With the usual quality of components and careful presentation, the CB650R is one of the most appealing motorcycles in its category. Not surprisingly, it was the best-selling model of the Japanese brand in Europe in 2021. We are talking about a naked with a neo-retro aesthetic that belongs to Honda’s Sport Neo Café family, which also includes the CB125R, CB300R and CB1000R models.
In this way, the new CBR650R uses the base of the motorcycle it replaced in 2019, the CB650F, but with substantial improvements in terms of performance and ergonomics; everything to continue betting on a concept of sports motorcycle, current and with a quality, more if possible, improved.
A model that stands out for its four-cylinder engine, its lightness and manageability. But the aesthetics, presentation and colors are also important on this type of motorcycle. So for the 2023 model year, the midweight Neo Sports Café, in addition to continuing to be available in Chromosphere Candy Red and Matte Jeans Blue Metallic, arrives in two new color options: Matte Dim Gray Metallic and Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic.
The latter elevates its sporty look to the max with all-black details throughout, including cylinder head cover, engine covers, fork bars, side shields, levers and foot pegs.
For its part, the CBR650R also benefits from an update for the 2023 model year, further accentuating the appeal. Still available in Grand Prix Red and Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic, for 2023 both colors feature new black engine and cylinder head covers, as well as dramatic updated graphics.
Honda has done an exhaustive job on key aspects such as the engine. The classic four-cylinder block, with a displacement of 649 cc, now has a power that reaches 94 CV. Maximum power is delivered at 12,000 rpm while maximum torque of 63.5 Nm is found at 8,500 rpm.
It is, therefore, a motorcycle that allows a quick and linear increase in revs, with a really usable midrange thrust. In other words, the ideal conditions for it to be versatile, also valid for daily use. And with a range of about 300 km thanks to the 15-liter tank.
And to guarantee the best sporty behavior on the road, Honda relies on the usual components of proven quality: a 41mm Showa SFF-BP (Separate Function Big Piston) inverted fork that provides lightness and better operation. And it has up to seven levels of adjustment, regulation that also allows the rear monoshock.
