Honda CBR650R
Used Car Review

Overview

Thinking about a middleweight sports bike that delivers both performance and practicality? The Honda CBR650R might be exactly what you’re looking for. This refined sports motorcycle combines Honda’s racing heritage with everyday usability, offering riders a taste of track-bred performance in a package that’s comfortable enough for daily commuting. It’s the perfect bike for riders who want genuine sports bike thrills without the extreme riding position of a full superbike.

From the moment you see it, the CBR650R commands attention. Its aggressive fairing design and sharp LED headlights give it an unmistakably sporty presence that rivals like the Yamaha R6 or Kawasaki Ninja 650 struggle to match. But the real magic happens when you fire up the engine. The 649cc inline-four engine produces a distinctive growl that immediately tells you this is something special, with build quality that reflects Honda’s reputation for reliability and engineering excellence.

Riding the CBR650R is an engaging experience that balances performance with practicality. The engine delivers smooth, linear power that makes overtaking effortless on A-roads while remaining manageable in town traffic. It handles with precision and confidence, giving you the sports bike experience without the physical punishment of more extreme machines. While it commands a premium price over some competitors, you’re investing in Honda’s legendary reliability and a motorcycle that truly excels on both road and track.

How Does the Honda CBR650R Drive?

The Honda CBR650R is designed to deliver pure middleweight sports bike performance with Honda’s characteristic refinement. The 649cc DOHC inline-four engine produces 94 bhp at 12,000rpm, delivering smooth and progressive power that builds beautifully through the rev range. This isn’t the explosive power delivery of a supersport bike, but rather a more accessible performance that still provides genuine thrills when you twist the throttle.

Where the CBR650R truly shines is in its chassis dynamics and real-world usability. The suspension offers excellent feedback and control, allowing you to attack corners with confidence while still providing reasonable comfort for longer rides. The riding position strikes a perfect balance between sporty commitment and everyday practicality. You get the engagement of a proper sports bike without the wrist-burning extremes of a full superbike. The braking system is strong and progressive, giving you the stopping power to match the performance.

Inside the Honda CBR650R: Comfort & Features

Step aboard the CBR650R and you immediately notice the thoughtful ergonomics that set it apart from more extreme sports bikes. The riding position is sporty yet sustainable, with clip-on handlebars that don’t force you into an overly aggressive crouch. The seat offers good padding and support for rides of moderate length, though it can become firm on longer journeys. The footpegs are positioned to give a sporty feel without being uncomfortably high.

The instrument cluster is modern and comprehensive, featuring a clear LCD display that shows all essential information including gear position indicator and fuel consumption data. Build quality is exemplary throughout, with solid switchgear and premium materials that feel designed to last. The bike’s aerodynamics work well at higher speeds, providing reasonable wind protection that makes motorway riding more comfortable than you might expect from a sports-focused machine.

The Honda CBR650R is an outstanding choice if you want genuine sports bike performance wrapped in a package that works for real-world riding. It successfully delivers the thrills of Honda’s racing heritage while remaining civilised enough for daily use. The inline-four engine is a masterpiece of engineering, providing character and performance that parallel-twin rivals simply cannot match. The trade-off is a higher price than some competitors and slightly less comfort on very long rides. It’s not the most powerful bike in its class, but that’s not its purpose. Its purpose is to be the perfect balance between performance and practicality, and it achieves this brilliantly. If you appreciate engineering excellence and want a sports bike you can live with every day, the CBR650R is difficult to fault.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

Honda CBR650R Running Costs

As a premium Honda motorcycle, the CBR650R represents good value in terms of running costs for the performance delivered. The efficient fuel-injected engine returns around 42 mpg in mixed riding, which helps keep fuel costs reasonable for a performance bike. Insurance costs will be moderate for the sports bike category, though they’ll be higher than for more mundane motorcycles due to the performance potential.

The key consideration is the initial purchase price of £8,599, which positions the CBR650R in the premium middleweight segment. This reflects Honda’s reputation for quality and reliability, along with the sophisticated inline-four engine and high-quality components throughout. Servicing costs are reasonable for a Honda, and the brand’s excellent dealer network ensures parts availability and support. The CBR650R’s strong residual values mean it holds its worth well, especially with motorcycle finance options making ownership more accessible.

Is the Honda CBR650R Practical for Everyday Use?

For a sports bike, the Honda CBR650R is surprisingly practical for everyday use. The riding position allows for comfortable commuting without the extreme physical demands of a full superbike. The fuel tank capacity provides decent range for touring, while the under-seat storage offers space for essentials like documents and a small tool kit. The pillion accommodation is adequate for occasional passenger duties, though the rear seat is best suited for shorter journeys.

Where the CBR650R shows its limitations is in cargo capacity and weather protection compared to more touring-oriented machines. If you regularly need to carry luggage or ride in adverse weather conditions, you might want to consider Honda’s more versatile offerings. For weekend rides, track days, and spirited commuting, however, the CBR650R strikes an excellent balance. Its compact dimensions make it easy to filter through traffic and park in tight spaces, while the reliable Honda engineering means you can count on it for daily transport duties alongside used Honda motorcycles in their range.

The Honda CBR650R stands out in the competitive middleweight sports bike market by offering genuine performance credentials with everyday usability. It packages Honda’s renowned engineering expertise, sophisticated inline-four power delivery, and premium build quality into a motorcycle that excels both on the daily commute and weekend blast. While it may not be the cheapest or most powerful in its class, it excels in the areas that matter for most riders.

You choose the CBR650R because you want a sports bike that doesn’t force you to compromise on practicality. Its refined performance, excellent build quality, and Honda reliability make every journey more enjoyable. It’s perfectly suited for riders who want track-day capability with commuter practicality. If you’re looking for a middleweight sports bike that offers the complete package, the CBR650R should be at the top of your list, especially when considering cars under £10,000 for alternative transport options.