– NEW 2021 Honda CBR650R Changes Explained + More! –

The 2021 Honda CBR650R is back and with some new changes! American Honda hasn’t made these details “official” yet so here’s a sneak-peek look at the 2021 CBR650R from Honda that will be officially announced shortly… I’ll also be updating this page with new pictures as they are released and filling in some of the holes with missing data as soon as more becomes “official”.

If you’ve been out of the game for a few years… What is the CBR650R? It replaced the CBR650F in 2019. Why? Because the competition stepped it up and Honda decided to follow suit and thankfully ditched the F at the end of the CBR650F for 2019 as I would have so many ask “why is this one an F and there are no other CBR-F models?” and many other variations of the same question. Now it’ll make life a lot easier for everyone when it comes to understanding the CBR, CB-F, CBR-RR and CB-R model lineup as it’s expanding year after year now. Think of the 2021 CBR650R as the modern day CBR600 F4i from back in the day, it’s a tamed down and more comfortable version of the CBR600RR supersport bike for those that don’t need the best of everything and practically a race bike. They just want a fast and cheaper sport bike so-to-say.

Key 2021 CBR650R ABS Info (for those in a hurry):

• 2021 CBR650R ABS Price / MSRP: $9,699
• 2021 CBR650R Release Date: February 2021
• 2021 CBR650R Colors: Matte Black Metallic (USA), Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic, Candy Chromosphere Red
• 2021 CBR650R Horsepower: 94 HP @ 12,000 RPM
  
• 2021 CBR650R Torque: 47 ft/lb TQ @ 8,500 RPM
• 2021 CBR650R MPG: 48 Miles Per Gallon
• 2021 CBR650R Seat Height: 31.9 inches
• 2021 CBR650R Weight: 458 lbs (curb)
• 2021 CBR650R VS 2020 CBR650R Price / MSRP Increase: $0
• 2021 CBR650R VS 2020 CBR650R Changes: Yes, I break down the details more in-depth below.  

• 2021 CBR650R Review Contents:
  • 1. | CBR650R Introduction
  • 2. | CBR650R Model Overview
  • 3. | CBR650R Key Features / Development
    • 3.1 | CBR650R Styling / Chassis
    • 3.2 | CBR650R Engine
    • 3.3 | CBR650R Styling & Equipment
  • 4. | CBR650R Accessories
  • 5. | CBR650R Pictures / Photo Gallery
  • 6. | CBR650R Technical Specifications

1. | CBR650R Introduction

Honda’s fully faired CBR650F, launched in 2014 alongside the naked CB650F, provided a healthy slice of four cylinder middleweight performance, very much at the sporty end of the ‘sports touring’ spectrum. In 2017 it received sharper styling, highlighting the engine more, plus a peak power boost, Showa Dual Bending Valve front fork and revised Nissin brake calipers.

For its 2019 evolution the CBR650F became the CBR650R. The upgrade from ‘F’ to ‘R’ indicating an even more potent shot of sporty ability designed to be explored, used and enjoyed on the street.

In the process of its transformation the CBR650R became, deliberately, a rare breed: a four cylinder sports bike that provides similar pleasure, enjoyment and adrenaline to an RR machine, yet with enough practicality – and sensible running costs – to make it a viable option as day-to-day transport in addition to weekend fun.

It’s a direction that’s been well received. In its 2019 debut year, the CBR650R was the second best-selling sports bike in Europe and great seller in the USA too, for 2021, the CBR650R continues its development curve with user-driven detail improvements and a major upgrade for the front suspension.

2. | CBR650R Model Overview

The major news of the CBR650R’s update is application of 41mm Showa Separate Function Big Piston USD forks* – high quality suspension that further heightens the bike’s handling ability.

EURO5 compliance for the engine has been achieved with no loss of top end power; other improvements include improved visibility for the LCD display, new headlight reflectors and USB Type-C charging socket under the seat. New side panels and number plate mount are minor cosmetic changes.

3. | CBR650R Key Features / Development

3.1 CBR650R Chassis

• New Showa Separate Function Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks
• Four-piston, radial-mount front brake calipers and floating discs
• 120/70-ZR17 and 180/55-ZR17 front and rear tires

The steel diamond frame uses pressed swingarm pivot plates and twin 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 the wheelbase comes in at 57. inches (1,450mm). Curb weight for the 2021 CBR650R ABS comes in at 458 lbs (208 kg). 

Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD forks are a major upgrade; a pressure separation damper in one fork tube and spring mechanism in the other deliver high damping performance and lighter weight. Together with the use of a larger sized piston the result is increased feel, bump absorption and control. Adjustable for 7-stage spring preload, the single-tube monoshock operates directly on the curvaceous gravity die-cast aluminum swingarm.

Four-piston radial-mount front brake calipers work on 310mm wave-pattern floating discs, and are paired with a single-piston rear caliper and 240mm disc. The ABS is a two-channel system.

Cast aluminum wheels mount 120/70-ZR17 and 180/55-ZR17 front and rear tires.

3.2 CBR650R Engine

• Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)
• Full Euro5 compliance
• Assist/slipper clutch

The 649cc, DOHC 16-valve engine is tuned to create the purest, most enjoyable mid-sized four cylinder performance possible, with the classically fast ‘pick-up’ through the rev range and hard-hitting, high-revving top end for which Honda’s in-line’s fours are renowned. 

Through the 2021 update the only changes to engine specification are for EURO5 compliance; this has required revisions to the ECU, cam lobes, intake timing, exhaust pipe, catalyser and silencer, as well as the addition of a crank pulsar.

Honda’s development engineers wanted to create the purest, most enjoyable midsized four-cylinder performance possible for the CB650R rider, so the 649cc, DOHC 16-valve engine has been tuned to eliminate a slight torque dip at 5,500 RPM, and deliver 5% more power above 10,000 RPM with a redline raised 1,000 RPM.  Peak power arrives at 12,000 RPM, with peak torque delivered at 8,500. The net result is a motor that spins harder, and for much longer, at high rpm, with a smooth, linear torque delivery that builds strongly as revs rise, and sounds great in the process.

• 2021 CBR650R Performance Numbers:
  • CBR650R HP – 94 HP @ 12,000 RPM
  • CBR650R TQ –  47 ft/lb TQ @ 8,500 RPM
    • CBR650R kW – 70kW @ 12,000 RPM
    • CBR650R Nm – 64Nm @ 8,500 RPM

Direct cam actuation makes for a compact cylinder head; bore and stroke is set at 67mm x 46mm with compression ratio raised to 11.6:1 (from 11.4:1), and the combustion-chamber shape is optimized by use of a revised piston design. The valve train has been reinforced and valve timing revised; iridium spark plugs are also now employed.

Asymmetric piston skirts minimize bore contact, reducing 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 the cylinder head to the cylinders does away with most of the exterior hoses.

Twin air ducts on either side of the fuel tank feed a larger volume of air, as opposed to the single, central duct of the old model, raising atmospheric pressure in the airbox. They also produce a throaty intake roar. The exhaust now features a larger bore tail pipe—from 1.4 to 1.5 inches—inside the muffler to flow more gas and, with its exit pipe angled upward, to transmit the evocative howl more directly to the rider.

The engine uses a compact internal architecture, stacked six-speed gearbox and starter layout with the cylinders canted forward 30°. An assist/slipper clutch is a new addition and eases upshifts (with 12% less lever load) while managing rear-wheel lock up under rapid downshifts. On the CBR650R ABS version only, Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) manages rear-wheel traction; it can be turned off should the rider choose.

3.3 CBR650R Styling & Equipment

• New side panels and rear mudguard / number plate mount
• Revised headlight reflectors
• LCD display now easier to read
• USB Type-C socket under the seat

With its four-cylinder power unit clearly on display the CBR650R’s wrapping ramps up the pure sporting appeal; dual LED headlights emit a penetrating, uncompromising stare – with sharp new reflector profile for 2021 – and the upper and (extended) lower fairings blend muscularity with slim lines and angles.

The seat unit, too is compact and truncates the rear of the machine, adding to the hard-edged sense of purpose. New side panels accentuate the minimalism, as does the steel rear mudguard/number plate mount.

The aggressive riding position starts with clip-on handlebars that mount beneath the top yoke, matched to rear set footpegs. There’s also now a USB Type-C socket located under the seat, for easy charging of a mobile device. The 2021 CBR650R seat heat remains at 31.9 inches (810mm).

Stylish LCD instruments include Shift Up, Gear Position and Peak Hold indicators. For 2021 readability has been improved with a change of LED angle and font size.

4. | CBR650R Accessories

A range of Genuine Honda Accessories is available for the CBR650R:

• Front mudguard panels, side covers, seat cowl (aluminium parts or aluminium inserts)
• Wheel stripes
• Tank bag and seat bag
• Quick shifter
• Tall screen – clear or smoked
• Heated grips

5. | CBR650R Pictures / Photo Gallery

6. | CBR650R Technical Specifications