– 2017 CB650F Naked CBR Sport Bike / StreetFighter Motorcycle Buyer’s Guide –

Say hello to the newly changed-up for 2017, Honda CB650F! What is the CB650F? It’s Honda’s idea of what a naked sport bike or “streetfighter” as some call it would look like and in my opinion they’ve done a pretty good job at it. Not that the 2016 and prior CB650F didn’t look that good or wasn’t a good bike but the changes Honda threw at the CB650F take it to the next level not only on the performance side of things but also aesthetically too. The more aggressive styling hints put it more in line with the aggressive ‘looks’ that the CB500F and CB1000R naked bikes have. We’ll go ahead and get one question I’m commonly asked out of the way before we dive into the nitty-gritty specs below… Is the 2017 Honda CB650F coming to the USA? Nope, Honda is still holding out on us this year and not bringing this gem to our side of the pond. I’m hoping we’ll see it soon though as Honda’s naked “CB” models have been increasing in sales year after year lately thanks to their affordable prices, exceptional MPG and of course they aren’t too shabby on the eyes either!

Check out the CB650F’s cousin, the CBR650F:

2017 Honda CBR650F Review – Click Here

2017 CB650F Model Changes / Updates: Honda’s naked four-cylinder middleweight based off of the CBR gains 4 horsepower (3kW) and a boisterous induction roar thanks to new intake tweaks, plus a Showa Dual Bending Valve front fork and revised Nissin brake calipers. New stripped-back styling highlights the engine and exudes a tougher, uncompromising attitude. We’ll dive more into those changes for 2017 below…

Are these changes to the 2017 CB650F massive and a game-changer? Nope. It’s not a complete model change-up to where everything little thing was tweaked like we saw for 2017 on the CBR1000RR. The CB650F has lived a short lifespan so far and Honda would almost be crazy to sink the money in R&D to completely revamp this model when it’s only going into its 3rd production year. These slight changes do make the bike even better than before and that’s a bonus as Honda could’ve left it alone.

2017 CB650F Review Contents:

• 1. Introduction
• 2. Model overview
• 3. Key features
• 4. Photo Gallery / Pictures
• 5. Technical specifications

1. CB650F Introduction

The four-cylinder middleweight has long been a key machine within the wide range of Honda motorcycles. Genuine middleweights provide accessible and enjoyable engine performance tied to minimal mass, giving the kind of pound-for-pound performance that makes a great place from which to begin – or resume – a motorcycling career.

The CB650F, which debuted in 2014, continues the tradition. Designed by a young team of engineers, it harnesses the lightweight form and high quality engineering of all mid-capacity Hondas – with a special nod to the seminal 1970’s CB400 from its side-swept exhaust downpipes – and injected an exciting new jolt of energy and naked streetfighter style.

The 2017 evolution raises the adrenaline level further. The new CB650F makes more power, and delivers an amplified soundtrack that matches its steelier edge. Stripped down further, and with even sharper handling, it packs a punch that’s hard to ignore.

Mr Sadataka Okabe, Large Project Leader (LPL) 17YM CB650F:

“Genuine middleweight four-cylinder motorcycles are an important Honda tradition. Bigger is not always better and for the 2017 CB650F we wanted to give riders more of what matters – performance, acceleration, style and handling ability ­– without adding weight or cost. We also wanted to give an even higher specification, with new features like LED lighting and the latest SDBV fork.”

2. CB650F Model Overview

More peak power from revised intake funnels and a new free-breathing exhaust gives the CB650F a satisfying rush up to its 11,000rpm redline, while shorter gear ratios ensure harder acceleration through the mid-range. And with the power upgrade, a new raucous growl emanates from down low, growing swiftly to a fast-spinning howl as the revs rise.

Its handling has been further sharpened with a Showa Dual Bending Valve front fork and revised Nissin front brake calipers. The CB650F’s lithe lines – with smaller side cowls and nose cowl – accentuate the engine’s muscularity and the machine’s forceful forward stance. The headlight and taillight are now LED while rubber-mounted handlebars add long distance comfort.

3. CB650F Key Features

3.1 Engine

For 2017 the CB650F’s engine has an extra 4 horsepower (3kW) up top, with a 90 HP (67kW) @ 11,000rpm peak power output. The increase ­– which kicks in from 5,000rpm ­– is due to new intake and exhaust flow management: shorter air intake funnels feed four 32mm throttle bores from a down-flow airbox (which itself draws through larger intake ducts) and in turn the right side-swept 4-1 exhaust now employs a dual-pass internal structure (rather than triple-pass) in the muffler, reducing back pressure. It also features a larger final outlet.

With shorter gear ratios from second through to fifth, the new CB650F gets away faster than the previous design and from a 60km/h second gear roll-on will put out 3 bike lengths over 400m.

Slightly increased peak torque of 47 lb/ft TQ (64Nm) arrives at 8,000rpm, while the engine’s tractability allows it to pull smoothly from idle at 1,500rpm in sixth gear. Adding an extra layer of aural satisfaction, a throaty induction growl at low-to-mid rpm swaps over to an addictive high-rpm howl reminding the CBR650F rider of Honda’s four-cylinder racing pedigree.

The 649cc engine uses a compact internal architecture, stacked six-speed gearbox and starter/clutch layout with the cylinders canted forward 30°. The DOHC 16-valve cylinder head employs direct cam actuation; bore and stroke is set at 67mm x 46mm with compression ratio of 11.4:1.

Asymmetric piston skirts minimize bore contact and reduce friction. Ferrous spines on the outer surface of the cylinder sleeves reduce oil consumption (and friction) with improved heat transfer and a silent SV cam chain reduces frictional losses by using a Vanadium coating on its pins. Internal water channeling from cylinder head to cylinders does away with a great deal of the exterior hoses.

The 2017 CB650F comes in with a fuel consumption rating of 49 MPG(21km/l) which gives a range of over 217 miles (350km) from the 4.57 gal (17.3L) fuel tank. The CB650F engine is EURO 4 compliant.

3.2 Chassis

The CB650F’s steel diamond frame uses twin 64mm x 30mm elliptical spars with a rigidity balance specifically tuned (stiffer around the headstock and more ‘flexible’ in the spar sections) to deliver balanced handling characteristics with high levels of rider feedback. Rake is set at 25.5° with trail of 101mm and wheelbase of 57 inches. Curb weight is 458 lbs (208kg).

A brand new 41mm Showa Dual Bending Valve (SDBV) front fork improves ride comfort and handling, delivering proportional rebound damping with firmer compression damping as the 120mm stroke is used up. Octagonal fork caps are finished in attractive Alumite. Adjustable for 7-stage spring preload the single-tube monoshock operates directly on the curvaceous gravity die-cast aluminum swingarm.

Cast aluminum six-spoke wheels wear 120/70-17 and 180/55-17 front and rear radial tires and feature L shaped air valves for easier maintenance. Revised two-piston Nissin front calipers work 320mm wavy discs, with a single-piston rear 240mm disc. Two-channel ABS is fitted as standard.

Tight as a clenched fist, the CB650’s styling is pared back hard. New, smaller side cowls highlight the angular fuel tank and show off the engine while the stubby seat unit and cut-back front mudguard adds to the Mass Forward stance. Both the clear-lensed taillight and headlight are LED and the headlight cowl has been drawn in tighter, with sharper angles and a harder edge.

The riding position has been moved slightly forward, placing the rider closer to the front wheel; flatter tubular handlebars use optimized internal weights and now clamp into rubber-mounted risers to aid rider comfort. The seat’s narrow middle profile helps ground reach and it sits on rubber mounts that are carefully shaped (with specific hardness) to minimize any vibration. Seat height is 31.8 inches (810mm).

The dash comprises twin large digital screens. On the left are the rev-counter and speedometer; on the right are a fuel gauge, clock, odometer and the warning lights. Both sides are lit by a white back light. The key is a compact ‘wave’ design.

Underscored with a blacked-out frame, swingarm and wheels ­(plus bronzed engine covers) the CB650F will be available in the following color options:

• Millennium Red
• Sword Silver Metallic
• Pearl Metalloid White
• Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic
• Pearl Spencer Blue

4. 2017 CB650F Photo Gallery / Pictures

5. 2017 CB650F Technical Specifications

All specifications are provisional and subject to change without notice.

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