HONDA

CBR650R 2024: test and technical sheet of the sporty four-cylinder

Motorcycles with a sporty appearance, and even features equal to those of their “supersport” sisters. But under a more human configuration, especially with a comfortable driving position to use almost daily, even in the company of a passenger.

That was the reason for the existence of the “efe” sports shoes that were quite successful a few years ago, before the fashion of naked bikes arrived, also derived from the “ere” sports shoes, but here without fairings or semi-handlebars (also, in favor of greater comfort on the road and less specialization for the circuit).

Paradoxically, some of those naked ones would serve to light semi-faired versions, first, and completely faired, later; thus beginning again the cycle marked by fashions, marketing, user tastes and, also, certain traffic and pollution regulations.

CIVILIZED SPORTS...The fact is that one of the few faired "semi-sports" that we can currently find on the market is precisely our protagonist, the CBR650R. It is true that your case is a little different from the "F" of before, since this Honda is really based on a naked, the CB650F 2014 which, compared to the CB600F Hornet which it replaced, stood out for its simpler and more accessible configuration. (steel chassis, conventional fork, 10 horsepower less power...).

On that basis, and also in 2014, the CBR650F was created, a sports car with a fairing but also more restrained than the previous CBR600F. But in 2019 an extra dose of sportiness will arrive, and not only suggested by the rebaptism of the model, when the R replaced the final F, but by interesting changes to the chassis (more rigid), a good weight reduction (208 kilos) , revised and more powerful engine (93 HP), more aggressive control position, Showa SFF inverted fork and more stylized bodywork.

Although some users miss an even stronger character closer to that of the “supersports” of a few decades ago, to whom Honda, by the way, has just responded with the resurrection of the 2024 CBR600RR, the results agree with the brand with the golden wing, since the CBR650R has been the best-selling sports car in Europe in the 2021 and 2023 years (and second in 2022). Furthermore, among the 19,000 units sold from 2019 to now, the brand detects a slight but constant upward trend in recent years, which it now seeks to reinforce with the update of the 2024 model.

UPDATE...The new version of the CBR650R '24 shares many of the new features with its naked sister from the Neo Sport Café saga, the CB650R, including the new Honda E-Clutch automatic clutch system available as an exclusive variant.

The mechanics in general remain unchanged except for the revised timing of the distribution, with the opening and closing of the intake having been delayed to increase the valve crossing time. With this, it has been possible to slightly improve the delivery in low and medium ranges, although the maximum power figure is maintained at 70 kW (93.4 HP) at 12,000 revolutions and the maximum torque figure at 63 Nm at 9,500 rpm, although also complying with the new Euro5+ standard.

The CBR650R has an extra novelty compared to the CB650R, and that is that the redesign of the fairing has also involved the modification of the intake intakes to the filter box, which allows the sporty R to deliver 5% more power. in higher than the naked.

The changes in the cycle section are also the same in both models, since for some reason they share almost their entire structure, from their tubular steel frame, the welded subframe (424 grams lighter in 2024), the Nissin brakes, the aluminum swingarm , alloy wheels, Dunlop tires and Showa suspensions with new settings (softer springs and more braking hydraulic settings). Certain chassis parameters are also traced, such as the wheelbase (1,450 mm), the steering angle (25.5º), the seat height (810 mm) and the steering advance (101 mm); although, obviously, the integral fairing of the CBR650R means less ground clearance (130 mm) and four kilos more weight (up to 209 kg declared in running order, which rises to 211 kg in the variant with electronic clutch).

Thus, one of the main novelties of the CBR650R is found in its new instrument panel, through a 5-inch TFT screen prepared for the Honda RoadSync connectivity system and controlled from a new control on the left handlebar.

Of course, another of the variations of the 2024 version is obvious when contemplating its new body, with more angular and sharp shapes with the aim of standardizing its image with respect to the rest of the CBR saga, from the Fireblade CBR1000RR-R, to the reborn CBR600RR and also the younger sister CBR500R.

SHARP...The main difference between Honda's faired 650 compared to its naked sister lies essentially in the driving position and, specifically, in the handlebars, since the CB uses the traditional bar while the CBR opts for semi-handlebars, although located above the upper steering stem.

Thus, our protagonist proposes a more “attacking” position, which undoubtedly conveys a good feeling of sportsmanship when we get into it.

Of course, do not think that it falls into the radicalism of the "supersport" circuit, especially thanks to footpegs that are not excessively high or set back -same position as in the CB-, so we can accumulate a couple of continuous hours at your command before starting to feel fatigue in your wrists and back.

This configuration undoubtedly encourages more joyful and dynamic driving with the CBR650R, which is especially enjoyable on twisty mountain roads. The suspensions react here with a good compromise between comfort and solidity, especially the rear shock absorber, since the fork still suffers from a certain dry feel in the middle of the travel, as also occurs in its naked sister.

Remember that this is the Showa SFF BP fork with a large piston and separate function, with a spring in each of the bars, but with the hydraulic mechanism only in the right leg. A fork that lacks possible adjustments, almost like the shock absorber, although in its case it does allow the spring preload to be adjusted.

The sharp pretensions of the 2024 CBR650R are not limited only to the new bodywork, but undoubtedly spring from its four-cylinder engine, a perfect complement to enhance the sportiness of this motorcycle. The engine stands out for its maximum smoothness of response, thanks to a precise but gradual delivery at just a few revolutions, which makes driving easier for users of all levels, especially if they choose to activate the HSTC traction control system.

Those who already have some boards will have a blast making the Japanese four-in-a-line climb up laps to find the spring where the horses were resting before galloping furiously on an elastic and sharp stretch. At high speeds, it is true that a hair of extra thrust is perceived compared to the naked CB650R, both when stretching the gears to the end and when practicing a recovery from mid-range.

To keep the engine in the good thrust zone, Honda proposes a correct step change and very good drive. And we are talking about the standard version because the variant with E-Clutch still adds extra excitement and efficiency, since the system not only serves to start and stop without having to act on the clutch lever, but also while driving. It works as a "quick shifter" with expanded functions.

In short, Honda continues to demonstrate its mastery by configuring versatile and balanced models, since the healthy dose of sportiness of this CBR650R is not at odds with a more civic and moderate attitude on daily journeys, thanks also to the new instrument panel that allows for a more readable clear in sunny conditions.

Finally, it is worth remembering that the CBR650R is available in two colors (Gran Prix red and metallic black), as well as in two more variants in addition to the standard one (10,100 euros), the one limited to 34 kW (€10,100) and the one equipped with E-Clutch system (10,400 euros). At Honda dealerships you can also find a good list of original accessories available separately or in the Racing and Comfort packs.

DATA SHEET

Price: CBR650R 2024 (€10,100), CBB650R 34 kW 2024 (€10,100), CBB650R E-Clutch 2024 (€10,400), CBB650R E-Clutch 34 kW (€10,400).

Engine: 4T, 4 cyl. in-line, water cooling.

Diameter x stroke: 67 x 46 mm.

Displacement: 649 c.

Compression: 11.6:1.

Maximum declared power: 70 kW (94 HP) at 12,000 rpm.

Maximum declared torque: 63 Nm at 9,500 rpm.

Secondary transmission: Chain.

Gear: 6 ratios.

Chassis: Tubular steel

Geometry (steering/advance angle): 25.5º / 100 mm.

Front suspension: Showa SFF-BP inverted fork with 41 mm diameter bars. 120 mm travel. Not adjustable.

Rear suspension: Showa monoshock with adjustable preload (10 positions).

Front brake: Two 310 mm discs. Four piston caliper.

Rear brake: 240 mm disc. Two piston caliper.

Wheels: 120/70-17" / 180/55-17".

Tires: Dunlop Roadsmart 2.

Tank capacity: 15.4 liters.

Wheelbase: 1,450 mm.

Seat height: 810 mm.

Weight (empty): 209 kg (211 kg E-Clutch version).

Reporter: Marcos Abelenda