Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/346427
VOL. 51 ISSUE 28 JULY 15, 2014 P109 Overall, having a suspen- sion that works as well as the CBR650F's gave me the confi- dence to push a little harder in the canyon while at the same time provided me with what I thought was an enjoyable ride around the city streets and open highway— more so than a full-on sportbike. On our test we put just under 100 miles on the new Honda, the majority of which was spent in the Malibu Canyon area, enjoying the coastline twisties. There were a few open stretches of highway, but unfortunately (or maybe fortu- nately) we didn't get to spend any time on the freeway. Getting the Honda slowed down isn't an issue at all, as the front brake provides plenty of bite and has a rider-friendly progres- sive feel. The six-way adjustable lever allows you to fine-tune the pull and the oversized rotors defi- nitely help with the strength of the brakes. Rear-brake action on the standard model works well and the ABS model feels good, as well. You don't even know ABS is there until you need it. In the canyon the Dunlop tires have decent bite and feel stable, but they do feel a little on the stiff side and not as grippy as higher- end rubber, which is to be ex- pected. Styling is also a strong point with the CBR650F. It has all the marks of a full-on sportbike. The digital LCD screens provide plenty of info and having the fuel gauge is a plus. Also, the screen has good contrast and is very easy to read. Overall, I am extremely im- pressed with the new CBR650F. The one thing, however, that stands out most in my mind about this middleweight sportbike is how well it handles. It is an easy motorcycle to ride and it provides a high level of comfort, at least it does with me. On top of all that it has great styling, the power is super smooth and it definitely keeps the fun factor to a maxi- mum level. In a real-world situation this bike is perfect for those weekly miles you log while traveling to and from work, yet it's also a mo- torcycle you can enjoy ripping up some canyons with friends on the weekend, which is something very important to me, and some- thing I do often. And all that with- out the somewhat uncomfortable riding position and aggressive power of a supersport bike. Think of it as a sort of do-it- all type of bike for the average Joe. CN SPECIFICATIONS HONDA CBR650F ENGINE: .................... 649cc liquid-cooled inline four, 16-valve DOHC BORE X STROKE: .............67.0 x 46.0mm COMPRESSION RATIO: ......................11.4:1 FUEL DELIVERY: ..... Fuel injection (single injectors per cylinder) CLUTCH: ............... Wet multi-plate; Cable actuation TRANSMISSION: ........................Six-speed FINAL DRIVE: ......... Chain; 15/42 gearing FRAME: ............................. Twin-spar steel FRONT SUSPENSION: ........41mm Showa; 4.25 inches of travel REAR SUSPENSION: ............... Showa coil spring shock w/ preload adjustment (no linkage); 5.04 inches of travel FRONT BRAKES: ........320mm discs with twin-piston Nissin calipers REAR BRAKE: ............... 240mm disc with single-piston caliper WHEELBASE: .......................... 57.0 inches RAKE/TRAIL: 25.3 degrees/3.98 inches SEAT HEIGHT: .........................31.9 inches FUEL CAPACITY: ..................... 4.5 gallons COLORS: ............ Red; Candy Blue; Matte Metallic Black MSRP: .............................................$8499