Honda CB650R [2021-2022] Review: A Neo Sports Café Masterpiece

The Honda CB650R is more than just a motorcycle—it’s a statement. Part of Honda’s Neo Sports Café lineup, this naked bike blends retro-inspired design with cutting-edge engineering, creating a machine that’s as thrilling on twisty backroads as it is practical for daily commutes. Having spent time with this 2021-2022 generation model, it’s clear Honda struck a delicate balance between raw performance and rider-friendly usability. Let’s dive into what makes this inline-four powerhouse stand out in a crowded middleweight segment.

Design & Aesthetics: Where Retro Meets Futurism

From the moment you lay eyes on the CB650R, its Neo Sports Café DNA is unmistakable. The minimalist bodywork showcases Honda’s “less is more” philosophy, with the 649cc inline-four engine taking center stage. The signature round LED headlight—surrounded by a subtle metal trim—gives a nod to café racer heritage, while the sharp fuel tank lines and exposed frame tubes scream modernity.

Honda’s color palette for these model years is particularly striking. The 2021 models flaunted bold options like Candy Chromosphere Red and Mat Jeans Blue Metallic, while 2022 introduced the sophisticated Sword Silver Metallic. My test bike’s Pearl Smoky Gray finish turned heads everywhere, its metallic flakes sparkling under sunlight like crushed diamonds.

The 810mm (31.9") seat height remains accessible for most riders, though the narrow seat profile makes it feel even lower. At 202.5kg (446 lbs) wet, the CB650R carries its weight low, contributing to surprisingly easy low-speed maneuverability. Those hollow-section 6-spoke wheels aren’t just pretty—they shave unsprung weight for sharper handling.

Engine & Performance: The Sweet Symphony of an Inline-Four

Fire up the 649cc DOHC engine, and you’re greeted with that signature inline-four whir—a smooth, turbine-like idle at 1,250 rpm that transforms into a glorious howl as the tachometer climbs. With 94 HP peaking at 12,000 rpm and 63 Nm (46.5 lb-ft) of torque arriving at 9,500 rpm, this engine rewards riders who aren’t afraid to wring its neck.

The power delivery is textbook Honda—linear but never boring. Below 6,000 rpm, it’s docile enough for stoplight crawls, the PGM-FI fuel injection delivering buttery throttle response. But keep the throttle pinned, and the CB650R transforms. From 8,000 rpm onward, the tachometer’s bar graph lights up like a slot machine, accompanied by an induction roar that’ll have you hunting for excuses to downshift.

The 6-speed transmission slots gears with precision, though the clutch pull is light enough for urban warfare. On backroads, the 525 O-ring chain handles hard acceleration without protest, while the Euro 5-compliant exhaust keeps things civil—though aftermarket slip-ons from MOTOPARTS.store could unleash more aural drama.

Handling & Dynamics: Precision Meets Poise

Honda’s steel diamond frame provides a perfect balance of stiffness and feedback. Paired with Showa’s 41mm SFF-BP USD forks and a 7-stage preload-adjustable monoshock, the CB650R dances through corners with unexpected agility for a middleweight. The 25.5° rake and 101mm (4.0") trail contribute to quick steering without sacrificing stability at speed.

Braking performance is stellar, thanks to radial-mount Nissin 4-piston calipers biting on 310mm discs up front. The ABS intervention is subtle, only waking during panic stops on wet leaves in my testing. Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 tires (120/70-17 front, 180/55-17 rear) offer tenacious grip, communicating clearly as you approach lean angles that’ll have your knee puck grazing asphalt.

At highway speeds, the CB650R remains composed. The upright riding position—with slight forward lean to the tapered handlebar—keeps wind pressure manageable below 130 km/h (81 mph). That said, riders planning frequent long hauls might explore MOTOPARTS.store’s windscreen options for improved comfort.

Technology & Features: Purposeful Simplicity

Honda keeps the tech focused on essentials. The negative-LCD dashboard provides crisp data: gear position, fuel economy, dual trip meters, and a shift light that blinks urgently as you approach redline. It’s not a TFT display, but the monochrome readout remains visible in harsh sunlight—a welcome practicality.

LED lighting is a standout feature. The circular headlight throws an impressively wide beam pattern, while the X-shaped taillight adds modern flair. Missing are riding modes or traction control—a conscious choice that keeps the focus on pure riding engagement rather than electronic nannies.

Ownership Experience: Living with the CB650R

Commuting on the CB650R is surprisingly viable. The narrow profile slips through traffic like an eel, while the 15.4L (4.07 gal) tank delivers 250-300 km (155-186 mi) between fill-ups, depending on wrist enthusiasm. The seat, while stylish, firms up after an hour—an area where MOTOPARTS.store’s comfort seat options could shine.

Maintenance follows Honda’s legendary reliability. The 10W-30 oil changes every 12,000 km (7,500 mi) are straightforward, though accessing the oil filter requires removing the right-side fairing. Valve clearance checks every 24,000 km (15,000 mi) are more involved, typical of high-revving four-cylinder engines.

Competition: How It Stacks Up

The middleweight naked bike arena is fiercely contested. Here’s how the CB650R fares against key rivals:

Yamaha MT-07:
The MT-07’s 689cc parallel twin offers stronger low-end punch and a 9kg (20 lb) weight advantage. However, it lacks the Honda’s premium suspension components and addictive top-end rush. The CB650R’s fit/finish and braking performance feel more sophisticated.

Triumph Trident 660:
Triumph’s triple-cylinder entry serves up a delicious midrange and slick TFT display. While the Trident matches the Honda on power, its suspension feels softer for urban comfort. The CB650R counters with sharper handling and that irreplaceable inline-four character.

Kawasaki Z650:
The Z650’s parallel twin is lighter and more affordable but peaks at just 68 HP. It’s a great beginner bike, but can’t match the Honda’s track-day potential or premium aesthetic. The CB650R’s brakes and chassis components are in another league entirely.

Maintenance: Keeping Your CB650R in Peak Form

1. Chain Care:
   The 525 O-ring chain requires regular cleaning and lubrication—every 500 km (310 mi) in dusty conditions. MOTOPARTS.store offers premium chain kits that reduce maintenance frequency.

2. Oil Changes:
   Use JASO MA2-certified 10W-30 oil. Capacity is 2.6L (2.75 qt) with filter changes. Consider upgrading to synthetic blends for extended intervals.

3. Brake Service:
   DOT 4 fluid changes every 2 years are crucial. Our store carries braided steel lines that improve lever feel during aggressive riding.

4. Cooling System:
   The 2.5L liquid cooling system demands annual coolant flushes. Honda’s own Type 2 coolant is recommended for optimal corrosion protection.

5. Spark Plugs:
   NGK IMR9E-9HES plugs should be replaced every 16,000 km (10,000 mi). Keep the electrode gap at 0.8-0.9mm for consistent combustion.

6. Tire Pressures:
   Maintain 2.5 bar (36 psi) front and 2.9 bar (42 psi) rear for street use. Track riders can experiment with lower pressures from our performance tire range.

Final Thoughts: More Than the Sum of Its Parts

The Honda CB650R isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a gateway to the inline-four experience, packaged with Honda’s bulletproof reliability. While competitors might offer more tech or lower prices, none deliver this blend of accessible performance and engineering purity. Whether you’re carving canyons or navigating urban jungles, the CB650R remains engaging at any pace.

For owners looking to personalize their ride, MOTOPARTS.store offers everything from performance exhausts to ergonomic upgrades. Swap the stock mirrors for bar-ends to clean up the cockpit, or add frame sliders for peace of mind during parking lot maneuvers. However you choose to make it yours, the CB650R platform rewards those who appreciate mechanical honesty wrapped in timeless design.

In a world increasingly dominated by electronic aids and homogenized designs, the CB650R stands as a testament to motorcycling’s pure joys. It’s a machine that doesn’t just move you from point A to B—it makes the journey unforgettable.

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Specifications sheet

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