Comparison test of single-cylinder city bikes: Honda SLR 650 and BMW F 650 ST

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Comparison test of single-cylinder city bikes: Honda SLR 650 and BMW F 650 ST

The funtastic two

Honda SLR 650 and BMW F 650 ST have the same claim: to be uncomplicated and versatile. How much fun the two all-round bikes really offer?

Pretty clever or a little unimaginative? Almost at the same time, the advertising departments of BMW and Honda discovered that motorcycles were also suitable for city traffic. And in order to document this realization (probably) of infinitely long Brainstrom meetings in the executive suite as well as in practice, the two manufacturers present the right machines for it. Honda calls its city creation SLR 650, BMW calls its F 650 ST.
“Old hat, we’ve known for a long time”, in the case of the BMW, quite a few will now wave them down with thanks. After all, the single-cylinder F 650 was the trendsetter in terms of “Funduro”, a type of motorcycle that the Japanese are emulating this time. Not as long-legged, not as coarse and, thanks to E-Starters, not as sweaty as the mothers of all enduro bikes, commonly known as the Yamaha XT 500 and Honda XL 500 R. The F 650 became an absolute darling not only for newcomers and those returning to the sport. An uncomplicated and robust motorcycle with a high fun factor that is just as suitable for daily rush hour traffic as it is for a vacation tour for two.
Exactly the success of the F 650 is the reason why this is not an old hat, but a new BMW Funduro ?? or do we have to call it Funcity now? ?? acts. At first glance, it looks very similar to the F 650, apart from the addition of ST and Strada. But the second look? Shorter suspension travel, lower caster and wheelbase, an 18 instead of 19 inch front wheel, smaller windshield and last but not least Metzeler road tires, these are the small but fine changes compared to the F 650. For people who are uncomplicated Looking for a motorcycle that has no enduro ambitions.
Honda’s SLR 650, manufactured in Spain, presents itself completely differently. “Go your own way, wherever you want,” is the Honda advertising slogan for the new model, whose design is so reminiscent of the scrambler off-road machines of the early 70s. Your price of 8990 marks works? compared to the F 650 ST, which costs 12,409 marks? almost like a special offer. Which of course affects the standard equipment. The SLR 650 inevitably practices the art of omission, without falling into the cheap. The BMW, on the other hand, shows off many small and useful gimmicks, such as a main stand and the easy adjustment of the spring base using a dial, which was very difficult to turn on the test model. Or a small clock in the redesigned cockpit with easy-to-read instruments, which proves to be a useful extra not only in the everyday rush through rush hour.
When it comes to engines, both manufacturers were conservative in value and resorted to tried and tested single-cylinder engines. The heart of the SLR donated the NX 650 Dominator. However, with a little less top performance: A modified camshaft ensures tamer control times and an even torque curve. Instead of around 47 hp from the Dominator, the SLR left 40 horsepower. But don’t worry, the robust single-cylinder sound was retained. In addition, the secondary air system (SLS) gives the city bike an environmentally friendly touch. The Honda engine starts up when the electric starter is pressed for the first time, even in freezing cold. After a short time, the thumb puts the easy-to-dose choke, which was placed ergonomically on the handlebar, out of operation. Stuttering and jerking are alien to the four-valve engine in both cold and hot conditions. Just as you would expect from a robust utility motorcycle made by Honda.
In the BMW single-cylinder, a standard, unregulated catalytic converter fits well into the concept of fast and fun local transport. BMW deserves extra praise for this. In contrast, the engine is less praiseworthy in the lower speed range. The lively, 49 hp engine acknowledges dips below 3000 rpm with rough jerking and occasional beating of the drive train. Low-speed strolling through the city center? That is more the profession of the SLR 650.
But this is not the only reason why the Honda scores plus points in the city. At 176 kilograms, which are 27 lighter than the BMW, it is no wonder that the SLR seems more agile and is easier to navigate through crowded city centers. Or in even the smallest parking spaces. What fun. The driver of the SLR does not miss the missing nine horsepower compared to the ST, at least in town, thanks to the short gear ratio and the easily shiftable five-speed gearbox. Fast traffic light sprints from the front row are no problem with it, while with the BMW the too long gearshifts can be annoying.
The seating position on the SLR is also ideal for a happy break through the city. The driver sits on the tightly padded, narrow bench seat next to the (too) small, 13-liter sheet steel tank. Nevertheless, the seat height of 84 centimeters was not too high, especially since the Honda is again bouncing under the weight of the driver.
The BMW does that too, but its seat height is four centimeters lower than that of the Honda from the start. BMW also offers a lowering kit as a special accessory that reduces the seat height to 75 centimeters. In addition, the driver is more comfortably accommodated on the wide, well-padded BMW seat. You feel more integrated into the motorcycle than on the Honda, the distance to the well-cranked handlebars is longer. A passenger also feels a lot more comfortable on the F 650 ST than on the short SLR seat. Clearly, the ST conveys more touring qualities. In BMW advertising it also says: “Not just for the city.”
Exactly there, behind the crossed out town sign, are the strengths of the “fat” BMW, their territory begins. This is where its performance advantage over the SLR becomes noticeable, its engine revs up with low vibration and powerfully up to over 7000 rpm. The BMW engine always wants to be kept in a good mood, while the Honda purrs without complaint through tight turns even in third gear. On the other hand, your engine noticeably runs out of breath at 5500 rpm. What can only be guessed at without a test bench: You will look in vain for a rev counter on the SLR.
In terms of driving comfort, too, the BMW is one step ahead, if only because of its fairing, which offers adequate wind protection. And thanks to its softer suspension setting, the BMW is a lot more comfortable than the sportier Honda, whose rear Showa strut is heavily overdamped, especially on poor country roads. Honda should make improvements as soon as possible. But even if the hindquarters now and then deal powerful blows, the SLR can be moved quickly over bumpy roads. In terms of accuracy and directional stability, it is in no way inferior to the BMW despite the enduro tires. The simple single-loop frame also reveals no weaknesses.
He’s also not allowed to, because in order to follow the BMW, which was driven by 600 supersport driver and colleague Gerhard »Gegesch« Lindner, at least in sight, a courageous driving style is required, which is not a problem on the fast-moving SLR. Whereby the fuel consumption of the two single-cylinder with a good five liters at a brisk pace is bearable. Incidentally, many a seasoned superbiker who only turns up his nose contemptuously at “such small single cylinders” is recommended to take a test drive with one of the two, just like that, for the sake of self-awareness. More horsepower is really not needed for legal country road fun. Only the driving style on the SLR should be changed for rapid progress: Instead of cheering the engine up unnecessarily, it is better to change gear quickly and use the thrust from lower speeds. There is also no reason for criticism in terms of the freedom from lean angles. Neither does it with firm braking maneuvers, which both motorcycles withstand without problems. Both Honda and BMW rely on brake systems from the Italian manufacturer Brembo, but on different versions. The smaller sized front brake of the SLR requires a little more hand strength.
E.The SLR has a real advantage in light off-road exercises. Thanks to moderate enduro tires and slightly more abundant suspension travel, slow riding off the beaten track is particularly fun for beginners. But the F 650 ST cannot deny its Enduro ancestry either and bravely follows the SLR as long as the terrain doesn’t get too bumpy. Gravel roads are no problem even with the BMW, despite its road tires. Just funtastic, how much fun they both offer, whether in or out of town.

1st place – BMW F 650 ST

The more expensive, but also better equipped motorcycle wins the comparison. Only in the city does the BMW have to admit defeat to Honda. Otherwise it has a clear nose ahead and comes very close to that of the “egg-laying woolly milk pig”: a real all-round motorcycle with a manoeuvrable single cylinder that is just as good for short trips as it is for a vacation trip for two with luggage. Unfortunately, BMW still does not offer a two-year guarantee.

2nd place – Honda SLR 650

It is a robust, uncomplicated motorcycle at a fair price, the SLR 650. It is ideally suited for the rough everyday use in cities. And even on narrow country roads, nobody can fool her so quickly. In addition, there is a well-engineered engine, proper workmanship, a guarantee period of two years and the idiosyncratic, but unmistakable design. The Honda will make its way, no question at all.

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