With Fireblade-inspired styling, an addictive inline-four engine and everyday comfort, the Honda CBR650R proves you don’t need a supersport to have fun.
Subscribe to our Instagram channel for the latest info and news!
There is nothing quite like the scream of an inline-four engine revving all the way to redline. For a while, it felt like the middleweight class was losing its soul to sensible, quiet parallel-twins. But the game is changing fast.
With Kawasaki kicking off the screamer wars in the 250cc and Chinese brands like CFMoto and ZXMOTO dropping low-displacement four-cylinders, high-revving bikes are making a massive comeback. And right in the middle of this revival stands an absolute icon and pioneer, the 2019 Honda CBR650R.
Launched in Malaysia back in April 2019, the CBR650R replaced the older CBR650F with a much sportier attitude. Honda didn’t just give it a sharper fairing and call it a day. The engine was revised, the riding position became slightly more aggressive and the overall package felt much closer to the Fireblade than ever before.
And honestly, I think they nailed it. The CBR650R isn’t trying to be a track weapon like the CBR600RR, and it isn’t a full-on touring bike either. Instead, it sits nicely in the middle. It’s a bike you can comfortably ride to work every morning, then head straight to your favourite twisty road once the weekend arrives.
After spending some time with it, I can understand why so many riders still consider this one of the best middleweight sportbikes on the market.
First Look & Impressions
The first thing that caught my attention was the design. Honda really nailed the styling on this one. From the front, it looks like a baby Fireblade with its sharp LED headlights and aggressive fairings. Even though this bike is already a few years old, I still think it looks modern enough to turn heads.
Park it next to the previous CBR650F and the difference is obvious. The old bike looked friendly, while this one actually looks like it wants to be ridden fast. Throw a leg over it and you’ll notice the riding position is sportier than before, thanks to the lower clip-ons. But thankfully, it doesn’t go overboard.
You’re leaning forward just enough to feel sporty without putting too much weight on your wrists. For me, it’s a position that I could happily live with every day.
Engine & Performance
Now let’s talk about the reason why most people buy this bike which is the 649cc inline-four. Start the engine and you’re immediately greeted by that smooth four-cylinder rumble symphony. It already sounds good at idle, but once you’re out on the road and the revs start climbing, it becomes something else entirely.
Around town, the engine is surprisingly easy to manage. There’s enough torque in the mid-range to cruise through traffic without constantly changing gears. But once the tachometer passes 8,000rpm, the CBR650R completely changes its personality. The intake noise gets louder, the exhaust starts singing and the bike pulls harder all the way to its 12,000rpm redline. Every tunnel suddenly becomes an excuse to drop a gear.
Honestly, that’s what makes this bike so addictive. It’s got more than enough speed to get your heart racing, but without being so aggressive that it freaks you out. It’s actually super popular with middle-aged riders here in Malaysia, it’s just so practical and comfortable, even when riding two-up with a pillion.
Riding Experience
The CBR650R is one of those bikes that feels comfortable almost immediately. Whether I was riding through city traffic, heading to work or spending time on twisty roads over the weekend at Genting, the bike always felt easy to ride.
One thing I really appreciated was the balance between comfort and sportiness. The riding position encourages you to attack corners, but it doesn’t punish your back or wrists after an hour on the bike. On the highway, it feels planted and stable. Cruising at legal speeds is effortless, and when you need to overtake, all you have to do is drop a gear and let the inline-four do its thing.
It’s super beginner-friendly, too. The power delivery is so smooth and linear that it won’t ever scare you or feel tail-happy. If you stack it up against the new CBR650R E-Clutch, but minus the fancy tech features, it feels almost identical, just maybe a tiny bit less refined.
Handling & Braking
Honda made quite a few improvements compared to the older CBR650F, and you can definitely feel them. The Showa Separate Function USD forks offer a good balance between comfort and sporty riding. Around town, they soak up bumps well enough, while on twisty roads the front end feels planted and confidence inspiring.
The bike also feels lighter than expected when changing direction. It’s not as razor sharp as a CBR600RR, but that’s perfectly fine because it was never designed to be. Braking performance is excellent too. The radial-mounted Nissin calipers provide plenty of stopping power, while the dual-channel ABS works seamlessly in the background. Honda’s Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) is another nice addition, especially during rainy rides around Malaysia.
Features
By today’s standards, the CBR650R isn’t overloaded with technology, but it has everything most riders actually need. The LCD instrument panel is clean and easy to read, showing the gear position, fuel level and shift light. I do wish it was a little brighter under direct sunlight, but it’s still a huge improvement over the older CBR650F.
LED lighting comes standard front and rear, while the inclusion of HSTC gives riders a little more confidence when roads become slippery. Simple, functional and exactly what you’d expect from Honda.
Verdict
After spending time with the 2019 Honda CBR650R, I honestly think Honda got the formula just right. It looks sporty enough to satisfy riders who want a proper supersport, yet it’s comfortable enough to ride every single day. The chassis feels balanced, the electronics are useful without being overwhelming and that inline-four engine is something every motorcycle enthusiast should experience at least once.
Sure, there are bikes that are faster and more aggressive. There are also bikes that are more comfortable for touring. But if you’re looking for one motorcycle that can commute during the week, tackle twisty roads on the weekend and still put a smile on your face every time the revs climb past 8,000rpm, the Honda CBR650R is very hard to beat.
For me, the biggest reason to buy this bike isn’t the styling or the technology. It’s that inline-four soundtrack. And with manufacturers slowly moving away from four-cylinder middleweights, bikes like the CBR650R are only becoming more special as the years go by.
2019 Honda CBR650R Specifications
Engine and Performance
- Displacement: 649 cc
- Engine Type: Inline-4 cylinder, 4-stroke, DOHC
- Maximum Power: 93.8 hp @ 12,000 rpm
- Maximum Torque: 64 Nm @ 8,500 rpm
- Bore x Stroke: 67 mm x 46 mm
- Compression Ratio: 11.6:1
- Fuel Delivery: PGM-FI fuel injection
Transmission and Chassis
- Gearbox: 6-speed manual
- Clutch: Wet, multi-plate with assist/slipper function
- Frame Type: Steel diamond
- Front Suspension: 41mm Showa Separate Function USD Fork
- Rear Suspension: Monoshock damper with adjustable spring preload
Brakes, Wheels, and Dimensions
- Front Brake: Dual radial-mount 4-piston calipers with 310mm discs (ABS)
- Rear Brake: Single-piston caliper with 240mm disc (ABS)
- Front Tyre: 120/70-ZR17
- Rear Tyre: 180/55-ZR17
- Seat Height: 810 mm
- Fuel Capacity: 15.4 litres
- Kerb Weight: 207 kg
Facebook
Instagram
X (Twitter)
YouTube
LinkedIn
RSS