Honda CBR650F 4000 mile update: My likes and dislikes

[@streetspirit956]

I do find it baffling why a quiet exhaust on this bike seems to be viewed as a big negative. What difference does this make to the ride enjoyment? I see this as a benefit, particularly as I work shifts and don't particularly want to be waking the neighbours up when I get in.

[@Meowbox9000]

Neil Prescott its a good question. on a dirt bike or 4 wheeler I want them quiet. but when you ride for a bit and realize every one on the road has no idea you are there. That's wair the neon green sute and flaming red helmets come in. for those two cool for that there is the crazy loud bike. if you combine both you are as safe as a car on the road with a drunk. anotherwords it gives you a bit more of a fighting chance. youbwant a bit more counterintuitivly you go faster than the traffic so you don't get ran over. or lain split so you don't get ran over. it works but seams annoying to others.

[@karlhungus8946]

Agreed. It's quieter, as sport bikes go, but it still sounds nice, particularly in the higher end of the rev range. There's no mistaking that inline four "snarl."

[@MiddleagedRider]

I do get that. For me a big part of riding is the whole sensory experience and I personally like a louder can. I have the best of both worlds now. A loud snarling on on the Blade and the standard quiet one on the 650. There's certainly a plus to having a quiet one when you have a 200 mile hack on the motorway to do!

[@MiddleagedRider]

Indeed Karl. It's not a bad sound per se and it is fab at the redline just wish it was a touch louder. All new bikes in the UK are getting quieter because of Euro IV regulations

[@wintersoldier4335]

2016 CBR650F here w 14000+ on it...runs great waiting on next season...seat cowl was the only major looks complaint and some new adj levers...

[@Luke.Derrick38]

Good video, very in depth, I pick mine up in just over a week and can't wait!

[@MiddleagedRider]

Cool, hope you enjoy it and have lots of fun. Keep it the right way up ;)

[@garethpowell2671]

I've got my cbr650f now just done over1200 miles and have found it great fun out riden two guys at work one with 636zxr/zzr and the other with 600rr both of which can't be leave how far I've scrub the tyres in lol great easy fun bike too ride apart from the buzzing

[@tamiandedwinramos2092]

Thanks for the review I got a 2016 CBR650F and so far I like it :)

[@MiddleagedRider]

Thanks for watching. I think it's a really underrated and not talked about bike. Yes it's a compromise, not a full out and out sportsbike, not a real comfy tourer etc but it does everything reasonably well and shows you don't need 200bhp to have fun on two wheels

[@tonykartracer8032]

Can you record with the sound any lower?

[@PaulUrmston]

Hi there. First time viewer and new subscriber. As a middle aged man myself I've just sold my BMW F800S, and got a KLR 650. Whilst extremely comfy, I do miss the speed, acceleration, etc... So I'm looking into a nice 650. I'm 6'3" myself, so probably the R6 is a bit to small for me, but I think your bike could be a winner.

[@MiddleagedRider]

Hello, welcome and thanks for watching. The R6 is tiny for a 6ft+ person. I sat on the new one recently. As for the CBR650 I had a lot of fun with it. It was quick enough for me at the time, but if you're a real speed and acceleration junkie it might not give you a big enough fix! Remember it only has around 80ish horsepower. That said I broke 140mph at Silverstone on it so not too shabby.

[@hazabaijan]

I pick up my 2017 next week! So hyped! Quick question: your phone holder... any recommendations?

[@markfox1545]

Nice video. I've got a 2015 CBR500R with nearly 12,000 miles on it from when I bought it new and a CBR650F is my planned upgrade spring/summer of 2018/maybe 2019.

[@MiddleagedRider]

Sorry for the delay in replying...Have a good test ride, you might find you want something a bit more after 12,000 miles on a 500

[@garethcolyer]

Are you buying new? why not just upsize to something much bigger? unless your just wanting to stick to that size range.

[@allsystemsgootechaf9885]

20,000 miles in and im still madly in love with my cbr650f

[@MiddleagedRider]

I think it's a great bike. Did 18,000 on mine before I sold it. Thanks for watching.

[@garethpowell2671]

My CBR300R-raf is a good bike but need more POWER LOL will most likely try putting my own vids up when I get mine

[@olafad7997]

What are you using as a phone holder. Can’t find phone holder for this bike or the blade anywhere.

[@markschoppler4793]

Very nice review. The CBR650F has a more upright seating position. Is it that much of a difference comfort wise (having newbies in mind). I'm 5 feet 8 inches tall, middleaged and this would be my first bike. The R would be 1.7k EUR more expensive than a demo CBR650f with ~110 miles on it. Considering the upgrades the R would be well worth it I think. Got my license years ago on a CBF600 naked bike and need to get some practice again and getting used to the different riding position. Thanks in advance and stay safe.

[@svenwhothehell5980]

Thanks for the review very useful, does it at least indicate neutral ? That would be a nuisance if it didn’t?

[@benster358]

it does!

[@garethpowell2671]

Cool video looking forward too getting mine now

[@MiddleagedRider]

Thanks. You'll love it and have lots of fun I'm sure

[@raymondgarza3920]

What kind of mirror extenders do you have?

[@markbush9104]

Thanks for your vid, I just purchased a brand new 2015 model black CBR 650f this week, and absolutely love it, Honda have done an exceptional job on the design of this bike, it's a great looking bike. Where did you purchase your double bubble screen from ? Thanks

[@MiddleagedRider]

It's a Powerbronze screen. www.powerbronze.co.uk/productdetails.aspx?OBJ_ID=21331109 For me it makes a massive difference riding on the motorway

[@markbush9104]

Thanks I will check that out. Riding on the motorway can sometimes get pretty brutal, this looks really good. Thanks again.

[@MiddleagedRider]

I now get the wind in my chest rather than at my head! Have fun and keep safe

[@markbush9104]

Lol thanks

[@mojothejester9889]

ooh, mirror extenders covered... ignore question on last video :-D With regards to exhausts, I saw on ebay about a month ago, leo vince exhausts for about £500, or scorpion full system for around £350...

[@MiddleagedRider]

Lol - glad I covered the extenders. I'll have a look for those. I've seen the Scorpion one before but it comes up the side of the bike like a normal exhaust. If I did change it I'd like an under slung one to keep the lines of the bike the same, but thanks for the info

[@mojothejester9889]

+Middleaged Rider the Leo Vince one comes up the side too. CS Racing do one that stays down low. I'm not keen on the low down ones that stick out like a thumb, like the two brothers one. Ixil do one too, the sx1 I think. Boxy, but underslung

[@DaddyBiker_Reviews]

+MojoTheJester CS Racing one looks and sounds fantastic. Sadly it comes from Brazil and we would get raped on import tax in the UK. The options in the UK are Ixil, Two Brothers or Akrapovic... or a custom job.

[@mojothejester9889]

I have Pipe Werx about 15 minutes from mine, so will either try them, or get parts and have a go of welding a bit of pipe to fit a stubby end can behind the shield

[@Coaja20]

Which screen is that? Straight from Honda or an aftermarket one? Could you share a link on it?

[@MiddleagedRider]

It's a Powerbronze double bubble screen. Link is www.powerbronze.co.uk/productdetails.aspx?OBJ_ID=21331109

[@Coaja20]

Middleaged Rider thanks!

[@习近平-m5l]

what is your fuel economy? my 4.9L/100km, I think it is a little bit too much comparing to my cbr300r witch is 2.9L/100km

[@MrVegimi]

My friend, this comparison doesn't make any sense.

[@jkbiswas]

Can you pls let me know the detail of your Phone mount you are using on left handle ? I have been searching the same, but unable to get something that fits perfectly. highly appreciate your help

[@MiddleagedRider]

See my reply to Massimo about a month ago which asked the same question - it's a Tigra Sport Bikeconsole mount for a mountain bike

[@jkbiswas]

Thanks Bro. I am seeing very little space on the handle bar, as it is cluttered with Clutch mounting as well. Have you done any modification at the handle bar area ? If not is it possible to share a picture of the location of mount & the product for better clarity ? my email is [e-mail]

[@MiddleagedRider]

I've posted up a video about my phone mount which you might find helpful!

[@maxposti]

May i ask you which kind of smartphone case are you using?

[@MiddleagedRider]

It's a Tigra Sport Bikeconsole case for iPhone which I originally bought a number of years back for use on my mountain bike. It was mounted onto the handle bars like you would with a cycle. I've since got a 1" ball mount for it which I now use instead with my Ram mount

[@5vete]

nice to hear what other owners think of this bike, bought mine (CB 650f) in sept 2014 to replace my 2008 600 hornet, and must say that it "s never missed a beat it's a true all -rounder,comfortable, economical ( it's averaged 4.8 liters per 100 kms over the last 2 years) only gripes that i have is,like you ,the one-piece exhaust and the fact that you can,t fit a center stand. i bought a ixil LX3B exhaust, sounds great but i do prefer the look of the original, also an abba superbike stand which enables me to get the 2 wheels off the ground.check out my video. cheers dave

[@MiddleagedRider]

I really rate the Abba Superbike stand, great piece of kit

[@yigi4593]

good video ty

[@arnaldocandelario3288]

Nice video y have the same motorcycle and i need wich phone holder you use.

[@MiddleagedRider]

It was a Tigra Sport Bike Mount

[@DaddyBiker_Reviews]

I've had my CBR650F for 18 months and done around 7500 miles. I have to say I disagree with you on a few points. it is my 4th Honda. I got the CBR500R when I passed my test... looks good but lacked guts mid-range and riding position was too upright. BUT the perfect novice sport(y) bike. I do think the CBR650F has a little too much poke for the average novice. Regards the brakes - yes they are very good... but I've never had the ABS kick in... It's built in Thailand - not Japan - and in my opinion lacks the quality feel you get on the Japanese built Hondas. the faring is stuck on with sticky backed velcro which comes off. The chain and rear sprocket corrode way too easily - in spite of dry garaging and meticulous care. I had a rust problem after 500 miles. I found serious rust on the spindles when I changed tyres at 5000 miles. And my rear wheel bearings collapsed st 6500 miles. it is comfortable but I wouldn't say "all day rideable". I'm a 12 stone, 5'11, 37 year old and I find I need a break after a max of 100 miles. I've ridden the 2015 Fireblade (see my review) and find that the riding position on that is more comfortable - once you get used to it. I agree that it's good on fuel. I average around 56mpg and get around 150 miles from a tank. I tend only to use 5th and 6th on motorways and 70mph dual-carriageways. You mention the wobbly number plate light... my advice: take off that ridiculous tail piece and buy an R&G tail tidy. Re gear change indicator... do you really need one? I think one of the things that wins with this bike over things like the Blade... is the fuel gauge.... many sportsbikes don't have one!!!! The exhaust is despicably quiet. I have just acquired a spare stock system which I intend to modify to improve the noise... and so I can put the standard one back on when I trade her in. I've also got a double bubble screen. Makes a massive difference

[@cagednm69]

+Holderness Biker Given that all motorcycles come off the same Thai factory and use the same exact materials 99% of the time, I don't see why you would have rust issues if the bike was maintained as good as you claim to be. Sprocket/chain rust is very common on every motorcycle which is why manufacturers recommend a chain cleaner and a chain lube be applied every 1000kms or 600 miles or so in the manual.

[@DaddyBiker_Reviews]

Everything is cleaned and lubed regularly... more regularly than that due to British weather. I know far too many people with Thai built Hondas that have suffered corrosion and build quality issues. Very concerning.

[@cagednm69]

Holderness Biker Are you on the forums? There aren't many reports of rust over there yet.

[@DaddyBiker_Reviews]

+cagednm69 I don't go on the forums as most owners are abroad... not much in UK. I do know quite a number of Honda owners though from 125s to 1100s... and the Japanese built ones are solid even those kept outdoors. I've had no issues with the previous 3 Hondas I have owned. This one has been a bit of a nightmare.

[@cagednm69]

Holderness Biker Rubbish. Most of the big names at the forums are UK owners for this bike, followed by Thai and then US owners followed by Aus .

[@jeremycubs8331]

I never understood the fascination on loud aftermarket exhaust, apart from its ridiculsoly expensive they are nothing but noise pollution, if you want to be noticed or heard then use the fucking horn thats what it's there for.

[@MiddleagedRider]

Lol - I'm not fascinated with loud exhausts but I do like a bike to sound as good as it rides. The 650 is just a tad on the quiet side. I have an after market can on my Blade which is fruity but not excessive with the baffle in (with it out it is obnoxious). I agree about the price. I wouldn't spend thousands, often upwards of 5-10% of the value of the bike on a pipe. Madness! Better spent on fuel enjoying riding!

[@garethcolyer]

So tell me something... you obviously don't ride bikes... if I am filtering should I just honk my horn the whole time? sometimes through a mile of traffic? Cause drivers do not often think to look back between cars to see if a bike is coming through. To be honest any real biker that sees your comment is going to think your an idiot for not having some common sense about why it is good to be heard (I'm not talking about rev bombing)

[@DwayneAEdwards]

Are you from the UK? It doesn't seem like it, constant honking while filtering is something not done here. Not point arguing against it as it is just UK riding etiquette. If I am filtering and worrying about being noticed I would rev excessively or put hazards on, but most of the time I rely on the noise from my exhaust.

[@garethcolyer]

I feel like your a rather inexperienced rider? I know mine is 90bhp (2017 model, cant believe your 2016 model would be any less, 92bhp with my aftermarket exhaust. Its quite easy to tell which gear your in depending on how high your RPM is in relation to your speed, Only paid an additional £400 for my Akrapovic... its not about sound, its about being heard. (Intermediate rider's bike)

[@garethcolyer]

Iv been riding bikes for nearly 7 years now... Please explain how you think it is safe for a beginner to ride this bike when it has a fair bit of torque and is able to reach 155mph? I have put just under 2000 miles on mine that iv just bought, and iv managed to make the back wheel spin out in first gear going about 30mph on a dry road... the only other bike faster than the CBR650 in its range is the R6, the MT07/Tracer 700 will beat the CBR with torque but the MT can only do 120mph again making the CBR the faster bike again...

[@MiddleagedRider]

The throttle works both ways! I've never spun the back wheel in the dry. Yes it has a fair bit of torque, but it is linear and progressive. Nothing about the power delivery will surprise you - that's *EXACTLY* what you want as a beginner and that's my point of why this is a great beginners "big bike". The other bikes you mention all have a noticeable spike in torque once you hit a certain rev range. For example my Fireblade goes mental and starts lifting the front when it hits 7.5K rpm upwards. Top speed is irrelevant here. (and btw the pre 2017 CBR650 will NOT hit 155 - I've had it flat out on track at about 145 indicated which is closer to 135 (ish) in true mph). It's about how the power is delivered. An old 2 stroke 250 will have a slower top speed but I would argue has a much harsher and narrow power band that it would catch out an inexperienced rider far more than this 650.

[@jcjrdigital5570]

Middleaged Rider I've hit 150 mph with my 2016 cbr650f. It has an ixil full exhaust and a dynojet fuel controller along with a few other small modifications. I do think it is a great beginner/intermediate bike.

[@MiddleagedRider]

I'm sure the full exhaust and dynojet will liberate a few more horses so an indicated 150mph I imagine is entirely possible

[@PaulUrmston]

Just because a bike CAN hit 150 doesn't mean it's dangerous or even that you have to hit triple digit speeds. As long as you are a calm, aware driver I actually agree that 600s are great for learning. When I passed mine was the Kawasaki Ninja. This class of bike is perfect. Enough torque to get you around motorway traffic and out of trouble, but torque enough to also get you in trouble, so you learn your not superman, and hopefully scare you enough to know and learn your own limits.

[@bharat2580]

@@jcjrdigital5570 agreed, with a full leo vince and s21s there is still plenty of grip left, i think there isn't enough torque for a wheel slip, and when it does make that its already at 7-9k rpm so no issue with traction in the dry OR EVEN SEMI WET

[@joneddinger6607]

youre all driving on the wrong side of the road!

[@MiddleagedRider]

Lol, but the right side is the wrong side ;)

[@markfox1545]

Jon Eddinger in England the left side is the right side while the right side is the wrong side. If you ride on the right you're wrong so to be right, ride on the left. Right?

[@tooyoungtobeold8756]

Hillarious