MIDDLEWEIGHT NEO-SPORTS CAFE KNOCKOUT.
2019 Honda CB650R:
There’s nothing like a high-revving four-cylinder bike that just makes a rider’s soul sing. Sure, all motorcycle engines are special, the heart and soul of our machines, but once you’ve ridden an inline four…you’ll understand.
Especially if we’re talking about the one in the new Honda CB650R. Here’s a machine built for the pure joy of riding. It handles like a sportbike, but has all the comfort of a standard. And the way it looks—you can see that for yourself (but it’s like nothing you grew up with, that’s for sure). A genuine middleweight, it gets everything right, combining handling, nimbleness and rideability with responsiveness and crisp, edgy style. The new Honda CB650R. It’s truly about performance, and about how much fun you’ll have.
Honda has always thrived on exploring new boundaries, in design as well as engineering. In 2018, the new CB1000R and CB300R brought a fresh identity to Honda’s naked motorcycle lineup, mixing café racer inspirations with an ultra-minimalist look under its “Neo Sports Café” design theme. One obvious segment remained for the new aesthetic to find expression: the competitive naked middleweight arena. For 2019, the new CB650R (previously known as the CB650F) confidently takes on this role.
Using the same styling blueprint as its siblings, the CB650R’s retro-minimalism is aimed at a young demographic that wants to show off in style and enjoy the combination of exhilarating four-cylinder engine performance and light, versatile, refined chassis handling. Add to this mix of head-turning, individual looks and exciting, usable performance a spec sheet replete with high quality and premium features, and the result is a naked middleweight designed for maximum pride and pleasure of ownership.
2019 Honda CB650R Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
STYLING
Tightly wrapped and aggressive, the CB650R’s Neo Sports Café style features the signature compact “trapezoid” proportion of short, stubby tail and short-overhang headlight. The long fuel tank is a key motif of the family design; its smooth lines accentuate the solidity of real metal surfaces and crown the engineering of the four-cylinder powerplant. It also houses the ignition.
The round headlight is based on that of the CB1000R. It’s LED, as is the rest of the lighting. Sharp new LCD instruments also use the CB1000R as a baseline and include Shift Up, Gear Position and a Peak Hold indicator, which brings attention to the peak revs and offers a more dynamic experience for the rider.
A more aggressive riding position than the CB650F moves the 21.9 inch tapered handlebar .5 inches forward and .3 inches down, with foot-peg position more rear-set—.3 inches back and .2 inches higher. Seat height is unchanged at 31.9 inches.
CHASSIS
The CB650R’s steel-diamond frame is updated for 2019 with pressed (rather than forged) swingarm pivot plates; it’s 4.2 pounds lighter than the previous design and uses twin elliptical spars with a rigidity balance specifically tuned (stiffer around the headstock and more flexible in the spar sections) to deliver balanced handling characteristics with high levels of rider feedback. Curb weight (measured with all required fluids) is 447 pounds for the ABS version (11.6 pounds lighter than the CB650F) thanks to weight savings in the frame, fuel tank and new super-sport-style footpegs. Handling is further aided by improved centralization of mass.
The CB650F’s conventional front suspension is replaced by an inverted 41mm Showa Separate Function Fork (SFF), for improved handling and reduced unsprung weight. The fork is held by a revised, forged-aluminum bottom triple clamp. Adjustable for seven-stage spring preload, the single-tube shock operates directly on the curvaceous, gravity die-cast aluminum swingarm.
Four-piston radial-mount front brake calipers work on 310mm floating rotors, and are paired with a single-piston rear caliper and 240mm rotor. Two-channel ABS is available. The cast aluminum wheels are a brand-new design with five Y-shaped spokes, reducing weight by .97 and 1.2 pounds front and rear, respectively, improving handling by reducing inertia and unsprung mass.
ENGINE
Honda’s development engineers wanted to create the purest, most enjoyable midsized four-cylinder performance possible for the CB650R rider, so the 649cc, DOHC 16-valve engine has been tuned to deliver 5% more power above 10,000 rpm, with redline raised 1,000 rpm. Peak power arrives at 12,000 rpm, with peak torque delivered at 8,500. The net result is a motor that spins harder, and for much longer, at high rpm, with a smooth, linear torque delivery that builds strongly as revs rise, and sounds great in the process.
Direct cam actuation makes for a compact cylinder head; compression ratio is raised from 11.4:1 to 11.6:1, and the combustion-chamber shape is optimized by use of a revised piston design. The valve train has been reinforced and valve timing revised; iridium spark plugs are also now employed.
Asymmetric piston skirts minimize bore contact, reducing friction. Ferrous spines on the outer surface of the cylinder sleeves reduce oil consumption (and friction) with improved heat transfer, and a silent SV cam chain reduces frictional losses by using a Vanadium coating on its pins. Internal water channeling from the cylinder head to the cylinders does away with most of the exterior hoses.
New twin air ducts on either side of the fuel tank feed a larger volume of air, as opposed to the single, central duct of the old model, raising atmospheric pressure in the airbox. They also produce a throaty intake roar. The exhaust now features a larger bore tail pipe—from 1.4 to 1.5 inches—inside the muffler to flow more gas and, with its exit pipe angled upward, to emit an emotional howl.
The engine uses a compact internal architecture, stacked six-speed gearbox and starter layout with the cylinders canted forward 30°. An assist/slipper clutch is a new addition and eases upshifts while managing rear-wheel lock up under rapid downshifts. On the ABS version only, Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) manages rear-wheel traction; it can be turned off should the rider choose.
Transferable one-year, unlimited-mileage limited warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan.
- Meets current EPA standards.
- Models sold in California meet current CARB standards and may differ slightly due to emissions equipment.
2019 Honda CB650R Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
Performance
649cc DOHC Engine
Engines like this are what Honda does best. The four-cylinder design makes it smoother and faster revving than most twins, and offers ample low- to midrange torque, plus plenty of power through the entire rev range.
Honda Selectable Torque Control
With Honda Selectable Torque Control System (HSTC) the CB650R offers you peace of mind during aggressive riding conditions. The system adjusts engine power to optimize torque at the rear wheel, reducing rear-wheel slip. And here’s the best part: you can turn it on or turn it off with a handlebar-mounted switch. (Available on ABS model only.)
Four-Into-One Exhaust
Power, style and an unmistakable growl—you get all three with the four-into-one exhaust system on the CB650R.
Six-Speed Transmission
Smooth, nearly seamless shifts and gear ratios matched to the way you want to ride: those are two of the characteristics that make this Honda so much fun to ride.
Refined Intake System
The CB650R features a twin-duct intake design, engineered to ram cool, dense air into the airbox, increasing horsepower.
New Muffler
Mufflers need to accomplish four things: They need to quiet the engine without robbing power, they need to help tune engine output, they need to sound great, and they’re a huge style element on any bike. The CB650R’s exhaust knocks it out of the park on all counts, and sounds like only an inline four can.
Special Engine Tuning
Changes to valve timing and piston shapes have improved engine response, especially from the idle to 8000 rpm, a big advantage in urban environments.
4.1-Gallon Fuel Tank
A bike as versatile as the CB650R needs plenty of range, and the 4.1-gallon fuel tank provides just that.
Style
Neo-Sports Café Styling
The CB650R looks unique because it’s a fresh, new design. The Neo-Sports Café look combines elements from pure sportbikes and sporting nakeds. Sometimes less is more, and the CB650R makes a bold styling statement wherever you ride it.
Y-Spoke Aluminum Wheels
The new aluminum wheels feature “Y”-shaped spokes that help reduce unsprung weight. These lighter hoops have a greater influence on handling than the numbers alone suggest.
Trapezoidal Body Layout
It sounds like a mouthful, but it just means that the new CB650R has some awesome lines, and that it just flat out looks right.
Lustrous Nanopigment Paint
The CB650R’s dual-layer candy paint is applied with a nanopigment clear coat on top of a base coat. Aluminum flakes in the base coat give this paint a shimmering look—check it our for yourself and you’ll be hooked.
LED Headlight
The CB650R uses the same LED headlight as our CB1000R. The bezel around the headlight and is finished in black, emphasizing a sharper image. This LED headlight is both brighter and smaller than a conventional design, and contributes in a big way to the CB650R’s sense of style.
New Digital Instruments
Based off our CB1000R, the CB650R’s new LCD screen features a digital speedometer and tachometer and more, including a clock, odometer, trip meter, real-time and average fuel consumption meters, and illuminated engine diagnostic indicators.
Handling
41mm Front Suspension
The CB650R’s front suspension showcases some leading-edge technology. The 41mm fork is equipped with Showa’s Separate Function Fork (SFF) which offers reduced weight, superior rigidity, and excellent overall performance. A new aluminum lower triple clamp completes the picture.
Slipper Clutch
The new assist slipper clutch lightens clutch operation by approximately 12 percent compared to previous models, and that reduces rear-wheel hop during rapid downshifts.
New Frame
The new CB650R refines a classic Honda design. The twin-spar frame incorporates updated pivot plates, engine hangers, seat rails, and other components that all reduce weight. It’s light, strong, and provides the basis for the CB650R’s stellar handling.
Radial-Mount Front Brakes
Featuring huge 310mm discs, the new CB650R also comes with radial-mounted four-piston calipers. The result is premium sportbike stopping power that’s linear and easy to modulate.
Rear-Disc Brake
A 240mm hydraulic disc at the rear complements the twin front discs for plenty of stopping power.
New Handlebar
A bike’s handlebar makes a huge difference in how you relate to your machine. We moved the CB650R’s bar forward by 13mm and down by 8mm (compared to the previous CB650F), and changed the bend in the bar too. Plus, using a premium, tapered-section swaged bar gives you better front-end feedback.
Neutral/Sporting Riding Position
One of the most rider-friendly aspects of the whole Neo-Sports Café design is how you sit on the CB650R. You’re ready for aggressive riding, but you’re still comfortable. You can see what’s going on around you. And your riding sessions can last for hours at a time with little fatigue.
Comfort
New Handlebar
A bike’s handlebar makes a huge difference in how you relate to your machine. We moved the CB650R’s bar forward by 13mm and down by 8mm (compared to the previous CB650F), and changed the bend in the bar too. Plus, using a premium, tapered-section swaged bar gives you better front-end feedback.
Neutral/Sporting Riding Position
One of the most rider-friendly aspects of the whole Neo-Sports Café design is how you sit on the CB650R. You’re ready for aggressive riding, but you’re still comfortable. You can see what’s going on around you. And your riding sessions can last for hours at a time with little fatigue.
2019 Honda CB650R – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: starting from $8899 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
Australia MSRP Price: See Dealer for Pricing in AUS
· ENGINE
Engine Type
649cc liquid cooled in-line four cylinder
Bore And Stroke
67mm x 46mm
Induction
PGM-FI with 32mm throttle bodies
Ignition
Full transistorized
Compression Ratio
11.6:1
Valve Train
DOHC; four valves per cylinder
· DRIVE TRAIN
Transmission
Six-speed
Final Drive
#525 Chain; 15T/42T
· CHASSIS / SUSPENSION / BRAKES
Front Suspension
41mm fork; 4.25 inches travel
Rear Suspension
Showa Single Shock; 5.04 inches travel
Front Brake
Dual 320mm discs with radial-mount four-piston calipers
Rear Brake
Single 240mm disc
Front Tire
120/70-17
Rear Tire
180/55-17
· DIMENSIONS
Rake (Caster Angle)
32 degrees
Trail
101mm (4.0 inches)
Wheelbase
57 inches
Seat Height
31.9 inches
Curb Weight
445 pounds (Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel-ready to ride)
Fuel Capacity
4.1 gallons, including 0.8-gallon reserve
Miles Per Gallon
TBD
· OTHER
Model ID
CB650R
Emissions
Meets current EPA standards. California version meets current CARB standards and may differ slightly due to emissions equipment.
Available Colors
Chromosphere Red
· FACTORY WARRANTY INFORMATION
One Year Included
Transferable, unlimited-mileage limited warranty
Optional Extended
Extended coverage available with a HondaCare Protection Plan®
2019 Honda CB650R – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Type
Liquid-cooled inline four cylinder
Displacement
649 cc
Bore & Stroke
67 mm x 46 mm
Compression Ratio
11.6:1
Valve Train
Chain-driven DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel Delivery
PGM-FI electronic fuel injection
Transmission
Six-speed
Final Drive
#525 O-ring-sealed chain
Chassis & Suspension
Front Suspension
41 mm SFF (Separate Function front Fork) inverted fork; 108 mm (4.3 in.) travel
Rear Suspension
Monoshock damper with adjustable preload; 128 mm (5 in.) travel
Additional Information
Tires
Front: 120/70ZR-17
Rear: 180/55ZR-17
Brakes
Front: Dual 310 mm wave discs with radial-mounted four-piston calipers, 2-channel ABS
Rear: Disc 240 mm with single-piston caliper, 2-channel ABS
Seat Height
810 mm (31.9 in.)
Wheelbase
TBA
Curb Weight
202.7 kg (447 lb) including required fluids and full tank of gas—ready to ride
Fuel Capacity
15.4 L
Colour
Candy Chromosphere Red, Graphite Black
Warranty
12 months, unlimited mileage, freely transferable warranty; extended coverage
2019 Honda CB650R – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
NA
2019 Honda CB650R – Totalmotorcycle.com Australian Specifications/Technical Details
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
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