Had mine for 3 weeks. Great first bike. Averaging 55mpg with some spirited riding. She’s alive above 8k rpm. Brakes could be better but some braided lines and aftermarket pads should sort that out. Thanks for the great review.
Listening to your comments it just seems like they remade my bike the cbr 600fab and just refined it. Its bloody lovely and I love my bike too! This seems like it would be a perfect first big bike for anyone like mine is 😊
Hi Mark, good test. I enjoy the cornering of sports bikes but find most of them too extreme, however like you I found this bike to be pretty comfy. Had mine three weeks and am well impressed, the little CBR also averaging 70mpg, well done Honda.
Ive got a 2011 cbr600f & i love it, had it 5years & it never misses a beat. Cheap to run & maintain, nice around town & excellent on long journeys. I wouldnt mind trying one of these but think i just talked myself out of it.
I love the looks and this is enough bike for me! Best video about this bike I've seen Mark I was curios about the seat height I am also 5.7 and it looked tall to me for some reason.
Looked at one of these today and it's got my juices flowing, I ride Harley Davidson until mine got wrote off, this bike has great styling and seating position and above all usable power, great review.
@@markpulling12 I went in for a look around and was taken with it, I'm not big on top speed but like snappy power to get you going or out of trouble, seems a friendly not an intimidating machine.
She looks like my baby, black 2019 but I've got a black dubbelbubble screen and a black exhaust. Cant wait to ride it when the season starts, greetings from Sweden
Hi Mark, really enjoy your bike reviews I'm almost tempted to move to Bournemouth - yes totally agree the bargain prices of this bike either new or used or naked are amazing - riding position is absolutely comfortable. Rider modes not really needed - the engine breaking on this bike is exemplary - i hardly use the brakes on the open roads - Honda have perfected this bike to the point where - well, you couldn't really improve it much more - in fact the only reason a rider may change this bike to something else - is - because there's nothing wrong it. I' 5' 4" and am on my tip toes but this bike feels so weightless!! Engine sounds so sweet. For anyone interested there's a CBR forum full of support and handy tips for new owners
Great review as usual Mark. I,m not sure about the colour scheme maybe they come in different colours, but at £7700.00 they will hopefully fly off the shelves .......:)
Hi mark Amazing value bike managed to find one fully specked up arrives next week you are right the riding position is not as extreme as the The I tried before deciding I feel this is a more use for Sunday ride outs or touring Keep the reviews coming
Nice review Mark👍. A good little gateway into high performance motorcycling. I just wish it was lighter, had a better display and made a touch more power.
Great review Mark, I've just ordered a new Triumph street triple R for delivery at the end of this month, I just hope the summer improves eh! Ride safe mate 👍
neat review, MP, many thanks for posting... test riding one on Sunday... haven't been on a 'sports' for a few years or for that matter an inline 4... hoping it's going to be everything you found it was... at 6ft2" I'm hoping the ergo works for me!
I don't usually like black cars/bikes, but I like this one. I guess Europe has this option? Here in Canada, there's only 1 option, the red (which looks great, but a shame there's no options)
The CBR650R kind of reminds me of the VFR series. Good all around sport bike, jack of all trades, master of none. Obviously lacks the v4 but a i4 is still good
Im 5 ft 7 as well and im glad these 650 hondas are low enough for me to put both of my feet on the ground when stopping. Tried to sit on the cb650r the other day
Great review Mark.Im looking forward to the 24th.Our head to head shootout 1/4 mile style! Will you give a hint to your subscribers or let them wait and watch the footage?
Great review Mark. Did you notice the indicators flashing when you did the brake test? My CB1000R does the same. It’s meant to warn people behind you. You’d be forgiven, for thinking it’s a Fireblade. Great looking bike 👏🏻
Hi pete ,yes i did remember seeing something flash for a moment,i thought it was abs or something ?thats interesting ref the indicators flashing ,never heard of that before :)
Nice review as always. I picked mine up a couple of months ago and as you say, it's all day comfortable. No aches or pains and I'm the wrong side of 60. As for the fuel consumption, I'm obtaining around 57mpg overall. I don't think you'd have your licence very long if you were averaging 45mpg. Overall, I'm very pleased with it. It rides very well and I also think it looks fantastic. I was thinking of buying an adventure style bike, but the first time I saw it, the looks were just too good to resist.
After testing the ZX6R again in some decent weather I gotta say that it's worth the extra if you can afford it.... This is a lovely bike though but that Ninja 🤪
Very informative review. You have developed a very good style. Like it a lot. For this bike itself I would never have given it a second look if you hadn't reviewed it. You're right it seems very competitively priced for what it offers and looks ok. I am guessing it doesn't have riding modes given the price and that you didn't mention any. I guess it has ABS as all bikes have to have ABS now. Traction control or not? Just a very basic bike? Btw have you done a review of the new Fireblade? Must get to ride some new bikes again soon armed with your thoughts ;@) Still haven't bought another. So many good bikes to choose from! And Triumph hopefully bring out a new Daytona next year. Whooohooo.
Most of us looking at bikes like this want something sporty but more comfortable than the Super Sports we are used to. These comparisons are EXACTLY what I want to know.
Great review. I really want one to possibly replace my Ninja 400 as a commuter. I have a 2019 ZX6R as well and love it but I can't ride it very long at one time. I don't like the rear on this...something about how the seat and passenger seat are kind of flat and are kind of joined. The taillight isn't sexy like a Ninja. Don't like the dash or the silver area on handle bars around the forks. I still want the bike though.
@@markpulling12 well atleast over here 70kw/94hp is the maximum where you can restrict it for A2. sorry i just now realized that i was a bit unclear on what i meant
@@markpulling12 sure you would still need to restrict it and get it licensed as an A2 bike, but there arent too many bikes right there on the edge of barely restrictable, like the new hondas
Hi Mark - watched a few of your reviews now and I've really enjoyed them. I have a GSXR 750 and its starting to hurt too much! Still want that sportsbike "look" so looking at the CBR650R or the Ninja 650. Love the look of them both, but more leaning to a CBR as it seems to have more of the sportsbike feel and performance. One thing I'd love to see you add to your reviews is the luggage capabilities of each bike. For example - I'm not expecting to load the CBR650R up like a full tourer but just a quick look at how a tailpack or tankbag would fit on would be really useful. Cheers
Ok Steven thanks I'll keep that in mind with the next reviews ,I know it's more money but the new z1000sx is brilliant ,and worth a look too All the best mark
@@markpulling12 I couldn't decide between the Ninja 650 and the CBR650R, both had things I liked and disliked. I loved the look of both though and none of the dislikes were deal breakers - so in the end I've bought both! Keep up the good reviews, and I'd be interested to see follow up some reviews in the future - guess there is only so many new bikes to test ride. Cheers
Giving me lots to think about here again Mark , only just got my full licence so can't make my mind up between the cbr500r, cbr650r and the ninja 650,, love the look on each of them, just not sure I want that much power in the 650s range, same time I don't wanna be getting an A2 bike if I'm gonna regret it.
I went for the cbr500ra 18 plate for my first bike. Still have it nearly a year now. Il keep it for another year until I'm experienced and then get the cbr650r.
Hi Mark, just discovered your channel and I must say I’m hooked! I’ve not been riding consistently for around 3 years, but my beloved 2003 red and black 636 Ninja is starting to look a little tired and although I don’t want to say goodbye I will probably be in the market for something newer in the next 18 months. (Had her since I was 21 and now 33) In your opinion for someone like me, doing a nice bit of weekend riding and the odd evening out/blasts with friends during nice weather months - would you recommend this or the Ninja 650? Am also looking at something like the GSXS1000 or Z1000 but also part of me doesn’t see the point in having something that huge. Would appreciate any advice and thanks again for your quality content! Really love the channel. New sub here 👆👍
Hi thanks for the sub :) You may find the ninja 650 a little underpowered at 65 hp after your ninja 636...so the cbr650 would be a good choice ...it's comfortable aswell with it's high ish clip ons...maybe a Yamaha mt09 if you want lots of power the new version Ive just tested Is stunning. Cheers mark
@@markpulling12 thanks so much for your advice Mark, really appreciate it! Am just in the middle of your GSXF review my god that is a beautiful piece of kit isn’t it! I only ever had a pretty crappy 900 before, would you say there’s not much point going up to something like this in my case? I do love a Ninja and that CBR is beautiful too. Maybe there’s a slightly bigger Ninja out there somewhere? Thanks again mate, am recommending your channel to many mates! 🤘👍
I know this is 10 months old but I really can't decide between the CBR650R and Ninja 650. I love the look of the Kawasaki and even the ER650F but the CBR power and sound really does make it a difficult choice. Only thing I don't like about the CBR is the clocks don't look very clear in a certain light.
Hello, Mark Thank you for your good impressions. Which model you recommend CBR 650R or Ninja 650 ?, for daily use and short touring in the weekend. I feel Ninja 650 is quite easy and light ,and bit heavy on CBR 650R. By the way, I live in Thailand now.
Christian McRae this bike is comparable to a Ninja, it’s a sport, not a super sport like a zx6r lol. The 600RR is Honda’s super sport. The 600’s are quite a bit faster then this longer stroked 650 which offers better low end torque
Hi ,yes its very easy to ride,nice power and a good riding position ,so should be ok for a beginner just take it easy with the throttle for a while as its quite powerful good luck mark
Mark, nice test. Did you noticed jerkiness on throttle on "ON-OFF" position ? I was testing CB650R few weeks ago and was really interested to buy one, but because that jerkiness I decided to choose another bike (XSR 900).
Martin the XSR900 to me had a much twitchier jerky throttle... the 700 is a much smoother and fun to ride bike IMO. 900 is just too snappy for its weight for me, felt like I was wrestling with it... That i3 is a gem, quite powerful. They should make a full fairing sport tourer like this with that engine. A little more weight and a slightly more leaned forward position might help make it a little bit more manageable...
Hi... no issues at all with heat in stop start traffic in moderate temp countries like UK ,in very warm countries you may notice a bit when the fan cuts in but shouldn't be any worse than other bikes this size All the best mark
Nice runaround second bike for the price....Ya wont have to bring them Ducati pipes out on rainy days!!....Life and licence be safe with this Honda wood burning stove!!
Hi mark, wondering what your thoughts are I’ve got the A2 license just wondering what bike you think you would go for an mt07 or cb650r. Would you say the 650 would be sluggish restricted due to its extra weight and i4. I still want moderate acceleration rather than a top end. The mt07 is pure fun but lacks the quality, would you say the acceleration on the 650 would still be adequate and fun?
Hi Alex yes it would still be fun ,and revvy as it's an inline 4 ,mt07 is punchy from low down as it's a twin ,also see my review on the ninja 650 , great bike,also check out the cb500r ,that's a2 so won't need to be restricted ,best just go for the one that fits/feels the best for you Good luck with your biking career All the best mark
mark pulling Thank you so much for the quick reply, I’ve been looking at all 4 and change my mind every day but I just can’t get over the looks of the cb650r as I just had a cb125r and for me it’s my bike on steroids and that looks and sounds so much better. 👍🏻 The ninja I was debating really hard and I really like the looks, great quality and goes well restricted but the exhaust note is quite dull. Did you enjoy the ninja ? The MT seems a good all rounder but the quality is not so good on them due severe rusting on coolant pipes and swing arm and bouncy suspension but the bike it’s self is amazing. If you were in my position and you had to pick one what would it be🙂 keep up the reviews I watch them daily 👍🏻
@@alexmoring3900 so many great bikes Alex I had an rd350 lc ypvs in the 80s !!!! Tricky choice ,I really enjoyed the z650 tbh out of them all , great price lots of character,but if it had to be a2 ,then I would get an a2 bike rather than restricting a bigger bike ,so it would probably be the cb500r or X for me ,let me know what you decide :)
Hi Allen it's obviously more power 95 vs 65 z650 ,the zed is cheaper too ,z650 is a twin and rides like mt07. Comfort wise if say the Honda just wins All the best mark
Mark; How tall are you for an idea of the wind deflection from the screen that you said cleared your head? How long are you inside legs to get an idea on feet on floor?
I wish I could find a bike like this that would also be good for 2 up touring by adding a top case and possibly bags which could be removed when the tour was over. Sort of an all purpose bike.
marki if You would had to chose as everyday bike between this and kawasaki Z900 which one would You chose ????. In march i'm going to upgrade my bike and im thinkin about 70kw version of Z900 or CBR650r
Hi Adam 100% I'd go for the cbr ,it's got a low seat ,plenty of power and it's great for an everyday bike,the downside for me for the Kawasaki z900 is the suspension is rock hard and not very compliant for everyday use kind regards mark
Hey mark, i have a question. Is the 810mm seat height measured at the highest point of the seat to the ground or the lowest point of seat to the ground? Thanks, cheers.
Mark, If a rider got rear ended while stationery at a junction twice within a year (by young female drivers who where texting) would you tell them it's time to quit riding? Or that riding is not for them?
Hi Tm. That's really bad luck it' wasn't their fault so I wouldn't say give up or quit just one of those things hopefully it won't happen again but obviously it would be a nasty painful experience so I understand if they wanted to give up good luck mark
Hi yes it would be fine ,you wouldn't get bored with it's power if you are new to biking as it has lots :). Just take it steady with the throttle initially ,other than that the bike is easy to ride with lovely manners ,also consider the Ninja 650 which is one of my favorites All the best mark
Hi gurgen yes I did feel them ...not too bad ... luckily for normal cruising at 70/80 mph you are just Below them .... generally a great all round bike highly recommended 👍
Hi I actually prefer the ninja 650 for it's twin cylinder engine,... but the Honda is still brilliant ,just a different feel with it's revier 4 cylinder All the best mark
Do you think this has enough power "96hp" for a comuuter bike? I sold my car and old bike and now need something to commute on, Do you think this would be powerful enough?
When you buy any bike you will get used to the power and want more. This bike dynos at around 80ish bhp which imo is not enough. 100-120 bhp at the rear is just right.
Dont listen to that nonce. This bike would be more than enough for commuting. You seen the 0-60 mph in the video and you'll get to about 140 mph give or take. Its comfy top because it's not as leaned over as a proper sports bike. Compression ratios have been altered so you get more low down torque and less jerky power. And good MPG. what more do you want for a commuter?
@@Imperial-GB must be, because I have seen a few dynos where this bike is hitting 95hp with a exhaust and tune and for that price I don't think it's bad at all, and would something that's 120hp not always mean better for the road? Ect the r6 makes barley 40hp before 8k rpm while this makes most of its power at 8k rpm
@@emudshit it's not bad, it's more than enough! I commute every day about 40 miles. 80 mile round trip mainly on motorways so for that type of commuting its perfect. If I was commuting in the city I'd opt for an r3 or something. Americas fuel quality is a lot worse than ours hence the lack in horsepower hes on about. Also, you're right about the r6 but also like I said, the CBR650R is a lot more comfy. You'll not get to work feeling cramped up and with an aching arse!
Hi Phil it's alot more refined / modern but no more fun than my older cbr ,about the same power ,tbh you won't gain a huge amount from your f4i ,if your bike is running well I'd say keep it ,but if it's definitely time to change it's a good value machine thanks Mark
@@markpulling12 thanks for the quick reply! I'm really just after something I can love from brand new. My CBR goes like stink still and I love it, looking for something similar but shinier 😁
If Honda were smart, they would use this platform to build a middle-weight GT to compete with Yamaha's new Tracer 7 GT. Honda's compact 4-cylinder 90 HP engine would have a decisive performance advantage over Yamahas parallel twin. Fit it with a larger adjustable windscreen, 31.5" seat height, 5 gal. tank, center stand, and integral soft paniers for an uncomplicated rock solid weekend Sport GT. Keep electronics basic and a price around $11,500 and you have a slam dunk sales success. Hello? BTW: Dump the boring NC750X that has a seat height 1" higher than the 650R making it too tall for average size riders.
TheDevonRider - I've had a 2015 CBR500R from new. 17,000 miles on it with zero problems, good performance and economy. Flew through first MOT with no advisories a couple of weeks ago. I want a CBR650R next though.
Went out for a half hour test on one of these last month, stayed out for 90 minutes and only started to get a bit uncomfortable towards the end, easily a 250-300 mile a day tourer which can blow you away in the twisties as well. The one I tested had a heavy clutch for my liking, maybe a problem with the individual bike? I'll find out in the spring, I'm ordering a 2020 model in March...
