Honda CB650F

As said above, the Honda CB650F is essentially the CBR650F without the front fairing. The muscular stance of the motorcycle, in addition to a couple of modern features, makes it look conventional and contemporary at the same time.

At the front, the CB650F features a sharp looking angular full LED headlamp with characteristic kinks at both of its lower and upper ends. Moving towards the sides, the CB650F has a four-in-one exhaust pipe on a complete display, which enhances its overall muscular appeal. Talking about the muscular appeal, the CB650F’s fuel tank comes with sharp but wide fuel tank extensions which are smaller than what the previous model offered. The black cladding behind the fuel tank extensions acts like functional knee recesses.

In addition to the fuel tank, the CB 650F also shares the side body cowls, rear side body panels, and tail lamp with its fully faired sibling, which is not a bad thing at all. To make it touring friendly, the CB650F comes fitted with a long single piece seat. Adding more glory to the side profile are the petal-shaped disc brakes as well as 12-spoke alloy wheels.

Though the motorcycle manages to look up-to-date, the one thing which sticks out like a sore thumb is the twin pod fully digital instrument console. It surely has all the essential data on display like speed, rev-count, fuel amount, distance travelled, odometer, and time. However, the basic design and layout of this console remain pretty dated. 

The Honda CB650F comes fitted with a rather conventional suspension setup of 41 mm hydraulic telescopic forks at the front and a 7-step adjustable monoshock along with an aluminium swingarm at the rear. While there is nothing to complain about the suspension setup as it impresses with its smooth ride quality, we would have loved to see upside down forks at the front for a more increased agility.

For stopping duties, the Honda CB650F features a pair of 320 mm petal discs at the front and a single 240 mm petal disc at the rear.

The Honda CB650F sources its power from the same four-stroke, liquid-cooled, inline-four, 649 cc engine which powers its fully faired sibling, the CBR650F. Here on the CB650F, the engine produces 87 PS of power and 63 Nm of peak torque. The engine is coupled to a smooth 6-speed gearbox. Being a four-cylinder engine, the refinement of this 649 cc mill is nothing to complain about.

Apart from the mandatory feature of ABS in this segment, the CB650F also features ‘Honda Intelligent Security System (H.I.S.S.). As per this system, if an incorrect key is inserted in the ignition keyhole, the system basically disables the starting of the engine.

The Honda CB650F retains all the positive traits of its fully faired version, the CBR650F, and manages to build up a case of being a smooth, slick city hustler with a charming personality. While the muscular stance of the CB650F is very likeable, the introduction of LEDs over its previous generation is a welcoming addition. The butter-smooth refined engine is quite city-friendly, with the power delivery not too intimidating for new riders. And thanks to a supple suspension setup, the CB650F is great for both - city traffic and long highway rides.