2023 Honda CBR650R Review / Specs + New Changes Explained! | CBR Buyer’s Guide

Honda Accessory Discount Code for Motorcycles, ATV, SxS, UTV, Scooters, Side by Side Models!

– New 2023 Honda CBR650R Review / Specs: Colors, HP + More! | CBR 650 Buyer’s Guide –

The 2023 Honda CBR650R has finally been announced and now it’s time to go over everything you need to know about this 650cc sport bike! First off, keep in mind that at the time of writing this, American Honda hasn’t released this bike officially so all of the details below are from the release in Europe which gives us a sneak peek as to what will be coming here to the USA for the 2023 CBR650R.

The CBR650R is your step between the more entry-level CBR500R and the fastest 600 class CBR sport bike from Honda, the cream of the crop supersport CBR600RR. Is it worth the several thousand dollar jump from the CBR500R while still being thousands cheaper than the CBR600RR? Hopefully this page helps answer that question and on top of that, we’ll also dive into the new 2023 CBR650R changes / updates and a lot more below…

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Quick 2023 CBR650R Info:

  • 2023 CBR650R Price / MSRP: TBA
  • 2023 CBR650R Release Date: TBA
  • 2023 CBR650R Announcement Date: October 2022
  • 2023 CBR650R Colors: Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic with Blue accents, Grand Prix Red
  • 2023 CBR650R Horsepower: 94 HP @ 12,000 RPM
  • 2023 CBR650R Torque: 47 ft/lb TQ @ 8,500 RPM
  • 2023 CBR650R MPG: 47.9 Miles Per Gallon
  • 2023 CBR650R Seat Height: 31.9 inches
  • 2023 CBR650R Weight: 456 lbs (curb)
  • 2023 CBR650R VS 2022 CBR650R Price / MSRP Increase: TBA
  • 2023 CBR650R VS 2022 CBR650R Changes: Yes, explained below.  

2023 Honda CBR650R Review / Specs + Changes Explained! | 2023 CBR 650 R Motorcycle / Sport Bike

  • 2023 CBR650R Review Contents:
    • 1. | 2023 Honda CBR650R Introduction
    • 2. | 2023 Honda CBR650R Model Overview
    • 3. | 2023 Honda CBR650R Key Features
      • 3.1 | 2023 Honda CBR650R Equipment & Styling
      • 3.2 | 2023 Honda CBR650R Chassis
      • 3.3 | 2023 Honda CBR650R Engine
    • 4. | 2023 Honda CBR650R Accessories
    • 5. | 2023 Honda CBR650R Videos
    • 6. | 2023 Honda CBR650R Pictures
    • 7. | 2023 Honda CBR650R Specs

1. | 2023 Honda CBR650R Introduction

2023 Honda CBR650R Review / Specs + Changes Explained! | 2023 CBR 650 R Motorcycle / Sport Bike

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. Five years later, 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 2021, the CBR650R was the best-selling sport bike in Europe and its naked middle-weight sibling, the CB650R was runner up to the Africa Twin in 2022. The 2021 version continued the development curve with user-driven detail improvements and a major upgrade for the front suspension that we covered in my review, here.

For 2023 the CBR650R gains aesthetic updates to both color options that further enhance its road presence and desirability.

2. | 2023 Honda CBR650R Overview

2023 Honda CBR650R Review / Specs + Changes Explained! | 2023 CBR 650 R Motorcycle / Sport Bike

The CBR650R received a significant refresh for 2021. The major news was application of 41mm Showa Separate Function Big Piston (SSF-BP) USD forks – high quality suspension that really elevates the bike’s handling ability.

 

EURO5 compliance for the engine was achieved with no loss of top end power; other detail improvements included improved visibility for the LCD display and USB Type-C charging socket under the seat. The headlight reflectors, side panels and rear mudguard were all also updated.

2023 Honda CBR650R Colors:

  • Matte Gunpower Black Metallic
    • with blue highlights
  • Grand Prix Red

3. | 2023 Honda CBR650R Key Features

3.1 | 2023 Honda CBR650R Equipment & Styling

  • New visual updates or both colors including new all black engine cases and cam cover
  • Minimal panels and rear mudguard / tag mount
  • LCD display
  • USB Type-C socket under the seat

With its four-cylinder power unit clearly on display the CBR650R’s wrapping ramps up pure sporting appeal; dual LED headlights emit an uncompromising stare, and the upper and 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. Trim side panels accentuate the minimalism, as does the steel rear mudguard/number plate mount.

honda-cbr650r-review-gauges-speedometer-.jpg

The aggressive riding position starts with clip-on handlebars that mount beneath the top yoke, matched to rear set footpegs. There’s also a USB Type-C socket located under the seat, for easy charging of a mobile device. Seat height is set at 810mm.

Stylish, easy-to-read LCD instruments include Shift-Up, Gear Position and Peak Hold indicators.

For 2023, both color options receive visual changes / updates including new all black engine case covers and valve covers. The Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic features new blue highlights on the tank instead of orange from last year, with the tail and fairing receiving the same blue treatment, and a new red shock spring. The Grand Prix Red features a new black front mudguard and a new black belly pan that features a bold red Honda logo that chimes neatly with the new red rear shock spring.

3.2 | 2023 Honda CBR650R Chassis

  • Four-piston, radial-mount front brake calipers and floating discs
  • 41mm Showa Separate Function Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks 
  • 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 wheelbase of 57.0 inches (1,450mm) with the 2023 CBR650R curb weight coming in at 456 lbs (208kg).

2023 Honda CBR650R Review / Specs + Changes Explained! | 2023 CBR 650 R Motorcycle / Sport Bike

Showa’s 41mm Separate Function Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks offer high-quality reaction. 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 10-stage spring preload, the single-tube monoshock (with its spring now finished in red) operates directly on the curvaceous gravity die-cast aluminum swingarm.

Four-piston radial-mount front brake calipers work 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.

3.3 | 2023 Honda CBR650R Engine

  • 94 Horsepower & 47 ft/lb Torque
  • Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)
  • 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. Peak power of 94 HP (70kW) arrives @ 12,000 RPM with peak torque of 47 ft/lb (63Nm) delivered at 9,500 RPM. A 47 horsepower (35kW) CBR650R option is available for A2 license holders for those countries with licensing restrictions. 

Honda CBR650R Engine Review - HP & TQ Performance - Sport Bike & Naked CBR StreetFighter Motorcycle

  • 2023 CBR650R Performance Numbers:
    • 2023 CBR650R Horsepower – 94 HP @ 12,000 RPM
    • 2023 CBR650R Torque –  47 ft/lb TQ @ 8,500 RPM
      • 2023 CBR650R kW – 70kW @ 12,000 RPM
      • 2023 CBR650R Nm – 64Nm @ 8,500 RPM
  • 2023 CBR650R Fuel Economy:
    • 2023 CBR650R Miles Per Gallon – 47.9 MPG
    • 2023 CBR650R Kilometers Per Liter – 20.4 KM/L

Direct cam actuation makes for a compact cylinder head; bore and stroke is set at 67mm x 46mm with compression ratio of 11.6:1. Iridium spark plugs are employed and twin air ducts – either side of the fuel tank – feed the airbox and produce a throaty intake roar.

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 most of the exterior hoses.

The engine uses a compact internal architecture, stacked six-speed gearbox and starter layout with the cylinders canted forward 30°. An assist/slipper clutch eases upshifts while managing rear-wheel lock up under hard braking and rapid downshifts. Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) manages rear wheel traction; it can be turned off should the rider choose.

2023 Honda CBR650R Review / Specs + Changes Explained! | 2023 CBR 650 R Motorcycle / Sport Bike

Fuel consumption of 47.9 miles per gallon (20.4km/l WMTC mode) gives a range of around 190 miles (300km) from the 4.1 gal. fuel tank (15.4L). EURO5 compliance required revisions to the ECU, cam lobes, intake timing, exhaust pipe, catalyzer and silencer, as well as the addition of a crank pulsar.

4. | 2023 Honda CBR650R Accessories

A range of Genuine Honda Accessories are available for the CBR650R, both available as individual items and grouped in packs, that are ready to bolt straight on to the bike:

  • Quickshifter
  • color matched Rear Seat Cowl
  • Smoke High Wind Screen
  • Tank Pad
  • Clear High Wind Screen
  • Grip Heaters & Attachment
  • Tank Bag & Attachment
  • Rear Seat Bag & Attachment
  • Wheel Stripes

5. | 2023 Honda CBR650R Videos

I haven’t had a chance to video the new 2023 CBR650R yet as it was just released but here’s a few CBR650R videos to hold you over until then…

 

 

6. | 2023 Honda CBR650R Pictures

7. | 2023 Honda CBR650R Specs

ENGINE  
Type Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 16-valve DOHC inline-4 cylinder
Engine Displacement (cm³) 649cc
Bore x Stroke (mm) 67.0mm x 46.0mm
Compression Ratio 11.6:1
Max. Power Output 94 HP @ 12,000rpm (70kW)
Max. Torque 47 lb/ft @ 9,500rpm (64Nm)
Noise Level (dB) wot – 80

urban – 76

FUEL SYSTEM  
Carburation PGM-FI electronic fuel injection
Fuel Tank Capacity 4.1 gallon (15.4L)
Fuel Consumption 47.9 MPG (20.4km/liter)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM  
Starter Electric
Battery Capacity 12V/8.6AH
ACG Output 370W
DRIVETRAIN  
Clutch Type Wet, multiplate disc
Transmission Type 6-speed
Final Drive Chain
FRAME  
Type Steel diamond
CHASSIS  
Dimensions (LxWxH) 83.8 in x 29.5 in 45.2 in (2120 x 750 x 1,150mm)
Wheelbase 57.0 in (1450mm)
Caster Angle 25.5°
Trail 101mm
Seat Height 31.9 in (810mm)
Ground Clearance 5.2 in (130mm)
Curb Weight 456 lbs (208kg)
Turning radius  
SUSPENSION  
Type Front 41mm Showa Separate Function front Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks
Type Rear Monoshock damper with 10 stage adjustable preload, 43.5mm stroke
WHEELS  
Rim Size Front Hollow section 6-spoke cast aluminum
Rim Size Rear Hollow section 6-spoke cast aluminum
Tires Front 120/70ZR17 M/C (58W)
Tires Rear 180/55ZR17 M/C (73W)
BRAKES  
ABS System Type 2 channel; hydraulic dual disc 310mm front, hydraulic disc 240mm rear
INSTRUMENTS & ELECTRICS  
Instruments Digital speedometer, digital bar graph tachometer, dual trip meter, digital bar graph fuel gauge, gear position and upshift indicator, digital clock
Headlight LED
Taillight LED
OEM Honda Powersports Parts Discount Code - Motorcycles, ATV, SxS, UTV, Scooters, Side by Side

         


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