The sound of the engine as it spins up to 12,000 rpm is unsurpassed.

[@ghostskills]

i own this one as a 2022 black matte model - already made 12.000 kilometres in just one year on it and several nürburgring nordschleife laps as well and all i have to say is: I LOVE THIS BIKE. Of course there are some points to talk about, like the often accidentally touched button for deactivating the traction-control - but in the end i´d buy this bike again anytime!

[@LordShibuya]

Nothing beats a screaming I4. I’m running a 2012 CB600F Hornet with an Akrapovic slip-on, full Maxton suspension setup and an HM quickshifter. I’ll never sell that bike.

[@soulrebelno1]

I did all my training on Honda CB650R's, it's a cracking bike, and it will always be one of my favourites. Around town, it's very refined, and when you pin the throttle it sounds fantastic - just remember to hang on! Now the CB750 Hornet has arrived, I think Honda should use that beautiful in-line four-cylinder engine, in a new retro bike that pays homage to the classic CB750 of 1969; the first motorcycle to be called a "superbike". Kawasaki did it with the Z900RS, and Triumph has released loads of classic bikes, so the demand is there.

[@mattjordan5236]

I love the motor in my Africa Twin, its well suited in that type of bike but you are right....there's nothing quite like an in-line 4. They're like Jekyll and Hyde - all the manners and sophistication while still being able to scream around like an utter hooligan when you're in the mood to! Great review though, cheers chopsy 🍻 👏

[@paul.vanhout57]

A comparison to the new Hornet will be interesting though I think the CB650R takes the win in the looks department.

[@hyperthunk]

Agreed, styling on the new hornet is really disappointing imo. I feel like Honda kind of lost their way for a while now.. 😔

[@LambChopRides]

Yes have to agree! 👍

[@kevincrockett5155]

@@hyperthunk I don't know why they didn't stay with and improve the neo retro cafe look of the CB650R. The Hornet is very mediocre in the looks department.

[@hyperthunk]

@@kevincrockett5155 yeah they could've expanded on that theme for sure

[@ThermicLight]

@@kevincrockett5155 There are rumours they will eventually release a retro version along with a CBR version too. Hopefully 🤞

[@The.JZA.]

A lot of people comment that this bike doesn't have as much "punch" as a parallel twin and while that is technically correct, the actual real-world difference is minimal and as soon as the parallel twin runs out of revs and breath, the CB650R flies past. I've seen it in a lot of side by side drag race videos on KZbin. I think it comes down to perception more than anything. With a twin, you get big punches of torque, with each explosion, and you can feel that through your butt and hands but the inline 4 gives smaller punches of torque but twice as many so you actually still accelerate almost as quickly even if it feels smoother and less punchy. I even saw a video where a CB650R did a 3rd gear rolling drag race against a Triumph 765 and they were neck and neck. The guy on the Triumph was heavier but it goes to show that the little 650cc inline 4 from Honda isn't as gutless as some people think it is. It's just so smooth that it is deceptive.

[@sebastianocornelio9774]

I’ve heard comments that inline 4s don’t have character or soul; I think they have rocks for brains. How can you not get excited when you hear that motor?

[@m.carmona2599]

Thank you man, you put words to my thoughts!! I've been looking for a first big motorbike, tested parallel twins and they are NOTHING compared to the 4 in-line of the CB650R. I'm 99,9% convinced I'm getting this one, saving €€!

[@DJ-jw6vm]

It’s also one of the finest looking bikes on the planet. I went to a dealer to check out the CBR650R when they were just released, but when the CB650R caught my eye, I was genuinely set aback. I’d never seen a bike that looked as good. I test rode both bikes, and they were great to ride. I had the CBR650R for a full day, motorways, long, sweeping country roads, and very tight twisties, and the engine was fantastic. They’re surprisingly torquey for a four-cylinder. In the end I went for an MT-07 for its hooligan qualities, but I’ve a very strong liking for these Hondas. Were I a little more ‘gentlemanly’ on the roads, I’d have gotten one of these bikes. Probably this one in the denim blue.

[@bobsyeruncle4841]

Gem of an engine i love the screaming it does on the edge. super review Chopsey brightened up my day mate.

[@jamesf8864]

I've had my CB650R almost two months now and love it. Considered the Trident 660 but stories of a sluggish electronic throttle were enough to put me off it. Besides that, I thought the Honda looked and felt a bit more "premium". The Trident had a slightly more relaxed riding position, but the CB stays JUST the right side of "upright" for what I was after. It's funny how much faster everything feels on a naked bike, having only ridden faired bikes on the road up until now. It's a hoot!

[@stevietrucker4631]

I'm sticking with my 21reg cbr650r fantastic bike and makes a great sound. It's such a shame about losing these special engines because of emissions.

[@jefflambert8603]

Not as Big a shame as when they Stopped Making. TWO Strokes all Together.

[@narusawa74]

A agree as I own the same year and model. You can always change the teeth numbers to get more torque for townnuse only or even more end-speed if you need for your local track. I wished they'd made a 700cc correction and tuned the engine to 750 like they did for our bikes. Perfect upgrade for adult riders like us who don't need or want a Littr bike get a bit more juice to squeeze....I dont approve the Hornet engine at all....sounds like a bloody landowner tractor. Sports bike means sharp lines and a screaming engine. Only Italians can make a V4 engine sound beautiful. Japanese V engines are for landowner lovers. ( and I had a Ninja400)

[@user-ob4kn3rp3j]

Just bought a 2023 one today in gray! Can't wait to pick it up tomorrow.

[@tonebonetones]

I fondly remember the Z650 of my late teens, which was just a perfect all round machine and as fast as many 750's. Times had moved on from old twins, and we were enjoying the new, smooth, high tech, bullet poof 4 cylinder era. Coming back in 2020 to motorcycling after a mere 40 year break, I was disappointed at the absence of 4 cylinder mid range bikes on the market. Yes, the modern parallel twins are very good, but they don't have the smoothness and whoomf of a 4 cylinder. I also say this owning a V twin Ducati, which is surprisingly smooth, has wonderful grunt, and I just love it. But. I was so disappointed when Kawasaki re released the Z650 in the same green as my old Z650...but as a twin. The original looked like a Z1, and only close would you see the 650 on the side panel. It was a big boys' bike. So. Good for Honda still flying the flag that keeps the spirit of the Japanese 4 cylinder era.

[@hathaway.1166]

sounds like good times mann, let's enjoy the 4 pot while we still can

[@AmazingHaze420]

I have a V-twin from Ducati too, on a Monster 937. It vibrates a lot to the point of damaging my phone’s camera. So be careful

[@tonebonetones]

@adonissad I can assure you, mine is a pleasant surprise. I've had Go Pro's stuck direct to the tank, phone mounted no problem. Mine's the 800 scrambler cafe racer, and they reduced the overall power ( despite being 800 cc it only kicks out 73 bhp) from the 800 monster engine it's based on. It's consequently understressed and the fuel injection is very good for even tootling around town. That said, it's not as smooth as my old Z650 🙂

[@Motorcycle_Mike]

Great value for a quality, fun motorcycle. Like the styling too. Well done, Chops.

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks Mike 👍

[@TauShasla]

did my driving school with one of these. lovely bike and very smooth to drive. ended up getting a trident though, since it handles a little bit better (cuz its not as bulky) and has the more modern tech on it.

[@dukie1616]

I believe this Honda In-L 4 in years to come will be quite desirable. Also that engine is so beautiful to look at as well. The headers are very nice too. Anyway on a side note I had to ask Siri what 20 1/2 stone converts to in American speak, and I’m proud to say Chops my girlfriend has got you by a 1/2 a stone, maxing out the preload of my forks and shock just to get the both us down the road😂 We love your videos, keep up the good work👏

[@LambChopRides]

Haha thanks Dukie 😁👍

[@hunkyleepickle]

so funny how a straight 4 engine is slowly becoming desirable, especially in the middle class. 10 years ago in the world of cbr600rr's,zx6r's,gixxers etc, straight 4's were pretty common and almost thought of as dull. Now the screamers are gone, and parallel twins rule, long live the I4!!!

[@tonebonetones]

Yep.

[@MarkKoolen]

For me the CB650R is just perfect. When im riding with my girl on the back everything is easy and smooth low in rpm. When im blasting alone there is the powerband above 8K rpm. And everytime I park my matte blue version somewhere there always are guys stop to look at it. I really love my 2022 cb650r.

[@michelod.i.y.5202]

First bike I got after passing my test and said to myself it will do until I get something bigger. Two years later still have it still love it, no thoughts of changing it

[@brankog7]

Hired one in Thailand for a week, did about 1000km on it. Great bike! Very easy in the cities and plenty powerful on the open roads. Had it over 160 a few times, no worries, feels planted. Really good package, surprised me

[@1990-t1j]

Where in Thailand were you, brankog? I live in Chiang Rai.

[@brankog7]

@@1990-t1j out of Chiang Mai that trip. Great area for Riding! The ride to Pai was awesome

[@1990-t1j]

@@brankog7 Sounds great!

[@Julian-ee8sm]

Great review!! Your winter sunshine is better than our summer zero sunshine down in NZ !!!

[@CarlosB0578]

Great review as always Chopsy.. I bought the CBR650R last October and that engine is a peach!.. My first big bike as such, and I think these are great for that.. That 4 cylinder linear power, Honda quality and reliability make them a great bike, I think.. Both look great too! Can't wait to get some more miles on when this weather sorts itself out!!😀 Keep up the great work!..👏

[@LambChopRides]

Good choice!

[@stevietrucker4631]

Good choice of bike ive got the same 👍 Yes definitely waiting for the warmer weather to arrive and get out there again having fun.

[@martinrea8548]

I've got my eye on this bike. The only thing is I've heard there's a bit of a spot in the revs range where there's a lack of torque. Is this true? Thank you.

[@lighthunt]

@@martinrea8548 Don't worry about it I would say. I have seen the torque curves of the older (2019) version where it was visible around 5500 rpm or so, but from model 2021 I think Honda ironed it out well enough. I have 2021 and if there is a gap it's barely noticeable. Choose your riding modes by right hand twist ... Engine is smooth, vibration free, with linear power till 6000rpm (easy and comfortable ride downtown or commuting, and will not catch you of guard ...) and from 6000rpm up it becomes a different beast, starts to vibrate scream and pull which is what you want to have fun. You can feel the increase in power, which seems to never stop ... If you come from twin, then it feels like any moment you should shift up, but she keeps pulling ... ;-) 108km/h on first gear and 140km/h in a second gear .... They say Hondas have no character, but I would argue that this CB650R has like 4 different of them ... changing character every 2000RPM up all the way till 12800!!! I love it.

[@martinrea8548]

@@lighthunt Thanks for taking the time to answer. I think I understand what you mean. I just watched this Indian reviewer's review of the bike. 120kmph in second gear!!! That's insane! I have got to at least test ride one of these. Here's that review I watched, if you're interested. Thanks again! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nn_Hpp2Fh7Rmgck

[@williamcb78]

I started on the previous model CBR 650f and I loved it !! In-line 4 soundtrack but less chance of newbies nuking themselves 😂

[@grahamcunliffe9352]

I've ordered the new CB750 HORNET and it's coming in the next couple of weeks, I can't wait.

[@Roger_Ramjet]

Lower production cost is the reason for the switch to parallel twins by manufacturers.... And the use of the same engine in various states of tune across multiple models. Honda inline fours have historically been good motors. Their mid sized twins are exceedingly dull. Love your content.

[@brettmaton7257]

The sound had me reminiscing over my CBR600 FM back in '91 😁

[@LambChopRides]

Yes brilliant eh! 👏

[@TheTonicro]

I love it. And IL4 smoothness is much better imo than a twin.

[@hyperthunk]

One of each engine configuration, that's what I'm aiming for haha. Love an IL4, Kawasaki's Z1000 family have a lovely engine. My old '97 and '02 ZX6Rs were fabulous too! Those old carb fed bikes felt so smooth!

[@LambChopRides]

Yeah you can't beat the instant response of a carbed bike! One of each sounds like a good plan 😁👍

[@Synthetic-lt4ed]

I love no vibrations and that sound… yes

[@secretspyfrog593]

Great bike....... I have one but i've experienced an ignition problem... turn the key... nothing for up to 10 sec???? like the battery is dead? next minute boots up and no problem? Go for a ride over an hour, pop in Tesco for booze... come back , turn key ignition is right on ... only me ?

[@richardwarsinske7064]

My first big bike was a 1971 Kawasaki Mach III but I've owned mostly I4's (along with a couple of 80's Honda V4's, an SV650, and my current Duke 390). I did own (and raced) a older but similar to the CBR650R, 91 CBR 600 F2 but overall enjoyed riding the v-twin SV (and a very torquey 81 GS 650E) the most so looking forward to your Hornet test. 270° P-twin is on my wish list and likely will end up with a Hornet, GSX 8S, or KTM Duke 790. No matter what I end up with will be a bit envious of the CBR650R's good looks though!

[@deanzaZZR]

I got into motorcycling when I worked in Japan during the 1990s. My first ride was a cheap 1986 vintage Suzuki 250cc, 4 cylinder naked. As a newbie I thought it was awesome.

[@andrewshore262]

Something about an IL4, a real shame they’re being phased out and replaced……..that sound ❤.

[@PaulBartontreegazer]

I loved mine. If I hadn’t wanted to experiment off-road then I’d have kept it. Loved the engine

[@PaulBartontreegazer]

Weird - I’m from Worcester but recognised that road up the hill because I ran (ok, walked bits) up it this afternoon…just outside South Harting right?

[@drdoolittle5724]

Exhilarating Mate, thank you for waking us up so deliciously! Oldies might go for the 4 because it is historical whereas those without the knowledge will not sniff at the parallel! I myself have the 700 twin, no noise, more torque at v low revs and mpg in the 60's but cannot ride 'ordinary' bikes because of injuries!

[@phil1898]

Interesting how things go round. We started with large single cylinder engines then there was a drive to more and more cylinders (remember the CBX and the Z1?) then someone flipped a switch and we ended up with two large cylinders again. I'll never forget the glorious sound of a CBX at full throttle...

[@Dan-cg8zl]

I agree with u Chops that it is indeed sad that they days of the inline 4s are numbered

[@U.s-epa]

I'm only 34 and a twin just doesn't touch my soul the same as a 4 cylinder bike. A 4 cylinder bike with a good sounding exhaust is one of the best sounds in the world.

[@szaesz8190]

Best newbie bike, calm and cool under 5000rpm, above 5000 all power unleashes, and sounds heavenly. If I wasn't 110kg, it would be THE PERFECT all around bike. I do believe it is The Best middleweight for a new rider, straight from a 125cc. Both the naked and the Sporty looks amazing. Nice review Mr Chops, keep up the good work

[@hgzmatt]

200kg you mean. 110kg would be incredibly light.

[@szaesz8190]

@@hgzmatt what are you talking about???

[@hgzmatt]

@@szaesz8190 I misread, apologies.

[@sproutandkidneysoup2296]

I've had the sports version for 3 years now, and the engine vibration disappeared after 5,000 miles or so. It is a bit lackluster below 6,000 rpm but has enough grunt to be entertaining above that. I too love the sound of an inline 4, and I've just ordered another to replace it, a Ninja 1000 SX.

[@antoniaphil1]

Watched your video, thought I recognised the roads!! I used to drive for Stagecoach and often did the 54 through Westbourne, Walderton, Compton, South Harting etc. Gr8 roads to road test a bike, though not after days of rain!! Lol 😂

[@siraff4461]

You said it yourself - a twin makes a lot of sense. I don't ride bikes to make sense. I ride them to make me happy.

[@cp4512]

Absolutely agree 👍

[@cp4512]

I love engines that rev with character and you have to work the gears, it’s why I ride! If I want a sensible engine I’ll take my car!

[@cgkperformance]

Noises like this out of a bike is what made me go and buy a gsxs750... In my opinion you can't beat the 4 cylinder howl.

[@brattonbiker6482]

As a 40 something that cut my biking teeth in the 90s, I lament the demise of the mid-range in line 4. These bikes look great, especially those swept headers. I almost bought one, but bought a used XSR900 for the same price as a new CB. I've still got a 97 CBR 600 though!

[@sjv6598]

It doesn’t matter which is better, the cb650 looks better and sound a zillion times better so it’s the bike for me. They’ll both be pretty quick but 2 cyl bikes just sound like dirt bikes to me.

[@majordelays4909]

Love your intro music and the looping anticipatory bit !❤

[@newbieriderreviews]

Nice video bud, I had the 2019 CB650R as my first "big" bike absolutely loved it, had BMW not refreshed the S1KR i'd probably have still had it haha! The 650R sounds amazing with a decent exhaust on them!

[@WynterK]

Congrats on 100k subs! Much deserved, thank you for the great content🎉

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks so much! 😁👍

[@_Archambaud]

Rode a parallel twin at the weekend very buzzy and vibey.ill take the 4 or a v twin thanks

[@CrouchyOnBikes]

Nice video chops, brightened up my week! I had an 08 Hornet for about 18 months, loved the screaming straight 4 and this brought back memories. Mine sounded better when I put a full Arrow system on it, but boy was it chuffing loud! Looking forward to the comparison with the new Hornet.

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks Sean me too! 😁👍

[@DC_Cha_Cha_Cha]

Great video, and awesome audio quality showcasing that beautiful 4 cyl engine. I past my full test last summer but wasn’t in a position to buy a bike, but this is the one I want from sitting on one a few times and watching videos. Hopefully this spring I will be able to! Looks and sounds like an absolute beaut. 👍 I look forward to the Hornet videos but I am not sold on it’s looks from seeing it at NEC bike show back in November.

[@johnboy5156]

I would say the straight four you can tickle along slow in a high gear & return good MPG.

[@jeffholmes8092]

CB 750 needs to be a four cylinder IMO. I love my Kawasaki Z900 RS SE.

[@nestorasbellas6604]

This looks stunning, old hornet was quite a looker as well. The new hornet looks like a toy if i am honest!

[@Williamali1993]

What bike is good for a bigger, heavy person?

[@ragerider6283]

Nice review & very timely. This bike's really grown on me & I've been looking in to one of these as a possible purchase later this year. Also looking at the GSX8S but need to wait for the launch & a test ride dare I say.

[@LambChopRides]

Glad I could help! :-)

[@jeffholmes8092]

They make twins rather than fours because they are cheaper to make. Loved my 400 Four super sport in 1977.

[@tonebonetones]

Well said. The 400 four was an instant classic. I had a Z650, but my mate had the little Honda, and it was a peach of a bike

[@jeffholmes8092]

@@tonebonetones I swapped my 400 four for the Z650, that was an awesome bike too.

[@tonebonetones]

@@jeffholmes8092 Yes, great times and great Japanese bikes that broke the mould.

[@jamesdaple9951]

Beautiful countryside nice clean creek!

[@KB-yj5xp]

Greatreview chopsy, thanks for this! Cheers from Ottawa Canada

[@LambChopRides]

My pleasure!

[@douglaspianta4187]

Unfortunately in aus they only bring a limited power learner version over. Such a shame. Not many midrange 4 cylinders available anymore. Ended up with a z900 to get that 4 cylinder sound.

[@frenchtoast-d7u]

The Z900 is a great bike and IMO somewhat underrated these days. Many journos and spec sheet warriors will claim that the new MT-09 blows the Z900 out the water. After having owned both I can confidently say that statement is completely rubbish.

[@michaelarchangel1163]

A pal had one of these. I did notice, when sitting on it, that it felt to be a pretty compact, shortish wheelbase bike, as though the yoke and instrumentation were very close to the rider. Don't know why he got rid, but he's a devil for change for change's sake. He then got a VFR800, which he dropped when a foot slipped on some gravel, then a Tracer 900 and now a Tracer 700. He'd had the 'normal' Yam MT-07 before those. Must be costing him a small fortune ! I've owned the same bike for almost 18 years, and he's got more years on him than my near 66. 120 crank horsepower and a dry weight of 400lbs is plenty. Got no ABS, traction control or riding modes but they're not vital. Famous last words ! I bet you're looking forward to the full fat Honda rival for BMW's M1000R.

[@majordelays4909]

I wonder if he finds it hard to get test rides ?

[@michaelarchangel1163]

@@majordelays4909 M&P in Gorseinon, nr. Swansea is a pretty big place, should be no shortage of them but I think he just goes for bikes he likes the look of. Much like all of us, regarding women when we're young and foolish.

[@MtbPoland]

Sounds better ! This is the reason I love my CBF600 2009 🙂 ....no vibrations.

[@johnwild2331]

Brilliant review Chopsy 👍🏻

[@LambChopRides]

Glad you liked it!

[@ianwarren]

Having had a CBR650R for the first year as my first big bike I have to agree, rove a parallel twin and triple in this class but they didn’t excite me where the Honda just did! Despite being an old fatty I’ve done 6,000 miles and it’s been awesome. Been to Austrian alps and back chasing my son on a Ducati V4S with it packing me two panniers and a rucksack and still managed 148 mph indicated on Autobahns! What a machine! Moving on to a Ducati Panigale V2 now 😮

[@LambChopRides]

Enjoy the V2 Ian 👍

[@johnDukemaster]

Great bike! Had one for a year. Put a Boosterplug on and gain much more grunt. But do be careful when the OEM tyres are new. Slippery both in dry and wet!

[@MGman100]

Great review. I'd consider this as a smaller second bike. The Hornet appears great value for for money but the CB650R looks great.

[@englishsteel-nz6im]

Hornet unfortunately is better in every way and I'm a big proponent of the I4 engine. The Hornet blows it away on torque, has more horsepower and has a nice 270 crank sound. The CB is going to probably be axed.

[@MGman100]

@englishsteel2347 . I'm aware of the difference in low-down torque but like you, I'm convinced that the CB650R will be dropped. I'll ultimately be looking for a second bike to supplement my Tracer 9GT and the Hornet ticks a lot of boxes but I just like the look of the CB650R.

[@englishsteel-nz6im]

@@MGman100 Suzuki dropped the Gsx-S750 due to sales even tho for the middleweight sport naked that bike utterly screams lol so it just is what it is the P-Twins are popular.

[@soilsmanadv6673]

That inline four takes me back to a mid seventies 750-4 with Kerker 2 into 1 headers on it. Scary in the corners but a blast in a straight line!

[@markrichardson8378]

Going to test the new 750 hornet when I have the time,I am a short arse & a returning biker,so it looks a good fit for me.

[@clivehale397]

Thanks chopsie a nice true to life review.....

[@obi1unome]

Congratulations on hitting 100k subs, chops

[@LambChopRides]

Appreciate it! Thanks 👍

[@bobz1736]

Erm... don't forget Triumph's Trident 660 three cylinder. I'm biased... I love mine 😅

[@LambChopRides]

Don't worry I didn't 😉

[@stephenpotts8170]

Enjoyed the video, and I suppose in todays values for a inline four it's a bargain, just makes me think the bigger cube bikes are definitely over priced. But alas we must enjoy our petrol powered motorcycles whilst we still can. Thanks' Chopsie.

[@Dan-cg8zl]

We just need a review of my fav bike now - updated for 2022; Yamaha MT10. I would love to see ur thghts and review on it, Chopsy. Much love.

[@steveparish9210]

I'm very interested in the new hornet as far as engine sound and beauty the 650r wins hands down. Excellent test as usual, that water was scary!

[@janingram1076]

I traded my blackbird in for one of these getting a bit old for long distance blasts, absolutely smasher of a bike for a naked 650, nice to be able to pootle around the lanes then thrash the shite out of it on bigger roads without killing myself at 180mph, has to be a 4 pot for me not a twin love the dual personality of this.

[@lovelessissimo]

I love my z900. I'm a sucker for an i4.

[@Logsi27]

Quickshifter and Akra with a new set of S22 revitalised this bike for me! Totally different animal from stock.

[@stephenchapman8344]

Nice looking bike. In line four scream is hard to beat ! 👍

[@markharrison2484]

This should bear the Hornet name, not that P2 thing. My first bike was a brand new y2k hornet straight from passing my DAS. Think I paid £4400.

[@233kosta]

I absolutely LOVE my 650R! So glad I bought mine when I did. Love the way it looks, the way it sounds and the versatility of the engine. The "poor" bottom end of these inline fours is seen as a drawback by most, but actually it gives me the option to ride in a very insensitive part of the powerband. Even in the wet - no rider modes needed. By the way, a quick shifter is a factory option for these and one can easily be retrofitted after the fact. It's up only, but I'd only need it when I'm powering down a slip road.

[@Gijserklh]

I think the new engine will be better then you think, and i heard that it sounds great. Be open to it.

[@michaeldolan9812]

Great vid Mr chops The cb650r was the bike I was looking to get my wife when she passes her test this year hopefully, but I'll wait and see what you say about the hornet first lol 😆 All the best

[@hyperthunk]

Great choice for a first bike

[@LambChopRides]

Yes would be great for her! Hornet probably also good though 😁 hehe

[@Mr450pro]

It looks 1000 times better than the new Hornet I want the instant torque of the twins

[@-DC-]

Love high revving bikes bring back the 250's revving to 20k !!!!!!

[@schorschels]

What a great bike, rode it in driving school👌

[@wattie1050]

Great review Chopsy , can't beat the sound of a inline four pot screaming to 12k 😁😁 sods law when you come to a flooded road cars always coming towards you !!! As you say would be a great first big bike for someone. My first big !! Bike was the old xj 650 thought it was as fast as hell then 😮😁 Rickman fairing , ace bars, two four seat and an Alfa 4 into 1 .👍👍 at least you have a bit of blue sky there mate .😁😁 Good to see a few bikes out and about down your way .👍

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks Wattie 👍

[@MotojRides]

great review on th handa cb 650 and great vid to bud yh i know what you mean about the water on the roads at the min the new forest roads are bad for it at the min and with this cold front we have had there so much ice on the roads at the min from it ride safe bud and just found out today that china has been hit with the cold front now - 56 over there they not been that cold in time last time was 1969

[@peternilmot9144]

I'd love to have one of these!

[@goldilocks913]

I had a cb650f after a k1200 so felt the lack of grunt so sold it. I have slowed down now and was looking at the new super meteor 650 which is around the same price . Growing up with the UJM l love that rev limit! 😊

[@altypeRR]

Honestly Chops it is an amazing bike. The CBR version is every bit a baby blade of modern times. I still haven’t found anything that ticks all the boxes and I’ve tried a lot.

[@Robdorso]

Working at Honda has meant I have had the chance to have a quick go on a hornet already, and whilst I’m not privy to future manufacturing decisions I really don’t see the hornet as a direct competitor to this, rather bridging the gap a bit more for those looking to get their first ‘big bike’ and would otherwise find this a bit more intimidating. Looking forward to seeing what you think of it!

[@LambChopRides]

OK interesting 👍

[@wolfpackpete6408]

I agree. This is marketed as neo retro café rather than naked or sports naked.

[@motor_ma77]

Nice one again chops 👏🏻 The audio is on point. Is that just through the helmet mic or you got a external mic?

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks Buddy, no helmet audio only 👍

[@damon1957ful]

I have come from a mt 07 to this cb650r and with out question the cb is a better bike allround , the only better bit on the mt 07 was roll on it sligtly picks up better untill the cb gets going then will pass the twin , also in 4th thats the best gear to play with from idle up even in a high gear, where the twin will protest and judder in the wrong gear, ethier way any bike is good fun

[@ArthursMam]

I had 2 hornets and this bike sounds just gorgeous. I was disappointed when they announced the new Hornet was a twin. Hoping its a good allrounder like its predecessors.

[@233kosta]

Yeh, the engine could use a balance shaft, the 1000 probably does have one, but that's only really an issue on a long motorway trip. When I'm out just having a blast the vibration barely registers

[@motorcyclemadness6006]

Mabey comparisons with previous fours are a good idea, the first gsxr barely broke 100 bhp ( good for a 750 back then) and was all about weight … 95 bhp is plenty of shove my 750 back then had 79bhp and wasn’t considered a slouch …