Honda CB650R: A short rider’s thoughts
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- čas přidán 6. 12. 2021
- I borrowed this 2021 Honda CB650R for a month. If you saw the first ride video on it, I have since continued riding it in town in Atlanta, on the highway, and finally, where I almost got myself into some trouble, mountain curves. At 5'3.75" tall I know the hesitation about riding mid-level standard bikes - here's how I handled the 31.5" seat height on the CB650R.
Here is the first ride on the bike • What does a short ride...
See reviews to other mid-sized bikes here: bit.ly/NMidLevelBikes
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Here is the first ride on the bike czcams.com/video/c6zbcwIHqqY/video.html
What action cam do you use?
Your dedication to motorcycles, riding improvement, your channel, as well as promotion of riding, other bike besides your own, *AND* how down to earth / ability to keep it real is so totally impressive to me. Keep'em coming! Thanks for all the work you put into these videos!!!
I really appreciate your take on this bike. It's on my short list for the future.
You actually are now one of the "go to" vloggers for midsized naked bikes. Keep the great content coming.
I have ridden the sv650, mt07, and own the cb650r. I personally feel the cb650r is slightly a bit leaned forward, causing less weight to be on the seat when riding compared to the other more upright naked bikes (probably why you feel less pain when riding long hours). Great review! -From a rider from Japan.
Thanks for your experience with it. but that means you have more weight on your wrist, isn't that uncomfortable?
Just found this. I'm looking to buy one this month and thought I had rinsed all the reviews. I really enjoyed it. Clear, concise and well presented. Subbed. Thank you.
A very honest review you had here.. Love the way you explain your experience with this bike.. I could really imagine how it would feel if I ride it with my hieght and weight.
Really great 👍👍
Brilliantly balanced video Carolyn. Enjoyed the intro and your explanation of the features was excellent. Really like that you include how you feel to. How it compares to the other makes too give us as viewers the most information that we need. Excellent 👍💞👊🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🥰
Glad you gave us this update video! I was waiting for it :)
I did all my training on a Honda CB650R, it's a top bike, and the quality is excellent. I loved the way the weight is low-down (204kg), the engine was buttery smooth, and I loved that four cylinder howl when you open it up!
Rented one of these in Thailand for a week, did about 1000kms on it. Great bike!! Powerful, smooth, good gear box, strong brakes, good handling. felt well put together and good finish quality. Would defs buy one
Really enjoyed this review, Doodle. It was informative and entertaining. Really liked that you compared your experiences on the sv650, z650, mt07 with what you felt riding the cb650r. Awesome that you got to live with this bike and the mt07 for long enough to get to know them well. This bike is on my radar, trying to decide between it and the mt07. Best regards from Brasilia, Brazil.
I had a cb900 Honda (hornet) a few years back and I can confirm the quality of that bikes drive train. Shocks were a little underwhelming but it was a joy to ride. I can only imagine how much better this jewel of a Honda engine must be. Great honest review. Be safe.
Your videos keep getting better and better 👍 keep it up! I love my 21 CB650R
Great review! I own a CB650R and am loving every bit of it. However at the back of my mind I was a bit curious about the other bikes that I didn’t try before buying the CB like the MT07, SV650 and Z900. Thanks for the comparison and reassurance that it’s a great bike.
I was waiting for this actually and you delivered. Thank you ☺️
My first bike was a CB750 Nighthawk. I traded it in on my Triumph Sprint, but sometimes I wish I'd kept it. The CB650R definitely gives me nostalgic feelings for my old Nighthawk, and I'd probably be buying one if I hadn't already bought a V-Strom this year to do some light off-road and two-up riding. Great review.
Good on you for making changes to help you in a possible situation needing strength.
A long time ago, Honda made a four cylinder motorcycle with a four into one chrome exhaust that became a legendary bike.
I think it was the first motorcycle that came with a exhaust like that stock.
This Honda 650 ,in the pictures where you see under the right side of the bike remind me of that bike.
I am really liking your description of the smoothness of this bike.
That really matters if you are going to go out riding for five or six hours, just getting away.
The Honda CB 400/4
Morning Doodle. Great review, and yes, the twisties always trying yo get us in trouble.😄
I had a 765 but sold it. The fun thing about my CBR650R is that it revs to 13000 with 4-cyl, so it makes a nice engine noise without being overkill fast like the 765.
This is a badass offering from Honda. Having ridden one with minor tweaks mainly intake and exhaust and trust me yeeting that cat and tank makes a huge improvement. One of Hondas best offerings and those pipes are just gorgeous
"What happens in the maountains stays in the mountains". Amen. Got this thingie among other reasons after your video. As close to perfection as it gets, it does not take a lot of sophistication to make you happy... in the mountains!
Sweeeet! I love honda and have the CB500F. I just know its super reliable and will go for ever! I did think I'd like to upgrade to something like this but I've actually grown to love the easy going torque of a twin. Big fan of your videos. Keep em coming!!
I enjoyed your review of the cb650r and would like to add some observations of my own. I have a 2020 version of the bike that I drive daily. After 16000 kms, I can honestly say I haven't had any issues with it. The vibrations in the footpegs is slight compared to when I first got it. It is a joy to drive. Glad that you found the same.
Great review! Been looking at the CB 1000R. Currently have an FJR 1300 AE and 2018 Honda Goldenwing DCT, non tour. I’m only 5’6” and 29” inseam (jelly of your 31” inseam)! Both have been my daily drivers and full time transportation since April of 2015 starting with FJR. No problems…Ride safe!
It’s such a nice bike. The handling is incredible!
Always enjoy your straight forward, honest opinion reviews. Honda does make good stuff
Nice review and comparison to the other bikes. Love the different perspective you give. You are not a peg scraper or speed a-holic. Just simple spec review and comparison for someone your size. Keep up the great work!!
2019 CB650R has been my ride for the past 11,000 miles. It is by far my favorite I've ever owned.
I always enjoy your videos!! Keep safe, and best wishes!!
Awesome bike doodle! Keep riding, keep smiling!
Thank you for a honest and good review.
Hi Doodle, another great review, so intimate, you convey exactly what you experience so concisely, and your point on the light clutch, compared to the Harley, so important for girl riders to consider. This Honda ticks so many boxes, it wouldn't surprise me if Honda were inundated with test rides!
My Royal Enfield is the second 650 I’ve ever ridden in my life. Last one was 17 years ago. Not typically a 600ish kind of rider but you can get plenty out of them. Just have to have your expectations right. The cylinder thing is real. My 6 cylinder goldwing is the smoothest motorcycle engine I’ve ever felt.
Side note: just got the notification for this video right now. 6 days late.
I currently ride an 06 VFR800 Interceptor. Awesome bike but at 530lbs isn’t svelte by any stretch. This CB along with the Street Triple are both on my short list of “next bikes”. At 61 at a bit of arthritis here and there and a 30” inseam, that V4 is getting the best of me some days. Love the reviews, especially this one.
Interesting viewpoints here Doodle, thank you. I'd still love to get your opinion an Italian 600 class nike like the Aprilia Tuono 660 if you prefer bikes without a full fairing. Here's hoping...in the meantime keep up the good work 👏👏
Great reviews!
After market provides custom adjustable clutch levers. These can be adjusted so the engagement point is closed to the handle bar. Also the farther out on the clutch lever that you grab, the more leverage you have to operate the clutch. Good luck with the exercises to lift the motorcycles. Geat review.
Inline 4 is a great motor. Twins have nice low end torque. First bike was a 500 four. Loved that bike. I like this bike. Good indepth review!
Now that is a good motorcycle review Doodle... Short, to the point and from an average motorcycle riders view point...
Would be interesting to know your thoughts compared to the Trident in more detail as I feel these are two bikes competing more closely
That was really neat! My favorite part was the ending when you
🤣🤣🤣
Whoa 😯 That was abrupt 😁
Appears like a really good value machine. Thanks Doodle. 👍
Awesome review buddy..
That’s a cool bike 💯‼️
Nice review as always.
Love your videos, and thanks for this (short) review and your experience.
I rode the bike (in blue) for 9700 km (~6k miles) within 6 months and traded it in (+ some €€) for a F900XR. Personally I think if you like naked bikes and this cafe racer theme, its a great bike, also for beginners. Its super reliable, rides smoothly and has a great sporty (and loud) sound! The tires of the 2021 version are not so good (a little slippery), so I'd recommend to go for the Metzler Roadtec 01 SE (as the 2019 version had on it). The throttle response is a little bit too abrupt/direct, but you can get used to it over time. The breaks are superb! Also loved the (always active) signal lights and the LED's - I was never overlooked by a car driver.
For me personally I noted its just the not suitable bike. I had serious butt pain after 1-1,5hours. In the end through hard "training" I could ride for ~3 hours before it became really uncomfortable. Further the position of the foot pecs are more sporty, so that caused some unconfortness for me as well. As its a naked bike, of course there is no wind protection.
So now I'm happy to have a more comfortable sports-touring machine with all sorts of tech in it.
PS: a picture of my Honda also made it to the *November 2021* fan gallery on Facebook at HondaMotoDeutschland
Because i watched this video. This will be my next naked bike. Coming in real soon. Thank you for a very insightful review i really needed to see this.
I was debating between mt3, mt7, and z650. When you mentioned how smooth the shifting/ clutch was compared with the mt07. I decided to buy this one instead. Hence, thank you for your contents as always!
What a great review! Nice job
I too have a 31" inseam. Test rode this bike at the OC motorcycle show. I find the foot pegs are high and feels a bit cramped. Great for sport riding but not ideal for touring. My commute is 30-40 miles one way and I think this bike might be too compact for my daily commute. Stellar engine though.
My first bike was its little brother ...the CB300R and I loved that bike. I came close to upgrading to the 650R but opted for Ninja 650 instead. Great video
I bought a Honda CB300R for my Thai secretary's son for university and now he is saving up for a Honda Candy Red CB650R; "his dream bike".
Here in EU (Denmark) we get it in 4 colors, blue, red, black and grey. I got one in grey last spring. Cant wait until riding season starts here again
I'm dying to try one of these out because I looooove my CB500F. I had the same response to the 500F feeling "premium" over the Kawasaki and Yamaha bikes I sat on. Despite the Honda being the more pedestrian choice, it just felt so much better and that is how I ended up with it. It's a treat to ride, its so easy and confidence inspiring. I just wish I had the littlest bit more power... :)
You'd love the honda cb650f
Well done review. Thanks.
Doodle you have the best reviews
Nice review, love the Honda for their refined engine.Own a CB350RS and really love it.
Hey!! great vid!! I started out thinking i might fast fwd thru this vid or skip it. but, when i heard what you were saying and could see your expression saying it.... I could see that you are genuinely expressing your thoughts and ideas. Not too common in the youtube "Reviews" content. Thanks, and I will def do more research on your channel.
Amazing bike love it
I’m amazed that you have a 31” inseam. I’m a 6’4” dude and I wear a 34” inseam! Great review.
What I hear is the curves and or any close calls were not the thing which may have startled you, hopefully, but the simple recognition of the speed you were actually travelling. IMO this is not a bad thing, I would think it's a direct reflection of your advancing bike handling skills and confidence. We all twist it a bit but with experience a good rider will choose their spot for speed, I know I do. Where I am in Canada, the speed limit sign is white, but the yellow curve warning speeds signs are only the "suggested" speed, at the end of the day, ride within your ability, but be smart. 🧠🇨🇦
31 inseam? That's why you look so much taller, I'm 5' 4" with a 28 inseam. I'm built like a Daschsund, lol Short legs
I really wish that motorcycle companies would do more to make their bikes fit a wider size range of people. I was really hoping that Kawasaki's "ergo fit" idea for the Vulcan S would spread to their other motorcycles. I have been reading reviews for over 40 years and did not initially realize that a particular motorcycle might get a bad review or lose a comparison because it did not fit a long-legged tester.
I also have a 28" inseam. We should probably start a club! We will certainly recognize each other. I will be the other person wearing a wiener-dog costume.
Same issue.
LOL
@@jfess1911 check out the Indian motorcycles. Seat heights from 26 inches
@@chris11370 I grew up in the NC mountains and twisty roads where a big part of the fun was leaning WAY OVER in the turns and I imprinted on that kind of riding. I prefer a light motorcycle that can tolerate a big lean angle. I actually went the opposite way from most 60-year olds and recently bought a Z400 rather than a cruiser. Every now and then I get silly and get my lean-angle fix just keeping moderate speed up in neighborhood cul-de-sacs, LOL.
That's a fantastic bike no doubt!
I'm 6ft tall and I still agree putting 1 foot down is more comfortable than tiptoeing. I mean, to each their own, but I agree with you. 💪
It's defo a relaxed way to do it.
@@motionpictures21 I have the same question. I’m 6ft tall… lmk if you find out any info
Nice review. That's a bike I've always liked particularly aesthetically. The four cyclinder engine is what sets it apart from most of the other 650ish bikes which are mostly parallel twins. That is why it's smoother, heavier and faster. At least 2 out of 3 of those are good:)
If my wife didn’t ride with me a lot, I would own one of these.
@@CactusJack252 she could get on still
So one out of 3 arent good? Sorry im confused
@@queenbee7074 Smooth and fast are good. Heavier not so much.
In some situations little extra weight can be a plus. Besides, that extra weight is there because it has a better engine.
Great vid, love the content on this Honda👍🏽 Although I don’t think you really care for it when people comment on your looks, I have to say Doodle ~ you really do have amazing hair…and skin💯🦾🎉
Nice review doodle! 🤘🏼👊🏼
You should do a review on the Honda Rebel 1100 Manuel version. Should getting my in August!
Great review,Ive got the honda cb650f, great bike for what I need,all year round riding
Nice reveiw as usuall, Doodle, we need some footage of the stuff you couldnt show from the mountains!
Neva!!!
Hey doodle, happy new year x
Another great video 👍
Fantastic,
You are a brave girl, thank you for sharing!
Love this dude 😌
Thanks 👍 was looking for something in this weight and cc size.
Honda has made more than their share of high quality bikes over the years. My ex 2000 Honda 600 Hornet was amazing, not a mark on the chrome or anywhere else after 2 decades and just about every other one I've seen was the same
@@PepeDeezNutz No mate, the 600. We got the 919 and the 599 here in Australia. They looked very much alike and I presume your 919 was just as high quality as the 600/599. Mine was the S version with the half fairing
Excellent review. As this is the bike I ride, I was hoping you'd like it. :-) Completely agree on the premium feel and the temptation for trouble.
Hello from Wales. A pal has one of these Hondas. He previously had a brand new VFR800, which he dropped after his left foot slipped on some small loose chippings outside of his home. I tried to dissuade him from changing bikes, merely for having had such a minor mishap, but at aged 68, I guess it's a loss of confidence issue and he's very happy with the change, regardless. Incidentally, I'm 64 and ride a naked Suzuki 1000 which I've had for almost 17 years and weighs about 400 lbs dry. I do some upper body strength exercises to make manhandling it in the garage easier but will be glad if and when I can shake the stomach ulcer that's been plaguing me for the last two years.
great review and explanations of the new features! amazing roads to ride! well done! can't beat a HONDA!
Nice bike and review. Isnt' there a cbr 1000 R bike out there as well? I don't see any around. Also, have you tried that one as well. Have you test rode the Triumph T 120 yet? If so, did you do a video on it? Thanks
I've always liked the look of the 650R but I'd like it more in a deep ruby red metallic on the tank, fenders and the plastics. I think Harley has a dark cherry color, I'd like that too.
How did you like the sv650? Any videos on that?
I have CBR650R and it's like a dream 😀. Same engine like CB . Very nice 👌. Hi from Romania ! 🇷🇴
I’m 6ft tall and I don’t want a bike too big to enjoy! I agree with you!
I’m hoping eventually when I get back on a bike , I find a lighter weighted one with good power! 600 plus to 1000!
I wish they continued making 700’s
Total shocker hearing how rare that is now! I got my bikers license on a neighbor’s Yamaha 750 maxima ! Around 1992-94?! My time flies & change! Got married 96 & quit riding bikes! Having urges again now in my 50’s!!! Lol!!!!!🤘🏼🙌🏽👌👍🏽👋🏼
And I like the 4 cylinder engines too! Sound power etc!
Awesome video.. I'm looking at the honda cb300r as my first bike. Thoughts?
I don't know if other people have mentioned this but thank you for not having a 5-20 second "intro" like you run a network TV show or start every video with "hey guys" "whats up guys". ---Doodle for a CZcams Emmy. Anyhoo... another great video.
Both very intentional decisions 🤪 thank you for recognizing
Love the look of this bike. I just wish someone would make a bike like this for super short (5' tall) riders like me. Unfortunately I can't one foot it bcuz I have a bad left knee and ruptured my right achilles a few years back. So I can only ride bikes I can flat foot. For now I'm forced to settle for my Rebel 300 as a new short rider, which I love for commuting but need something to transition to since I want to start long road trips. 🙁
You should look into the other variations of the rebel. The 500 offers the same dimensions. The new 1100 is only 1 inch taller and only .3 inches higher at the seat.
@@anibal7069 Thanks. I did think of those but I'd really love to get something other than a cruiser style bike. I actually prefer the styling, comfort and performance of the sport naked bikes. My dream bike for now is the Kawasaki H2 SX SE 😍 But they may as well put a sign on it that reads: "You must be this tall to ride this ride". 🤣
That or the 2022 Suzuki Katana!
Good one and looking lovely
Super cool that you can ride all kind of bikes and thanks for sharing all your experience on them with us. Me personally, I'm between CB650R and Z900(after one year on CB500F). If you have time, could you please let me know wich one you felt more maneuverable, CB650R or Z900. Thank you and keep up with the great videos.
Mmm - honestly they both felt really similar! Any bike is maneuverable once you get used to it
Just purchased a used 2019 here in Thailand... About $5,000 (175,000 thb)... 9K km
So smooth and responsive... Really like your POV on bikes🙏🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Doodle sounds like you got a fever,a fever for more throttle.we all do every now & then lol,we all seen you rev bomb that tunnel. I can attest that women have longer legs at least my girl has longer legs than me.interesting bike might make a good commuter bike.just zipping around town or in the mountains.wouldn’t want to ride longer distances.upright would have to be the way. I would have to ride.my back won’t let me hunch over like on sport bikes. Thanks again doodle for the presentation of a quality video.
Great video info, Doodle. I would like to see some reviews of more exotic bikes such as Ducati, Aprilia, Guzzi and so forth. Probably not, huh??????? On Thirsday the 16th I will remit all funds to Kayla's dad for the 2022 season, so GO, Kayla!! Sure did love your interview with her!
That’d be great! I only have so many contacts though 🤪 maybe I’ll get more!
Dear@@DoodleOnAMotorcycle, you are no longer some unknown Bozo. Let these idiots know who you are and take no cr@* from them!!!! Ok? 😉
i test rode the xsr700, the z650, the cbr500r and many more, and let me tell you: my (RED!) CB650R is just the best looking in its class. The high revving engine has plenty of power and the only limiting factor is my ability.
how about comfort wise? and control over slow speed traffic. which ones more easier to handle
How's the lighting for the bike? I have a cb500f and I barely see with it. The lighting is different on this one
Great Point review doodle!
Honda always make great bikes, still not persuaded me to part with my Street Triple though! Thanks Caro 🤪🤣👍🏽♥️🏍
You're right, the video did end abrupt.🤣
Part of your higher speed without noticing it is that you've become a better rider than past doodle was. Just practice and feeling more comfortable it makes you forget to look at the speedometer at all.
Great review, good looking bike! We wanna see what happens in the mountains 😂
😂😂
is your inseam 31 inches including boots?
I have a 31 inch inseam including high heel boots and am wondering whether I will be able to flat the cbr650r with boots on
Doodle
Great video and awesome review Lady! The demographic for these midsize bikes is huge I'd like you to test the new Triumph Tiger 660. I think the seat height is just about 33". That may fit you.
Cheers Doodle!
Ride SAFE and BE safe Lady!!
🙌👏👏👏👏👏👍✌👌🖖🤙🌹👋🙂
Hi Doodle. Have you considered doing a ride review on the Honda Rebel 500 ? Lots of us would love that! 😊
I just checked my inseam. Yikes! I'm a 5'6' guy with a 30" inseam in bare feet. Any of the taller bikes are out of my league, like BMW F800GS and Ducati Multistrada, etc. I did sit on a Ducati Diavel recently and I was able to flat foot it. Who woulda thought? I don't feel height challenged - just normal - and adapt to whatever. The trend to make bikes to fit only 6'10" German guys is beyond ridiculous. Hopefully there will be a return to lower seat heights and ground clearances. Love your videos Carolyn. They are always positive, fun and realistic.
Out of your league? Never… Jocelin Snow can’t even touch the ground on her bike, here are some tips czcams.com/video/w8ttsyjNeEw/video.html
Agreed… need more lower seat height inline 4 bikes. My 96 CBR600F3 is how it should be done. Handle bars height height than the seat height. Anything new just isn’t comfortable. Even my wife’s 500R is to top heavy and weighs as much as a 600. Just an inch or so lower on newer bikes would help new riders and short guys that don’t want a Harley.