Honda CBR650F (2014-2018): Review & Buying Guide

Price: £3000-£6500 | Power: 90bhp | Weight: 211kg | Overall BikeSocial Rating: 4/5

Released in 2014, on the face of it the CBR650F was basically an upgraded CBR600F – however in reality that view is very far from the truth. Although effective in its role in life, the CBR600F was a pretty uninspirational model and was very much a budget-targeted do-it-all that was effectively a Hornet with a fairing attached. The CBR650F, however, was something far more impressive. A ground-up new model, the CBR was designed to not only hit a low price tag but do so while delivering a bike that was as happy in town as it was on an open twisty B-road. Young or old, experienced or new to two wheels, male or female, the CBR650F is one of those bikes that ticks every box and a good used one is a delight to ride and own thanks to its flexible and friendly nature. Not only that, it is also pretty cheap to buy and run, which is always good.

Honda CBR650F (2014-2018) Price

The CBR originally cost £7399 new, a low RRP that was achieved by Honda moving its production from Japan to Thailand. The naked CB650F version, which is basically a CBR minus its fairing, cost £6599 as it lacked expensive bodywork. At that time Yamaha Fazer 8 was £7999 and XJ6 Diversion F £6699. Nowadays you need to assume a price tag of about £3000-£5500 for an early CBR650F with the updated 2017-onwards bike costing from £4500-£6500. Due to its easy-going nature, quite a few are used as commuters so there are some cheaper high-milers out there but the best advice is to aim for one with up to 15,000 miles on its clocks as that generally signifies used but not abused, which is a good recipe for a used bike.

Engine and Performance

Billed by Honda as a completely new motor, the 649cc inline four can certainly trace its roots back to the CBR600RR engine but in reality it is very far removed. A pretty standard design with DOHC and 16-valves, Honda treated it to some clever tricks to ensure that as many of the water pipes as possible were hidden so that in naked form on the CB650F it looked uncluttered. Not only that, they worked hard on reducing internal losses to make it as fuel efficient as possible, claiming it could deliver 59.3mpg and therefore a tank range of over 215 miles. That’s not bad going at all.

Producing a claimed 90bhp with 47lb.ft of torque (the updated 2017-onwards bike adds 4bhp and a bit of torque, but nothing to really shout about), the CBR is a spirited performer but one that gives tractable mid-range precedence over top-end zap. And good on Honda for taking this decision as it makes the CBR a delight to ride. Easy-going and smooth on the throttle, a few owners grumble about vibrations but they aren’t that intrusive and can easily be damped out through heavier bar-end weights. Interestingly, Honda did alter the gear ratios (2nd to 5th) in the 2017 update to give the bike a bit more zap, something that owners of the older bike can replicate (a bit...) through new sprockets lowering the final drive ratio.

With a reputation for reliability, there isn’t much to worry about on a used CBR650F engine aside from service history. On typical 4000-mile intervals, the biggy is the 16,000-mile service which also includes a valve clearance check – boosting the service price from around £150-£200 to £600 and maybe even more if they need adjusting. Always bear this number in mind when buying used, although it has to be noted that Honda did design the bike to have easy access to the cylinder head. Other than that, give the cool side-swept exhaust a check over for any issues around its welds and ensure that the gearbox works nice and smoothly. A few owners report it can be clunky but this is often traced back to worn cush drive rubbers or a slack drive chain rather than any inherent gearbox faults.

Honda CBR650F (2014-2018) Handling & Suspension

In a cost-saving exercise, the CBR650F comes with a steel diamond frame rather than a flashy alloy item but that’s not to its detriment. Designed specifically for the CBR (and CB) it comprises of elliptical spars with forged parts where they are required (swingarm pivot) for maximum strength. As well as looking good, this design of chassis allowed Honda to ‘tune’ it to give riders the best possible feedback and deliver a sporty yet not harsh or flighty ride quality. And it works!

Ok, the telescopic forks look a bit old-hat (they were updated in 2017 to excellent Showa Dual Bending Valve items) but once you get the CBR on a twisty road they work brilliantly and when combined with the bike’s light overall weight and thoroughly sorted chassis result in a wonderfully balanced machine. Light and easy-going in town with a low 810mm seat height (it feels lower), get the CBR out onto the open road and you can feel its sporting heritage. Never overstepping the mark, it is one of those bikes that gives you bags of confidence and makes for a wonderful bike to just get on and ride for the sheer pleasure of it. The brakes, which have ABS as standard, may only be two-piston sliding units but they work well (check for any signs of them sticking) and the ABS itself is also good. As with the motor, there isn’t much to be wary of when buying used aside from the obvious crash damage and worn out parts such as tyres, brake pads, chain, sprockets and bearings. Some owners grumble about the level of finish but overall the CBR650F seems to hold up pretty well.

Comfort & Economy

Honda claim 59.3mpg and therefore a tank range of over 225 miles, owners reckon that 50-55mpg is more realistic – which is still pretty good. You can safely assume 180 miles between fill-ups and probably push it to 200 if you are feeling brave.

When it comes to comfort, the CBR may look sporty but it is really relaxed with high bars and low pegs. Shorter riders love the CBR as its narrow waist helps them get both feet firmly on the floor. If you want to throw some luggage on and venture away for a weekend, the CBR is more than up for a bit of lightweight sports touring.

Honda CBR650F (2014-2018) Equipment

Aside from ABS and Honda’s HISS immobiliser system, you don’t get much with the CBR as standard. The dash has a fuel gauge but lacks a gear indicator (you can buy aftermarket ones) and that’s about it. Honda did sell an accessory top box, taller screen and heated grips but the majority of owners buy aftermarket alternatives as they are cheaper alongside the occasional replacement end can and crash bungs. Most used CBR650F models are generally pretty standard aside from a taller screen so be a bit wary of a heavily accessorised one. Generally, use the level of accessories as a guide to its previous life – top box and heated grips equals a commuter, standard generally means it has been used for enjoyment rather than slogging through traffic.

Honda CBR650F (2014-2018) Rivals

Honda targeted the CBR at a wide range of riders and that seems to have worked as there is no ‘typical’ owner.

Yamaha XJ6 Diversion F (2009-2016 ) | Approx Price: £2500-£5500

Power/Torque: 77bhp/44lb-ft | Weight: 216kg

Suzuki SV650S (2004-2014) | Approx Price: £2200-£5000

Power/Torque: 74bhp/47lb-ft | Weight: 189kg

Kawasaki Ninja 650 (2012-2019) | Approx Price: £3800-£6000

Power/Torque: 67bhp/49lb-ft | Weight: 193kg

Honda CBR650F (2014-2018) Verdict

The CBR650F makes for a great, and very versatile, middleweight sportsbike with a price tag that isn’t too heart-stopping. The look, especially on the updated 2017-onwards bike, is pretty cool and the handling surprisingly adept. Overall, it hits the perfect balance between sporting ability and practicality and as such makes for a really enjoyable machine to ride that also has excellent reliability. It may not be as sporty or powerful as the old late 1990s or early 2000s CBR600F models, but they are getting on a bit now where the CBR650F is as fresh as a daisy.

Honda CBR650F (2014-2018) – Technical Specification

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