Since introducing the 750 Four in 1969, Honda has consistently offered vehicles powered by inline four-cylinder engines. Fifty years later, in 2019, Honda’s CBR650F and CB650F middleweights received significant updates and the R suffix to better reflect their athletic performance. Honda has introduced a new naked middleweight to replace the previous CB650F, which was fashioned as a streetfighter. Blacked-out paint and burnished bronze accents give today’s CB650R a look reminiscent of the Hornet/Honda 599 of the late ’90s/early ’00s.
The CB’s liquid-cooled 649cc motor retains the original high-revving character of its flashy forebears. Besides the GSX-S750 and Z900, the CB650R is the only 650cc bike available today with an inline-four engine, giving it a distinct advantage in the middleweight class.
The CB is a great intermediate bike, whether you’re just starting or getting back into riding after a long hiatus. For others, the slightly imbalanced suspension and costly price may be outweighed by the vehicle’s powerful engine, user-friendly ergonomics, reliable stopping power, and good craftsmanship.
2022 Honda CB650R Sports Motorcycle – Features and Specs
Updates for 2022
For the year 2022, nothing has changed. Honda updated the CB’s suspension, engine, ergonomics, and aesthetics only last year.
Pricing and Variants
The base price of the brand new CB, finished in Matte Black Metallic, is $9,299, which is $100 higher than the price of the 2016 model.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The CBR650R’s liquid-cooled DOHC 649cc inline-four is housed in the same twin-spar frame. The CB’s engine, as seen by its supreme power and overall demeanor in practice, is geared toward high rpm. According to our dyno results, 81.9 horsepower and 42.97 lb-ft of torque peak at 10,870 and 7,960 rpm, respectively. Some vibration may be felt at 7,000 rpm; after you get it up to 8,000, it essentially disappears. Whatever the case may be, you’re in for a thrilling trip. According to our assessment, “the linear method the power is supplied means the bike is also accessible to riders rising the displacement ranks, and aggressive riders will be amused by the possibility to push it to high rpm and draw out more of its noisy energy.”
When riders twist the throttle, they’re rewarded with a responsive throttle and enticing intake and exhaust noises. Sound is trumpeted from the exhaust system through a huge 1.5-inch bore tailpipe, and twin air ducts suck in the air on either side of the gasoline tank.
Handling
Honda upgraded the Showa Separate Function fork it used to use to the Showa Separate Function fork with a larger piston last year. This fork will still be used in the middleweight CB in 2022, giving it a sporty and firm riding feel. Its stiffness aids the bike’s tracking during corners, although rough patches can be supposed.
The Showa shock absorbs bumps in the road more effectively, but having adjustable rebound and compression would provide for a more comfortable ride overall. The bike manages its 445 pounds nicely, which is great for navigating tight curves.
Nissin calipers are used for braking at both ends. Braking is quick and effective with just a single finger’s pull on the lever thanks to the twin radially mounted four-piston units and two floating 310mm discs up front. A 240mm disc is gripped by a single-piston caliper at the back. Stopping is straightforward, as it should be.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
We managed 47 mpg on average on our cycling trip.
Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility
The MY21 updates to the CB included angling the handlebars forward, which improved reach, and moving the pegs back, which gave the entire rider triangle a sportier feel. Despite housing an inline-four engine, Honda narrowed the bike to a good width.
The 32-inch seat height is manageable, especially compared to the even more entry-level CB300R.
The CB does not have riding modes, but it does include electronic rider aids, including traction control and two-channel anti-lock brakes. It is possible to disable HSTC.
The white-on-black LCD panel may be up-to-date at the moment, but it is rapidly becoming outclassed by full-color TFT alternatives. Last year, the font size was raised, and the screen angle was slightly adjusted to improve readability in direct sunlight.
All the lights on the Honda CB are current and use LED technology, including the headlights, taillights, and turn signals.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The Honda warranty is transferrable and covers 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. Extending such protection is possible with the Honda Care Protection Plan.
Quality
The middleweight CB shares the same high quality of construction as the CB1000R. The bike’s sleek appearance is matched with a minimal yet functional design.
2022 Honda CB650R Sports Motorcycle – Technical Specifications
Engine
Type | 649 cc liquid-cooled 30º inline four-cylinder four-stroke |
Valve Train | DOHC; 4 valves per cylinder |
Bore x Stroke | 67.0 mm x 46.0 mm |
Compression Ratio | 11.6:1 |
Induction | PGM-FI; 32 mm bore |
Ignition | Full transistorized ignition |
Starter | Electric |
Transmission | Manual 6-speed |
Clutch | Multiplate wet |
Final Drive | #525 chain; 15T/42T |
Suspension
Front | 41 mm inverted Showa Separate Function Fork (SFF); 4.7 in. travel |
Rear | Showa single shock w/ adjustable preload; 5.0 in. travel |
Brakes
Front | Dual four-piston, radial-mount Nissin hydraulic calipers w/ 310 mm floating discs; 2-channel ABS |
Rear | Single one-piston hydraulic caliper w/ 240 mm disc; 2-channel; ABS |
Tires
Front | 120/70-17 |
Rear | 180/55-17 |
Measurements
Rake (Castor Angle) | 25.5º |
Trail | 101 mm (4.0 in.) |
Length | 83.8 in. |
Width | 30.9 in. |
Height | 42.4 in. |
Ground Clearance | 5.8 in. |
Seat Height | 31.9 in. |
Wheelbase | 57.0 in. |
Fuel Capacity | 4.1 gal. (0.8 gals. reserve) |
Color | Matte Black Metallic |
Curb Weight | 445 lbs. |