The Honda CBR650R gets an overhaul for 2021 including styling and suspension
The Honda CBR650R gains improved usability, handling, and styling for the 2021 update
SINCE the Honda CBR650R morphed out of the squishy shell of the CBR650F back in 2019, it’s been something of a rarity in the market.
It’s not the full-on race-ready experience of the old CBR600RR, but definitely more honed and focused than the previous CBR650F.
Honda CBR650R (2019) video review
For the 2021 edition of the machine, Honda was worked on a number of areas of the bike, improve the handling, styling, and everyday usability of the machine
Honda CBR650R (2021) styling and colours
The 2021 version of the CBR650R is still keeping with the hard-edged overhaul the machine gained in 2021. Fans of the previous machine launched in 2019 will be happy to see that the Fireblade-a-like styling is still very much the focus.
The upper and lower fairing panels have been tweaked slightly, something that Honda claims to ‘blend muscularity with slim lines and angles’. While I’m not totally sure I can spot the changes – I think the new bike looks sweet enough! The bike also features a new steel mudguard and a revised number plate mounting bracket.
New suspension for the 2021 CBR650R
The biggest change to the CBR650R is the switch from Showa Dual Bending Valve forks to Sperate Function Big Piston (SFF BP) items. The outgoing model was certainly no slouch when it came to slithering up a twisty mountain pass, striking a perfect balance between cornering prowess and everyday comfort. We’ll wait until we can ride it ourselves but, it should make the Honda an extremely sweet-handling bike indeed.
Improved usability and equipment
As with the CB650R we rode on the head-to-head launch last January, the only real issue was the dash was too dim and difficult to read in a range of lighting conditions. And as with the 2021 CB650R, Honda has had a fiddle around and altered the angle of the dash and also increased the font size to hopefully alleviate this issue.
Under the 810mm seat of the Honda now resides a USB Type-C socket to allow charging of mobile phones and other equipment while on the move.
The 2021 Honda CBR650R is thought to be landing in dealerships before Christmas, with the actual date and pricing TBC.
2021 Honda CBR650R specs
ENGINE | |
Type | Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 16-valve DOHC inline-4 cylinder |
Engine Displacement (cm³) | 649cc |
Bore ´ Stroke (mm) | 67.0 x 46.0 |
Compression Ratio | 11.6:1 |
Max. Power Output | 70kW/12,000rpm |
Max. Torque | 63Nm/8,500rpm |
Oil Capacity | 2.7L |
FUEL SYSTEM | |
Carburation | PGM-FI electronic fuel injection |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.4L |
Fuel Consumption | 20.4km/litre |
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | |
Starter | Electric |
Battery Capacity | 12V/8.6AH |
ACG Output | 370W |
DRIVETRAIN | |
Clutch Type | Wet, multiplate disc |
Transmission Type | 6-speed |
Final Drive | Chain |
FRAME | |
Type | Steel diamond |
CHASSIS | |
Dimensions (LxWxH) | 2120 x 750 x 1,150mm |
Wheelbase | 1450mm |
Caster Angle | 25.5° |
Trail | 101mm |
Seat Height | 810mm |
Ground Clearance | 130mm |
Kerb Weight | 208kg |
Turning radius | |
SUSPENSION | |
Type Front | 41mm Showa Separate Function front Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks |
Type Rear | Monoshock damper with 7 stage adjustable preload, 43.5mm stroke |
WHEELS | |
Rim Size Front | Hollow section 6-spoke cast aluminium |
Rim Size Rear | Hollow section 6-spoke cast aluminium |
Tyres Front | 120/70ZR17 M/C (58W) |
Tyres Rear | 180/55ZR17 M/C (73W) |
BRAKES | |
ABS System Type | 2 channel; hydraulic dual disc 310mm front, hydraulic disc 240mm rear |
INSTRUMENTS & ELECTRICS | |
Instruments | Digital speedometer, digital bar graph tachometer, dual trip meter, digital bar graph fuel gauge, gear position and upshift indicator, digital clock |
Headlight | LED |
Taillight | LED |
Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
