2020 Honda CB650R ABS Guide

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2020 Honda CB650R ABS:

Few motorcycles can claim to be exceptional at all things, but the Honda CB650R is one bike that stands out from the rest. It starts with the inline-four engine, oozing with power and begging to be revved. Then there’s the seating position, placing you more upright for long-distance comfort. And perhaps the best part is the neo-sport styling, offering a modern take on the naked sportbike with waterfall-style headers, wide handlebars and LED lighting front and back. And for 2020, the CB650R comes equipped with anti-lock brakes as standard equipment. In a cluttered class, the CB650R rises to the top in performance, functionality and all-out fun.

A true middleweight standard, the CB650R pairs a light, versatile chassis to a 649cc inline four-cylinder engine with great torque and a smooth throttle delivery. Honda’s Neo Sports Café design theme showcases smooth lines and compact packaging, guaranteeing that this is a bike that’s just as exciting to look at as it is to ride. Available in ABS version only.

Honda has a long history of middleweight machines that blend user-friendly four-cylinder engines with a nimble, confidence-inspiring chassis. It’s a combination that’s long satisfied two-wheel enthusiasts of varying riding backgrounds, from daily commuters to those who are up early, chasing the sunrise along tight, twisting backroads. It’s also the combination that makes the CB650R such an enjoyable and popular machine. A true middleweight standard, the CB650R pairs a light, versatile chassis to a 649cc inline four-cylinder engine with great torque and a smooth throttle delivery. Honda’s Neo Sports Café design theme showcases smooth lines and compact packaging, guaranteeing that this is a bike that’s just as exciting to look at as it is to ride.

2020 Honda CB650R ABS Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

More powerful and technologically advanced model adds to Honda’s supersport legacy

Honda Motor Co. founder Soichiro Honda dreamed of competing in races around the world—and winning—with a vehicle of his own making. Driven by the same competitive spirit, and having since amassed the most premier-class Grand Prix victories of any manufacturer, Honda announced today the 2021 CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP. An evolution of Honda’s legendary 1,000cc sportbike, the all-new model draws heavily on MotoGP technology and will carry Honda’s sport motorcycle lineup into the future while also bolstering its racing efforts in series including the FIM Superbike World Championship.

Designed from the ground up with involvement from Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) and an extreme focus on outright track performance, the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP pairs a more compact, yet more powerful inline four-cylinder engine with an all-new frame with optimized rigidity for improved grip and feel. An advanced suite of electronic rider aids works to enable fast lap times, while aerodynamic technologies from the RC213V MotoGP race bike are used to both increase downforce and improve braking stability. For the first time, the “Fireblade” name is being used in the U.S. market.

“From our earliest days, Honda has been committed to developing class-leading motorcycles capable of winning races,” said Chris Cox, American Honda’s Manager of Experiential Marketing/Public Relations. “Developed around technologies and information gleaned from Honda’s Grand Prix racing efforts, the 2021 CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP highlights the brand’s competitive spirit, and we’re excited for riders to experience the latest in our storied line of sport motorcycles.”

CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE SP

Focusing on outright track performance, engineers have developed the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP with engine and chassis technology from MotoGP, the all-new model drawing heavily on the RCV combustion efficiency and low-friction solutions. The engine is more compact than the inline four-cylinder powerplant it replaces and benefits from the use of high-end technologies like titanium connecting rods, forged aluminum pistons and finger-follower rocker arms.

The CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP uses an all-new aluminum diamond frame with increased vertical and torsional rigidity, but decreased horizontal rigidity, for maximum levels of grip and feel. A longer swingarm—stamped from aluminum of 18 individual thicknesses—is developed with lessons learned through Honda’s Grand Prix efforts, further highlighting the connection between the all-new model and Honda’s championship-winning race bikes.

Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) has been optimized and an adjustable Start Mode joins Power, Engine Brake and Wheelie Control; a quick shifter is standard. The CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP is outfitted with a six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), three-level Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD) and second-generation Öhlins Smart Electronic Control (S-EC) suspension and user interface. New Brembo Stylema brake calipers bite 330mm rotors through two-level ABS. The bodywork and riding position have an uncompromising focus on aerodynamic performance, and the fairing features MotoGP-derived winglets to generate downforce. A full-color TFT screen and Honda Smart Key are the finishing touches.

• Pricing: TBD
• Availability: June 2020
• Color: HRC Tricolor

In addition to announcing the 2021 CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, Honda confirmed the return of a number of sport and naked models for the 2020 model year:

CBR600RR

High-level sport-bike performance needn’t always come in large packages, as proven by the popular CBR600RR, which is equally at home on twisty back roads and dedicated race circuits. The model that has earned eight World Supersport titles (nine if you count its CBR600F predecessor) touts a strong engine and front suspension featuring Honda’s 41mm Big Piston Fork for exceptional handling and supple action.

• Price
  • CBR600RR ABS: $12,799
  • CBR600RR: $11,799
• Availability: March 2020
• Color: Matte Black Metallic

CBR650R ABS

Designed to be enjoyed on the street, yet taking cues from an RR machine, the CBR650R offers light, responsive handling through its finely tuned chassis and enjoyable power through its high-revving inline four-cylinder engine. Sharp lines, LED lighting and an aggressive riding position complete the package, striking an ideal balance between performance and practicality—an enjoyable intersection of values for the modern sport bike rider. Available in ABS version only.

• Price: $9,699
• Availability: April 2020
• Color: Grand Prix Red/Stripe

CB650R ABS

A true middleweight standard, the CB650R pairs a light, versatile chassis to a 649cc inline four-cylinder engine with great torque and a smooth throttle delivery. Honda’s Neo Sports Café design theme showcases smooth lines and compact packaging, guaranteeing that this is a bike that’s just as exciting to look at as it is to ride. Available in ABS version only.

• Price: $9,199
• Availability: January 2020
• Color: Chromosphere Red

CBR500R

Honda’s CBR500R is all about balance. Long heralded by both riders who are moving up from smaller machines, and those looking to downsize without giving up the performance and style that drew them to motorcycling, this model finds the balancing point between performance and sensible running costs. With its sporty styling and user-friendly performance, the fully faired CBR500R can do it all, too, from daily commuting to weekend rides.

• Price
  • CBR500R ABS: $6,999
  • CBR500R: $6,699
• Availability: February 2020
• Colors: Grand Prix Red, Matte Gray Metallic

CBR300R

With strong power and nimble handling, Honda’s littlest full-faring sport bike makes every ride a fun one, while its affordable price and low operating cost make it easy on the wallet. Great for beginners and experienced riders alike, the CBR300R has dual headlights and stylish exhaust system, as well as available ABS.

• Price
  • CBR300R ABS: $4,999
  • CBR300R: $4,699
• Availability: March 2020
• Colors: Grand Prix Red, Matte Black Metallic

2020 Honda CB650R ABS Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

STYLING
Tightly wrapped and aggressive, the CB650R’s Neo Sports Café style features the signature compact “trapezoid” proportion of short, stubby tail and short-overhang headlight. The long fuel tank is a key motif of the family design; its smooth lines accentuate the solidity of real metal surfaces and crown the engineering of the four-cylinder powerplant. It also houses the ignition.

The round headlight is based on that of the CB1000R. It’s LED, as is the rest of the lighting. Sharp LCD instruments also use the CB1000R as a baseline and include Shift Up, Gear Position and a Peak Hold indicator, which brings attention to the peak revs and offers a more dynamic experience for the rider.

A 21.9 inch tapered handlebar is shaped and positioned to offer a sport yet comfortable riding position, as is the foot-peg position. Seat height is 31.9 inches.

CHASSIS
The CB650R’s steel-diamond frame uses pressed swingarm pivot plates for weight savings twin elliptical spars with a rigidity balance specifically tuned (stiffer around the headstock and more flexible in the spar sections) to deliver balanced handling characteristics with high levels of rider feedback. Curb weight (measured with all required fluids) is 447 pounds. Much is owed to weight-saving measures in the frame, fuel tank and super-sport-style footpegs. Handling is further aided by an ideal centralization of mass.

An inverted 41mm Showa Separate Function Fork (SFF) offers great handling and reduced unsprung weight. The fork is held by a forged-aluminum bottom triple clamp.

Adjustable for seven-stage spring preload, the single-tube shock operates directly on the curvaceous, gravity die-cast aluminum swingarm.

Four-piston radial-mount front brake calipers work on 310mm floating rotors and are paired with a single-piston rear caliper and 240mm rotor. Two-channel ABS is standard. The cast aluminum wheels are designed with five Y-shaped spokes, reducing weight by front and rear, which also improves handling by reducing inertia and unsprung mass.

ENGINE
Honda’s development engineers wanted to create the purest, most enjoyable midsized four-cylinder performance possible for the CB650R rider, so the 649cc, DOHC 16-valve engine has been tuned to deliver good power above 10,000 rpm. Peak power arrives at 12,000 rpm, with peak torque delivered at 8,500. The net result is a motor that spins well at high rpm, with a smooth, linear torque delivery that builds strongly as revs rise, and sounds great in the process.

Direct cam actuation makes for a compact cylinder head; compression ratio is 11.6:1. The valve train is reinforced and iridium spark plugs employed.

Asymmetric piston skirts minimize bore contact, reducing friction. Ferrous spines on the outer surface of the cylinder sleeves reduce oil consumption (and friction) with improved heat transfer, and a silent SV cam chain reduces frictional losses by using a Vanadium coating on its pins. Internal water channeling from the cylinder head to the cylinders does away with most of the exterior hoses.

Twin air ducts on either side of the fuel tank feed a large volume of air, raising atmospheric pressure in the airbox. They also produce a throaty intake roar. The exhaust features a larger bore tail pipe—from 1.4 to 1.5 inches—inside the muffler to flow more gas and, with its exit pipe angled upward, to emit an emotional howl.

The engine uses a compact internal architecture, stacked six-speed gearbox and starter layout with the cylinders canted forward 30°. An assist/slipper clutch eases upshifts while managing rear-wheel lock up under rapid downshifts, while Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) manages rear-wheel traction; it can be turned off should the rider choose.

Transferable one-year, unlimited-mileage limited warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan.

• Meets current EPA standards.
• Models sold in California meet current CARB standards and may differ slightly due to emissions equipment.

2020 Honda CB650R ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: starting from $ 9,199 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ See Dealer for pricing in CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride Meets current EPA standards

Models sold in California meet current CARB standards and may differ slightly due to emissions equipment Specifications subject to change

2020 Honda CB650R ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details

Engine & Drivetrain

Engine Type

Liquid-cooled inline four cylinder

Displacement

649 cc

Bore & Stroke

67 mm x 46 mm

Compression Ratio

11.6:1

Valve Train

Chain-driven DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Fuel Delivery

PGM-FI electronic fuel injection with 32 mm throttle bodies

Transmission

Six-speed

Final Drive

#525 O-ring-sealed chain (15T/42T)

Chassis & Suspension

Front Suspension

41 mm Showa SFF (Separate Function front Fork) inverted fork; 108 mm (4.3 in.) travel

Rear Suspension

Showa monoshock damper with 7-stage adjustable preload; 128 mm (5 in) travel

Additional Information

Tires

Front: 120/70ZR-17
Rear: 180/55ZR-17

Brakes

Front: Dual 310 mm discs with radial-mounted four-piston calipers
Rear: Disc 240 mm with single-piston caliper 2-channel ABS

Seat Height

810 mm (31.9 in.)

Wheelbase

1,450 mm (57.1 in.)

Curb Weight

201 kg (443 lb) including required fluids and full tank of gas—ready to ride

Fuel Capacity

15.4 L

Colour

Candy Chromosphere Red, Graphite Black

Warranty

12 months, unlimited mileage, freely transferable warranty; extended coverage available with Honda Plus

2020 Honda CB650R ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details

Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).