A middleweight friendly to beginners! The Honda CBR650R with an irresistibly dynamic high-RPM range [Webike My Bike Pickup]

This project picks up and introduces one bike that catches the editorial department's eye from the "My Bike" posts on the Webike Community. This time, we are featuring the HONDA "CBR650R," owned by "Yuichiro."

CBR650R (650cc) Owner: Yuichiro

The CBR650R debuted in 2019 as Honda's middleweight full-cowl sports bike. It evolved from the previous CBR650F into a sportier style and was given the "R" title. Equipped with a liquid-cooled inline 4-cylinder engine, its major feature is the balance between ease of handling in the low-to-mid RPM range and exhilarating acceleration in the high RPM range.

While the styling adopts an aggressive design similar to higher-end models like the CBR1000RR-R, the riding position is not overly extreme, offering a depth of versatility that handles everything from city riding to touring. Middleweight full-cowl models with inline 4-cylinder engines are now a rare breed, making this a model that has garnered support from a wide range of riders, from beginners to veterans.

Yuichiro says he purchased the CBR650R because he fell in love with its style and the sound of its inline 4-cylinder engine. He mainly uses it for his 15km one-way commute and seems satisfied with its ease of handling in city traffic and the fact that it runs on regular gasoline. It conveys the charm of the CBR650R, which offers a super-sport look while still being accommodating for daily use.

＜From the My Bike comments＞

■ Purchase motivation, usage, and comparison models

Purchase motivation: Fell in love with the style and engine sound
Usage: Commuting (15km one-way, including about 10km on a dedicated automobile road)
Comparison models at time of purchase: ZX-6R, YZF-R7, YZF-R9 (because I happened to have a chance to buy a new bike)

■ Pros

It is a middleweight class that is friendly to beginners
Despite the sports style, the riding posture is not that harsh
It has solid low-end torque, so city riding is not difficult
But the high RPM range is irresistibly dynamic
And yet, it takes regular gas instead of high-octane (God-tier!)

■ Cons

No complaints about performance or usage
The trend of people around me saying I should have gone for something sharper
If I had to name a complaint, there is significant micro-vibration above 6,000 RPM (especially at 8,000 RPM, it's numbing)
Nonsense: I can't rev it over 10,000 RPM except on the highway

■ Advice for future buyers

People who shouldn't buy it
・Those who care about what others think
・Those who want to compete with pure SS bikes
・Those with lower back concerns (even though it's friendly, the forward lean can affect your back)
・Those who care about fuel economy (refueling 13L once a week)

Recommended for
・Those who love the sound of an inline 4 engine!
・Those who aren't looking for razor-sharp performance
・Those who like SS bikes like me but are beginners
・Those who are scared to jump straight to a liter bike but want a large-displacement motorcycle

■ Future custom plans

Suspension
・Hyperpro Street Box

Brakes
・Front: Brembo 07HO62SA ×2
・Rear: Brembo 07HO53SP ×1

Chain/Sprocket
・SUNSTAR Chain & Sprocket 3-piece set
Front part number: 411-15 (15T)
Rear part number: JH-111-42 (42T, steel)
Chain part number: SS525SKC-118GD

Check out user reviews for the CBR650R

If you are interested in the voices and evaluations of other owners regarding the CBR650R, please check the posts published on the Webike Community.

Check CBR650R user reviews

That was Yuichiro, who is fully enjoying the feeling and ease of handling of the inline 4-cylinder engine.