2018 Honda CBR650F Review
Bike Tested: Honda CBR650F; Road Test No. 953; Test Location: Mumbai
Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 8,50,028/-
The CBR650F is the only middle-weight sports-tourer offering by Honda in India
We just love fully-faired motorcycles. But somewhere in between, we lose out on comfort. That is where the category of sports-tourer motorcycles comes into the picture. However, we have had very few of the sports-tourers in the Indian market and it all started with the launch of the Honda CBR250R. Within a few years, we had the first middle-weight by Honda, the CBR650F. With a few changes and updates, the middle-weight CBR is now BS4 compliant and has been reintroduced as the 2018 Honda CBR650F.
Motor Quest: The Honda CBR650F was launched in the year 2015 and made its way on Indian roads. After 3 years, the CBR650F gets an updated engine which is now BS4 compliant and the list of updates are more cosmetic. A new paint job and colour scheme, updated headlight and tweaked suspension complete the list.
The LED headlight update has made the CBR650F look very aggressive
Styling – The 2018 Honda CBR650F retains the same design language as its predecessor but now comes with minor cosmetic changes and enhanced features. For starters, the most prominent change to the styling comes in the form of this new LED headlamp. Then, you have two new colour schemes – a gunpowder matte black with red graphics and a millennium red with black and white graphics. We personally like the matte colour. Besides, Honda has also given the motorcycle a new exhaust and it has moved slightly behind from its earlier position. Rest of the design elements like 12-spoke alloys with a swirl design, petal disc brakes and the LED tail-light now with clear lens continue as is. Overall, the new colour schemes and the LED headlamp make the CBR650F look fresh but not very significantly.
Dual pod digital console looks dated, definitely needs an update
Instrument Cluster and Switchgear – Now this is where the 2018 Honda CBR650F slightly disappoints us. The Japanese automaker has carried over the same twin digital meters (LCD) from the previous model with no changes at all. When launched three years back, this console was something but it’s 2018 now Honda! The console even misses out on a gear position indicator. The switchgear too is carried over but this unit feels solid to use. The RHS houses an engine kill switch and a self-start button while the LHS houses the usual horn, high beam/low beam and indicator switches.
Great ergonomics, I personally like the carry everywhere BBQ grill saree guard
Ergonomics – In terms of ergonomics, the updated CBR650F is no different from the previous model. Being a sports-tourer, the middleweight is a comfortable motorcycle to live with. The seating position is slightly sporty but isn’t committed. Now the good part about having a sporty seating setup is that it brings a sense of connection between the rider and the bike. The CBR650F continues to get clip-on handlebars and the posture stays upright. The clutch still feels slightly heavy to operate. The brake lever is 6-step adjustable while the clutch misses out on the same.
The heat dissipation is pretty good, does not roast the riders legs
Performance – Since 2013, the same inline-4 650cc powerplant continues to power the CBR650F. However, for 2018 it has been tuned to meet BS4 compliance. It gets a new air intake and also a new and slightly bigger exhaust. It still produces the same 85.4 HP of power at 11,000 RPM and 60.5 Nm of torque at 8500 RPM but now the throttle response is slightly linear within the rev range. Although, it gets choppy and urgent with the on-off throttle transitions. All the fun is in the top end and yet riding in the city with higher gears and lower RPMs, the engine doesn’t feel stressed out at all.
Without a second thought, the CBR650F lifts a wheel
The inline-4 growl gives it a character, the CBR650F feels lively post 6000 RPM
The CBR650F gets the same 6-speed gearbox, however, the shifts are now better but the clutch is still on the heavier side. As the gears are tall, you tend to shift less and it is a breeze to rev the engine and enjoy the inline-4 growl. Once past 6000 RPM, the engine becomes lively and loud, the CBR650F does have the inline-4 character it always needed. Also there a few vibrations in the low end and it gets smoother as you start revving. Well, that’s how the nature of an inline-4 is!
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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