Honda CB650R BS6 Road Test Review: Photo Gallery

The Honda CB650R is a gorgeous neo-retro bike. But is it worth shelling out Rs 8.68 lakh? Find out in our review with pics

The Honda CB650R is one of the best looking neo-retro motorcycles in its segment; we have put the bike through its paces, and here's how it has performed in the real world.

The Honda CB650R BS6 gets a lean yet muscular stance, thanks to its clean, sharp-looking body panels. The circular LED headlight, with the horseshoe-shaped LED DRL, gives the bike a proper retro aura with a hint of modernity.

Moving to the side, you'll see that the bike gets the Candy Red paint scheme, which, further complemented by the blacked out finish on the mechanicals, instantly grabs your attention. To further add to its aesthetic appeal, Honda has offered a bronze treatment for the powertrain, while the four exhaust pipes merging into the single underbelly muffler make it look muscular.  

The bike features a split-type step up seat and a 15.4-litre fuel tank with tank extensions and air ducts.

The motorcycle gets a lean tail section that carries an LED tail light, complemented by the fat 180-section rear tyre.

On the features front, the Honda CB650R BS6 comes equipped with Honda Selectable Torque Control System (HSTC), automatic hazard lamps (switches on when it detects sudden braking), a traction control system and an LCD instrument cluster that displays gear position, shift up indicator, and other basic titbits – it does, however, miss out on smartphone connectivity.

Talking about the ergonomics, the bike comes  with a slightly forward set riding stance, and the wide handlebars provide enough leverage to make your way through congested roads with ease. However, the 206kg of kerb weight of the bike might become too much to handle for a few riders, especially while initiating U-turns, or moving the bike through a rough patch at slow speed, or taking on the twisties with enthusiasm, or getting it out of a tight parking space. The redeeming aspect here is the fact that the 810mm seat is quite accessible for all sorts of riders, and the rider’s footpegs are placed right below the seat, easing out the rider's posture.

Powering the Honda CB650R is a 648.72cc inline four-cylinder engine that produces 87PS and 57.5Nm. This motor isn't the fastest revving around; and as a result, you have to push it hard to extract the most out of it. But then, when you do, the exhaust note sounds strained and lacks the sporty tone. What’s even more disappointing is that for an inline four engine, it isn’t as refined as expected from a typical Honda. The vibrations can be felt on pegs and the tank once you go beyond 115kmph. The traction control system is just too intrusive and further contributes to the lacklustre performance.

This motor comes paired with a six-speed gearbox with slipper clutch that is smooth shifting, while the bike's clutch operation is on the lighter side, thanks to the assist function.

The suspension hardware includes adjustable 41mm Showa Separate Fork Function Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks up front and a monoshock at the rear. This setup offers a pliant ride and holds well around the corners.

For braking, it uses a 310mm dual-disc at the front and a 240mm single disc at the rear that is assisted by dual-channel ABS. This hardware offers great stopping power as the bike sheds speed without any fuss.

The Honda CB650R rolls on 17-inch wheels that come wrapped in Dunlop D214 tyres. They get 120-section up front and a 180-section unit at the rear. This setup lacks the communication or confidence that you would expect from a middle-weight bike, and as a result, you won't be pushing it hard and fast around the corners.

The Honda CB650R is priced at Rs 8,67,865 (ex-showroom Mumbai). Summing up, while the new CB650R is a looker, the bike is far from being a value for money offering, especially when we consider its arch-rivals: the Kawasaki Z650 and Triumph Trident 660 that offer  more features and better performance, that too at a lower asking price.