I don't like the way you, and many other journos, describe a 650cc as "a nice little bike," "new rider, big-ish bike," It sounds condescending. I've ridden all sorts and sizes of bikes for 40 years, raced them too, at Brands Hatch and other tracks; the 650cc 'middleweight' is absolutely not a beginners bike, but has more than ample power for the public roads.

Have watched damn near every video there is on the CB650R. Getting mine first week of July. Every day feels like it never ends. So very excited!

Just another great review mark! Thanks for adapting my notice for slower speaking, appreciate mate! Keep up the good work as you always do, I'm looking forward for your next review pal! I always enjoy your videos!!

If as you said the Yamaha MT-07 is a terrier, then this a labrador, kind nature, gentle, reliable, dependable, what you see is what you get. It seems a bargain for £7.5k. Looks nice. Only criticism - Honda should have made the QS option both up AND down.

Thorough review as always. Many of us older riders owned the original Honda 400/4 which was a great bike both to ride and to admire. You just know that after all the years of evolution that CB650R is going to be a fantastic bike with those 'tribute' 4 into 1 pipes finishing off a top class package. Lots to like about that bike!

Thank you for your video ! I'm thinking of buying one of these and needed to know just what you have shown, low down riding slow, how smooth on the throttle etc, you nailed it,thank you ,John,( first bike in 1974) honda cb 250 ,raced Mx after that , again nice video!

Just done my CBT again on my Honda CBZ125F which I mothballed 20 years ago when no. 1 son was born. The CB650R is quite simply the progression for me as a 59 year old. Your test has drawn a line under all the Bamboozlement of choice! Looked at many but keep coming back to this bike. Thank you.

Great Review…the best i watched so far👍🏾Everything on the Point. Very sympathetic man. Thanks…By the way: I bought one in Matt Dim gray metallic 2 Days ago and as you said…great bike. I love it.

Thanks Mark for the really informative review. I've been looking at this bike for a while now. With the trend towards parallel twins this'll be the one of the last of the smaller inline four cylinder bikes.

Thanks Mark, I look forward to every video, you have become my go-to authority, I do like this Honda.

Thinking of going for one of these coming from a Ducati scrambler I’m keen to have 4 cylinders again. The smoothness is what I’m after and your video has helped me make my mind up. Great video, you answered my main two queries which was how it is for shorter riders, I’m 5’8”. I also questioned if it had riding modes, not that I’m overly concerned about the lack of this. Thanks

Brilliant review. Mark. The bike is low geared 1 - 4 which offsets the lack of low down torque to some extent. Mine was very vibey around 6,000 rpm (pegs and seat) until well run in. They seem to vary in this respect quite a lot. I had a MT 07 too. The suspension is chalk and cheese in comparison. I'd never swap back. Far more stable too. Especially at high speed.

Hi mark, another great review keep them up. We both passed out bike tests a few weeks ago still waiting on our Himalayan's. Hope to catch up sometime all the best M

Excellent review. Something we have come to expect from you.

It looks like a charming little middleweight with with decent performance and fantastic build quality. I think I'll trade my old FZ1 for one of these next year.

Just want to say thank you for all of your test ride videos. Really enjoy watching them. Very comprehensive and detailed. I'd love to know your top 3 bikes you have recently tested.

Lovely bike. Interesting that you found plenty of low end drive which for me is as important. It shares the same display as the 500f, speed and gear position are ok to read but not much else, even when looking at it when stationary in my drive and in favourable light - excellent review as per usual Mark

Wonderful Mark,you really should have treble the subscribers.Anyway I learned on the 125 equivalent and you have finally made up my mind to make this my next step up.Thanks.

Awesome review mark.i definitely looking to get this one for my first bike plenty of power without ripping your arms out.

Good to hear your views Mark and others comments. I have this bike on a 21 reg in matt black and now done 1k mile and love it. I chose this as my first bike after 125 over Z650 mainly because its the only mid range with a 4 cyl and the sound you get. The power is incredible through the rev range and handles well. I got a matt cover for the screen and thats stops any glare and added the small honda windscreen. Ones with a J prefix on serial number are built in Japan and the quality is clear. Similar build to yourself and fits me well but larger guys may be too cramped. Apart from tail tidy cannot fault it.

Probably the best choice all round in that segment of nakeds not considering its price tag.

One of the most responsible riders of CB650R

Love the look of this bike. Just placed an order for this bike.

Excellent review, u got a new subscriber !

Excellent review. I purchased this bike in this same colour earlier this summer as my first bike. Your impressions reflect my own. It's quite approachable for a new rider as it makes its real power high in the rev range. Keep the revs below 6 or 7k and it won't bite you with a sudden surge of power that sends your front wheel to the sky. After a few months of riding, there's not really much I'd change about it. I've bought a tail tidy but I've been hesitant to install it. Having beeen out for a few early morning rides on still-wet roads, I'm pretty glad to not have roadspray muck all over my back.

Great review as always mate ATB 🇦🇺🥇💪🏼

Top notch review as always

Always look forward to your reviews, Mark, and this one is no exception. Got to hand it to the Honda engineers for the way they have developed that powerplant over the years. Now here is the big question - is the CBR650R worth the extra money in your opinion? Thanks once again.

Love your attention to detail. Might be picking up a 2022 brand new on special with QS.

Another great review Mark. I like it when you show and tell your height for reference. The Honda looks great and a contender to the Trident, but it needs a better TFT dash, possibly a windshield. What do you think bout comparing it to a Z650 overall.

Awesome ride. Might be a bit too much bike for me. Always like to watch your vids from your great country. I’ve only visited as a tourist.

I had a -19 model and did 38000km on it. Higher handlebar and 20mm lower footpegs did the trick for me. And I gave it a Boosterplug which really made a difference for the better. Lovely bike indeed! Be careful with the rims though. Coating is not very strong. My lock scratched the rearwheel. Fueling showed in the dash was never correct. My bike did approx 24km/l Lovely bike!

Happy New Year Mark! Another excellent review as always. I think this bike is identical in every way to the CBR650R apart from the extra fairing and sport bars. How did you find this bike compared with the Kwak Z900? I've seen other moto vloggers who said the Cb650R felt just the same as riding the Z900 - the later is approx £3k more and you get different modes but, to be honest the Hondas are so good they don't really need modes in my humble opinion. The Honda engine is so smooth and has such a light clutch, it would be interesting to hear your thoughts on which would be the better bike

I really love the color! Thanks for the review

Excellent review, very detailed and informative, got mine yesterday and can't believe how smoothly it rides coming from a Euro 4 Suzuki which suffered from a snatchy and surging throttle. Going to go for the quickshifter at first service.

I would be doing an oil and filter change every 4,000 miles on a 4 cylinder engine like that.

That's a nice color, hope they bring it to the US market

Good review Mark nice bike.

Nice video, Mark! You know, it occurs to me that shorter riders look better on motorcycles than tall riders. At least, at 5'7" myself, that's what *_I_* think! ;)

Nice Morgan at 9:46. I had four Hondas. Even the old ones are not too bad.

I've always thought Mark does a great review. A bike that can be flat footed by someone with a 30 in inseam is a small bike. A 250 dual sport with a 35 in. Seat height is a big bike. There's more to size than c.c's.

Excellent video as usual..

Thanks Mark. I love the sound of the 4 cylinder. Great bike.....Sal : )

Great bike for a second or third bike. Beautiful as well. Ride safe

I learned to ride on this bike and my only reflection is that I found the off-idle throttle a bit overly sensitive and a little snatchy, which with along with a slightly vague (but very light) clutch made slower speed manoeuvring a little tricky, although that is likely as much to do with my inexperience. I also found the mirrors gave an excellent view of my elbows.

This is what Kawasaki should have done with the z650, instead of the pump motor twin cylinder they have now, would have made the z650rs perfect. Nice 650 Honda.

Thanks for the great review, I would like to see the old analog odo/speedometer on those bikes

Nice review as always mark, I really want that bike for my first bike but insurance is a killer! Such a gorgeous looking machine and the power is very manageable. I am going to have settle for the cb500f for now which is still a great bike. Hopefully give it a year n il get a CB650R. 👍🏻

Height reference was really helpful 👍👍

Nice review Mark.

Love this Honda CB650R for that smooth 4 cylinders and short wheelbase and small statute. It would be nice if you could review its smaller brother, the Honda CB300R that doesn't seem to be reviewed in the UK.

i wish i could have one, they look so good

Fantastic bike. I know, I have one. No regrets on my purchase. Great in town. Good economy if you want to commute. Goes like stink when asked 🏍️💨

Nice review … nice looking bike. I would of liked that but have a XSR 700 and so very similar in power and I’m now looking at the 1000cbr or the 900MT09 sp… I’m so undecided as there both so nice.. decision decision decision 🤔🤔🤔👍🏻

I like this review...)))

Great review Mark as always. Are the tires good.

Doubtless this is a great bike, and it will be totally reliable being a Honda with first-class build quality, but I really do not like mid-sized inline fours. They always sound so busy. The usual excellent review, though.

Perfect commuter bike. Great for occasional weekend fun.

I picked up the exact same bike on 17th june, wasn't able to get a test ride unfortunately. But having owned a 07 hornet & still have my 1977 400 /4,i was fairly confident that it would tick all the boxes. Ooops big mistake, maybe its the euro 5 effect I'm not sure but it just didn't work for me. Hated the switchgear, the gearing isn't good and having no midrange was a pain, the 07 hornet was far superior, Again this is just my opinion and I'm sure it will suit most owners. I traded mine in after 3 months and went back to a speed triple, and lost 2grand on the honda.but I'm back to enjoying my riding.

Hi Mark nice review. Can I ask I am a new rider and have been riding a benelli tnt 125 for a little while and I’m very interested in the new Ktm duke 390 (A2 friendly) as I only commute to and from work and maybe a pop to the supermarket for a few beers 🍺 will you be doing a review on the new duke 390 anytime soon or would you recommend this kind regards Rich 👍

Great review! Pre-ordered a 2022 model in blue metallic yesterday. There is already a new tail tidy waiting in my garage for the bike to arrive. May the winter here in Norway be very short-lived :)

Another excellent review. Did you happen to notice there was more vibration or buzz when in neutral ? It feels quite buzzy to me. Does it smooth out when in gear?

Yeah! The old opening music is back.

Actually well worth a look, Mark, if you don't want or need all the fancy Dan electronics. Against the Trident, MT 07 & Z650 range, this looks a bit of a bargain!

Hi Mark, Great review of the Honda and the MT-07 especially for me as a new rider. I'm currently riding a CBF125 2009 model which I'm loving but thinking ahead once my direct access course is done. In your opinion which is the better bike for a new rider? The MT-07 or the CB650R?

Which bike between this one and the MT 07 would you say is better? And of course, as always, great review!

Would have liked to see more street riding and manoeuvring !!

To me, in terms of looks, this bike only needs a shorter end lol I would def buy a new tail tidy for it

Very nice bike. 👍🏻👍🏻

Wow! Beautiful and quality for a good price. Triumph lower your prices! Look at the new tyre lines on those tyres...careful there!

PS I've got Metzeller tyres on mine, they're very good wet and dry. I've heard that the Dunlops are not the best for grip.

Which is the better bike …. This or the Yamaha MT 07? … It’s this or the Yamaha when I get my license… I know we’ve all different opinions but saw your review yesterday on the MT07 and you had a blast … who deserves my money ? I’m a new rider awaiting soon my test …. HELP ! I’ve also a 125 Honda to trade , thanks

How is the LCD screen in bright sunlight in the summer ?, is it hard to read compared to the Kawasaki Z650 TFT screen? I really want to buy one of those bikes but i cant choose duo the screen. I have tested both bike’s a couple of times and they both don’t disappoint me when it comes to the engine’s, I am just unsure about the LCD screen on the Honda.

It's a gorgeous bike with one of most smoothes engine. But here in India biggest issue is this bike is priced at 10k pounds of 11k dollars. It's so much overpriced that you can buy triumph and save enough money to spend on 2,3 years of maintenance.

Hi Mark in your opinion which bike would you prefer this bike or the Trident??

Flat plane is awesome

Nice Video. Thanks. Grüße aus Deutschland

Between this and the trident 660 what would you recommend? Personally I'm more inclined with the CB650R but I'm having 2nd thoughts about that vibrations.

My mans has it on MPH niiiiice. THANK YOU! lol.

This bike is awesome and I can't stop riding it. 6000km and counting. Except of 1 thing that drives me nuts and not many reviews mention it. Why is Honda the only manufacturer who swap the horn and indicator lights buttons? It's hard to get used to it and it's super annoying especially if you are swaping bikes. Even more so, on CB650R they put the traction control on/off button where other bikes have the high beam "horn". They waste the most conveniet button with a function you will almost never use (or if so, than once in a ride). Can't use hight beam "horn" and horn simultaneously, cause both are controled by thumb and at the most inconvenient place (yeah I need to use both at the same time, all the time, I am in Vietnam). Why Honda, why?

What tank protection is that please? Cheers from New Zealand and Kia Kaha!!

Was considering this bike but at 5’11 maybe not now.

Need help deciding which option is better guys. So for this bike(second hand), what would you do: Pay about $AUD 8000 for 30,000 kms or around $AUD 11000 for 5000 to 10000 kms?

Nice review Mark... Yes, I can see the basic comparison between this and the Yamaha MT07. It seems a bit counterintuitive to offer a four cylinder in this size of bike. Why do I say that? Because this is a semi sport naked bike and a four cylinder engine does not offer that much character for the casual sport rider. It's got the power and torque for it's size... but not the sound track to go along with the ride. And then there is that slight buzz through the footpegs at seventy plus. I didn't realized this was typical of four cylinders. Perhaps a small triple would have made more sense. Still, a nice bike. But I would go for the MT07 myself. Gord

Mark I think his competitor is the Trident 660, less weight, 80HP makes the same power to kg. The MT700 and the Z650 are a bit different than these two. Maybe include the CFMOTO 650NK in here as well ? But I think with 206kg it's to heavy. Otherwise the CFMOTO 700CL-X this is 10kg lighter. What do you think Mark.

I was wondering if you was able to flat foot on this being 5'7?

Not keen on the front indicators being on. One glance by a car driver stopped at a junction could mistake it as being activated and pull out. Strange idea.

Shame we don't get that color in the US

Hello. Honda $9199.00 and MT-09 $9399.00 here in Texas. Which would you get?

bro has voice like cricket commentators

Towards the end of the vid you came round the corner in 6th gear …. I dint think that was possible ?? Can you get money off a new bike ? Or is it different then a car purchase ? I’ll be paying cash ,

Ducati Monster

I find the forks a bit choppy Rear is spot on

Classic style versus modern style who do win

What colour is it? I'm on the Honda website and you can't spec it in this colour?

is that meter in MPH or KMH?

I want one but can’t find one not even a new one

460 lbs for a naked 650 because it's a steel frame I4, but still $9700. Fuck off Honda, Yamaha has you beat up and down the street, it's over. It's been over for years.

Hi what color is this?

Once you see that 1970’s looking huge-ass throttle cable jetting out, you just can’t unsee it. This bike is overpriced by about $2000. Thai built.