Honda CB1000R vs CB650R: Which One Would I Buy?
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 5 июл 2024
- Sign up for my email newsletter of the best motorcycling stories here:
mailchi.mp/306039bd7519/motobob
Places you can also find me:
motobob.cc/
/ moto.bob
anchor.fm/fulltank
/ motobob1985
My gear:
Quad lock iPhone case and mount - 10% discount here quadlock.refr.cc/3K938QT
Sony A6500 amzn.to/2YehN9W
Sony 18-105mm Lens amzn.to/2WfCX5E
Sony 35mm Lens amzn.to/2YccQyE
GoPro amzn.to/2CxdSf9
GoPro Session amzn.to/2OjzeRQ
Tascam Audio Recorder amzn.to/2OfEwht
Sony Mic amzn.to/2OfbHS4
Rode Mic amzn.to/2Cx5VXp
Camera Bag amzn.to/2OfcJNW
Helmet amzn.to/2JxhUu2
Gloves amzn.to/2OfQjMN
Jacket amzn.to/2YcIHz1
Jeans amzn.to/2OhjgHV 
Авто/Мото
4:09 rider misses shift to 3rd on an official exhaust sound video.
Honda: “That’s the one. Upload it. Now.”
😂😂😂 was looking for this comment
I know! Maybe those Honda gearboxes aren’t so slick
And it sounds like the 1000 was on a dyno run unlike the 650?... odd choices for sure.
Bought the 650 as my first inline 4. It’s got far more power than I need and love the flashiness of the gold and bronze accents.
I have several other hondas/4blades from 2007 to2018
I had a hornet600 as well from2006 and never found another of its type anywhere near the quality or power/balance and finish. I’ve recently bought a Cb 650 to complement the Sportsbikeshop and love it to bits. Guys, it ain’t all about power it’s the whole package. Great bike
Me too and I haven't even changed anything after 5000k miles.
I cannot find any of these 650 anywhere man. I’ve been looking local or anywhere is Washington State and no dealers have any :(
spiddykilla Dealers are having a hard time keeping bikes in stock as of late due to COVID, but I’m sure you’ll be able to find one. There’s only about 2 available in my area. The 650 is already a somewhat uncommon model compared to the competition but the effort in finding one is worth all the trouble.
I’m thinking the CB1000R for me.. I want to keep it a long, long time and I figure it would be a good bike to basically never outgrow. But my first bike was an SV650S
I like the sound of the 650 and love the much more reasonable price! Kind of a newbie, only been riding for 53 years and have owned 24+ bikes.
I have the CB1000R. I'm 5'9". You get used to the height of the bike quickly and you settle into it. I've not found it uncomfortable at all, you can easily mitigate the sportier stance to the bike. It rides amazing and handles in-town riding very well since its tuned for more power in the lower RPM. But when I *want* to have fun, the power is absolutely there. I can see why folks would want the 650, but the 1K is where its at.
I bought a Cb650R this May and I’m absolutely happy with it! With 95% of time in the town at
I’ve owned both and to be honest the 650 is awesome, handles brilliant, exhaust note is crisp. The 1000R+ which has the quick shifter and other items also handles brilliant, coming out of corners and winding it up is hard to keep the front wheel down so steering could catch out the less experienced rider. If I could afford I’d have both in my garage.
...hard to keep the front wheel down... is exactly the reason I've bought 650 just because I'm an older though experienced guy being a bit scared by that 1000 beast :)
currently have the cb1000r after my cb650r got stolen. Although i love the power of the 1000, i do miss the 650. it seemed a little more nimble, the beautiful sweeping pipes and a small exhaust. Also the parts for it were way cheaper.
T4
I have ridden and owned many bikes, a lot of them well over 1000cc. As time marches on into 2021 with the roads infested with speed cameras and managed motorways I have found big bikes are hard to enjoy. As its been said it's more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow. 650 would be my pick without question.
No doubt. Same here.
Well said. 👌🏻💯
Great video, thanks! As a new rider I’m more than happy with the 650 for now!
I bought a 2019 CB1000R, but I have to say the stock headers on the the CB650R are so beautiful.
Yeah, they are lined up neatly.
Those anodized forks on the 650 just look super classy. Gonna have to get the forks and wheels on my 1000 done up.
Single sided swingarm decided for me :)
The Honda is the first blocky bike that I like the look of. Thanks for the great vid and production quality as per usual. Cheers.
Cheers BMR!
Nice review and comps. I do like a single sided swing arm but would probably go 650 to buy: love the 4 headers sweeping down. 👍🏻
2019 CB1000R with Yoshimura Alpha slip-on.....red......love it! Just got back from a 74 mile evening ride here in the PNW.
That single-sided swingarm did it for me. Just looks so damn good.
The quality of these videos and info is insane
Thanks.
My pleasure!
@@motobob please kindly tell me if you really had to choose between honda cb1000r and BMW R nineT(2021)
Which one would you go for?
After not riding for more than 30 years I went for the 2022 CB650, it's a great bike. I'll most probably ride it for 2 years then move on to the 1000.
Had the 650 for a year. Loved the bike but the high frequency vibrations killed both my elbows . Now happy on a vstrom 1000.
I want a CB650R so bad my teeth hurt! And this video doesn't help that feeling, good work!
fj60driver go for it. I have one and it is epic!
I like this CB650R for price , less weight , much more , first I need to have a secure safe garage to park it .
The weight difference is 10kg.
It also seems to carry that weight quite high, as a heavier rider myself ( 100 kg) I found slow speed manoeuvring tricky, probably not helped by my own bulk perched on top of it!! It does have some get up and go though!! p.s. if your a taller rider, I'm 6ft with 30" inseam, legs get a little cramped.
Michael Lilley j
Got mine Honda CB1000RBlackEdition.Thank you for your video comparation.Love my bike and ride safe out there brothers.
Just wanted to add this for anyone considering which one to get... so right now I currently have the 19 650, I’ve had it a few months now. Immediately changed the crappy metzellers it came with, put a softer tire on it, and full exhaust. The tires changed the bike drastically and made it feel so much more confident to get the bike closer to the ground in the turns. After riding it for awhile now, I got curious about the 1000. I work at a motorcycle dealership, and our sister store has some. I called my insurance for a quote on it just out of curiosity to see if it would even be worth dreaming about, and it’s $15 more a month to ride the 1000.... Where you live, record and all that will affect your insurance rates but I’m just saying it’s hardly much more for me in my case. Which is why I’m going to get one, plus the 650 doesn’t power wheelie, only way you can ride one is to clutch it up in 2nd. It’s fun, zippy and quick, not saying it’s not fast, but the added power on the 1000 is just going to be way more enjoyable for not much more in insuring.
What tires you put on the bike? I kept metzellers for 16k km but now i wanna try something else. I'm surethey can do 20k + but they have flattened because of the highways. Thanks.
650 most definetly does power wheelie, you just dont know what you're doing. Theres no reason it wouldn't, when my duke 390 power wheelies in 2nd gear.
LOL that neither bikes lift the front wheel up without the clutch, you saying “you don’t know what you’re doing” and following up with telling me your 390 power wheelies is hilarious 😂😂😂😂
Love seeing these 2 side by side. I'd go with the 650r. If I lived in the middle of the American desert, the 1000r.
Great video, very informative and helpful comparison. When in doubt, always pick the litre bike.
I have a 650 and it’s already hard enough to hang on going over 100mph all the fucking wind. I can’t see the need for more power.
More torque. Top speed deluxe on a naked is somewhat wasted.
you must never have rode a mt07 me mt09
I totally agree with you. One of the reasons I ride Ninja 650 over z650 is because of the wind issue at the speed over 80 mph. Not that I ride over 80-90 mph often. In fact, it is not often for me to ride over 70 mph. But, I still want to jam up to 115-120 mph whenever I want to and my Ninja 650 can easily reach 125 mph. I am seriously considering CBR650R though.... 🥰❤️
Pussy
Its accelerated to 100mph much quicker. I tried it recently. And at high speeds the turbulence is just terrible same for both.
You know what I picked? A used 06' Honda CB900F 919/Hornet. While I appreciate the updated design cues that got them away from the prior generation's cone nose, neither can match the old school cool of the 919. 110 hp @ 9000 RPM and 67 ft-lb @ 6500 RPM are still more power than you really need, even today.
I bought an 04 919 Hornet in silver , Came to me with broken bar end mirrors one foot peg and bad tires , I found the original big mirrors (love them ) added exstensions so I can see more then my elbows or shoulders , new rubber , factory replacement pegs , changed the oil … love this bike , I also added a Givi mono lock top box and National Motorsports small fairing.. bike did come with Yoshimura exhaust which sounds awesome…. What a value !!!so much fun and comfortable
Thx for this comparison mate 🙌🏽
My pleasure mate!
Had a VTR 1000 with carbon pipes, sounded fantastic, I would go for the 650 myself. I live in British Columbia Canada and insurance is high and goes by the displacement . So 94 hp is lots of power for an old guy like me.🤠
The engine housing on the CB650R looks nicer . I do not like the electronic gizmos on the CB1000 (more to go wrong). Exhaust pipes and exhaust outlet look nicer on CB650R. Lower seat, smaller dimensions, lighter of CB650r would make it more manoeuvrable. The sound of the OEM CB650R exhaust sounds better than the OEM CB1000 exhaust. And on top of all that the CB650 is £4,000 cheaper. Clearly the CB650R for me.
The CB1000 because no one ever thought what it would be like if they bought a smaller TV, dated a less attractive girl, or bought a less powerful motorcycle. It's always the opposite way. Just live your life to the fullest ;)
Amen,😅
Great review as always.
Them peg hero blobs are insanely long... they'd have to go.
Love the single sided swingarm of the 1000.
The 650R would be a more logical choice for my type of riding... but if I was using logic, I'd just have a sedan. 1000R it is!
The reoccurring issue I have with the new style of naked is pillion provision. Yes some of us occasionally carry someone on the back with normal size bottom and legs.
Yeah the pillion seats on bikes these days are pathetic. Then no grab rails and you're in the territory of insane.
I just bought the 1000R. Thank you for your review :)
I have a CB 650 F (2016) and since I drove the CB 1000 R last year I’m thinking about a change. The big one sounds so much more grown-up.
I'd love to see a head to head with the CB100 & Z900rs from kawasaki, as they are very similarly powered and priced, both have a retro feel... That could be a great video. Love all the vids by the way, thanks Bob!
motorcycle.com has a vid on this if you're still searching
They are not similarly powered . The cb 1000 r is over 143 bhp.. the Kawasaki z 900 is about 110. That's 33 percent more power.
Great video, helped me a lot to decide. Thanks!
Def 650 for city driving. Thanks for sampling the sounds!
absolute right your comments!
The CR1000R is close to it's old daddy CBX1000 6 carbs, 24 valve of glory. That sound is so unique it's hard to beat. Like an old F-1 car when they used to sound epic.
650 would be ideal for daily riding and the 1000 would be the one I’d pull out for weekend riding.
I went with the CB650R last year in May.
If I were still living in Belgium, I would have picked the CB1000R, no questions asked. But I live in Denmark now, and bikes in general are (very) expensive over here. And the price difference between the CB650R and CB1000R in particular is somewhat astronomical. The CB650R sells for 97000 DKK (around 13000 EUR), which actually comes close to the price of the CB1000R in Belgium. But in DK, the CB1000R is almost double the price at 190000 DKK (around 25500 EUR). You really have to like the more premium kit and increased performance to justify the cost of the liter bike. As much as I love the more "aggressive" character of the CB1000R, it failed the value test quite hard when making my purchase decision. It just didn't make much sense, especially since I don't do much high-speed riding or track days. Needless to say, the CB1000R is not a popular bike at all in DK.
By the way, I am perfectly happy with my CB650R. I did make some changes to make it look more like its bigger brother though (silver-colored headlight rim, aluminium panels etc.). :-)
cb1000r here cost 13000€ lol
That 1000 with the acro system sounds the absolute business
I love the look of the c b 1000 but yours is the only review that’s positive , most others say there’s a flat spot after 4000revs and the front end lacks feel ! I’ll have to ride and see ? Great work by the way 👍👍
I've read a few pretty positive reviews about it e.g. Bennett's/MCN. There's def a drop after 4k revs which is obvious if you Google the dyno charts. But if you're pushing on, you'll normally be up in the higher revs anyway? Depends how you like to ride I guess...
Should do one of cb1000 vs street triple. They're pretty close in power and price! In us at least
Good comparison video
As a new bike follower , i really like the 650 , all the bike you need around the roads here in Wales 🏁 the exhaust looks nice on the 650 as well ! The 1000 is too tall for me short legs 😉 looks nice though.
The 650 aint no leprechaun either - maybe a kawasaki z900 would tick more of them boxes?
Similar insurance, good looks, great price vs performance, and some grunt down low. Really decent in all ways.
Power is far from telling the whole story, one might think that 90 bhp is enough but where the power is made in the rev range is what matters the most, a 600cc is very powerful when pushed hard but for everyday commuting you want the readily available torque of the 1000cc
As you know, I’m a sucker for a single sided swing arm! Plus that 1000 just looks so epic with that red/white/blue livery! Great for a Sunday hoon and there are plenty of roads here in the states where you can really stretch that liter bike out! #streetROSSI🙌🏾.
But if I could only have one bike, though, and it was my primary means of transportation, I’d do the 650.
both of them so gorgeous... hard decision though
great vid. i decided on this model but unsure of the bigger or the smaller.
Would definitely pick the 650, the 2021 model will have the LCD dash changed, so that you could see it on bright light, and also there will be a usb socket added to it.
I like the look and sound of the 650 much bether, its not as square as the 1000, and the exhaust and tank looks more premium and the golden engine on the 650 is just stunning!
The 1000 looks so much better. The radiator and rear end in particular.
and gas tank looks much better
Everything looks better in 1000 .. 650 is really ugly
I got bitten by CB1000R bug recently. However, I was able to stay (!?) with my 2017 Ninja 650 after watching this clip. Thank you!! 🥰❤️
Subscribed because you went for the smaller bike, you come across very genuine. Count me in 👍
Welcome!
@Dildo Baggins it wasn't aimed at you, keep walking
Hi, congratulations by the video. had a Voge500ac for start. Then I liked a lot of CB650r but I sit in one unit and didn't like the feeling of steering weel too short and the seat too low. So,as I know the human been always want more,bought rhe CB1000R black edition 2022 and ofcourse its for bigger travels but in short distances when you want she goes like a rocket. Have it about 1month and haven't tried the sport mode,is too wild and has presence like others, doesnt shy next a Ducati!!
After not having a bike for 28 years I bought a new 650 last March and done 4000 miles on it then last August I swapped it for for 1000 plus model used with 127 on the clock I was just going to test ride it first to see the difference in the 2 bikes but after 5 minutes I new I had to have it the extra power is fantastic but what really stands out is the way better brakes miles better quick shifter which works up and down unlike the 650 which only goes up the dash screen is a lot clearer in bright sunlight, I think the 1000 is a lot more comfortable riding position you sit more upright and the bars are higher I’m 5 ft 8 the only downside is MPG my average on the 650 over 4000 miles was 68 uk MPG Vs 1000 which is 53 uk MPG OVER 6000 miles and the mirrors weren’t as good on the 1000 so I put some extenders on there so I can see past elbows it’s a fantastic bike the extra seat height is a little bit more Apprehensive when doing tight maneuvers but is more comfortable on a long run and more ground clearance when cornering also the heated grips are fantastic and show up on the screen at what level they are set at the 650 does not show on the screen nice review
...,...,..,.,...,.
I've just passed my MOD2 full 'A' licence test on Friday on a Honda CB650R. It's a cracking bike, very quick, and it brings a smile to my face every time I ride one. It's more expensive than something like an Yamaha MT-07, but it's top quality, and has a better specification. I completed the Honda DAS course at the Ride Academy (Smiths Chester) so I can get £500 off a new bike. Both bikes have been updated for 2021, they've been upgraded so cost slightly more. I sat on a CB1000R in the showroom, and I would absolutely love one, except my insurance company says otherwise! So, it looks like it will be a new 2021 CB650R in the new Pearl Smokey Grey colourway. I'll keep it for two years and then trade it in for the CB1000R!
I also passed my full A test on a cb650r in London. Was very impressed with it, went to a Honda dealer and tried the cb1000r. Was dead set on buying it until i got an insurance quote in the range of 3000-5000 pounds. Was sure it was a joke, but no… Even the cb650 was eye wateringly expensive. Getting a reasonable bike in London just seems impossible…
@@blob2092 I ended up getting a Yamaha Tenere 700! I was dead set on getting a 2021 Honda CB650R, but I couldn't get a good deal from Smiths Honda in Chester, even though I'd already bought a CB125R from them. I was also miffed that the voucher was still only £500, but Honda had put the price of the new CB650R up by £200, so it wasn't as good a deal as it was last year. Another problem was their stock levels, they didn't have the colourway I was interested in, and then said it would be many months before they got any new stock in. In fact all the dealers seem to have had stock problems, not just Honda, due to COVID-19 and shipping. My plan was to keep the CB650R for a while, then move on to an adventure bike. I also had problems with my insurance, because I'm a new rider and I live in Liverpool - insurance companies do not like big cities! So, I had a re-think and spoke to a few other dealers. In the end, I found out I could get a Yamaha Tenere 700 delivered fairly quickly in the colour I wanted, and it was cheaper than the Honda CB650R to insure. So, I went for it, and the bike arrived in May 2021, two weeks after I ordered it, and I've been having lots of fun on it over the summer months. It's a great bike, sounds wonderful, goes up hills like they're not there, but it's very different when compared to a naked bike. I'm already thinking about my next bike, I might test the waters in January when it's nice and cold! I think might go for a sport tourer this time around, something like the new Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX would be very nice. Or, I might even try out a Triumph Street Triple RS, a bike I've always liked. Hopefully my insurance premiums might have come down by then - ride safe.
@@soulrebelno1 Yea, covid has really affected stocks of motorcycles atm, am thinking of waiting until the warmer months come in any case haha. Think the sensible thing is to get a cheaper bike, get a couple of years of no claim bonuses, and then the insurance might be palatable!
@@blob2092 Another bike I've been looking at is the Yamaha MT-09 SP, and it's looking very promising. I got an insurance quote, and to my surprise it wasn't too bad, just a bit more than my Tenere 700. The spec and the price are great; it's lightweight, 190 kg, and it's very, very, fast! I spoke to my dealer, and they haven't got any SP's in stock. They said they've got the basic model, which uses the same engine, and has the same power, 117 hp. I'm not thinking of changing my bike until next year, anyway. I've got to get my Tenere serviced soon, so, I'm going for a test ride on one, I can't wait.
I have a 2020 cb650r and I love it! But the black edition 1000 sure is sweet
I’m currently riding a Speed Twin, but i can see myself getting a midrange 650 or less in a couple of years when I’ll turn 70. I may not need change bikes as the Speed Twin is light and premium, but if i do change I’ll consider a CB650R... Good cf thanks.
I've got a Speed Twin, you'll miss the torque if you get a CB650R. If I can afford it I'd have either the 1000 or 650 as a companion to my Speed Twin, but I don't think either of them would ever replace the Speed Twin. That's a keeper !
KarlosH - i expect you are right.
Pete Sudhana I have a 17 T100... I test rode a Kawi Z900RS and surprisingly hated it to be honest. I then hopped on a Street Triple and fell in love. Was a night and day difference. Fat power everywhere. 4 cylinders feel gutless to me and gears were so close together I thought I was missing shifts 😆
@@kignacio Some people talk Shite 🤸😁 on here 🏍️
650, I already have a Blade and it’d be nice to have something far more practical.
I have a CB650R and it is a great bike. They both look fantastic in my opinion, and are both really nicely made machines. The 650 should be great for most riding but I have to say that I feel like I’m missing the torque. It goes like a missile if you keep it on the boil, but if you want to be lazy and have grunt in any gear then you need the bigger 4 pot. Lastly, what boots are those Bob? Nice casual winter boots.
I have a 2019 CB1000-R made in Japan, came with stock Dunlop Tires. CB650-R is made in Thailand ! It was A deal breaker when i was about to pick one from the two. So I Eagerly picked up CB1000-R because it looked well made and refined.
I've owned a good-old cb750 for some 6 seasons now and I think the rationale behind choosing a 1000r and 650 is purely in the engine and a better suspension, which is reasonable.
If they put a fully adjustible suspension into a 650 it would be an absolute beast of a deal. (at least for me)
Just bought a 2019 650R coming from an r6... a bit too much vibration when over 80mph... but they say once broken in... its fine... great for commuter daily use... handles well....
Do I have to pick? Lol. The 1000 would be awesome for sure but for versatility the 650 is the smarter option at a better price. Nice job MB 🤘🏽
I would buy the 650 and change the stock exhaust I already own the 2019 cb500x so the 650 would make a nice addition
Engine sounds got my heart goin!
I have the retro styled CB1000 with a Delkevic exhaust. It sounds amazing. I would get the 1000R over the 650 but that’s just my opinion.
Great video!
Cheers PP!
Very nice review CB1000r vs 650r.
review CB110RS Vs R 9 T Standard..both are air cool..if can include Griso even better
I've put 5000 miles on my 650 since September and it's a fantastic bike. I bought it as a commuter to zip through London traffic and I was pleasantly surprised that it comfortably handles the twisties and even some short touring. If you're in any doubt, don't hesitate! Great video, subbed :)
Cheers! Welcome aboard 👍
Did you get a touring pack with it? What did you do for touring to the bike?
@@nabahmadi5012 I Just got a cargo net and a drybag, and an extra mirror :) Like I said, I've only done some short touring on it, however if you wanted to go further then I'd suggest at least a windscreen and some panniers.
Yes. Yes. Yes. More head to head!!
Does the CB1000R have straight cut gears? It sounds amazing!
Great informative video...😎🏍🇬🇧🌍
Cheers WB
Get the 1000R put on a full exhaust and rapid bike! It’s a beast!
Cant get any better in the naked bike market than these two. Comes down to your budget but the liter is of course the better choice here. I had a Kawa Z1000 for a couple of years and that was nice too. However, if I had to choose a bike now I would go for the Honda X-ADV 750 (automatic scooter looking bike)
Very detailed review. Is there anyway to lower the seat of both to 800 or the 1000 to 800-810? Thanks a lot
I like your reviews.
Great video! Thanks a lot! Would you say it is safe to go for the 1000cc straight after the A2 2 years in 500CBX?
Weight won't be the issue, but seriously from a cb500x, a CB1000R might be a little too much. 650cc will be much more usable and more rewarding. Just my two cents...
I am a tall rider hence the 1000r is the better choice, if we consider price/value wise the 650 is far better choice, the 1000r is a bit overpriced.
Love your work. To the point, with proper rider feedback for us to learn. Very good work.
Max torque is all very well but for real world riding I am interested in torque in midrange, I would be keen on seeing comparative torque/power curves.
The single sided swing arm in cb1000r looks good.
Nice review
If they made a blacked out version of the 650, without the gold and bronze, I'd buy it in a heartbeat.
(Nor a fan of gold in general)
I would take the cb1000r because it can survive for a decayed. You buy the bike 1 time and it'll be relevant for life.
Fair point 👍
Why would the 650 be any less durable ?
@@elekkr You would probably be inclined to "upgrade" (i love the looks of the 650, more so than on the 1000 - but the engine...)
The bike will "survive for a decayed", yeah right. Unless you (the "decayed") have crashed it, because it was too much of a bike to handle. Than it would've been better for the "decayed" to go with the 650. Or even the 300. Or even the 125. There is no general answer to this question, it always depends.
Which would you choose between the cb650r/cb1000r vs triumph speed twin 900/1200? Cheers!
Hi I'm going to buy the 650 today, hopefully the next year model isn't much better?
id buy they 650 because its the better value for money,since its the best in its class,same thing canot be said about the 1k
@satchelSCROLL why?
Well said
More than enough juice with the 650👍
A leftover 1k from the previous generation can be had for cheap if you don’t mind the styling.
That’s how I was able to get my 650 for so cheap yet brand new.
If it competes with a GSX-S750, it would not be an obvious choice.
(But if you are into it, the looks of it is great)
I have my heart set on that 650
Were there pops and bangs when you get off the throttle with the full system on the 1000?
The standard exhaust is so quiet and not exciting at all.
Absolutely love my 650!
There is a 2020 Triumph Street Triple S that joined middle weight fight up to 70 KW now. They both produce 94 hp. Would love to see comparison because both are on my radar =]
After spending this year riding on the 2021 CB650R and putting 7k on the on it in just shy of 4 months, you could say one likes the bike just a little bit.
It's one of the most comfortable, neutral feeling, and responsive bikes that gives you the best of both worlds. An upright positioning similar to that of a dual-sport/mountain bike feel, yet reacts almost as fast as a dedicated sport bike. A simple shift of the hips will make the bike move where you want it, even at higher speeds.
The sound is perfect stock if you enjoy that F1 high screaming sound of an inline four and yet maintains a nice quiet note at low rpm's saving you grief from your neighbours. The positioning of the exhaust seems more modern and tidy in comparison to it's larger big brother and the offset pipes on the right add a beefy aggressive look.
The changes made with the Showa shocks are nice despite not allowing for adjustability (as was stated on some release reviews) and although it is nice as higher speeds, cracks, small pothole and even tarsnakes are noticeable at lower speeds which at times can take away from the otherwise smooth ride.
Some may prefer the simplistic and stylish LCD display over the TFT seen on the 1000cc although each have advantages in certain lighting conditions.
It would be nice to have had the option for an upgrade package that included switchable riding modes but at least the option for add the quickshifter is available.
The classic round headlight on the 650cc vs the slanted back and horseshoe-shaped on the 1000cc black edition has a more classic look that might appeal to those trying to keep the bare bones "old-school" look while having some of the modern appeal thrown into the mix. The lighting itself is phenomenal and extremely bright with just the daytime runners on. The highbeams are on par with that of a xeon headlight in a car and will give you no issues on those dark dingy roads.
The biggest disappointment (a small one at that) is the rear seat storage and lack of the promised usb-c charging port. The Americas never got one and even though it's a cheap add-on one can easily do yourselves, you'll be hard pressed to even fit a phone in there given the miniscule amount of space inside. The rear seat itself is a challenge itself as you need to apply pressure and keep it level as you push down, back and out. The design of the hooks makes it a pain until you figure out the moves to the dance.
The bike can easily allow for day long rides provided you take breaks at least every two hours or so, anything over that straight will make you rear end pay the price. It's managed to hold up to a wide array of short road trips in Canada in various conditions and again has extremely smooth and responsive handling.
Wind and heavy rainfall can be a bit tricky at times given the exposed nature of a naked bike but even if you're over six foot you can manage if you position yourself well and shift weight as needed to compensate. It has enough weight behind it to hold its ground but will also take some finesse to keep control in more extreme weather.
The rear plate holder acts as a decent mud guard and has been an upgraded to metal combined with plastic louvers like those you'd find on the rear window of a old Mustang. It balances the bike adding length to the shorter body and makes for a nice contour to the rear wheel.
As with most Honda's the second gear definitely needs a firm click and isn't something you can gently graze like some bikes. It's extremely easy to find neutral on this bike but also just as easy to toss it into a false neutral while shifting out of first if you're not assertive with it.
You'll find reviews complain about brake and throttle responsiveness but this is coming from people that own and review bikes made for the track. Not something that's anyway realistic to find from a general street bike in this price point. A lot of comparisons are made to the Triumph Triple being better power and value for the price but again, it comes to style and feel preferences along with reliability.
If you're looking for a bike that has character, good street responsiveness and a bare bones bike feel the 650R is the way to go.
I have the 650, my first +125cc (I rode a z600 at driving school for a few months too). I'm 1.6 m tall, so I fit on it very well, although I can't flat foot with both feet simultaneously. A very gentle and quiet motorcycle sub 7000 rpm, I'd call it even "beginner friendly" at that range (but not starting green, get something much smaller first) It's buttery smooth, and if you ask for speed she will give it to you, if you kneehold tight 😂
I was told the throttle is very sensitive and the brakes are very strong, but I have gentle hands. So much power the only time I've bottom hit the throttle was when I hit 200km and she has plenty more to give, I'm just too chicken for that. The windshield oem honda has is very good to mitigate the wind. Since I'm a girl, I'm not wide at the shoulders so the wind doesn't hit me much once I tuck. I think it's an underrated motorcycle, I wish it would sell better so the naked inline 4 doesn't disappear from the market from underselling.
I would rather have the 1000, but all inline fours are a bit flatter low-down the rev range compared to twins, so I'd have neither.
Butter isn't smooth when it's cold.
@Michael I used to have a 1330 cc inline four B-King. So tractable, but my MT-01 [google it] has loads more whoomph right low down.
Try the Z900... Killa low end... i ride a 1190 and thought the z900 is equal but lack that crazy top end. .
I have the z900rs café - designed for lower end torque and pulls really strong. It makes 600cc supersport power but much lower in the 6k-9k rpm range with lots of torque. Really fun street bike.
The stock euro 4 or 5 ECU on the CB1000R is a mid range killer. Once a full exhaust and rapid bike is fitted and the midrange is fixed it’s pulls like crazy
If u try z900, u might think its vtwin low-down the rev range, not the typical inline 4
I went to get the 650 but found I visually hated the air inlets especially from the riding position. It lookes like a lunch box was added to each side of the tank.
ruclips.net/video/uMwF084-ULo/видео.html
If they had a sleeker integrated look and added a radiator side pannel/shroud it would have been a winner. Came away with the 1000 and am very happy with my choice.