Honda CBR650R
2026 Honda CBR650R: 95 hp inline four, E-Clutch as standard in France, €9,949, A2 version. Full specs, press reviews and generations.
At a glance
The 2026 Honda CBR650R remains the only four-cylinder sports roadster in its class, with 95 hp and a 12,000 rpm peak. In France it is sold only with the Honda E-Clutch, at €9,949, in full-power or A2 form. Reviewers praise its silky engine, balance and the E-Clutch, but regret the lack of riding modes and cornering ABS.
World press review
Meta-score
7 sources
Press ratings
Chassis balanced between composure and comfort, highly polished E-Clutch; the four-cylinder feels dated and only comes alive at the top of the rev range.
A balanced sports roadster made unique by its four-cylinder and the E-Clutch; slightly soft shock, tight knee angle for tall riders, no riding modes.
The E-Clutch is excellent and simple, useful to sporty riders too thanks to automatic blipping; the extra cost is fair.
Revvy engine at high rpm, agile chassis, strong brakes and effective E-Clutch; pillion grab handles removed and vibrations at transient revs.
Press synthesis
What the world’s press says
The 2024 CBR650R scores 4/5 from MCN, 4/5 from Bennetts BikeSocial and 16.3/20 from Caradisiac. Visordown, 1000PS, Motorrad and Le Repaire des Motards tested it without a numeric score.
What reviewers like: the E-Clutch, rated outstanding by every test, the silky four-cylinder that screams at high revs, the balanced chassis, quality suspension and brakes, the new TFT screen and the finish.
What they criticise: an engine less punchy in the midrange than rival twins (Visordown, BikeSocial), a slightly abrupt throttle response, no riding modes or cornering ABS, average wind protection and a pillion seat without grab handles.
Key quotes
"For the first application of the system, it's incredibly refined, and will only get better as Honda inevitably tweaks it over the next few years."
"The E-Clutch gives the Honda CBR650R a convincing technological originality in the service of a unique engine. A package that is bound to appeal."
"What makes the CBR special is the old-school in-line four-cylinder engine at its heart. You won't win any acceleration races with it, but the in-line four inspires with its silky power delivery and screaming revs in the upper rev range."
"The quality suspension and brakes complete this successful package, making the Honda CBR650R a very attractive proposition for anyone who likes road-going sports bikes."
Pros
- The only four-cylinder in its class, smooth and revvy
- Polished Honda E-Clutch
- Balanced chassis, good suspension and brakes
- 5-inch TFT and RoadSync connectivity
- A2 version at the same price
Cons
- Midrange lacks punch against rival twins
- Cable throttle, slightly abrupt response
- No riding modes or cornering ABS
- No cruise control
- Manual version not offered in France
Our review
What’s new on the 2026 CBR650R?
Nothing mechanical: Honda only refreshes the colours, with a new Matt Black with fluorescent yellow accents alongside the Grand Prix Red Tricolour. The last major update came in 2024: redesigned bodywork, a 5-inch colour TFT with Honda RoadSync and the arrival of the optional Honda E-Clutch. According to Honda, the CBR650R has been Europe’s best-selling sports bike since 2021.
Why only the E-Clutch version in France?
Honda France only offers the CBR650R E-Clutch and its A2 (35 kW) version, both at €9,949. The conventional manual version exists elsewhere in Europe, but it appears neither on honda.fr’s price page nor in its configurator.
The E-Clutch is an electronic actuator housed in the right-hand engine cover. It handles the clutch when pulling away, stopping and shifting gear, without the rider touching the lever. The lever can still be used at any time and the system can be switched off from the left switchgear. Three shift-feel settings are offered. It adds 2 kg: the E-Clutch version weighs 211 kg kerb, against 209 kg for the manual version.
How good is the engine?
The 649 cc inline four (67 x 46 mm) makes 95 hp at 12,000 rpm and 63 Nm at 9,500 rpm. According to BikeSocial, it is the only four-cylinder engine in the class, against rivals’ twins and triples.
The engine divides reviewers:
- 1000PS loves its smoothness and free-revving nature, Le Repaire des Motards its top-end pull and Caradisiac its smoothness;
- Visordown finds it dated, as it only really comes alive at the top of the rev range;
- BikeSocial finds it less flexible than some rivals.
The throttle is still cable-operated. MCN and BikeSocial find the response slightly abrupt when picking up the throttle, and BikeSocial notes that E-Clutch downshifts are less smooth than they would be with ride-by-wire.
How does it ride?
The steel diamond frame, 41 mm Showa SFF-BP USD fork and radial Nissin calipers on 310 mm discs satisfy every test. Visordown speaks of a fine balance between composure and comfort, while Caradisiac and Le Repaire des Motards praise the suspension and brakes.
The reservations concern:
- a slightly soft shock when leaned over and a tight knee angle for tall riders (1000PS);
- no riding modes (1000PS, Caradisiac);
- ABS not optimised for cornering (Caradisiac);
- average wind protection (Caradisiac) and a seat that gets uncomfortable over distance (MCN).
Fuel consumption and maintenance
Honda quotes 4.9 L/100 km on the WMTC cycle and a range of over 300 km from the 15.4-litre tank. MCN recorded about 5.0 L/100 km on its 2024 test. The 2026 owner’s manual specifies an oil change every 12,000 km or every year and a valve clearance check at 36,000 km.
Recalls
Two recalls affect the 2024 generation:
- CBR650Rs built between January and April 2024, for a gear shift arm bolt that could work loose;
- 2024-2025 CBR650Rs, for an indicator switch wiring harness that could cause a short circuit.
Specifications
| Displacement | 649 cc |
|---|---|
| Power | 95 hp (70 kW) @ 12,000 rpm |
| Torque | 63 Nm @ 9,500 rpm |
| Weight | 211 kg (kerb weight, E-Clutch version) |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 2.22 |
| Seat height | 810 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 15.4 L |
| Fuel consumption | 4.9 L/100 km (WMTC cycle) — 112 g/km CO2 |
| Maintenance interval | Oil change every 12,000 km or 1 year — Valves: 36,000 km (2026 Honda owner's manual) |
| Engine type | Inline four-cylinder, 4-stroke, DOHC, 16 valves, liquid-cooled |
| Cooling | liquide |
| Transmission | 6-speed, chain drive, Honda E-Clutch |
| License | AA2 Restrictable |
| MSRP | €9,949 |
Engine detail
| Bore x stroke | 67 x 46 mm |
|---|---|
| Compression ratio | 11,6:1 |
| Fuel system | PGM-FI fuel injection, 32 mm throttle bodies, cable throttle |
| Valve train | DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, direct cam actuation |
| Max power RPM | 12000 units.rpm |
| Max torque RPM | 9500 units.rpm |
| Starter | Electric |
| Euro standard | Euro 5 |
Chassis & running gear
| Frame type | Steel diamond frame, aluminium swingarm |
|---|---|
| Rake angle | 25.5 ° |
| Trail | 101 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1450 mm |
| Ground clearance | 130 mm |
| Front suspension | 41 mm Showa SFF-BP USD fork, non-adjustable |
| Rear suspension | Showa monoshock, 10-step preload adjustment |
| Front brake | Twin 310 mm floating discs, Nissin radial 4-piston calipers |
| Rear brake | Single 240 mm disc, single-piston caliper |
| Front tire | 120/70 ZR17 |
| Rear tire | 180/55 ZR17 |
| ABS system | 2-channel ABS (not lean-sensitive) |
Electronics & rider aids
| Traction control | Yes |
|---|---|
| Anti-wheelie | No |
| Quickshifter | No: the E-Clutch allows gear changes without the clutch lever |
| Cruise control | No |
| Dashboard | 5-inch colour TFT |
| Connectivity | Honda RoadSync (navigation, calls, music) |
| Other features | Honda E-Clutch: pulling away, stopping and gear changes without the clutch lever, 3 feel settings, can be switched off, Switchable HSTC torque control, Assist and slipper clutch, No riding modes, HISS immobiliser, USB-C socket under the seat, Full LED lighting |
Ergonomics & rider fit
| Riding position | Moderately sporty: clip-ons below the top yoke, slight forward lean |
|---|---|
| Passenger comfort | Limited (no grab handles) |
| Wind protection | Average (full fairing, low screen) |
| Payload | 166 kg |
The CBR650R has a moderately sporty riding position: the clip-ons sit below the top yoke, but the upper body stays fairly upright, which keeps it usable every day. Seat height is 810 mm. 1000PS finds the knee angle tight for tall riders, MCN finds the seat uncomfortable over distance and Caradisiac rates wind protection as average. Le Repaire des Motards regrets the removal of the pillion grab handles. The owner’s manual limits the load (rider, passenger and luggage) to 166 kg.
Ownership & maintenance
≈ 5.0 L/100 km (MCN: 55.98 mpg UK on its 2024 test of the E-Clutch version)
L/100km
Real-world consumption
~~305 km (estimated: 15.4 L tank / 5.0 L/100 km); Honda claims over 300 km
km
Estimated range
| Oil change | every 12,000 km or every 12 months |
|---|---|
| Valve check | every 36,000 km |
| Spark plugs | every 48,000 km |
| Chain | Check and lubricate every 1,000 km (525 chain) |
Warranty
2 years / Unlimited mileage; extendable year by year up to 6 years with servicing in the Honda network
Honda’s 2026 owner’s manual specifies an oil change every 12,000 km or every year, oil filter and air filter replacement every 24,000 km, a valve clearance check at 36,000 km and spark plug replacement at 48,000 km. Coolant is replaced every 3 years and brake fluid every 2 years; the chain should be checked and lubricated every 1,000 km. Honda France provides a 2-year unlimited-mileage warranty, extendable year by year up to 6 years if the bike is serviced by the Honda network.
Direct competitors
Compare →| Model | MSRP | Power | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda CBR650R | €9,949 | 95 hp (70 kW) @ 12,000 rpm | 211 kg (kerb weight, E-Clutch version) |
| Suzuki GSX-8R2026 | €8,999 | 83 hp | 205 kg (kerb weight) |
| Yamaha R72026 | €10,499 | 73.4 hp | 189 kg (wet) |
| Triumph Daytona 6602025 | €9,795 | 95 hp | 201 kg (wet) |
| Kawasaki Ninja 6502027 | €8,199 | 68 hp | 194 kg (wet) |
Generations
- CBR650F2014 – 2016
649 cc · 87 hp · 63 Nm · 211 kg (road-ready)
All-new model: 649 cc inline four, steel frame, standard ABS and an A2 version.
- CBR650F2017 – 2018
649 cc · 91 hp · 64 Nm · 213 kg (road-ready)
3 kW more, Showa Dual Bending Valve fork, revised Nissin calipers and redrawn bodywork.
- CBR650R2019 – 2020
649 cc · 95 hp · 64 Nm · 207 kg (road-ready)
Replaces the CBR650F: sharper styling, sportier riding position, more power, HSTC, Showa SFF USD fork and radial calipers.
- CBR650R2021 – 2023
649 cc · 95 hp · 63 Nm · 208 kg (road-ready)
Showa SFF-BP fork, Euro 5 compliance, new LCD dash and USB-C socket.
- CBR650R2024 – today
649 cc · 95 hp · 63 Nm · 209 kg (road-ready)
New bodywork, 5-inch TFT with Honda RoadSync and the optional Honda E-Clutch (211 kg).
| Generation | Displacement | Power | Torque | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CBR650F2014 – 2016 All-new model: 649 cc inline four, steel frame, standard ABS and an A2 version. | 649 cc | 87 hp | 63 Nm | 211 kg road-ready |
| CBR650F2017 – 2018 3 kW more, Showa Dual Bending Valve fork, revised Nissin calipers and redrawn bodywork. | 649 cc | 91 hp | 64 Nm | 213 kg road-ready |
| CBR650R2019 – 2020 Replaces the CBR650F: sharper styling, sportier riding position, more power, HSTC, Showa SFF USD fork and radial calipers. | 649 cc | 95 hp | 64 Nm | 207 kg road-ready |
| CBR650R2021 – 2023 Showa SFF-BP fork, Euro 5 compliance, new LCD dash and USB-C socket. | 649 cc | 95 hp | 63 Nm | 208 kg road-ready |
| CBR650R2024 – today New bodywork, 5-inch TFT with Honda RoadSync and the optional Honda E-Clutch (211 kg). | 649 cc | 95 hp | 63 Nm | 209 kg road-ready |
Manufacturer figures (otherwise specialist press). Weighing conditions differ between generations: compare weights with care.
Available colors
Manufacturer recalls
Gear shift arm bolt and nut may loosen, making the gear lever unusable (CBR650R and CB650R built 11/01/2024 to 08/04/2024)
Voir le rappel →Indicator switch wiring harness may be damaged and cause a short circuit: indicators, brake light, horn and instruments may stop working (2024-2025 CBR650R)