By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Supersport vs Sport Tourer
Honda CBR650R (RH01) vs CBR 650F (RC 74)
Honda CBR650R vs CBR 650F: where they split, and which one to buy.
Into a tight bend, the Honda CBR650R tips in lightly and doesn't drift off the line you've picked. On the Honda CBR 650F, the steel diamond frame puts the front exactly where the bars aim it. Once it's leaned over, it holds steady.
So which one do you buy?
The CBR 650F has the edge if…
Daily commuting & city riding
A touch ahead: CBR 650F
On the way to work, the CBR 650F asks a little less of you. Close enough that the test ride should settle it.
What makes each one tick
CBR650R
Down low, the CBR650R's four spins smooth and tractable, but it doesn't wake up until the needle climbs high. The throttle gets little shove low in the range. Around highway speed, there's a high-frequency buzz in the seat. Up top, the four keeps pulling.
CBR 650F
Through ordinary riding, the CBR 650F's four spins without a tremor, then rushes pleasantly as it winds out. Wrung out, the pegs start buzzing. The clutch lever feeds the drive in gently.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The CBR650R makes more peak power: 95 hp (70 kW) vs 87 hp (64 kW).
- The CBR 650F has the larger fuel tank: 4.6 US gal (17.3 L) vs 4.1 US gal (15.4 L).
- ABS: standard on the CBR650R, option on the CBR 650F.
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Not suited: CBR650R
No long-distance verdict for the CBR650R. It's made for something else entirely.
On twisty roads, running costs, and a first bike, these two are a wash. That's where your budget and your inseam get the final say.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
CBR650R
What owners say
Strengths
- Smooth, flexible inline-four engine
- Strong, progressive brakes
Trade-offs
- Needs revs for excitement
- Noticeable vibration at highway speeds
CBR 650F
What owners say
Strengths
- Smooth, polished inline-four engine
- Light, agile handling
- Excellent value for money
Trade-offs
- Budget suspension components
- Basic instrumentation and switchgear
- Engine vibration at high rpm
What they share
- Seat height
- 31.9 in (810 mm)
- Displacement
- 649 cc
- Engine
- Inline-four
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Torque
- 47 lb-ft (64 Nm)
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Chain
- Front tire
- 120/70-17
- Rear tire
- 180/55-17
Where the spec sheets split
| CBR650R | CBR 650F | |
|---|---|---|
| Wet weight | 456 lb (207 kg) | 465 lb (211 kg) |
| CBR650R | CBR 650F | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 95 hp (70 kW) | 87 hp (64 kW) |
| CBR650R | CBR 650F | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy | 48 mpg (US) / 4.9 L/100 km | 41 mpg (US) / 5.8 L/100 km |
| Fuel capacity | 4.1 US gal (15.4 L) | 4.6 US gal (17.3 L) |
| CBR650R | CBR 650F | |
|---|---|---|
| Fork | Upside-down (USD) | Telescopic |
| Front brake | 310 mm | 320 mm |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| CBR650R | CBR 650F | |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | Standard | Option |
| Traction Control | Standard | Not offered |
| Quickshifter | Option | Not offered |
| Slipper Clutch | Standard | Not offered |
| Luggage System | Not offered | Option |
| LED Headlight | Standard | Not offered |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
