[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/40359446690/[/flickr]
A very comfortable riding posture, neither agressive nor upright
Riding Dynamics -The last time I rode the CBR650F, it was in 2014. Yet, I still remember how solid it felt but I wasn’t happy with the suspension and overall feedback. Honda got the same response from everyone and they got a new set of front suspension by Showa for the 2018 CBR650F. The Showa Dual Bending Valve or SBDV telescopic forks came in and they perform really well. The front feels a lot more stable and flicking it around has become even more fun. The suspension travel is a little less and it hits to the spine if you encounter a bad pothole or a surprise speed breaker. The rear pro-link monoshock is the same and works well too.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/40359446100/[/flickr]
The CBR gets into stealth mode as the day passes
Handling feedback is very solid, a slight flick and the CBR650F changes direction. It holds the line really very well
The wind visor is good if you duck-in completely but as your riding posture is more upright, you can feel the windblast on your chest. The brakes are the same as before, dual 320 mm petal discs at the front and a 240 mm petal disc at the rear. The feedback from the brakes has improved and the bike stays in control even under heavy braking. However, the Dunlop tyres don’t support the best. These are the same Sportmax tyres it had from the time it was launched, a 120 section front and a 180 section rear. They grip decently well but they do not inspire much confidence. Tipping into corners is fun and the Diamond frame helps hold the line too.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/28293837858/[/flickr]
The 2018 Honda CBR650F is definitely a looker!
Verdict – The 2018 CBR650F does not come with a host of new features but a small list to make it look fresh. The matte black colour scheme and the LED headlight look superb while the updated suspension also makes it a better handler. As the Honda CBR650F was being localized, we were expecting a reduction in price but never the less the price has stayed the same. At 8.5 lakhs all you get is a drool-worthy Hooonnndddaaa middle-weight with an inline-4 engine. A bike that is a practical winner for daily usage and a perfect pick for weekend tours and long distance riding.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/40359446460/[/flickr]
All-black gear with an all-black bike, wow!
What’s Cool
* Fully faired design and that LED headlight, the CBR650F looks brilliant
* The power delivery is linear, opens up in the top-end and the engine sounds good too
* Rider as well as pillion comfort is commendable, riding two-up for a long distance is doable!
What’s Not So Cool
* Throttle is very choppy at on-off transitions
* The Dunlop tyres are not the best to go for, they don’t inspire much confidence
* The same console from 2015, instrument cluster should have been updated in the 2018 version
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/41445701724/[/flickr]
No extra electronics to rob away the fun, I had a lot
2018 Honda CBR650F Specifications
* Engine: 648.72cc, Liquid-Cooled, Inline-4, DOHC
* Power: 85.4 BHP @ 11,000 RPM
* Torque: 60.5 Nm @ 8500 RPM
* Transmission: 6-speed
* Fuel Type: Petrol
* Frame: Diamond Frame
* Suspension: SDBV Telescopic Forks (Front), Pro-link Monoshock (Rear)
* Tyres: 120/70/17 (Front), 180/55/17 (Rear) (Dunlop Sportmax)
* Brakes: 320 mm Dual Discs (Front), 240 mm Disc (Rear) (Petal Discs, ABS Standard)
2018 Honda CBR650F Dimensions
* Length x Width x Height: 2107 mm x 753 mm x 1149 mm
* Wheelbase: 1449 mm
* Ground Clearance: 133 mm
* Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.3-litres
* Kerb weight: 216 kgs
[wp-review id=”214395″]
