QUIKSPIN: Honda CB650F - Under The Radar

 

Honda’s new CB650F is a bike that has the potential to slip under most rider’s radars. Although the CB replaces the Hornet in Honda’s model range, the two bikes are chalk and cheese and share virtually no components - not even the engine. Honda is very keen to distance the new CB650F from the Hornet, which is why it doesn’t carry the Hornet name. Most riders associate the Hornet with a rev-happy and buzzy supersport engine, something that is about as far removed from the CB650F’s design ethos as possible. 

 

The CB is a great looking bike. Hunched up and aggressive, it is a far cry from the dowdy CBF600 commuter while also appearing more modern than the outgoing Hornet. The bike is loaded with quality touches such as the sideswept header pipes, twin split LCD clocks, bungee hooks, tank pad, ABS and even unique wheels that all combine to make it stand out as a premium product. The colour schemes are vibrant and the whole bike feels fresh and spirited. 

 

Even though it looks quite aggressive, the engine is anything but. Although an inline four that can trace its roots back to the CBR600RR, the CB650F’s motor is totally new. Designed to deliver low and mid-range torque, it makes a reasonable 64kW with 63Nm of torque. While not exactly earth-shatteringly fast, it is beautifully smooth, fairly vibration free and loaded with low-end grunt. Unlike the Hornet, there is no need to go hunting out revs on the CB: you can keep the needle below 7000rpm and it will pull happily, meaning you aren’t continually tap-dancing on the gear lever. If you want relaxed riding, then it’s a lovely motor with a feeling of refinement that extends to the smooth throttle response, light clutch and slick gearbox. Newer riders will appreciate ABS being fitted as standard, while commuters should find the claimed 3.9l/100km and 345km tank range to their liking. Explore the upper end of the rev range and the engine does have a bit of a buzz about it as the power builds up, but that adds a dose of character to what could otherwise be accused of being a bland bike, and therefore isn’t a bad thing. 

 

Despite the slightly budget looking suspension, Honda has made every effort to ensure the CB handles well. The tubular steel chassis and aluminium swingarm are fairly agile in their setup and the extra weight the inline four has over machines such as the lighter parallel twins help give it a reassuringly solid feel in bends. The CB650F may be a step-up bike, but it is also a machine you won’t find the need to trade up for a while, which makes it a long term investment rather than a stop-gap toy. 

 

PROS

Handling

Smooth engine

Fuel economy

 

CONS

Slightly down on power

Soft suspension

Price compared to the MT-07

 

 

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