CB650R Considering the CB650R as a middleweight touring bike

[Milner]

Hello everyone, new member here, doing some pre-purchase research on the CB650R.

Background: I'm a 61 year old guy, decently fit (not overweight but not ripped), 5'5" tall with a 29 inch inseam. Seat height is always a consideration for me. I started riding at age 49 on a 2012 CBR250R, which I still own and love. I have it outfitted like a flyweight sport touring bike with Hepco & Becker C-Bow panniers, clip-on bar risers, tail rack, and a slightly taller touring windscreen. I'm based in Kentucky, USA and it's the perfect bike here for day rides and weekends. It's light and nimble, and really shines on the great roads we have here, especially the one-lane backroads that are about 11 feet wide. I've been everywhere on it, including taking it on dirt and gravel in Utah (I outfitted it for that trip with 50/50 offroad tires and removed the belly fairing for clearance).

I've also had two other bikes, since sold. A 2015 BMW F800GT and a 2014 Triumph Thunderbird 1600. I sold the BMW because I never got used to its weird idiosyncrasies, weird ergonomics. weird engine character, poor front suspension, poor overall quality, and overly expensive parts. I sold the Triumph because they stopped selling important parts for it, like plastic throttle bodies that could warp and cause starting and idling issues. So, at the moment I'm back to just the CBR250R, but I don't have a bike with strong passing power to take on longer road trips.

I'd like to get something in the 600-800cc class, and I've had my eye on the CB650R. I like the refinement, I like that its Honda, and from reviews I gather the engine like to be revved, which I like because that's the way my 250 is.

At first glance, the CB650R is not a touring bike but a retro naked; still, I think with a few accessories it will fit the bill. I found that Hepco & Becker makes C-Bow pannier brackets for it, so I can use the two different sets of bags I already have, or buy other styles. I also see that there are some windscreen options from Puig and MRA. Lastly, I'm a believer in automatic chain oilers for worry-free riding, so I'd install one of those as well.

The seat height (unladen) at 32" is a bit on the tall side, but I'm thinking it will settle a bit once I sit on the bike. I haven't looked yet, but I'm wondering if there are any aftermarket low seat options.

Would enjoying hearing from anyone who has a CB650R and uses it for a similar mission.

 

[Black Númenórean]

When I had my CB650R I did a 1200 mile trip from Florida to Pennsylvania. My days ranged from 320 miles to 420 miles. I used Kriega bags on the rear seat without any extra racks. I combined a 30 liter bag with a 10 liter bag. The bags and bike were flawless except for the hard seat. Invest in a good seat or an additional cushion and this bike will take you far in relative comfort, especially if you’re fit. I am 5’8” and 140 pounds, for what it’s worth.

 

[Milner]

When I had my CB650R I did a 1200 mile trip from Florida to Pennsylvania. My days ranged from 320 miles to 420 miles. I used Kriega bags on the rear seat without any extra racks. I combined a 30 liter bag with a 10 liter bag. The bags and bike were flawless except for the hard seat. Invest in a good seat or an additional cushion and this bike will take you far in relative comfort, especially if you’re fit. I am 5’8” and 140 pounds, for what it’s worth.

Excellent, thanks for the report. Factory seats, especially on Japanese bikes, seem to be a weak point. The padding is actually too soft and crushes down until you're sitting on the hard seat pan underneath.

 

[JDude]

I like my CB650R for what it is, a naked bike with good ergonomics for me. As stated above and my experience the stock seat is uncomfortable. Knowing you’ll require a wind screen that works for you is also key. In my opinion it essentially ruins the whole aesthetic of the motorcycle. I have one that works, but man I can’t stand looking at. It looks like you’re comfortable on the road less travelled by sport bikes!

 

[miweber929]

Seat and a windscreen and you’ll be set. Enjoy and welcome!!!

 

[Milner]

I like my CB650R for what it is, a naked bike with good ergonomics for me. As stated above and my experience the stock seat is uncomfortable. Knowing you’ll require a wind screen that works for you is also key. In my opinion it essentially ruins the whole aesthetic of the motorcycle. I have one that works, but man I can’t stand looking at. It looks like you’re comfortable on the road less travelled by sport bikes!

I'm really looking for a middleweight sport touring bike with a more upright riding posture and there are slim pickings other than the "naked" bikes. All motorcycles used to be naked, so it's an odd designation to me. It seems like un-faired bikes should be the standard or starting point, and other bikes should be called faired.

I also care about aesthetics, which is one reason I'm drawn to the CB650R vs. insectoids. My rule of motorcycle ownership is, "No ugly bikes." Another rule of mine is no black wheels or wildly colored wheels, so that further points to the CB650R.

I think a windscreen is something easily installed and removed, but tbh its presence in clear form doesn't detract too much for me. I don't really understand the smoked or black versions that draw even more visual attention.

 

[Milner]

Seat and a windscreen and you’ll be set. Enjoy and welcome!!!

Are there any low seat options that you're aware of? I've found Corbin and Bagster offering seats but no low seats. I may need to go with the Lust lowering kit to compensate; I've not yet needed to install a lowering kit on a bike.

 

[Black Númenórean]

I haven’t seen any lower seat options. I wouldn’t worry about wind protection, though. The seating position is leaned forward enough that you’re braced for the wind. Most of it will hit your chest and not cause turbulence around your helmet, until you hit about 85 mph. With a good helmet and earplugs, I think wind protection is not necessary. Protection from bugs is another matter.

 

[Milner]

I haven’t seen any lower seat options. I wouldn’t worry about wind protection, though. The seating position is leaned forward enough that you’re braced for the wind. Most of it will hit your chest and not cause turbulence around your helmet, until you hit about 85 mph. With a good helmet and earplugs, I think wind protection is not necessary. Protection from bugs is another matter.

That's good to know. I've ridden a CB1100 and a Hawk NT650 and was not at all bothered by the wind.

 

[miweber929]

That's good to know. I've ridden a CB1100 and a Hawk NT650 and was not at all bothered by the wind.

If you’ve ridden those bikes, the 650R will be very similar. As said above I personally have not seen a low seat option but any automotive upholstery shop or custom seat maker should be able to remove some foam and redo it for you.

A caution to you on this bike is if seat height is an issue, the 650 series is a non-linkage rear suspension so lowering options are limited to a different shock, shock spring or a suspension specialist lowering the shock internally. Many bikes use a linkage type rear suspension where you just swap out the dog bones for $100 but that option is not available for this bike.

The other thing to watch is some people report their bike to be vibrate-y and buzzy, but most are fine with it, so I don’t know if it’s a bike variance or rider but be sure to test ride one before buying to be sure it works for you. You can usually mitigate it with the typical heavy bar ends, grips, retorquing the motor mounts, etc. but we have had a few members move on because theirs vibrated and annoyed them. If you’re looking for yours to do longer distances, that may be an issue.

 

[Milner]

If you’ve ridden those bikes, the 650R will be very similar. As said above I personally have not seen a low seat option but any automotive upholstery shop or custom seat maker should be able to remove some foam and redo it for you.

A caution to you on this bike is if seat height is an issue, the 650 series is a non-linkage rear suspension so lowering options are limited to a different shock, shock spring or a suspension specialist lowering the shock internally. Many bikes use a linkage type rear suspension where you just swap out the dog bones for $100 but that option is not available for this bike.

The other thing to watch is some people report their bike to be vibrate-y and buzzy, but most are fine with it, so I don’t know if it’s a bike variance or rider but be sure to test ride one before buying to be sure it works for you. You can usually mitigate it with the typical heavy bar ends, grips, retorquing the motor mounts, etc. but we have had a few members move on because theirs vibrated and annoyed them. If you’re looking for yours to do longer distances, that may be an issue.

Thanks for the caution on the lowering. What are your thoughts on this kit from Lust Racing? It seems to just be one component to swap out, the coil spring retainer.

 

[Milner]

What are the key differences in the CB650R over the model years, say 2019-20 and 2021-2023? Did ABS become standard in 2021?

 

[JH09]

i believe ABS went standard in 2020, but could be wrong. mostly incremental cosmetic changes over those years, very similar overall in my opinion.

i still love my CB, it seems like a timeless design, but the seat needs work for multiple hour rides

 

[miweber929]

Thanks for the caution on the lowering. What are your thoughts on this kit from Lust Racing? It seems to just be one component to swap out, the coil spring retainer.

I have not heard of anyone on here using it, however I have heard only good things about Lust so I would say to should be fine. Looks like a stepped collar that moves the spring a little higher, should be fairly hard to have issues.

What are the key differences in the CB650R over the model years, say 2019-20 and 2021-2023? Did ABS become standard in 2021?

AS @JH09 said above, I believe at some point around the 650F to 650R refresh in '19, ABS in the US because standard on the CB but I think the CBR was sold both ways for a while more. The '19 change to the R was "significant" but know it wasn't earth shattering so from '14 on up they are largely the same motorcycle, just with a bit more edge to it. The '19-20 and '21-23 are even closer to the same with only VERY minor tweaks, nothing that should make you choose a '21+ over a decent '19.

These bikes as a whole have been VERY solid with almost no glaring issues that need immediate addressing. Tailor it to fit you, replace the seat if you plan to do more than an hour or so at a time and ride it.

One area that seems to be hit or miss on the '19+ is the water pump/oil leak which can be not an issue on the vast majority of these bikes, fixed with a new water pump for most of the problem ones and the rest a slow drip which is an annoyance more than anything on a very few. I would say if looking at a used one, crawl around underneath and get a good look at the water ump area and see if you see evidence of oil. We have a lot of info on here about it so search; I would not let that make you overlook an otherwise great bike. There doesn't seem to be a year to was fixed but it seemed to me that the 20-22 bikes were what most issues were with.

 

[Milner]

I have not heard of anyone on here using it, however I have heard only good things about Lust so I would say to should be fine. Looks like a stepped collar that moves the spring a little higher, should be fairly hard to have issues.


AS @JH09 said above, I believe at some point around the 650F to 650R refresh in '19, ABS in the US because standard on the CB but I think the CBR was sold both ways for a while more. The '19 change to the R was "significant" but know it wasn't earth shattering so from '14 on up they are largely the same motorcycle, just with a bit more edge to it. The '19-20 and '21-23 are even closer to the same with only VERY minor tweaks, nothing that should make you choose a '21+ over a decent '19.

These bikes as a whole have been VERY solid with almost no glaring issues that need immediate addressing. Tailor it to fit you, replace the seat if you plan to do more than an hour or so at a time and ride it.

One area that seems to be hit or miss on the '19+ is the water pump/oil leak which can be not an issue on the vast majority of these bikes, fixed with a new water pump for most of the problem ones and the rest a slow drip which is an annoyance more than anything on a very few. I would say if looking at a used one, crawl around underneath and get a good look at the water ump area and see if you see evidence of oil. We have a lot of info on here about it so search; I would not let that make you overlook an otherwise great bike. There doesn't seem to be a year to was fixed but it seemed to me that the 20-22 bikes were what most issues were with.

Great and helpful info, thank you!

 

[Black Númenórean]

I believe the later models also brought the bars closer to the rider to make for a less aggressive riding position. This was definitely the case with the 2021 model, which I had.

 

[Milner]

I believe the later models also brought the bars closer to the rider to make for a less aggressive riding position. This was definitely the case with the 2021 model, which I had.

Now that would be a big selling point for me, since I almost always put on bar risers.

 

[miweber929]

Now that would be a big selling point for me, since I almost always put on bar risers.

Different bend bar is it, I believe.