2018 Honda CB650F Review | 14 Fast Facts

September 27, 2017

7. That same suspension pairing makes for a smooth canyon ride, too. Honda often works magic with suspension settings, and the 2018 Honda CB650F is no exception. Like any sport bike, the CB650F prefers a smooth road, but the sometimes-rough roads in the various mountains in Southern California do not put the chassis off its game. Smaller pavement inconsistencies are smoothed out, with plenty left in reserve for the nastier byways.

8. Confidence is inspirational, and the 2018 Honda CB650F delivers it. With the upright seating position that allows you to scout the road ahead for problems, plus the feeling of control over the bike that the ergonomics provide, you have the sense of a motorcycle that puts you in control. Certainly, you can tool around at a pace you consider comfortable all day long without a worry. However, should you find yourself pushing harder due to more aggressive riding partners, the CB650F allows you to push your confidence envelope wider on an as-needed basis. This is a motorcycle that does not create drama.

9. Turn-in is effortless. All it takes is the slightest body and bar input and the CB650F is turning. It’s such a willing turner that early on you may find yourself oversteering it. Once you learn how eager it is to turn, you will love how little effort it makes to initiate cornering. When hauling through corners, the CB650F is not absolutely planted. However, you can change lines at will, and that comes in handy on unfamiliar roads.

10. If you have a reasonable level of experience, the 2018 Honda CB650F motor will never intimidate you. Soft at low rpm, with most of the power from the midway point to the 11k redline, the CB650F delivers fully controllable power. With just 162cc in each cylinder, there’s not much in the way of torque, so revving the motor is necessary if you’re interested in making good time. Corner speed definitely helps, and I never felt the need for traction control, even when getting back on the power early when exiting turns. The motor isn’t ultra-responsive, so you can make errors without paying a price. Again—the CB650F is not a drama queen.

11. Experienced riders will love revving the inline-4 joyously. The motor loves to rev, so it you like that sound of a wailing four-cylinder machine—and Honda improved the sound incrementally for 2018—then the CB650F is darn rewarding. Pushing the redline through the twin tunnels on Angeles Crest Highway yields great aural rewards. From a power perspective, those revs do result in enjoyable, if not overwhelming thrust. Wheelies are possible, but require malice aforethought.

12. Braking is truly intuitive. There are no surprises at any speed. Initial bite is gentle, with it ramping up as needed—just apply more pressure. The rear brake is easily modulated as an aid to the double discs up front. ABS is a $500 option, and more important if you ride in slippery conditions.

13. The 2018 Honda CB650F is a looker. On top, you have some seriously modern angular styling, with the beautiful touch of the four parallel diagonal headers pouring from the cylinders. It is a direct homage to the 1975 Honda CB400F Supersport, one of the most iconic naked upright sport motorcycles in history.

14. A direct descendant of the late, great CBR600F series that ran from 1987 to 2013 (not always in the US), the CB650F is a fantastic do-it-all motorcycle. From city to rural, the friendly motor, easy handling, and relaxed ergonomics conspire to make the 2018 Honda CB650F a highly desirable mount.

Photography by Adam Booth

RIDING STYLE

Helmet: HJC RPHA 11 Pro
Jacket: Joe Rocket Meta-X
Back protection: D3O Viper Pro
Gloves: Racer Feeling
Pants: Joe Rocket Stealth Sport
Boots: Sidi Roarr

2018 Honda CB650F Specs

ENGINE

Type: Inline-4
Displacement: 649cc
Bore x stroke: 67mm x 46mm
Compression ratio: 11.4:1
Valve train: DOHC, 16 valves
Fueling: EFI w/ 32mm throttle bodies
Transmission: 6-speed
Final drive: 525 O-ring chain

CHASSIS

Front suspension; travel: Non-adjustable Showa Dual Bending Valve 41mm fork; 4.3 inches
Rear suspension; travel: Linkage-assisted shock w/ spring-preload adjustment; 5.0 inches
Wheels: Cast aluminum
Front tire: 120/70-17; Dunlop Sportmax D222F
Rear tire: 180/55-17; Dunlop Sportmax D222
Front brakes: 320mm discs w/ 2-piston Nissin calipers
Rear brake: 240mm disc w/ single-piston Nissin caliper
ABS: Optional ($500)

DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES