Team-BHP - My Journey - The Honda CBR650R

A minor update.
Completed one year of ownership and around 4000kms on the CBR. Still brings a smile every time.

My Journey - The Honda CBR650R-whatsapp-image-20250304-09.49.33.jpeg

Was time for a regular service and headed to the Big Wing Kochi to get the Oil and oil filter changed. Got to see the new CBR's in person and damn, they look good fresh. The red is quite a head turner. Around 15-20 bikes of both CBR and CB 650's, all sold out.

My Journey - The Honda CBR650R-whatsapp-image-20250304-09.49.32.jpeg

Then headed to Sanju at Fmotors to get the spark plugs changed, air filter cleaned, throttle body cleaned and chain adjusted. I also got the bar ends from Big Wing as the ones that came with the bike were not in good condition. Got them installed. As always, the process was smooth from Sanju. Will have to replace my battery in the coming months as it is in its last legs.

My Journey - The Honda CBR650R-whatsapp-image-20250304-09.49.32-1.jpeg

My Journey - The Honda CBR650R-whatsapp-image-20250304-09.49.33-1.jpeg

One thing we noticed is that I had purchased 4 spark plugs from Big Wing, back in November last year to keep stock. While installing them, two out of those were found to be used sparingly ( had brownish color near the tips). They all came well packed and had the same date of manufacture and stuff. Also, one of the bar ends had paint chipped off at two points, which is disappointing. Wonder what quality control Honda has over spares. If I had changed the plugs at the showroom, I would never have known that the plugs were used in the first place.

Quote:

Originally Posted by vinbex (Post 5935278)

Well, The 650R does not offer mindboggling power like the Z900 or the older Daytona, but it is more than sufficient for touring and occasional sprints or track days. Cruises effortlessly at 140kmph roads permitting. If you are used to riding the R1 or litre class bikes, the CBR 650R may feel underpowered. But coming from a 300cc, I found it as the perfect upgrade.

If you have the budget and plan to keep it for a long time, get the new one. Though not entirely different from the outgoing model, it has new TFT display, revised front fascia and tail section and a larger exhaust opening (louder sound) in addition to blacked out engine, forks etc. It also has around 6bhp more compared to the older one. Older models will be mostly from 2022-2023 years(already 2-3years old) and owners will ask you anything between 9-10 lakhs.

Thank you for your feedback! I really appreciate your honest thoughts on the bikes. I was thinking along the same lines about the used market, any bike that comes up is usually quoted at 9-10 Lakhs. I feel that spending just 2 Lakhs more on a brand-new one is definitely worth it, especially since I love the new look. Plus, since I plan to keep it for a long time, it seems like a great investment. Up until now, I’ve never sold any of the vehicles I’ve owned.:D

Quote:

Originally Posted by vinbex (Post 5935278)

You may want to check out the Daytona 660 as well. Though its a triple, its a well sorted out machine. Gets ride modes as well, but marginally more expensive to maintain in terms of parts.

Thanks for the suggestion. I’ve think I will stick with the CBR 650R because of inline 4.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LJP (Post 5935767)

Then, the new one is the way to go! Hoping to see you on your CBR soon! Good luck

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiyaanchinnu (Post 5936300)

How do you compare the riding stance of CBR650R with Daytona 660? I see reviews stating Daytona 660 is more upright and makes a good sports tourer. Also could you please share your 2 cents on spares availability for CBR650R. TIA.

I have ridden the Daytona only for around 10kms. Honestly, I cannot give you a full fledged idea. But from whatever I could gauge, it did not feel too different from the CBR in terms of ergo since I rode it back to back. It was comfortable and not aggressive at all. I am 183cm tall, and both the bikes did not feel cramped. Have not faced any issues with respect to touring on the CBR. No aches or pains at any point.

Regarding the spares availability, basic oil, air filter, spark plugs are readily available at most Toplines'. For any others, such as the fiber parts, chain sprocket etc. it takes a round 3 weeks after placing an order. Sometimes its available readily at other Topline showrooms and they could courier it to you. Usually, most parts can be sourced within 3-4 weeks. There are aftermarket options available for few parts such as brake pads etc. which an be sourced within a week.

Quote:

Originally Posted by vinbex (Post 5922264)

There was coolant draining from the drain pipe, say around 75-100ml after a couple of rides. They were not rides per say. After both these, there was coolant coming out from the drain pipe below.

First thing to do is check the coolant level which you should have ideally done as soon as the leak happened. After you do this, all depends on what the level is.
If it is well above Max level then this will keep happening until the coolant level settles at Max level, whenever the engine reaches the normal running temperature and fan kicks in mostly in stand-still condition or just post standstill. Basically it spits out the access fluid.
If the coolant level is near or below Minimum level and it still spews out, then you should be worried.
3 scenarios I can point where coolant drips out:
1. Coolant overfilled by mechanic and it autocorrects by spewing out at set temperature mostly when engine is on and bike is at a standstill for couple of minutes.
2. Radiator fan malfunctioned, coolant boils out and spills over due to engine overheat.
3. Bike is overheating due to some other issue pertaining to the coolant system like fan, electronic, electric, thermostat, physical damage to coolant hoses/pipes,etc.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pixantz (Post 5955813)

Thanks for your inputs, I missed updating here. It was just excess coolant spilling over. Last time I was at Fmotors, Sanju did what was required and it has not happened again. Have ridden around 300kms post service and have not faced any issues.

Took the bike for some short spins and Athirappily was a no brainer. The roads are great and the scenery is absolutely pristine. Early morning, no traffic, sounds of the forest, no heat and smooth tarmac - it was pure joy.
Sharing a few pictures