2019 Honda CB650R Review: Too Good to Be Hornet ?
With its stylish and efficient 2019 CB650R, in the tradition of the late Hornet, Honda is taking a roundabout approach to try to reach the heights of the roadster category once again. Successful bet ? MNC test.
CB650R test Page 1: a very Hornet evolution
The range of roadster motorcycles revolves essentially around two clans: on the one hand the "small" twin-cylinders from 650 to 700 cc sold for 7000 euros, on the other the two, three or four cylinders from 750 to 900 cc. price of 9000 euros. The new one takes the opposite of this established order with its "4-legs" of 649 cc: right in between !
- MNC file : Everything you need to know about the CB650R
- MNC of January 16, 2018 : The CB650R priced at € 7,999: well placed, the new Honda roadster ?
- MNC Smart-Video : First live sensations
To justify this a priori unfavorable "price-displacement" ratio, make way for rather high-end peripherals: Showa inverted fork (non-adjustable), Nissin radial calipers, traction control that can be deactivated while driving, anti-slip clutch and new rather successful LCD dashboard, which however is missing a control offset on the handlebars (all details in).
This major 2019 novelty for Honda also relies on its advantageous plastic: forget the look of the old a bit bland, make way for a real new downright classy motorcycle. Its LED headlight surrounded by scoops in brushed metal style skilfully reinterprets this tasty mix of genres "Neo Sports Cafe" unveiled on the, and .
In the end, the bike produces a plush impression despite a few small "hiccups" illustrated in. The CB650R is elegant and rewarding, just like some of its European competitors. Implied objective? Move away from this "entry-level" image with its choppy lines associated with and. Successful bet.
This flattering sensation is maintained by its deceptive volumes on its displacement: the CB650R is certainly compact and accessible (two feet on the ground from 1.70 m), but without reaching the "XXS" format of the aforementioned rivals. Its 15.4-liter tank (2 liters less than the CB650F) spreads the thighs wider than that of an MT-07 and its new lowered handlebars are further from the bust: the space on board is more user-friendly from ‘1.75 / 1.80 m.
Reference cycle part in the category
Although the footrests are moved back and up, the bending of the legs is reasonable: the position is sportier than on the old CB650F because more carried forward, but without criticism of constraint. Honda has rightly positioned the cursor between sport and comfort. The fairly firm saddle, the absence of rubber on the footrests and the clutch lever (not adjustable) are the only failures of this demonstration.
Well designed and pleasant, the handlebars with a flat handlebars provide excellent control of the front axle, which has many qualities. All the reactions expected of a roadster are gathered on this new CB650R: agility, precision, stability, feedback, quality of damping of the fork. Competition can shake !
The Honda is immediately placed among the best motorcycles on the market by its dynamic behavior, as was previously the regretted. In this, the Motorcycle Journal du Net considers it closer to a than to an MT-07: and this is no small compliment, given the qualities of the Triumph roadster !
Remarkable fact: its reactivity is never punctuated by untimely "kicks", as sometimes happens with roadsters with minimalist dimensions (follow our gaze, especially towards the and Yamaha MT.). The CB650R achieves the feat of reconciling liveliness and progressiveness. Result: immediate control, immense pleasure and total confidence.
Well served by its very good original tire assembly (), the new Honda is both efficient and reassuring: seasoned bikers and beginners alike will find their value there, especially as the braking is up to this table. flattering.
The radial calipers offer formidable power, perfectly supported by the inverted fork which benefits from top settings. However, beware of the straightforward attack of the right lever which may surprise the new A2 motorcycle licenses. The rear brake – adjustable to the millimeter – counteracts this responsiveness as needed, in addition to effectively correcting a missed trajectory.
At the "turn" of the 4-cylinder
The rear axle of the CB650R follows the rhythm with the same brilliance, without showing the slightest disagreement with the front. The bike turns in one block, lands on the desired angle with millimeter readiness, then obediently remains on the intended trajectory while awaiting further instructions.
Is the curve tightening? No problem: extra pressure on the handlebars and the footrest and the Honda tilts, in every sense of the word, aided by its abysmal ground clearance. Is the exit from the turn a bit sluggish? Relax: all you have to do is go around, relying on its first-rate stability and flawless traction.
It is during this phase, however, that its main limit appears: its weak revivals under 4000 rpm, which force to stay above 6000 rpm to get out of the bends correctly. At 80 km / h, that implies being in 3rd … Blame it on the characteristics of its "4-legged": the twin cylinders of the same displacement are much more responsive and sensational.
To this is added its weight of 202 kg, equivalent to that of an 800/900 cc motorcycle: with a similar displacement but different architecture, the "small" Z650 and MT-07 stick 15 and 20 kg respectively! Obviously, this is felt when accelerating: the CB650R is not very demonstrative before mid-range, especially as its torque does not improve (64 Nm).
Frustrating? Not necessarily: this surely featureless thrust has the advantage of being predictable, so reassuring and comfortable. Beginners will appreciate, but not only: the extreme elasticity of the 4-legged and its velvety texture are major assets for rolling around town and in pairs, whatever the profile of its owner..
Its smooth and progressive clutch fits well in this register, as well as its precise and pleasant gearbox. MNC has also tested it with the optional 220 euro shifter, which works admirably even at low speeds. Only problem in casting: the go-around is unpleasantly rough, while vibrations are propagated under the feet, buttocks and hands from 6000 rpm.
These high frequency sizzles become uncomfortable around 8000 rpm, but what does it matter: the score interpreted by the 4-cylinder is at this stage so catchy that we readily forgive this vibrating little "duck"! Because the CB650R now sticks out its claws and plants them badly in your rear end: time for action !
The Honda swallows the high graduations of the tachometer with a jubilant appetite, until teasing its breaker moved to 13,000 rpm. Its hitherto shy and metallic sound takes on more scope, moving to a more lively register thanks to the low hum of the air intake.
By staying in the last third of the tachometer, exits from curves previously judged timid take a different turn: the 94.6 hp finally gallop at full speed, deploying a fantastic reach and dazzling energy. This explosive temperament combines perfectly with the imperturbable rigor of the cycle part to allow a very, very sporty piloting..
Verdict: Honda back to business !
With a smile on her face, swinging this CB650R through the mountainous paths near Almeria (Spain), MNC experienced sensations similar to those felt in the past with another Honda roadster: the Hornet 600, also a benchmark in terms of cycle parts and expressive mechanics in the towers. In this, this new Honda made in Thailand was born !
However, it is still necessary to appreciate this type of driving shifted "upwards" and its collateral effects … On the one hand, average speeds are hardly in line with current legislation. On the other hand, a rather high fuel consumption: at the end of our short contact of 105 km – conducted it is true drum beating -, the indicator reported an average consumption of 6.8 l / 100 km.
Finally, despite all its qualities and its rewarding equipment, the CB650R seems a bit expensive compared to the limits defined by its displacement. Displayed at the price of 7999 euros, it would have more marked the spirits and the desire to (re) conquer Honda at around 7,500 euros. Because after all, it is "only" 650 cc.
- MNC of January 16, 2018 :
The other alternative was to increase its displacement to 750 cc, in order to boost the respondent at a lower cost in the first part of the tachometer. Especially since the excellent steel frame can largely support more torque and a few extra pounds..
Honda would also be perfectly legitimate with this "virtual" CB750R which would refer exactly 50 years later to its first 4-cylinder bestseller: the iconic CB750, precisely, from 1969! But this strategy is unfortunately not on the agenda, as the Japanese manufacturer has reconfirmed to us … Too bad, no ?
All the details of our CB650R test with our photos captioned MNC in
Related articles
-
2019 Honda CB650R Review: Too Good to Be Hornet ? With its stylish and efficient 2019 CB650R, in the tradition of the late Hornet, Honda is taking a…
-
Duel Honda CB650R Vs Yamaha MT-07: chic roadster against shock roadster Exceeding a reference requires either putting on the brakes or taking another…
-
Honda X-ADV test: the Integra takes the right path Five years after the Integra, the first maxi-scooter built from a motorcycle as convincing dynamically…
-
Roadster – Test Yamaha MT-125 2020: what’s up? – MT-125 test page 1: undermined like never before!
Test Yamaha MT-125 2020: the face ? The Yamaha MT-125 launched in 2014 receives a menacing new front end inspired by the MT-09 and the variable-valve…
-
2019 CBR650R review: the new Honda has no shortage of R ! The Honda CBR650F, launched in 2014, gave way five years later to the 2019 CBR650R with more…
-
All Tests – Honda CB650F Test: the CB is rebelling! – A brand new 4-cylinder. Yes Yes !
Honda CB650F test: the CB rebels ! Positioned between the wise CB500F and the spicy CB600F Hornet – which leaves the 2014 catalog – the new Honda CB650F…
-
2020 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin review: just the excess ? Chase the natural, he returns to motorcycles: Honda is in turn moving towards the maxi-trail…
-
New 2021 Honda Forza 750 test: stronger than the Tmax ?! Honda is putting pressure on the Tmax with this new Forza 750 maxi-scooter, a relevant mix…
-
Duel Honda CB650R Vs Yamaha MT-07: chic roadster against shock roadster Exceeding a benchmark requires either putting on the brakes or taking another…
-
All Tests – Hornet 2011 Test: Honda roadster says no to inflation! – 600, the swan song?
2011 Hornet test: Honda roadster says no to inflation ! In 2011, the Hornet remained stuck at 599 cc when its rivals cubed 750 or even 800 cc. However,…