HONDA CB650F (2017 - 2019) Review
Highlights
- A leap forward compared to previous CB650F
- Inline-4 engine unusual against competition
- Nimble handling and decent brakes
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £140 |
| Power: | 90 bhp |
| Seat height: | Medium (31.9 in / 810 mm) |
| Weight: | Medium (459 lbs / 208 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesThe Honda CB650F is back in the naked middleweight game thanks to a proper injection of spirit, handling and attitude. And as the only inline four, it is now in a unique selling point against its twin cylinder rivals. Compared to the old model it has far more of the sporty Hornet ethos, which is a good thing!
This version replaced the 2014 Honda CB650F, and was replaced in 2019 with the Honda CB650R.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineThe transformation from old to new is remarkable and there is certainly nothing lacklustre about the CB650F anymore. The CB feels small, light and ready for action in a similar fashion to the old Hornet. The more aggressive riding position puts you right up and over the front, but not in an uncomfortable way and once moving this stance combines with the SDBV forks to deliver the kind of sporty ride that was so lacking in the old model.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityIf you want to ride the CB gently you can, it’s more than happy to cruise around at low revs, but go searching the top end of the rev range and the inline four explodes into life. Tap it down a few gears, get the digital rev counter up into the high notes and not only does it sound much sportier, it responds better too. It’s more like the old Hornet in attitude, but thankfully lacking that annoying vibration!
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueThe CB650F’s motor is based around the tried and trusted RR engine in a lower state of tune, so all should be well on that front. The build quality is pleasingly good for a bike built to a budget and the styling is fresh and modern. Add a pillion seat cover, which is an optional extra, and it looks even better.
We've only got the one 2017 Honda CB650F owners' review on the site, and it's a full 5.0 stars.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentWhile it is never going to bother the likes of the premium middleweights such as the Yamaha MT-09, Kawasaki Z900, Triumph Street Triple or even Suzuki GSX-S750, the CB650F is going to give the budget middleweights such as the MT-07, SV650 and Z650 a damn good run for their money as it is priced in the same ballpark and its chassis is right up there with the very best.
Equipment
You don’t get much in terms of equipment and only the shock is adjustable. However the CB’s biggest crime is the fact it lacks a digital gear indicator, which its inline four is crying out for as you do need to keep it on the boil if you want to go fast. ABS is standard and the dash has a fuel gauge.
Specs |
|
| Engine size | 649cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Four-stroke, liquid-cooled DOHC inline four |
| Frame type | Tubular steel cradle |
| Fuel capacity | 17.3 litres |
| Seat height | 810mm |
| Bike weight | 208kg |
| Front suspension | 41mm conventional forks, -non-adjustable |
| Rear suspension | Monoshock, adjustable spring preload |
| Front brake | 2x320mm discs two-piston calipers, ABS |
| Rear brake | 240mm disc, one-piston caliper. ABS |
| Front tyre size | 120/70X17 |
| Rear tyre size | 180/55x17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
| Average fuel consumption | 59.3 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £93 |
| Annual service cost | £140 |
| New price | - |
| Used price | £4,400 - £6,900 |
| Insurance group |
- How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | 2 year unlimited |
Top speed & performance |
|
| Max power | 90 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 47.2 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 130 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | - |
| Tank range | 190 miles |
Owners' reviews for the HONDA CB650F (2017 - 2019)
4 owners have reviewed their HONDA CB650F (2017 - 2019) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your HONDA CB650F (2017 - 2019)
Summary of owners' reviews |
|
| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £140 |
Year: 2017
Great easy bike to ride , smooth power delivery versatility around town handles beautifully and nimble abs is brilliant and builds confidence
Version: Cb650F AK
Year: 2018
Annual servicing cost: £175
It was my first 'proper bike' and I did love it, but.. The initial on / off throttle response was jerky and combined with a balance that wasn't quite as sweet as some other bikes this didn't really encourage a relaxed confident ride. I must admit I didnt realise how much this effected me until I rode other bikes which didn't have these issues.
I found the ride quality to be really nice, brakes however were slightly lacking imho. The part inside of the disc (mount / abs reader) also suffered from corrosion)
Whilst the engine itself never missed a beat and power (initial roll on aside) was smooth and predictable. It wore a little thin on me that you kind of have to ring its neck to get to the power. I did still enjoy it loads tho and its not lacking power, I just prefer abit more without having to rev it so much.
Headstock bearings were replaced twice in two years, Some parts suffered some corrosion despite good maintenance cleaning and protection (bike was used all year round)
You see some really amazing deals on these bikes now and again but in hindsight I feel slightly duped as the 0% pcp deal was somewhat dulled by the additional charges etc placed on top of list price. I ended up paying around 130pcm over 3yrs
I didnt rate the original tyres, I also find protection lacking as standard. I added crash protection, mirrors which function beyond a view of my arm / shoulder, handguards, replaced the chain and sprockets as they didn't fare too well through winter. Usual stuff really, added a tail tidy and heated grips, had a top box on for winter which also helped with practicality, but didn't help with the slight feeling that the bikes balance wasn't awesome perhaps me in part, but current bike doesn't make me feel the same). Abs is also eager to intrude and paint durability didnt live upto my expectations for a Honda.
Buying experience: Dealer - wheels Honda who have now lost the Honda franchise. IMO I didnt rate them highly. Keen to get the sale but the process was far from smooth and organised and aftersales customer service was minimal. The workshop staff were helpful and polite. Sales staff were perhaps abit too busy to provide the level of service I would like.
Year: 2018
Annual servicing cost: £100
Great All Round Bike
Great in line 4 engine commute/ cruise/tour .Happy to do 250/mls a day on this bike.Sounds great if you wind her up a bit
Honda quality.Never let me down.No corrosion.But always wiped down cleaned garaged under a blanket.
2yrs old Will be independent serviced now
Maybe a gear indicator but never missed one
Buying experience: Hunts Manchester.Had PX Honda was on Sale discount. Got the right price for mine.Deal done over phone my bike collected When new bike delivered.
Version: ABS
Year: 2018
Does it all
Did a 1.5k trip around Spain and Portugal. Very comfortable. ABS works well. Discovered this when I really need it.
Can potter around town and doing the sensible thing, however give it a fist full and it responds with a bit agression and character
It's a Honda
60+ mpg Not expecting anything too costly service wise.
Could do with a gear indicator.
