Test: Honda CB650RA 650RA (2020) // Honda CB650RA (2020) test – Back to the point and the fun

“Yeah, what about progress?” one who denies. True, there is no progress without high technologies and constant development. But it's worth answering and asking: “Yes, yes, but what’s the point of having a car?” Pleasure, relaxation, hobby and solitude in our two-wheeled world! This is our therapy. For this, the motorcyclist does not need space technology, but only a car that will take him there. It's even better if it's affordable.

Honda is your model The CB650R describes 2020 in home language as "Neo Sports Cafe".that uses compelling marketing phrases to describe a classic motorcycle design that, when embodied in a fresh design, is undoubtedly determined by the brand's sporting genes. That being said, Honda's standout element is traditional. a four-cylinder in-line unit with a volume of 649 cubic centimeters and a capacity of 95 "horsepower", which loves to rotate there up to 12.000 rpm.

It boasts a quiet and continuous delivery of power, but it's true that the driver should get it up to at least 6.000 rpm if he wants a more specific ride. CB-jka is designed for a very broad target group. These are relatively (already) experienced motorcyclists who want to ride a little more sporty here and there.

A ride like this certainly includes slightly raised and upside-down pedals, but that doesn't mean the bike isn't suitable for everyday city riding, such as at work. Opposite. Thanks to the relatively narrow handlebars and despite the in-line four-cylinder engine, the bike is light in the hand and narrow enough between the legs for perfect urban driving and is therefore a real winner of urban traffic jams.

Large and heavy drivers can get tarnishedthat Honda is too soft, but not everyone likes every car. However, everyone will feel good on it - both tall and short riders, especially it will suit motorcyclists, as it is ready to ride. only 202 lbsand the seat is 810 mm from the ground.

Honda engineers probably foresaw in the design that these CBs would not be driven by the Marquez brothers and similar extremist hooligans who stop their MotoGP cars with a light touch of the brake lever. A particular stop requires a more firm pull on the brake lever to double the Nissin front brake calipers fit fairly well into the front pair of 320mm diameter brake discs.... The dashboard is classically digital, a trendy TFT screen would be in the spirit of the times, but it would mean a higher price tag in the end, which wouldn't make sense.

As soon as you walk past tired car drivers returning home from downtown and bored after a day at work, the joy can begin. The CB, now six pounds lighter, handles the curves of rural roads perfectly., allows you to quickly change direction, and just tilt the body to happily hit the hook on the next turn.

It sits upright enough not to tire, and sporty enough for the driver to be a little more aggressive. The unit loves to shift to an excellent six-speed gearbox in corners, the sliding clutch and rear wheel traction control HSTC help (Honda Selectable Torque Control). In the meantime, expect a background sound reminiscent of the days when Japanese inline-fours screamed in motorsport. The skin itches. Enough. And that's the point.

Face to face: Petr Kavchich

This Honda is an amazingly exciting bike, I love the neon retro design and the engine that sings with such a sporty voice that it gets adrenaline pumping every time you add gas. It's stable and easy to corner, I'd love to take it to the race track and put my knee on the pavement. But precisely because of my 180 inches somewhere on the border, I can still say that I'm not cramped yet.

• Basic data

  Sales: Motocentr As Domžale

  Base model price: 8.390 €

  Test model cost: 8.390 €

• Technical information

  engine: four-cylinder, in-line, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, 4 valves per cylinder, PGM-FI electronic injection, displacement: 649 cc

  Power: 70 kW (95 km) at 12.000 rpm

  Torque: 64 Nm / 8.500 rpm

  Tires: 120/70-ZR17 (front), 180/55-ZR17 (back)

  Growth: 810 mm

  Fuel tank: 15,4 l / consumption: 6,3 l / 100 km

  Weight: 202 kg (ready to ride)

We praise and reproach

aggregate performance and sound

ergonomics

production

lots of guaranteed fun

undemanding and logical processing

too few aggressive brakes

poor visibility of the dashboard

final grade

Keeping pace with the times, the new CB will be the choice of riders looking to step up their motorcycle careers and break away from the basics. But even this step can also be the ultimate goal, especially if the rider does not have high (sporting) ambitions and loves to have fun on the bike. The CB650R gives him a ton of motorcycling pleasure and he may choose to leave the search for boundaries to others.