Honda announced the return of eight new motorcycles which included the likes of the CB500X, CB1000R, and others spanning across its dual sport, standard, and sportbike categories. The 2023 CB650R experiences no mechanical updates, just a change in shade from Matte Black Metallic to now Matte Gray Metallic.
Related: 2023 Honda CB1000R First Look Preview
We’ve ridden this sleek standard a couple of times before, back in 2019 and again in 2021 when the bike was updated, the latter review of which will be helpful in understanding what this current model is like to ride.
A beefy growl emits from the CB’s 649cc inline-four as each piston moves through its 67mm bore and 46mm stroke. Last we checked, this mill makes 82 hp and a steady 43 lb.-ft. of torque at the rear wheel. An assist/slipper clutch eases upshifts and reduces rear wheel lockup under quick downshifts. Riders will toe one down and five up with the bike’s slick-shifting six-speed gearbox.
Related: 2021 Honda CB650R MC Commute Review
As far as rider aids go, there’s the Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) which manages traction of the 17-inch rear wheel and can be turned off if desired. ABS is included with the braking package, which is made up of dual radial-mount Nissin calipers that bite into 310mm floating discs and a single one-piston caliper and 240mm disc.
At a claimed 445 pounds, fully fueled and ready to ride, the CB has some heft, but that won’t stop the CB650R from being a confidence-inspiring corner carver with its 41mm Showa Separate Function Big Piston (SFF-BP) fork and preload-adjustable Showa shock.
Related: 2019 Honda CB650R First Ride Review
Similar traits pulled from its literbike brother include a spiffy round LED headlight and an LCD screen to display the bike’s vital information.
This year there’s an incremental price bump to $9,399. Look for it in dealers in February.
2023 Honda CB650R Technical Specifications and Price
| PRICE: | $9,399 |
|---|---|
| ENGINE: | 649cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled inline-four; 4 valves/cyl. |
| BORE x STROKE: | 67.0 x 46.0mm |
| COMPRESSION RATIO: | 11.6:1 |
| FUEL DELIVERY: | Electronic fuel injection w/ 32mm throttle bodies |
| CLUTCH: | Wet, multiplate slipper/assist |
| TRANSMISSION/FINAL DRIVE: | 6-speed/chain |
| MEASURED HORSEPOWER: | 81.9 hp @ 10,900 rpm (2021) |
| MEASURED TORQUE: | 43.0 lb.-ft. @ 8,000 rpm (2021) |
| FRAME: | Steel diamond |
| FRONT SUSPENSION: | 41mm Showa Separate Function Big Piston fork; 4.7 in. travel |
| REAR SUSPENSION: | Showa shock, preload adjustable; 5.1 in. travel |
| FRONT BRAKE: | Dual, radial-mounted 4-piston calipers, full-floating 310mm discs w/ ABS |
| REAR BRAKE: | 1-piston caliper, 240mm disc w/ ABS |
| WHEELS, FRONT/REAR: | Cast aluminum; 17 in./17 in. |
| TIRES, FRONT/REAR: | 120/70-17 / 180/55-17 |
| RAKE/TRAIL: | 25.0°/4.0 in. |
| WHEELBASE: | 57.0 in. |
| SEAT HEIGHT: | 31.9 in. |
| FUEL CAPACITY: | 4.1 gal. |
| CLAIMED WET WEIGHT: | 445 lb. |
| WARRANTY: | 1 year |
| AVAILABLE: | February |
| CONTACT: | powersports.honda.com |
Related: 2023 Honda CB500X First Look Preview
Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com