All Tests – Honda CB650F Test: the CB is rebelling! – Correct finish, perfectible equipment

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Honda CB650F test: the CB rebels !

All Tests - Honda CB650F Test: the CB is rebelling! - Correct finish, perfectible equipment

Positioned between the wise CB500F and the spicy CB600F Hornet – which leaves the 2014 catalog – the new Honda CB650F brings a new touch of freshness to the roadster range of the winged crest. MNC tested this sexy and versatile motorcycle: test drive.

Correct finish, perfectible equipment

The CB650F is the first Honda with a 4-cylinder produced in Thailand (the Hornet was assembled in Italy), but that does not mean that the bike is not well finished: the quality of the materials, the paint and assemblies is largely at – good – level.

The CB650F uses an optional non-combined ABS (+300 euros), unlike the Hornet which had the optional C-ABS (combined from the rear to the front), a "house" technology gradually abandoned by Honda in order to contain costs and weight (the C-ABS uses in particular one or more specific front caliper (s), heavier, because it includes three pistons).

The instrumentation made up of two digital screens includes the essentials (time, gasoline gauge and two trips, in particular), but unfortunately overlooks a gear indicator engaged. In this segment, some competitors are doing better, such as the whose display also provides information on the temperature of the air, the engine and fuel consumption..

This "oversight" is all the more regrettable on a motorcycle like the CB650F, whose maximum performance tumbles quite late: its 87 hp (i.e. 10 hp more than the CBF600 and 15 less than the Hornet) all meet 11 000 rpm and the maximum torque of 63 Nm is reached at 8000 rpm. A characteristic hardly surprising given the architecture and the displacement of its mill.

Even small disappointment when discovering the tiny space under the passenger seat or the grab handles integrated into the rear shell. So well integrated that it does not bode well in terms of comfort during long journeys…

Finally, in the absence of a luggage rack, it is possible to secure a bag thanks to the two lugs and the two removable buckles under the passenger seat. A good practical point on a daily basis.

The obvious roadster

On paper, the 810mm saddle height is cause for concern for small riders, compared to the very reasonable 785mm of the late CBF600. But thanks to a narrow and well-designed saddle, everyone will be able to put their feet flat on the asphalt..

As on the "big sister" CB1000R, a hard foam pad – branded "650F" – takes place at the birth of the tank. If the aesthetics of this piece are questionable, it at least has the merit of protecting the paint from friction with the jacket or the belt buckle !

In terms of ergonomics, a driver of 1.80m finds his place in the blink of an eye on the handlebars of this new CB. On the other hand, taller bikers will probably feel cramped, suffering in particular from the bend in their (long!) Legs and the air pressure on their face..

The position is classic for a roadster and the center of gravity is quite low: maneuvers with the engine off confirm it, as the 206 kg announced for the CB650F (208 with ABS) move easily.

If the front brake lever is adjustable in spacing, it is unfortunately not the same for the clutch lever: little hands will have to do with … or rather without. Fortunately, this element is easy to handle, even if the clutch travel can appear a little long depending on your habits..

The engine snorts in a very classic and rather muffled sound: the beautiful exhaust is more rewarding than the sound that emanates from it! The gearbox is smooth and precise, but the injection dispenses a few jerks when going around and at low revs. Nothing scandalous so far, even if more transparency at this level would not have been harmful, especially in urban use.

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