First Ride: 2019 Honda CBR650R

My views and thoughts on the new Honda CBR650R.
I used to own a CBR650F and give my comparisons with this new model. It's everything I wanted it to be and it is a better bike in every aspect than the previous generation.
A bike that makes so much sense on Britain's roads and one where you can use every bit of the 90ish bhp without constant fear of losing your license!

[@1teem]

Awesome review, one of the best I have ever seen. Really practical review on everyday UK roads. Not carving canyons or going up the "twisties" on some mountain road in Spain or California like "professional" moto journalists do.

[@MiddleagedRider]

Wow - thanks for your very kind words. I kind of think that people want a more everyday type of review/thoughts. I know that's what I look for, but hey ho it's a big wide world and room I guess for every type! Thanks for watching

[@eddieboyle7902]

Love your reviews, very detailed and informative. This will be my first bike, thanks

[@christianc397]

Great review! I’m looking to get one on my a2 license. A lot of other reviews on the 650r seem to compare it to 1000s and give it bad points. Thank you for making me actually want to get it!

[@roosky9260]

Great review, just counting down the days now to my birthday 🤤 can’t wait. My current bike is a old Honda 500cc so it’s going to be a nice step up. 😎👍

[@MiddleagedRider]

Enjoy and keep safe.

[@adamsecker349]

Good review, thank you. Soon as I've done my DAS (have to wait a bloody month for a free test slot) I'll be flying down to Honda to pick one of these up.

[@MiddleagedRider]

Have fun and keep safe. Thanks for watching

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

Awesome man. I'm still loving my CBR650F but would love to give the new CBR650R a try.

[@Arcadiality]

I'm close to pulling the trigger on one of these. What a beauty to look at. My demo didn't have a QS and engaging 1st was notchy, but I'm guessing because it was new. Good review sir.

[@MiddleagedRider]

She is very good to look at. Had it side by side with my Blade and at a distance and glance you're hard pushed to differentiate. Didn't find any notchiness in the gearbox at all in the one I rode and that only had 100 odd miles on it from new. I found on my old CBR650F that the gearbox did loosen up a bit. Might have been the oil level wasn't topped up on your demo. Thanks for watching.

[@brianpreval5602]

you have some great roads where you are - good review, seriously thinking of this as my next bike.

[@MiddleagedRider]

I do, I'm lucky on that front.

[@ToxicChillz]

I'll be honest, I haven't seen a bad review of this bike, glad I've put my money down for one for when I pass my DAS, can't wait to get on and just ride, not to mention touring and all that good stuff. P.s the mic crackling spoils the audio a bit, but that's probably more to do with go pro then you. Great review as always! Keep up the good work.

[@MiddleagedRider]

Have fun, just remember to take it easy. PS I know I've had a few mic issues recently. Trying to work out if it's the mic or the camera. Thanks for watching.

[@pauljohnstone5213]

Enjoyed the review. I pick mine up on March 1st.

[@MiddleagedRider]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@alexwotherspoon5630]

Noice review 👍 Test rode this a few weeks back and was really impressed and even preferred it to the ZX6R 😮 lovely power delivery and a nice contrast to my MT07 😉

[@MD_Builds]

Same, though I have an ole ER6f... which has a lot less power compared to the CBR... but still really REALLY loved the ride. My only criticism is the MPG... Though I managed to get it to 48mpg while testing riding it... For todays bike I would have expected 50-65mpg as an average... The MT07 is more like that MPG... Oh other criticism was the price... Would be nicer if it was a grand or two cheaper :(

[@Elscroftz]

Would u change your MT07 for this one?

[@SinuousGrace]

Great vid. I'm in the US. Started with an old 454LTD, then an old VF700 Interceptor. Moved up to a ZZR600 in 2006, but then sold that and had a series of three Ninja 250s. Got an FZ6R in 2011

[@MiddleagedRider]

The updates to make it an "R" do make it a better bike than the "F". You'll have fun on all the bikes you've mentioned, although the 400 might feel like it's lacking a bot after an SV650! You can't go wrong with any of them second hand as long as you buy a decent example that's been well cared for. In my opinion, mileage is irrelevant. I'd rather have a 20k mile bike that's been properly serviced and looks loved than a 6k mile bike that's hardly been used or just left in the garage. Thanks for watching.

[@roonierogers7240]

I was in a similar situation as you but i came from having big bikes (1000cc+) and i ended up dishing out for the bike and have not regretted it one bit. The slipper clutch feels like butter and the cruise-ability with the mixed, relaxed yet sporty, seating position is absolutely amazing. Incredible fun ride.

[@alxforth1]

Nice review. Do you have a video on your goto riding gear setup?

[@DaddyBiker_Reviews]

Hoping they make some improvements by 2020 such as the screen... and maybe throw a few more accessories in...

[@romiptv8777]

Thanks for a very good & useful review! I still have a question(sorry): I have to do my DAS2 next week and for the past two years I had my Honda CB125R and covering near 4000miles commuting in London. Once I’ll pass the full test I will change my bike but I am in doubts: Honda CBR65 R or Triumph Street triple S (2020 model), which one of these you’ll recommend to rider like me and with my experience? Thank you once again!

[@8359s]

Great review, I really appreciate that it's not a comercial with overload of buzz words, great job! I have one question: I am getting my license, there are still some CBR650F left at dealerships, I am 192cm(6ft3inches) tall and have 36" inseam will the new CBR650R be noticealbly more cramped than than the old CBR650F?

[@MiddleagedRider]

I'm 6'2" with a 34" inseam and the riding position was almost identical to the CBR650F

[@HalfdeadRider]

I'd like to try one out, they look nice and it would be interesting to see how different it is to my ER6f.

[@MiddleagedRider]

Definitely have a try and see what you think. Thanks for watching.

[@bananapie2198]

You still alive buddy? We miss you!

[@Titot182]

Awesome impartial review. Been looking at this bike to replace my 45k miler Fazer 1000 as my commuter (other bike/toy is an 07 R1, so I don't really need another thou). Did you manage to get a realistic MPG figure? My only main concern is the tank range - Kinda spoilt with a 20L tank that will give me a good 200 miles til empty.

[@amihere383]

The cb650f averages around 50 mpg. It's the same engine as the cbr650r so it should be pretty similar. The tank is 15.4 liters so simple math says you can expect at least 150 miles between fill ups.

[@MiddleagedRider]

My old CBR650F I could get 160 miles with "spirited" riding. Riding at 70-80mph on a motorway that would stretch up to 200 miles. While there is a bit more power on the R the base engine is the same so I would guess similar figures.

[@PaulUrmston]

Hi there. I am between this and the cb600r (love the new look).. but I find the later a bit cramped (I'm 6'3"). How tall are you, and how's the fit on the cbr650r?

[@MiddleagedRider]

I'm just over 6'1" with a 33in inside leg. I only rode it for about 3hrs on and off. It's a soft sportsbike so it's not extreme but I found with my old CBR650F that my knees would need a break ad a stretch after a couple of hours of continuous riding. Thanks for watching.

[@PaulUrmston]

@@MiddleagedRider Cheers. Yeah, I felt a bit cramped on the Neo Sport model. And have been a sub for a while and look forward to more videos.

[@DaddyBiker_Reviews]

I agree on the screen issue. Test rode one a few weeks ago. I need to try out the CB650R too... but I'm not taken with the looks... much prefer the CBR aesthetics. So I may sacrifice my neck and wrists and go back to the CBR when I change in 2020.

[@MiddleagedRider]

I love the Neo-Cafe style through the CB range. Have ridden the CB1000 but not the 650. Don't think there's anything else that looks like it. I didn't like it when I first saw them but they have really grown on me. I only rode it for about 3 hrs but it really wasn't bad on the wrists and neck for me.

[@davidfennessey2727]

Hi I have the cb650r and the dash brightness has five settings mine came on the lowest setting as standard so it’s worth moving it up to no 5 still not brilliant but better I’ve done 1500 miles in 5 weeks averaging 66 uk mpg fantastic bike to ride I just returned to biking after 28 years!

[@DaddyBiker_Reviews]

@@davidfennessey2727 How do you adjust the brightness? I fiddled with the demo bike for ages but couldn't figure it out.

[@MiddleagedRider]

Thanks David - great tip on the brightness. I must've missed it in the manual! Have fun and keep safe!

[@davidfennessey2727]

Naked Rider hi here is the link to the pdf www.hondamotopub.com/om/HPI/CB650R/2019/ it’s a bit hard to explain without manual safe riding

[@victorkkq]

Hi I own a CBR650F 2018, is it worth upgrading to the R? The improvement is it marginal or significant? Ergonomics not much difference from the F right?

[@MiddleagedRider]

That's a really tough question. There is no doubt the brakes are a little better and the suspension is also better too. you can push harder and faster on this one before it starts to feel a little loose and like the suspension can't keep up. There is a bit more power and torque and it revs a little freer too. It's definitely a better bike but without riding them back to back tough to say if it's worth upgrading after only having the 650F for a year.

[@victorkkq]

@@MiddleagedRider Thanks for the info. I think I will just keep my F and save more to upgrade to a Fireblade instead. Cheers. BTW I am 45 a middle aged rider too.. haha

[@CarlosTilbury]

are you based in Newbury?

[@CDigata]

Im older than you and now its time to start coming back down... gave up the sports bikes and ive had a ninja650 for 2 months.. nar sorry its got to go, and going to settle for the cbr650r

[@ttrainor6036]

How would you de restrict this bike, would if have to be through a dyno and ecu remapping?

[@MiddleagedRider]

I don't know exactly how, but a Honda dealer will sell you a kit which restricts it and then you remove the restrictor kit to go back to full fat.

[@ttrainor6036]

Middleaged Rider thanks for the reply man, enjoyed the video

[@MegaWebsters]

That TFT is truly shit. Not only is it dull it intermittently pixilates!

[@lgmediapcsalon9440]

ANY WIND NOISE? 😂