Honda test ride

mrb-solutions · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 13 Sep 2013 Karma :

Hello all.

I'm going on Wednesday to test ride three of hondas bikes and wondered what peoples opinion on them are? This will be my first big bike.

The bikes are:

CBR650F
CBR500
CB650F

Thanks in advance!

DrSnoosnoo · World Chat Champion Joined: 28 Mar 2012 Karma :

I've been out this weekend on the new VFR800 which was astonishingly great.

Then went on the CBR650 - not sure which, the faired one.
It felt cheaper in comparison but still an easier ride than my ZZR and it had a nice seating position for me too.
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I'm Sam; Northern, Ginger, Lover
Did have: '95 ZZR600 '83 CG125 '97 ZZR1100 '15 Hypermotard 821 SP Do Have: '10 ZX10R

mrb-solutions · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 13 Sep 2013 Karma :

Yeah the faired one is the CBR650f i like the looks of it. Anything will be better than my CBR125 but just wondered if anyone had opinions as to good first bike etc.

Thanks!

DrSnoosnoo · World Chat Champion Joined: 28 Mar 2012 Karma :

BakesBeans · Spanner Monkey Joined: 14 Aug 2012 Karma :

I've got the old CBR600F, which is more powerful than the new CBR650F (100HP vs 85hp approx), and think is a great first big bike.

Great seating position, and easy power curve.

Personally, I would go for a second hand CBR600F 2011 -2013. I would also avoid the more upright CB version, but if that's what you want..
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Current: Kawasaki ZX636
Previous Bike: Honda CBR600F ABS, Yamaha XJ6 F Diversion ABS, Honda VFR400 NC30

Mario_Kempes · Trackday Trickster Joined: 12 Jun 2013 Karma :

Serendipity · World Chat Champion Joined: 07 Jun 2006 Karma :

I got the unfaired CB500F as a loan bike for a couple of days last week and I found it surprisingly competent. Yes, there is a world of more exciting bikes out there, but as a first big bike I’d have been delighted with the little beast. My first big bike was an old 1992 Diversion (which is possibly one of the only bikes that could make the CB500F look exciting) and the CB is a much superior tool.

I also own the old 1990’s CB500 and the new one compares favourably in my opinion. On paper the new one looks a disappointment with its meagre 47bhp, but I found the engine had a surprisingly useful midrange that made it an efficient medium pace machine. It was a bit weak and lumpy at lower engine speeds and the top end is a bit meh, but that midrange is where you’re going to spend most of your time.

Looks, handling and brakes were all in the right territory. Practicality? Yeah, well, you could maybe fit a small sausage roll in the under seat storage and the lack of fairing makes the bike a bit useless as you approach three figure speeds. I’d definitely go for the fairing of the CBR500 rather than the naked CB, but I’m old and unfashionable.

Oh, and when did Honda switch all the horn and indicator buttons around? Felt like a right twat honking everyone for the first few turns. Embarassed

The 650’s are a different proposition entirely. More expensive, but a whole lot more bike for your money.

Having said all that, I have to agree with the above about buying second hand. You could save a fortune and end up with a better bike. Why not make me an offer on my low mileage CB500 for instance? Wink

Enjoy the test rides and don’t let the extra weight catch you out at slow speeds.
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2016 CBF1000F - Commuter heaven | 1994 CBR600FR - Awaiting defibrillation

FriendlyEllis · Spanner Monkey Joined: 28 Dec 2012 Karma :

I agree with BakesBeans.....

If you're doing commuter mileage/touring get a faired bike for wind shelter.

However.....
If you after a weekend hoon then the CB (650 or CB600F Hornet) wouldn't be great.
I love my Hornet for winding back roads. The nakedness feels so uncluttered and free.

I would prefer a CBR600F if I was motorway commuting. You'd get a great deal on one (even new) if you search about, and its a better bike than the newer 650's in my humble opinion.
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Honda CB600F Hornet 2013 -> Kawasaki Z1000SX ABS Tourer 2015