Honda has successfully marketed themselves to be a straightforward no risk reliable brand with good resale value. Even if the bike is average, they'll sell tonnes just on that point alone
It also looks much better than the previous models one that is 100% made out of plastic. Those that want to change it then it’s the exact same process as the MY19 one. 👍😎🇦🇺
@@johnterry804 I agree with its purpose and the legalities for having it. For me I much prefer the look without it and for me who only rides when it’s dry I don’t generally need to worry about any back spray because of that reason. If it’s raining the bikes stay indoors, dry and the cars get used as I don’t commute on two wheels. Just ride in dry conditions. That being said, I do live in Melbourne and it’s a city known to have all 4 seasons in one day. So sometimes, even when the weather forecast predicts and shows no signs of rain on the radar you can still get wet. I’m my opinion Honda should’ve fitted the rear tyre hugger as they do with its big brother, the CB1000R...
@@marcusgeorge1825 Lol 😂 except I am in the uk 🇬🇧 and you are lucky to have options! A lot of people I know buy these bikes ! Are there only means of transportation, and ridden all year around! For work ect!
@@johnterry804 😂. Yes, I also have plenty of friends and family that only have a motorbike as an option for travel. I did it as well for a few years more than 25 years ago. Just doesn’t work as well when you add children/young adults to the mix. Today, my passion for motorbikes hasn’t changed, lifestyle yes, which gives me more choices (or is that less). 🤔. Anyhow I just ride when I choose to (or when my better half allows it) 😜
Always a fan of TMF reviews. No bullshit, no garbage, no useless babbling. Always straight to the point and lots of useful info. Thanks again for this review.
For next years purchase, I keep circling to the CB650R. The MT and the Trident seems to be more 'fun', the SV650 (while dated) has that great v-twin sound, and Kawasaki recently came out with the Z650 with retro styling. But this bike...is just so beautiful! I don't even care that the seat looks like a slab of wood, I feel like this bad boy is something that I would keep in the stable for many years to come. Honda really nailed it, imo.
Thanks Andy. At 4,500 RPM in forth gear the vibrations are caused by a dip in torque, so the engine is trying to work harder than it should. A very simple fix. It’s called third gear. The process (for those wondering) regarding the tail tidy fix is exactly the same as the previous MY19 model. Honda, however have improved this one by not just making it out of cheap looking plastics. The other, more significant improvements over the old model, which you didn’t mention (based on consumer feedback) is a revision to the screen angle and font size as it was hard to read in direct sunlight (you possibly didn’t mention that as you don’t really have a hat problem in the mother country). Also the have changed to position and angle of the bar slightly to improve feel and low speed move abilities. Fit wise, I’m 6’3” without gear and I fit fine on it. Possibly due to so many years of racing and being used to having my ankles around my arse. Happy to receive some of your merchandise for helping you out. 😜 Keep up the great work, love this channel. 👍😎🇦🇺
@@TheMissendenFlyer Always a pleasure sir! I’ll be keeping an eye out for “ThePigeonFlyer” for the merchandise. I’ve actually wondered what sort of comments and what people would translate TMF into. Possibly can’t mention one of them for the sake of the “kids” that watch this...😂 I would however wear them with pride!
@@TheMissendenFlyer I also forgot to mention the upgraded front forks. From Showa SFF to the SFF-BP... Plus that I was also looking forward to the infamous fashion show at the end...
Your point about the footpeg/seat relationship and comfort is well made. Sometimes if wearing thicker winter waterpoofs etc they can really dig in behind the knee if the angle is too acute. I also love the look of this bike. I think you've given it a very comprehensive and fair review matey.
@@TheMissendenFlyer Yea, I actually hate how the ergos is on the bike. The foot pegs are angled like you're on a sport bike but then the bars are upright. It's kind of schizophrenic. I have the cbr650r and that bike feels much better to me. Its sporty all around but it makes sense for the bike and engine.
I love 4 cylinder bikes. The noise, the howl. I love the older looks and the blue color. My Honda also has problems, when the engine is hot, getting it into first gear. Just let the clutch a bit go, put your foot on the Gear leave and it will click in. You don’t need more than about 100 bhp.
@@thepab3072 they did not in my case and those are indeed the biggest issues with the bike i would say. Despite those minor issues i loved the bike. I just needed a bike that was more suited to tour with.
I’ve had it for a month and absolutely love,love,love it.I live in the Shanandoah valley in northern Virginia,this area here on the West Virginia boarder which is A true Mecca for riding bikes especially this bike which seems to have been custom made for these twisting mountain roads.You say average but I guarantee you in this environment it is anything but average.I have owned 11 or 12 bikes in my 40 yrs of riding not counting a dozen or so dirt bikes,I put this bike definitely among to top ,with out all the electronics it is just a pure riding experience. I do have a nice set of titanium pipes and A modulator which is been Dyno tuned ,once it was uncorked i couldn’t possibly enjoy it more.Thanks for your videos,I really enjoy 👍
Great video as usual. Picked my new CB650R up this afternoon - pleased to report I had absolutely no issues with the gear box, no false neutrals and found the real thing every time I needed it! In fact the gear box felt slick to me - but then my other bike is a RT 1250, so perhaps that's it. Thrashed my favourite back roads on the way home from the dealership - still grinning now! That in-line four noise is additive as ever and the look of those pipes takes me back to my first 4 Stroke bike, the wonderful little CB400/4 - I rode that to limit everywhere I went! Cheers Andy.
I managed to keep my cb650r for all of 3months before trading it and going back to a speed triple. The honda is pretty anonymous I found & my 400/4 fulfills my need for a 4 cylinder bike.
This naked/street segment of 600-800cc is a great place to be for a consumer. You have pretty much everything contained in that bracket. A2 compliant and full power bikes. Makers from GB, Europe, Japan, China, and India. Modern styled, retro styled, neo retro styled. Singles, parallel twins, v-twins, triples and inline 4's. And most coming in at under £10k new... What a great place to be!
I’m 6’3” without gear, plus have a longer inseam for the average person of the same height and have absolutely no problems fitting on it. So for those who are on the taller side then you will still fit and be comfortable in the process.
Totally agree, this is a much overlooked size of bike. Perfect back road blaster. I owned a Hornet back in the day👴🏼. Had great fun on it and learned how to ride at the same time. Did my first European tour on it too. Happy days.
Another great review. many years ago I had a Honda 400/4 and I only kept it 3 months from brand new . The reason it went was vibration through the foot pegs and bars. I part ex’d it for a Suzuki GS750 which was a a great bike. Smooth and no nasty vibrations. The tail tidy on the Honda 650r looks bloody awful. I suppose it’ll boost the after market sales though Andy. Thanks again for the review.
"I'm doing 35 in forth at the moment" having just past a 30 sign lol😂 My dog could have designed a better tail end for that bike. My wife has the same irritating trouble finding neutral on her 2019 Honda Rebel, which she has owned from new. We thought it would get better as she put some miles on it but, it never did. She uses the same trick of flicking it into neutral just before the bike stops rolling. Great down to earth video as ever😃
Not sure about fitting a tail tidy, I don’t like water and muck up my back when riding in bad weather, yes they look unsightly but would an old fashioned mudguard look any better. ( Just Saying) 🤔
But how often do you ride in bad weather? Personally i try and avoid the bike (as I only ride for fun) in really awful weather so there's no real need for a mudguard at all for me.....
@@TheMissendenFlyer Even on mostly dry weather the tail tidy throws all kinds of shit on your back i once rode on a dry and sunny road with a white shirt and after 2 puddles it looked like i ran around in mud
can confirm had a tail tidy on my 2019 cb650r , it lasted 2 rides in fair weather before it went back to standard as I was sick of cleaning my leathers and lid from going through inevitable puddles and damp spots in the UK .
This! I have the older version of this one, CB650F, I do everything on it including commuting and not planning on putting a tail tidy on for that exact reason, it gets mucky enough already
Feel the same way about the CB300R tail! I've seen some people come up with DIY solutions but a tail tidy kit would just be a cleaner overall look. Ride safe✌️
He gives information very well. I have been looking at this bike foe sometime but I don't need all that faf about this and that and so on drizzle. But he explained exactly what you needed to know. Spot on
The Honda is a great looking bike and seems to perform well in the 650 performance "sweet spot" as you say. Tail -tidy & rear hugger combo is a must on most bikes imho, I did it with my SV650S and the little MT-03 with no problems or regrets. :>)
The manufacturers are trying to steer us away from 4 cylinder bikes, but judging by the noises on the bypass on Sunday, there's still a demand for them.
It is a very good looking bike. And I would not ding it for the license plate bracket. They actually made the license plate bracket almost look cool on this bike. The colors on this one are really nice looking. Honda have always done that bronze accent color on mechanical components and it always looks good. The red CBR600F4 had that bronze color and it was a beautiful bike. Inline 4's do sound really good. And 94 hp, that seems like a very good output for this class.
Spot on mr Flyer! I have a -19 model with 32000km on the clock. I lowered the footrests 20mm with a couple of brackets. Easy and made a big difference. Fuelconsumption is good. My makes 24km/litre and I don't try to save fuel. Size and power is in harmony. It's a damn good bike! I read on a forum that if you spend big money on exhaust for those extra 3 horses, spend them on a smaller chain. That makes the same! Yep, it was tested with Dyna results! Thank you once again for a well made film.
@@TheMissendenFlyer You know what? I bought a Boosterplug for my CB650R. And they promise all sorts of good things...and I was a bit sceptical. But it was all true! The torque comes earlier and the engine feels strong and eager. Better fueleconomy and even the sound improved! Really fast throttleresponse! The best bike in the world!
Look up Evotech’s tail tidy, reasonably priced and very well made. Forget about riding in the rain though, you’ll get soaked. As far as shifting into neutral, it gets better as the gearbox breaks in, I had a CB300R that didn’t like first gear at first.
Another great vid TMF. Always love the outakes at the end. Especially the little whistle when you fluff.(no whistle on this one see previous vids) Shows your only human. Keep um coming
@@rogervallve7375 True, a copy of the original CB350 and CBX inline six would still sell, although no doubt the CB350 would be almost as much as a 650. The RE Interceptor has proven original simplicity works.
On my bike the vibes were pretty brutal at 6,000 rpm. It's strange that the bikes are so different, with some not having a problem at all. Now, well after running in, the shakes have reduced and the bike is absolutely fine. The handling is great. I am much faster on the CB in wet weather than the MT07, It always feels perfectly balanced, predictable, with loads of feedback from the front end. Thanks for the reviews (the new MT09 is floating my boat at the minute, please have a go on that one.
Completely spot on! I find a lot of vibration comes through the handlebars too (I'm at 12k miles). I'm 6'2 and the riding position isn't too horrendous, but definitely a little cramped (I'm thinking maybe some handlebar risers might help?). The seat is ridiculously hard as well! But fantastic bike, the positives absolutely outway any negatives and would buy again in a heartbeat.
For me, it's the swept 4 into 1 pipes...clearly reminiscent of the late 70's CB400F - it's just a very unique signature look, very vintage but modern everywhere else.
Another great bike from Honda. Nice balanced review. Probably everything most people could use on the road if ego permits. I certainly couldn't use more. Little fairing and luggage. Job ✔. Happy travels
I have had my 650R for about a month..the front indicators doubling as daylight running lights concerns me a little, and the very short front mudguard at the front, which allows debris to hit the radiator seemed like Honda allowing aesthetics to win over function. I added both front and rear mudguard extensions, and a radiator protector too...something I think should have been stock. I'm a shorter rider, so the high-ish peg position suits me better..allows me to grip the tanks with my knees, ha ha. As Mr Flyer says, it's a Honda...every detail has been thrashed out with precision...but it's OK to disagree with their Engineers and Designers on some issues. Love all your balanced content, keep up the good work sir, many thanks.
This bike was on my list but turned out to cost more than the Tracer 900 in southern Ontario!I m a weekend country rider so wind protection, handguards, and a comfy seat for my short blasts were important. Had to go with the Yamaha and love the triple engine. Cheers from Canada.
EnglishBikerDan has views on this tail tidy issue. Like many others, he fitted a tail tidy to help with the aesthetics, but soon went back to stock due to spray/dirt issues. Seems daft that Honda designed the rear end with the rear wheel sticking out so far in the first place...surely a better design would have meant a better looking rear end...
I find that on bikes that have a hard time getting in N it helps to blip a little bit while trying and holding in the clutch. The load and unload helps the gears slide.
@@TheMissendenFlyer absolutely. Mine was the last year with carburettors. Once they were balanced properly as I was out on an expressway, I could never actually get to redline in 6th gear because I would be traveling at over 190km/h, and on a bike that light it would often be picked up by a stiff wind and lane hop. And at 50+ I am all too aware I am definitely breakable!
When you started with number 1 and said it isn't just the CB650R, I thought for sure you were talking about Honda's habit of putting the indicator/horn switches in the wrong place :) Great video as always TMF!
@@TheMissendenFlyer I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s to satisfy the needs of markets where a horn is of more importance than indicating intentions. I feel for those who own a Honda along with other brands.
As an evolution of the 2007 Hornet (some would say these latest 650's are all recycled 14 year old Hornets) it doesn't look bad at all. Well proven platform and very reliable engine, should suit anybody who's not interested in fancy bikes :)
Interesting (and important) point made regards the seating position, don't think I picked that up in any other reviews of the bike. There are tail tidy's out there but apparently the stock one seems to be the best one at stopping all the water spray and crud being flung all over your back. EnglishBikerDan does a good review of the R&G tail tidy.
6ft7 CB650R owner here. I don’t mind the seating position most of the time. It can become uncomfortable after a hour or two though but your bums numbness from the lack of padding in the seat will stop you way before the leg cramps kick in 😂
I fitted a tail tidy to my Honda CB125R, and then spent ages dismantling the back of my bike to remove all of the crud, grit and water that had accumulated in the rear seat well, which had also affected the seat lock. If I bought another naked I would fit a rear swing arm hugger instead, similar to the one fitted to the CB1000R or the Triumph Trident 660, but without the licence plate holder so it's slim and not too bulky. I would then fit a neat, short tail tidy to hold the licence plate and lights, that way no major re-routing of the wiring is necessary. You also get two forms of barrier to stop the crud and water getting in. I would also look at a better solution to seal the gap between the seat and the bodywork. A pressure washer can also force water under the seat, and you have to be careful in that area. I just use a soapy sponge, and rinse that area by spraying it from a distance. These days I would never spray that area directly using full pressure, you're asking for trouble! I only spray the bottom half of the bike using full pressure, and I spray the top half gently from a distance. This water ingress under the seat is not a problem that just affects Honda, it affects many bikes. I agree with your thoughts on the bike, it's fantastic. I did my Honda DAS course on one, and eventually gained my full licence using one. It's a quality bike, it's very reliable, the dash and suspension has been upgraded for 2021, and when you open the throttle it screams and howls. 👍
I was tempted to buy a CB650R, because having completed the Honda DAS course, I'm eligible for a £500 voucher towards a new bike. My plan was to get a CB650R, then trade it in for an adventure bike in the future. Time moves on. Triumph release the Trident 660, and later on, Honda release the new 2021 CB650R, which now costs £200 more than last years model! Annoyingly, the Honda DAS voucher is still only £500. I did talk to a Honda salesman, but overall the deal wasn't great, and I've heard nothing since. Summer's approaching fast and I want a new bike, so, I'm off to look at the Yamaha Ténéré 700 Rally Edition this week, just to see what deal I can get on that bike. Initially, it would cost more, but overall, and in the long run, it would work out cheaper. I don't have to do a thing to it, and it's a bike that would suit my needs better. Here's looking forward to those barmy summer days - happy motorbiking. 👍
To avoid the flicks just have to extend the mudguard mate with the tail tidy. I'd say get the mudguard level about with the tail light would be enough.
I love the look of the CB650. I was looking at an older one for my first bike but wasn't cost effective. Ended up with a kawasaki er6f same age similar miles an a fair bit cheaper. Was after an N originally but got what was about. An fair to say I F***ing love this thing!!! 😂
Honda CB650R is the best all round motorbike for the younger in the UK. Best motorbike if you can only afford one motorbike. Smooth 4 cylinder Honda reliability/quality Narrow to filter through traffic.
Good stuff. CB650R has always appealed to me. Yet to get a ride on one ! Had a go of the CBR650R, engine great, but the sports position a nightmare for me.
Another great review. I ×wonder if the foot peg position would be comfortable for a pillion. Have to ask Mrs Flyer. Rember" you meet the nicest people on a Honda" Cheers
The neutral and false neutral issue affected the little 125R Neo I purchased for my other half who's learning. Was impossible to find neutral unless the ignition was cut and switched back on (without firing up the motorcycle) or like with your experience, rolling. The other issue is the jerkiness in first gear unless you well an truly drag the clutch (which I don't feel is learner friendly). The neutral issue was remedied after I warrantied it at the dealership, needed an ECU reset apparently. The jerkiness has calmed down but it's still present. Never had any of these issues when I bought new and learnt on a WR125X back in 2016. It's a shame that it seems the 650 suffers with the neutral and false neutral issue. As always TMF great video thanks for the content.
I was looking to get one of these, until i priced insurance in SF CA area. 4x as high as my Brutale 990R 😮😮😮 Ended up on a 2012 Street Triple R which i find to be absolutely awesome.
I rode it at driving school . The CB just felt gutless in and around town and you have to wait for what feels like eternity for the power to kick in compared to my SV 650 . Beautiful looking bike though !
I think it's a lovely looking bike..like you say once you chop the garden rake holding the number plate on. But the biggest turn off has to be hearing you mention false neutrals !! when your pushing on it can be dangerous.
Getting it in neutral seems to be more of an issue if the bike is brand new. I am just passing my drivers license (A without limitations). First lessons were on a 1 year old cb 650 r, got it in neutral every time without any issues. The driving school then swapped all bikes for new ones, on a brand new CB 650 R with just around 50 km, it was sometimes hard to get the bike in Neutral when standing. What my instructor told me: let the clutch go a little bit and then try again, this instantly helps. I guess when the bike is new it is a bit harder to shift gears when standing.
Totally agree on the tail it's not a good look and I do agree with comments saying it keep you clean up the back but esthetically not a good look if they lengthened the seat / tail unit a bit it might have been better . this class is probably the best for fun thro it about riding I reckon ,as you say you can not use the full potential on the litre plus bikes . Good one as usual and the Jacket looks cool too I'll bet its not to cheap either . : D
I rode a Honda 100 cc bike for 13 years with hardly any servicing in between after the standard 3-year manufacturer’s. It kept going on and on and on. Just had to sniff Petrol to run. 80 KM to the liter. Too bad I had to give it away. It had only old-fashioned drum brakes front and rear.
great vid...... still not a Honda fan... but enjoyed the vid..as a first step to a larger bike its fairly good and well spec'd.. looks wise it aint that bad!....great review thanks
I agree with the ‘witches finger’ though on my bike it didn’t have any metal so that’s a bit weird, but I kept it because it helped to keep the spray off my back. I didn’t find any issues with vibration or false neutrals it was very good for me. I am 6ft2 and found the seating position really bad on long journeys, really hurt my right knee for some reason. A different issue I had was the throttle was quite snatchy in 30mph zones.
Hi Missenden Flyer. Thanks for the likes and dislikes. I hope to ride one next week. Agree on the power. Rode a GSX S1000 today. Loved it to bits but not for me. Too much power to manage around town and you really can not push it. In jail in third. 😂 I have CBR500R. Agree on reliability.
It's not that the tail bit is really long. It's because the rear light isn't even past the rear axle. The tail piece finishes much to early. I have no idea why.
Honda has successfully marketed themselves to be a straightforward no risk reliable brand with good resale value. Even if the bike is average, they'll sell tonnes just on that point alone
The tail does a great job at stopping the water spray up your back. I wont change mine purely for that.
It also looks much better than the previous models one that is 100% made out of plastic. Those that want to change it then it’s the exact same process as the MY19 one. 👍😎🇦🇺
Yes it does, most people I know ! Who have put a tail tidy on, have put it back to stock , for that reason
@@johnterry804 I agree with its purpose and the legalities for having it. For me I much prefer the look without it and for me who only rides when it’s dry I don’t generally need to worry about any back spray because of that reason. If it’s raining the bikes stay indoors, dry and the cars get used as I don’t commute on two wheels. Just ride in dry conditions. That being said, I do live in Melbourne and it’s a city known to have all 4 seasons in one day. So sometimes, even when the weather forecast predicts and shows no signs of rain on the radar you can still get wet. I’m my opinion Honda should’ve fitted the rear tyre hugger as they do with its big brother, the CB1000R...
@@marcusgeorge1825 Lol 😂 except I am in the uk 🇬🇧 and you are lucky to have options! A lot of people I know buy these bikes ! Are there only means of transportation, and ridden all year around! For work ect!
@@johnterry804 😂. Yes, I also have plenty of friends and family that only have a motorbike as an option for travel. I did it as well for a few years more than 25 years ago. Just doesn’t work as well when you add children/young adults to the mix. Today, my passion for motorbikes hasn’t changed, lifestyle yes, which gives me more choices (or is that less). 🤔. Anyhow I just ride when I choose to (or when my better half allows it) 😜
The everyday friendliness of your videos makes them happy things to engage with! Thank you.
That’s a really nice thing to say, thank you!
Always a fan of TMF reviews. No bullshit, no garbage, no useless babbling. Always straight to the point and lots of useful info. Thanks again for this review.
Very kind of you - thank you Sami!
For next years purchase, I keep circling to the CB650R.
The MT and the Trident seems to be more 'fun', the SV650 (while dated) has that great v-twin sound, and Kawasaki recently came out with the Z650 with retro styling. But this bike...is just so beautiful! I don't even care that the seat looks like a slab of wood, I feel like this bad boy is something that I would keep in the stable for many years to come. Honda really nailed it, imo.
Thanks Andy. At 4,500 RPM in forth gear the vibrations are caused by a dip in torque, so the engine is trying to work harder than it should. A very simple fix. It’s called third gear. The process (for those wondering) regarding the tail tidy fix is exactly the same as the previous MY19 model. Honda, however have improved this one by not just making it out of cheap looking plastics. The other, more significant improvements over the old model, which you didn’t mention (based on consumer feedback) is a revision to the screen angle and font size as it was hard to read in direct sunlight (you possibly didn’t mention that as you don’t really have a hat problem in the mother country). Also the have changed to position and angle of the bar slightly to improve feel and low speed move abilities. Fit wise, I’m 6’3” without gear and I fit fine on it. Possibly due to so many years of racing and being used to having my ankles around my arse. Happy to receive some of your merchandise for helping you out. 😜 Keep up the great work, love this channel. 👍😎🇦🇺
Thanks for the insights Marcus - appreciated! Free merch on it's way..... ;0)
@@TheMissendenFlyer Always a pleasure sir! I’ll be keeping an eye out for “ThePigeonFlyer” for the merchandise. I’ve actually wondered what sort of comments and what people would translate TMF into. Possibly can’t mention one of them for the sake of the “kids” that watch this...😂 I would however wear them with pride!
@@TheMissendenFlyer I also forgot to mention the upgraded front forks. From Showa SFF to the SFF-BP... Plus that I was also looking forward to the infamous fashion show at the end...
@@marcusgeorge1825 it’s the secondary imbalance of an inline 4 cylinder that doesn’t have a balance shaft- that creates the engine vibrations
Your point about the footpeg/seat relationship and comfort is well made. Sometimes if wearing thicker winter waterpoofs etc they can really dig in behind the knee if the angle is too acute. I also love the look of this bike. I think you've given it a very comprehensive and fair review matey.
Thank you!
@@TheMissendenFlyer Yea, I actually hate how the ergos is on the bike. The foot pegs are angled like you're on a sport bike but then the bars are upright. It's kind of schizophrenic. I have the cbr650r and that bike feels much better to me. Its sporty all around but it makes sense for the bike and engine.
I love 4 cylinder bikes. The noise, the howl. I love the older looks and the blue color.
My Honda also has problems, when the engine is hot, getting it into first gear. Just let the clutch a bit go, put your foot on the Gear leave and it will click in.
You don’t need more than about 100 bhp.
Having owned one of these, i have to say the few negative points you mentioned are spot on.
I'm glad we concur Wodan!
My friend's CB650R got better after 5,000km (vibes and false neutral)
@@thepab3072 they did not in my case and those are indeed the biggest issues with the bike i would say.
Despite those minor issues i loved the bike.
I just needed a bike that was more suited to tour with.
My favorite mods for this bike, an exhaust, and a puig semi fairing. Really gives it the retro racer look
The tail end looks like wolves have chewed off the meat and left the bones 😂
I’ve had it for a month and absolutely love,love,love it.I live in the Shanandoah valley in northern Virginia,this area here on the West Virginia boarder which is A true Mecca for riding bikes especially this bike which seems to have been custom made for these twisting mountain roads.You say average but I guarantee you in this environment it is anything but average.I have owned 11 or 12 bikes in my 40 yrs of riding not counting a dozen or so dirt bikes,I put this bike definitely among to top ,with out all the electronics it is just a pure riding experience. I do have a nice set of titanium pipes and A modulator which is been Dyno tuned ,once it was uncorked i couldn’t possibly enjoy it more.Thanks for your videos,I really enjoy 👍
This is a lovely looking bike. I prefer the z900rs styling but the CB range from Honda are really nice 👍🏻👍🏻
Great video as usual. Picked my new CB650R up this afternoon - pleased to report I had absolutely no issues with the gear box, no false neutrals and found the real thing every time I needed it! In fact the gear box felt slick to me - but then my other bike is a RT 1250, so perhaps that's it. Thrashed my favourite back roads on the way home from the dealership - still grinning now! That in-line four noise is additive as ever and the look of those pipes takes me back to my first 4 Stroke bike, the wonderful little CB400/4 - I rode that to limit everywhere I went! Cheers Andy.
Nice one Gren - congratulations!
I managed to keep my cb650r for all of 3months before trading it and going back to a speed triple.
The honda is pretty anonymous I found & my 400/4 fulfills my need for a 4 cylinder bike.
This naked/street segment of 600-800cc is a great place to be for a consumer. You have pretty much everything contained in that bracket. A2 compliant and full power bikes. Makers from GB, Europe, Japan, China, and India. Modern styled, retro styled, neo retro styled. Singles, parallel twins, v-twins, triples and inline 4's. And most coming in at under £10k new...
What a great place to be!
This bike is reliable. No doubt and if you're less than 6 feet tall this bike is for you. Good pros and cons on this very nice bike. 👍👍
I’m 6’3” without gear, plus have a longer inseam for the average person of the same height and have absolutely no problems fitting on it. So for those who are on the taller side then you will still fit and be comfortable in the process.
One of the very few modern bikes with an actually good looking exhaust system. Good review!
Thanks Eric - I agree!
Totally agree, this is a much overlooked size of bike. Perfect back road blaster. I owned a Hornet back in the day👴🏼. Had great fun on it and learned how to ride at the same time. Did my first European tour on it too. Happy days.
Nice one - and great to hear from you again, it's been a while!
Lovely looking everyday usable bike, sounds like a great intermediate level bike and commuter. Cheers Andy.
Love this type of video, love/hate relationship with the motorcycle. It's what all us bikers appreciate, keep them coming Andy!
Glad you enjoyed it - will do!
The sounds was just too damn perfect ✨✨🇲🇾
Another great review. many years ago I had a Honda 400/4 and I only kept it 3 months from brand new . The reason it went was vibration through the foot pegs and bars. I part ex’d it for a Suzuki GS750 which was a a great bike. Smooth and no nasty vibrations. The tail tidy on the Honda 650r looks bloody awful. I suppose it’ll boost the after market sales though Andy. Thanks again for the review.
My pleasure!
The pluses definitely outway the negatives!
Very informative and entertaining video yet again, thanks 👍
Glad you enjoyed it
"I'm doing 35 in forth at the moment" having just past a 30 sign lol😂
My dog could have designed a better tail end for that bike.
My wife has the same irritating trouble finding neutral on her 2019 Honda Rebel, which she has owned from new. We thought it would get better as she put some miles on it but, it never did. She uses the same trick of flicking it into neutral just before the bike stops rolling.
Great down to earth video as ever😃
Cheers for watching and stopping by Barrie.....
Not sure about fitting a tail tidy, I don’t like water and muck up my back when riding in bad weather, yes they look unsightly but would an old fashioned mudguard look any better. ( Just Saying) 🤔
But how often do you ride in bad weather? Personally i try and avoid the bike (as I only ride for fun) in really awful weather so there's no real need for a mudguard at all for me.....
@@TheMissendenFlyer Even on mostly dry weather the tail tidy throws all kinds of shit on your back
i once rode on a dry and sunny road with a white shirt and after 2 puddles it looked like i ran around in mud
can confirm had a tail tidy on my 2019 cb650r , it lasted 2 rides in fair weather before it went back to standard as I was sick of cleaning my leathers and lid from going through inevitable puddles and damp spots in the UK .
This! I have the older version of this one, CB650F, I do everything on it including commuting and not planning on putting a tail tidy on for that exact reason, it gets mucky enough already
Feel the same way about the CB300R tail! I've seen some people come up with DIY solutions but a tail tidy kit would just be a cleaner overall look. Ride safe✌️
He gives information very well. I have been looking at this bike foe sometime but I don't need all that faf about this and that and so on drizzle. But he explained exactly what you needed to know. Spot on
Who are we talking about?
The Honda is a great looking bike and seems to perform well in the 650 performance "sweet spot" as you say. Tail -tidy & rear hugger combo is a must on most bikes imho, I did it with my SV650S and the little MT-03 with no problems or regrets. :>)
The manufacturers are trying to steer us away from 4 cylinder bikes, but judging by the noises on the bypass on Sunday, there's still a demand for them.
U can't fail to smile when you hear a gixxer or howling up to 12k revs between gears in the distance.Ahh the Sunday symphony!!😂
It is a very good looking bike. And I would not ding it for the license plate bracket. They actually made the license plate bracket almost look cool on this bike. The colors on this one are really nice looking. Honda have always done that bronze accent color on mechanical components and it always looks good. The red CBR600F4 had that bronze color and it was a beautiful bike. Inline 4's do sound really good. And 94 hp, that seems like a very good output for this class.
Spot on mr Flyer! I have a -19 model with 32000km on the clock. I lowered the footrests 20mm with a couple of brackets. Easy and made a big difference. Fuelconsumption is good. My makes 24km/litre and I don't try to save fuel.
Size and power is in harmony. It's a damn good bike! I read on a forum that if you spend big money on exhaust for those extra 3 horses, spend them on a smaller chain. That makes the same! Yep, it was tested with Dyna results!
Thank you once again for a well made film.
My pleasure John - glad we concur!
@@TheMissendenFlyer You know what? I bought a Boosterplug for my CB650R. And they promise all sorts of good things...and I was a bit sceptical. But it was all true!
The torque comes earlier and the engine feels strong and eager. Better fueleconomy and even the sound improved! Really fast throttleresponse!
The best bike in the world!
Look up Evotech’s tail tidy, reasonably priced and very well made. Forget about riding in the rain though, you’ll get soaked.
As far as shifting into neutral, it gets better as the gearbox breaks in, I had a CB300R that didn’t like first gear at first.
I really like the look of that very good value and solid Honda reliability thanks for the video TMF.
No problem 👍
Really enjoy you vlogs, better than most things on the tv. Apart from the motorbike show. Keep up the great work
Wow, thanks...and will do....
Another great vid TMF. Always love the outakes at the end. Especially the little whistle when you fluff.(no whistle on this one see previous vids) Shows your only human. Keep um coming
Cheers James!
Really like the Bronze colouring of the engine and wheels. Great looking bike.
You and me both!
With your ocd I thought you’d have listed 4 bad and 4 good, or 5 bad and 5 good. 😂 Don’t forget your fashion segment too, I love that!
I couldn't think of 5 bad things!
And Andy didn't mention Triumph once.
I still think Honda should have brought back or continued to sell a copy of the original CB750 and CR750 four, even knock them out as a 650.
I agree , the cb1100 and cb350 are great but a cb650 or cb750 be great too.
@@rogervallve7375 True, a copy of the original CB350 and CBX inline six would still sell, although no doubt the CB350 would be almost as much as a 650. The RE Interceptor has proven original simplicity works.
Bring back the look of the 81 CB750 F super sport. That was the best looking bike Honda ever produced.
On my bike the vibes were pretty brutal at 6,000 rpm. It's strange that the bikes are so different, with some not having a problem at all. Now, well after running in, the shakes have reduced and the bike is absolutely fine. The handling is great. I am much faster on the CB in wet weather than the MT07, It always feels perfectly balanced, predictable, with loads of feedback from the front end. Thanks for the reviews (the new MT09 is floating my boat at the minute, please have a go on that one.
Completely spot on! I find a lot of vibration comes through the handlebars too (I'm at 12k miles). I'm 6'2 and the riding position isn't too horrendous, but definitely a little cramped (I'm thinking maybe some handlebar risers might help?). The seat is ridiculously hard as well! But fantastic bike, the positives absolutely outway any negatives and would buy again in a heartbeat.
Glad we concur Sam!
The blue makes it look like the wonderful CB-1
For me, it's the swept 4 into 1 pipes...clearly reminiscent of the late 70's CB400F - it's just a very unique signature look, very vintage but modern everywhere else.
Yes they look good don't they....
Another great bike from Honda. Nice balanced review. Probably everything most people could use on the road if ego permits. I certainly couldn't use more.
Little fairing and luggage. Job ✔.
Happy travels
I have had my 650R for about a month..the front indicators doubling as daylight running lights concerns me a little, and the very short front mudguard at the front, which allows debris to hit the radiator seemed like Honda allowing aesthetics to win over function. I added both front and rear mudguard extensions, and a radiator protector too...something I think should have been stock. I'm a shorter rider, so the high-ish peg position suits me better..allows me to grip the tanks with my knees, ha ha. As Mr Flyer says, it's a Honda...every detail has been thrashed out with precision...but it's OK to disagree with their Engineers and Designers on some issues. Love all your balanced content, keep up the good work sir, many thanks.
That color combination is awesome.
I agree!
Agreed, 90 odd hp is plenty for the road. Wish the suspension was better!
This bike was on my list but turned out to cost more than the Tracer 900 in southern Ontario!I m a weekend country rider so wind protection, handguards, and a comfy seat for my short blasts were important. Had to go with the Yamaha and love the triple engine. Cheers from Canada.
my 82 Nighthawk 750 had amazing sound. high revs sounded like the old F1 cars. nice video
I really like the look of the 4-cylinder header!!
I recognise those roads as I used to deliver around the area. Great outtake😅👍
The sound of it is just earsgasmic. Its perfect, no need for an obnoxiously loud can for it.
I agree
EnglishBikerDan has views on this tail tidy issue. Like many others, he fitted a tail tidy to help with the aesthetics, but soon went back to stock due to spray/dirt issues. Seems daft that Honda designed the rear end with the rear wheel sticking out so far in the first place...surely a better design would have meant a better looking rear end...
I find that on bikes that have a hard time getting in N it helps to blip a little bit while trying and holding in the clutch. The load and unload helps the gears slide.
The gearbox issues have been there for ever. Still a fun bike to ride, but it’s hard to ride slow and gent. Hard and aggressive it’s a beast.
I guess that’s the case with most inline 4s though isn’t it? ....and the appeal!
@@TheMissendenFlyer absolutely. Mine was the last year with carburettors. Once they were balanced properly as I was out on an expressway, I could never actually get to redline in 6th gear because I would be traveling at over 190km/h, and on a bike that light it would often be picked up by a stiff wind and lane hop. And at 50+ I am all too aware I am definitely breakable!
When you started with number 1 and said it isn't just the CB650R, I thought for sure you were talking about Honda's habit of putting the indicator/horn switches in the wrong place :) Great video as always TMF!
Yes I kind of take that one as a blanket hate on all Honda's - wonder why they do that!!
@@TheMissendenFlyer I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s to satisfy the needs of markets where a horn is of more importance than indicating intentions. I feel for those who own a Honda along with other brands.
Thanks again Andy! There certainly is a case for middleweight bikes like these
Sure is Rutger.....
Another great video 👍👍👍
As an evolution of the 2007 Hornet (some would say these latest 650's are all recycled 14 year old Hornets) it doesn't look bad at all. Well proven platform and very reliable engine, should suit anybody who's not interested in fancy bikes :)
My 2007 hornet was a terrific bike,metallic red,
I pick up Pearl smoke grey bike tomorrow 😄
I do like it when you put some bloops at the end. I’m stuck between the CB650r and the MT-07 so thank you for your reviews. Still stuck though 🤦🏻♂️
The Tracer 7 is a cracker too!
Interesting (and important) point made regards the seating position, don't think I picked that up in any other reviews of the bike. There are tail tidy's out there but apparently the stock one seems to be the best one at stopping all the water spray and crud being flung all over your back. EnglishBikerDan does a good review of the R&G tail tidy.
HONEST. SIMPLE 👌 Great Video thanks 👍
My pleasure!
6ft7 CB650R owner here. I don’t mind the seating position most of the time. It can become uncomfortable after a hour or two though but your bums numbness from the lack of padding in the seat will stop you way before the leg cramps kick in 😂
Nice one!
Lovely bike but I'm struggling between this, the Trident and Husqvarna Vit 701.
Honda makes the best looking bikes.
I fitted a tail tidy to my Honda CB125R, and then spent ages dismantling the back of my bike to remove all of the crud, grit and water that had accumulated in the rear seat well, which had also affected the seat lock. If I bought another naked I would fit a rear swing arm hugger instead, similar to the one fitted to the CB1000R or the Triumph Trident 660, but without the licence plate holder so it's slim and not too bulky. I would then fit a neat, short tail tidy to hold the licence plate and lights, that way no major re-routing of the wiring is necessary. You also get two forms of barrier to stop the crud and water getting in. I would also look at a better solution to seal the gap between the seat and the bodywork. A pressure washer can also force water under the seat, and you have to be careful in that area. I just use a soapy sponge, and rinse that area by spraying it from a distance. These days I would never spray that area directly using full pressure, you're asking for trouble! I only spray the bottom half of the bike using full pressure, and I spray the top half gently from a distance. This water ingress under the seat is not a problem that just affects Honda, it affects many bikes. I agree with your thoughts on the bike, it's fantastic. I did my Honda DAS course on one, and eventually gained my full licence using one. It's a quality bike, it's very reliable, the dash and suspension has been upgraded for 2021, and when you open the throttle it screams and howls. 👍
Yeah it's a good noise isn't it....
@@TheMissendenFlyer It nearly took my head off the first time I opened the throttle up in anger, good job I was hanging on!
The cb1000 black edition looks very nice.
Agreed!
Hoping MF reviews this.....and also no neee for a tail tidy !
Nice looking bike indeed. Thanks for the review
No problem 👍
I was tempted to buy a CB650R, because having completed the Honda DAS course, I'm eligible for a £500 voucher towards a new bike. My plan was to get a CB650R, then trade it in for an adventure bike in the future. Time moves on. Triumph release the Trident 660, and later on, Honda release the new 2021 CB650R, which now costs £200 more than last years model! Annoyingly, the Honda DAS voucher is still only £500. I did talk to a Honda salesman, but overall the deal wasn't great, and I've heard nothing since. Summer's approaching fast and I want a new bike, so, I'm off to look at the Yamaha Ténéré 700 Rally Edition this week, just to see what deal I can get on that bike. Initially, it would cost more, but overall, and in the long run, it would work out cheaper. I don't have to do a thing to it, and it's a bike that would suit my needs better. Here's looking forward to those barmy summer days - happy motorbiking. 👍
Cheers you too!
To avoid the flicks just have to extend the mudguard mate with the tail tidy. I'd say get the mudguard level about with the tail light would be enough.
I love the look of the CB650. I was looking at an older one for my first bike but wasn't cost effective. Ended up with a kawasaki er6f same age similar miles an a fair bit cheaper. Was after an N originally but got what was about. An fair to say I F***ing love this thing!!! 😂
Completely agree with plate holder, looks absolutely hideous. Certainly needs an aftermarket replacement. Great vid as always, good day!
Good day to you too!
All inline 4s have inherent buzzy vibration but not enough to warrant balance shafts /weights! !
Honda CB650R is the best all round motorbike for the younger in the UK.
Best motorbike if you can only afford one motorbike.
Smooth 4 cylinder
Honda reliability/quality
Narrow to filter through traffic.
Looks a cracking little bike and was in my top 3, when I was going to change bikes
If you want rain running down the back of your neck , get rid of the tail piece🥴
It vibrates... Yes.
Good stuff. CB650R has always appealed to me. Yet to get a ride on one ! Had a go of the CBR650R, engine great, but the sports position a nightmare for me.
Another great review. I ×wonder if the foot peg position would be comfortable for a pillion. Have to ask Mrs Flyer.
Rember" you meet the nicest people on a Honda"
Cheers
Sadly I couldn’t tempt Mrs flyer on the back of this one.....
The neutral and false neutral issue affected the little 125R Neo I purchased for my other half who's learning. Was impossible to find neutral unless the ignition was cut and switched back on (without firing up the motorcycle) or like with your experience, rolling. The other issue is the jerkiness in first gear unless you well an truly drag the clutch (which I don't feel is learner friendly). The neutral issue was remedied after I warrantied it at the dealership, needed an ECU reset apparently. The jerkiness has calmed down but it's still present. Never had any of these issues when I bought new and learnt on a WR125X back in 2016. It's a shame that it seems the 650 suffers with the neutral and false neutral issue.
As always TMF great video thanks for the content.
My pleasure Tom! Thanks for watching....
I was looking to get one of these, until i priced insurance in SF CA area. 4x as high as my Brutale 990R 😮😮😮
Ended up on a 2012 Street Triple R which i find to be absolutely awesome.
Great review 👍
Glad you liked it
I think the time has come to invest in an underseat recording device, that you can mix into the edit......
RJ just keeps one in his pocket
I like the original fender, it (and similar ones) look like a rear radar stinger on an attack jet
Clutching at straws gave me a good giggle. Great vid Andy but I am just not a fan of that styling, personal preference I guess!
Glad you spotted that - you’re the second to mention!
Love Love
I rode it at driving school . The CB just felt gutless in and around town and you have to wait for what feels like eternity for the power to kick in compared to my SV 650 .
Beautiful looking bike though !
I think it's a lovely looking bike..like you say once you chop the garden rake holding the number plate on. But the biggest turn off has to be hearing you mention false neutrals !! when your pushing on it can be dangerous.
Hello, TMF. The riding position is what put me off buying that bike: way too cramped. I'm 6''4". Nice review, as ever. Cheers.
Thank you a great review
Thanks for watching!
Getting it in neutral seems to be more of an issue if the bike is brand new. I am just passing my drivers license (A without limitations). First lessons were on a 1 year old cb 650 r, got it in neutral every time without any issues. The driving school then swapped all bikes for new ones, on a brand new CB 650 R with just around 50 km, it was sometimes hard to get the bike in Neutral when standing. What my instructor told me: let the clutch go a little bit and then try again, this instantly helps. I guess when the bike is new it is a bit harder to shift gears when standing.
Totally agree on the tail it's not a good look and I do agree with comments saying it keep you clean up the back but esthetically not a good look if they lengthened the seat / tail unit a bit it might have been better . this class is probably the best for fun thro it about riding I reckon ,as you say you can not use the full potential on the litre plus bikes . Good one as usual and the Jacket looks cool too I'll bet its not to cheap either . : D
Another good video TMF
I rode a Honda 100 cc bike for 13 years with hardly any servicing in between after the standard 3-year manufacturer’s. It kept going on and on and on. Just had to sniff Petrol to run. 80 KM to the liter. Too bad I had to give it away. It had only old-fashioned drum brakes front and rear.
great vid...... still not a Honda fan... but enjoyed the vid..as a first step to a larger bike its fairly good and well spec'd.. looks wise it aint that bad!....great review thanks
Fair enough!
I agree with the ‘witches finger’ though on my bike it didn’t have any metal so that’s a bit weird, but I kept it because it helped to keep the spray off my back. I didn’t find any issues with vibration or false neutrals it was very good for me. I am 6ft2 and found the seating position really bad on long journeys, really hurt my right knee for some reason. A different issue I had was the throttle was quite snatchy in 30mph zones.
Thanks for the feedback Alan - just shows we all have different experiences on bikes depending on our use case, size, shape, etc....
Hi Missenden Flyer. Thanks for the likes and dislikes. I hope to ride one next week. Agree on the power. Rode a GSX S1000 today. Loved it to bits but not for me. Too much power to manage around town and you really can not push it. In jail in third. 😂 I have CBR500R. Agree on reliability.
It's not that the tail bit is really long. It's because the rear light isn't even past the rear axle. The tail piece finishes much to early. I have no idea why.
Hope you have been enjoying it