The 2024 Honda CB650R continues its evolution as a standout in the naked middleweight category, blending sportbike DNA with neo-retro styling. As part of Honda’s respected CB family, the CB650R has built a strong reputation among enthusiasts for its reliability, rideability, and real-world usability. With its latest iteration, Honda refines this package further, offering a motorcycle that’s as thrilling on winding roads as it is manageable in urban traffic.
Whether you’re stepping up from a smaller bike or looking for a versatile daily machine that still excites on weekends, the CB650R makes a compelling case for itself.
Honda CB650R 2024 Performance Parts
Design and Aesthetics: Neo-Retro Done Right
The CB650R carries forward Honda’s unique Neo Sports Café design philosophy, and it’s a visual head-turner. It pairs aggressive naked styling with refined detailing that balances old-school charm and modern aggression. The sculpted fuel tank, round LED headlight, and exposed engine give it a muscular streetfighter look without appearing overdone.
Available in color options like Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic, Candy Chromosphere Red, and Matt Jeans Blue Metallic, the CB650R offers paint schemes that enhance its premium appeal. Honda’s attention to finish and build quality is immediately noticeable, from the quality of the welds to the fit and finish of every panel.
Technology and Features: Modern Touches Meet Classic Appeal
While the CB650R maintains a minimalist feel, it doesn’t skimp on technology. It includes Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), which works like traction control to prevent rear wheel slippage—a welcome feature for newer riders or those riding in wet conditions.
The full-color LCD display offers good visibility and presents key data like gear position, fuel economy, and RPM in a clean format. However, it lacks smartphone connectivity, which may disappoint tech-focused riders.
Other notable features include:
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Assist and slipper clutch for smoother downshifts
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Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) that flashes hazard lights under hard braking
Comfort and Ergonomics: Balanced for the Real World
The CB650R’s ergonomics strike a solid balance between sportiness and comfort. The upright seating position, mid-set footpegs, and slightly forward handlebars allow for spirited riding without putting excess pressure on wrists or knees.
The seat height of 810 mm makes it accessible to a wide range of riders, and the plush seat cushioning holds up well even on longer rides. Combined with the compliant suspension, the CB650R handles road imperfections with grace, although heavier riders might find the rear preload adjustment limited.
Braking and Safety: Precision and Confidence
Honda equips the CB650R with dual 310 mm front discs paired with radial-mounted four-piston Nissin calipers, and a 240 mm rear disc. Braking is sharp, progressive, and confidence-inspiring, aided by two-channel ABS that works subtly in the background.
While it may not boast high-end Brembo hardware, the stopping power feels premium, and brake fade is minimal even under spirited riding.
Fuel Efficiency and Maintenance: Cost-Effective Ownership
One of the CB650R’s standout traits is its practicality. With an estimated fuel economy of around 50-55 mpg, it's impressively frugal for an inline-four. The 15.4-liter fuel tank ensures a range exceeding 180 miles on mixed riding.
Maintenance is straightforward and predictable, with long service intervals and Honda’s legendary reliability making it a low-stress ownership experience. Chain maintenance and regular oil changes are about as complex as it gets.
Engine and Performance: Inline-Four Character with Everyday Versatility
At the heart of the CB650R is a 649cc DOHC inline-four engine, producing around 94 horsepower at 12,000 rpm and 64 Nm of torque at 8,500 rpm. That’s enough to deliver a spirited ride with a linear power curve, especially enjoyable for those who appreciate smooth revving engines.
Acceleration is brisk, and the bike feels lively in the mid to high RPM range. Its top speed exceeds 130 mph, making it highway-capable with plenty of overtaking power. But where the CB650R truly shines is its balance. It's sporty without being aggressive and refined without being dull.
The handling is intuitive and stable thanks to a steel diamond frame and Showa Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) upside-down front suspension, giving it excellent control whether you’re carving through twisties or cruising through town.
Best use case:
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Urban commuting
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Weekend sport riding
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Light touring with accessories
Comparison and Competitors: How It Stacks Up
The CB650R competes in a busy segment, going head-to-head with bikes like the Yamaha MT-07, Kawasaki Z650, and Triumph Trident 660. While others offer twin-cylinder engines for more low-end torque, the CB650R’s inline-four delivers unmatched smoothness and top-end thrill.
What makes it stand out is its blend of refinement, style, and Honda’s high build quality. It’s not the most aggressive, but arguably the most polished and well-rounded choice.
Ideal Riders and Target Audience
The 2024 CB650R is best suited for:
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Intermediate to experienced riders who appreciate finesse and smooth power delivery
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Urban commuters wanting style without sacrificing comfort
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Weekend warriors looking for a spirited ride without committing to a full-blown supersport
It's less ideal for absolute beginners due to its weight and power but works great as a second or third bike for skill progression.
Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 2024 Parts Collection
Conclusion and Final Verdict: Sophistication Meets Street Spirit
The 2024 Honda CB650R is not just another naked bike—it’s a machine that rewards the rider with elegance, excitement, and reliability. While it might not lead the pack in outright aggression or spec-sheet theatrics, it makes up for it with consistent, real-world excellence.
If you're after a bike that looks premium, rides beautifully, and won’t wear you out or let you down, the CB650R should be at the top of your shortlist.
Before you hit the road, explore our curated range of CB650R-compatible accessories, including upgraded exhaust systems, tank grips, tail tidies, and protective gear to customize your ride. Enhancing both style and performance, the right parts make all the difference.