Honda CBR650F review, test ride

Honda import the CBR 650F into India via the CKD route, assembled at Manesar. This should have seen affordable pricing, but at this price, leave aside direct rivals, you can bring home the capable Z800, Kawasaki’s in-line four cylinder machine that’s a clean segment up on any 650.

As a bike on its own, the CBR 650F makes a robust, well rounded performer. It’s got a fairing, quality, good equipment, strong performance and reasonably nice handling. Pit it against its nearest rivals, the in-line four Benelli’s, 600i and 600GT, and the CBR is more than able to hold its own. However, factor in its Rs 7.30 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) price and the CBR 650F runs into a brick wall. Honda’s priced the bike a segment higher, where the competition is way stiffer. The CBR 650F is like a 10^th standard student suddenly finding himself appearing for a 12^th standard examination. There’s only ever going to be one report card when doing this.

Rishad Cooper

Specifications

Price                            Rs 7.30 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

On Sale                         Now

L/W/H                         2107/753/1149mm

Wheelbase                   1449mm

Fuel tank capacity       17.3litres

Kerb weight                215kg

Engine layout              In-line four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, four-stroke

Displacement              648.72cc

Power                              85.3bhp at 11000rpm

Torque                           6.4kgm at 8000rpm

Specific output            131.5bhp per litre

Power to weight          396.7bhp per tonne

Gearbox                       6-speed, 1-down, 5-up

Front suspension         Telescopic forks

Rear suspension          Monoshock, alloy swingarm

Front brake                  320mm disc (ABS)

Rear brake                   240mm disc (ABS)

Wheels                       12-spoke alloy

Rim size (f-r)               17 inches

Tyre size (f-r)             120/70 x 17- 180/55 x 17 inches

Acceleration from rest (dry surface)