HONDA CBR650F (2014 - 2017) Review

Excellent all round bike, the seat and seating position are brilliant for me, leaned forward slightly more than on the z1000, but I can ride it for longer (?). Had an er6 previously and that was way more upright (but a lot of fun), this is just as much fun but feels more grown up too. I use it to commute and weekend blasts and both are as fun or as sensible as you like

Love the engine, coming from a 4 cylinder litre bike to this didn’t think it would be much different (but thought I’d miss the power), however this seems to like revs more - no bad thing in my book - you can grab it by the scruff of the neck and ride it fast, it sounds half decent and will get you forward very quickly and then keep going round the corners where it’s very flickable. Oh and I’ve not once missed the extra power of the z1000

Not had too long, however the fit and finish seem excellent. No issues with fasteners or corrosion and the bike seems on par with my previous z1000sx if not better.

An estimate based on quote I’ve had for a service coming up, however depends on your mileage!!!

Wanted ABS, got ABS. Job done! Has trip computer etc, but so has my car, never pay much attention to this. I can see the need for TC on bikes, however I don’t think this needs it. The only time I’d think this is useful if it was lean sensitive as that’s way more useful

The vibrations from the bike at motorway speed are horrible, hands and fingers go numb within 30 mins, many people I’ve spoken to with the same bike have the same issue. Has good handling on twisty lanes and best kept in urban environments

Engine has absolutely no guts or eagerness low down in the Rev range. Go along at 30mph in 2nd gear twist the throttle all the way round.....and nothing happens for a second or two and then it very gently may start to move a bit quicker

No matter what you do, what you try, how many times you clean it or protection you use on it the very cheap and nasty components always rust. The rear shock, subframe and head stock were really bad within months along with all fixings and fasteners. Fairing panels vibrate and the cheap Velcro fixings holding them to the frame of course don’t!

Very basic, has abs but no gear indicator which on modern bikes should now be standard

Considering the suspension only has pre-load adjustment it works really well. I've had three Fireblades and I find the CBR650F can be ridden just as fast on typical UK roads with all their usual road surface challenges as a Fireblade. No doubt a pristine track surface would see the Fireblade's advantage revealed.

I tried a twin Yamaha Tracer 700 and it's not a patch on a decent four cylinder engine.

I've ridden it through the winter of 2018/19 and it still looks like new and runs like new too.

I do not miss the old Honda servicing schedule of 4k, 8k 12k etc. The new bikes are much cheaper to look after with no of these 'mid' service 4k mile check ups.

I wish it had two things in the instrument cluster, an engine temp gauge and a gear indicator.

Brakes are very good. Handling is very good for this type of bike. Lack of suspension adjustment has not proved an issue. Has never got out of shape under pressure, but comfy enough on bumpy/increasingly normal roads!

After a V twin before, and a triple before that, I hankered after an inline 4, harking back to my old GPX750 sports tourer from years ago, that was one of those biked that I always loved. It ticks those boxes so well and beyond. The engine is a peach. Sweet, smooth and actually loves to play, but happy tootling too. The high rev whine is addictive though. I find this a nice all rounder. It is happy to commute at reasonable speeds, but you can rev it, have fun and not be doing mental speeds. I can only get away with one bike with the missus, so need an all rounder, and I have to say, if this is your situation, I doubt you will be disappointed.

No issues. I get lots of comments on wow, at that price. OK, I'm anal about polishing though! Part of the pleasure of bike owning in my book!

I paid £650 for the three year, unlimited mileage service plan including valve service, which for my mileage is good value.

Fine here. Screen works well. Mirrors were not great other than nice view of elbows. I had to invest in some extenders, but no big deal. Gauges work well, and other than a gear indicator which you get used to knowing revs, speeds etc, it is fine. Tyres fitted are Ok. Good in dry, Ok in wet but I am looking forward to getting something better re confidence and feedback. Not that they are bad, but I feel they could be better, allowing me to hoon a little more confidently when conditions/situations allow.

Engine and box are very smooth as you would expect from Honda. That's its only redeeming feature

Decent pokey engine

Awful build quality. Cheap parts and finish

What equipment?

Cheap rubnish fasteners and bolts etc

Only decent thing about the bike

Surperb set-up, comfortable and forgivin. I do agree with other comments regarding vibrations which I notice around 75mph

Faultless

It's the corrosion on fasteners and washers I can't get my head around, plus the rear shock is looking tatty. Having ridden through the last two winters and 10500 miles on the clock in 18 months, the bike is looking more like it's 5 - 7 years old. UK weather and salting is not good for any bike, but mine is religiously washed down with cold water, then soaped up, followed by a new dose of ACF50 on a weekly basis. The engine, whels and fairings still look new.

Service at £250.00. To buy new it's cheap and to keep running it's cheap. I average 55mpg and have had to replace a rear tyre due to a puncture (road pilot 3 @ £135)

Your buying a budget bike, so don't expect too much. ABS is a nice touch though

Excellent ABS Brakes

Good Torque through the gears at low revs The engine just lacks a little power at the top end.

Economical engine

really needs a centre stand

Great breaks, very comfortable for the rider and pillion as well, maybe not the most flickable on the market, but you can't have it all (comfort vs agility). All in all it's a very thought out compromise.

You need to ride it a just bit higher (10% more revs) than your best twin (Yamaha ... 7) to get the same punch but you got waaaay more head room (and a bit more power) up there. Sound - twins don't come even close.

Honda ...

Should be fine, proven tech, but not really sure - brand new.

Nice to have LED lights, but not much other candy.

Very comfy ride

Was hoping for a bit more torque, i don't see the low end on this bike but mid-range is very nice

It's a Honda, i'm sure it is well built bike

I have only had the bike a couple months so i don't have any maintenance cost for it yet

Windscreen and faring are very nice but not a fan of the banana seat, though it is comfortable stock seat

Great bike to sit on once you get comfortable on it. Handles the usual bumps and holes on the road well and the brakes with added ABS stop quite well. I've added Metzeler Roadtec 01's to the bike and these have massively improved braking and ride quality compared to the stock Dunlop's.

Mid-weight engine that is built for commuting. Pulls in pretty much any gear from 2000 or so revs. Throttle can be a little snatchy when filtering in 1st, but when you get used to the way the bike behaves it isn't a problem.

Usual Honda reliability, in 9000 miles only issue I've had has been fuel related. Some panels are fitted with velcro that has lost its stickiness.

Great value for money and gets about 130 miles on 10-11 litres of petrol. I have higher servicing costs as I do 20000 miles a year.

Has everything you need but could do with a gear position indicator and a temperature gauge. Would also like more suspension adjustability than just a rear shock preload adjustment.

Suspensions - Front: - Medium - Not too soft not too hard, handled twisties very well. Headlight: - Adequate - Could clearly see on unlit roads - Fog lights would be helpful Mirrors: - Absolutely need to upgrade or use extenders. - Stock too small not enough coverage and clarity. Handle bars: - Perfect for my height and size. May lead to sore wrist on longer journeys like mine. Nothing too serious, maybe I little getting used to will help. - Vibration present but not too much that would make anyone uncomfortable. Tank: - Good Enough - Long Journeys will need many fuel stops - Good Range - I got 58 mpg average. Seat: - Comfortable even for two up. - Uncomfortable for long journeys - needs something softer. Foot Rests: - Plush for rider. - OK for pillion Gear Lever: - May need adjustment as it needs to go through its full travel in order to shift up to the next gear. - It depends on your boots especially touring full boots. Suspension - Rear. - Adjustable. - Handles twisties very well in collaboration with front suspensions. - Can be a bit harsh on uneven surfaces. Exhaust: - Neat and quite. - May not be too exciting in the long run. Tail Light: - Not too shabby - Kept pillion 100% clean - Lightly wet roads. - Aftermarket not necessary unless you want it. Indicators: - Smoked. - Look good - unless you want to change. Lever: - Clutch biting point too far out. - Front brake adjustable RECOMMENDATION: HONDA / AFTERMARKET ADJUSTABLE CLUTCH LEVER AFTERMARKET ADJUSTABLE CLUTCH LEVERS AFTERMARKET MIRRORS OR MIRROR EXTENDERS AFTERMARKET SEAT (for long journeys)

Engine: - Smooth, solid and sounds great when revving. - Linear power delivery. - More than enough power on tap.

Handle bars: - Perfect for my height and size. May lead to sore wrist on longer journeys like mine. Nothing too serious, maybe I little getting used to will help. - Vibration present but not too much that would make anyone uncomfortable.

For a first service - £130 is a bit over the top I would say. Considering the consumables are just an oil filter and 3 bottles for engine oil which come roughly about £35. I could do it easily at home but considering a brand new bike and warranty, decided to give it to the dealer.

Bodywork/Paint: - Paint is First Class, bodywork styling is superb. - Some body parts are stuck by velcro and some clearances between joints - Not good for £7099 bike. - Windscreen may need upgrade as doesnt really keep the wind off even after attaching higher Honda windscreen. Instrument Cluster: - Good eough, though cant see anything in the sun, night time use it has no issues. Backlight is bright and all info is very clear. - Nothing spectacular - Standard digital gauge with trips, average mileage, gas consumption, clock, fuel gauge, rpm range and speedometer. - Fuel Gauge - prefer the analogue. Tyres: - Dunlop - Adequate, seems to take a while to scrub in. RECOMMENDATION: AFTERMARKET GEAR INDICATOR, HEATED GRIPS BETTER TYRES HEAVIER BAR ENDS AFTERMARKET WINDSCREEN

Vibrations put me off having a thoroughly enjoyable ride.

Slightly under powered

Dials are clear and functions exceedingly well, but looks dated - nothing visually appealing or attractive about it, and I'm certain there was room for gear indicator (especially if aimed at new riders).

Ride is really smooth and positive, well balanced even in bends its overall just effortless to ride. Brakes are abs and are spot on.

If you want a full on rocket ship this would not be the bike for you. If you're an older rider and like a sports bike look with enough power to make you grin then its ideal, with super smooth power delivery and great performance, especially in the higher rev range.

For the money it costs the build quality is excellent usual Honda standard, cannot really comment on reliability as Ive only covered 75 miles so far. Engine is super smooth and found no problems clutch and gear selection.

Great seating position, can sit comfortably upright just as much as hugging the tank. Longest ride has only been 2hrs so far but didn't feel too tired or uncomfortable after it at all. Planning on doing the NC500 at some point so I guess that will test it! Brakes seem good enough! Not failed yet....

Pretty smooth in town traffic and still plenty of power to open the throttle up with an empty motorway ahead.

It's a Honda... after living in the garage all winter it started first time as if it'd been running the whole time.

Servicing costs will obviously vary but £160 seemed pretty fair. Can be a thirsty machine if you're really hammering it but otherwise it's pretty average. Insurance is a bit high at £800/year but I'm guessing that's due to it being my first year and not so much the bike.

Plenty of extras available if you want them. My bike's white so I got the pillion seat cowel and a double-bubble blacked out screen and it really makes the bike stand out that bit more.

Ok - lacking a few ponies but pretty sweet. Would be a 4 if we didn't have to keep off roading it whilst we wait for new starter motors or wiring harnesses.

See above. built to price when compared to earlier cbr's and the customer service was terrible. No empathy, no consideration - mechanical "computer says no" kind of approach. Having a call centre deal with problems where a product is bought 90% based on emotion is totally stupid. I would not, could not recommend buying any Honda in the future based on my experience. I've had 400 fours, 550 fours cbx 750 and a number of cbr600f's which have all been brilliant but based on this experience I would buy a Yamaha next time.

fine but indicator switch position pretty annoying!