17YM CBR650F
Honda’s middleweight four-cylinder models – the CB650F and CBR650F – have been given suspension and styling updates along with more power from revised Euro4-spec engines.
Honda might have dropped the CBR600RR from its range, but those looking for a middle-sized machine still have the option of the CBR650F or its naked sibling, the CB650F. While the CBR600RR couldn’t be economically made to meet Euro4 emissions limits without an unacceptable loss of performance, the 650cc bikes have actually gained performance with their Euro4 changes. Power is up by 4bhp to a still-modest 89bhp – not a figure that will have true supersports bikes worried, but enough for reasonable on-road performance. The extra power comes thanks to a new intake and exhaust. Shortened funnels feed 32mm throttles, and on the exhaust side there’s a new internal structure to the muffler that reduces back pressure. Honda reports that a throatier induction noise is a happy by-product of the changes.
17YM CB650F
Gear ratios on both the faired and naked models have also been shortened to improve acceleration.
On the chassis side, the bikes are largely unaltered but have new 41mm Showa Dual Bending Valve forks, said to improve both ride and handling. Adjustment is still preload-only.
Finally, both machines get a mild facelift, with a new front fairing and LED headlight for the CBR650F. The naked CB650F also gets a new LED headlight, as well as smaller side panels that leave more of the engine on view. Both bikes have mildly revised seat units with clear LED tail lights.
17YM CBR650F
Sadataka Okabe, Large Project Leader for the CBR650F and CB650F said: “The CBR650F has found its place with owners who want sports style and performance without the compromise and expense. Our aim with the new machine was to add extra rider excitement and enjoyment while sacrificing none of the usability. The engine still makes great torque from low rpm, but now hits harder, with more power up top. The latest SDBV fork enhances the chassis and the styling is much more aggressive – more CBR and also something quite unique, with the engine really on show.”
Regarding the CB650F he commented: “Genuine middleweight four-cylinder motorcycles are an important Honda tradition. Bigger is not always better and for the 2017 CB650F we wanted to give riders more of what matters – performance, acceleration, style and handling ability – without adding weight or cost. We also wanted to give an even higher specification, with new features like LED lighting and the latest SDBV fork.”
