CBR650R 650R vs Ninja 650

[baugustine]

Pretty interesting review, good example how specs mean less than purpose and execution

 

[ducatiman]

I had posted a comparative observation awhile back. Looking in the 650R/ER6 section of Kawiforums just today reveals 11 serious engine related issues...reported on the 1st page of posts!
Looking at our forum here, a distinct lack of legitimate, actual mechanical/tech issues (other than the usual mod related questions)

I'll submit *something* is going on with those Kawi 650 in regards to reliability. Glad I got the Honda.

 

[Rafe]

I'll submit *something* is going on with those Kawi 650 in regards to reliability. Glad I got the Honda.

Couldn't agree more. The sound of our inline 4's trumps the v-twin of the Kawasaki all day long in my opinion. When I was considering either the CBR650R or the z650 and watching videos of the sounds, I instantly knew what one I liked more. A screaming inline 4 sings!

 

[ducatiman]

viewing the "kawiforums" 650 specific section today. The 1st page near entirely devoted to electrical/running/starting related problems, one after another. Undeniable there is some sort of (poor) long term reliability trend going on there. In comparison, genuine, equivalent issues are rarely posted here on Honda 650.

Comparing both...an obvious striking contrast.

 

[ducatiman]

near a year since my last comment on Honda 650/4 vs Kawasaki 650/2 comparisons....I remain totally impressed with the lack of (non self inflicted) engine/start/run problems here on the Honda 650 forum. Honda definitely got its poop together on this little 4 cyl.....super reliable and dependable.

 

[trippy]

Pretty interesting review, good example how specs mean less than purpose and execution

I don't see the comparison fair. The bikes are built to different price points. CBR costs 13% or 1500$ more.
They are in the "same category" only based on engine size and fairings, but so is the Aprilia 660.

 

[OneyedK]

My wife rides a Z650 an my son a Versys 650.
No real complaints about reliability.
They just need good oil and the lectrical connectors used are not really waterproof,
but once you know that, cleaning those connectors and making them a little more water resistant with vaseline
once or twice a year saves you a lot of headache.
NOT pressure washing the bike also helps...

So reliability is not the reason why I opted for my CB650R, but I found it allround the better bike in the 650 class.
I think I've test ridden all the usual suspects that were available here.

 

[baugustine]

I don't see the comparison fair. The bikes are built to different price points. CBR costs 13% or 1500$ more.
They are in the "same category" only based on engine size and fairings, but so is the Aprilia 660.

Fair may be irrelevant. Since the 600 super sport class is functionally dead, the middle weight sport bike is the current battle field. The quality of the components, build and style drives not only initial purchase but on-going owner reviews. Whether the manufactures like it or not, social media has changed the landscape of how a product is viewed. Up until recently, they could build a mediocre product that looked nice, wine and dine some journalists into writing a good review and they were good. Now, people can see the before, during and after by actual owners or mostly unbiased reviewers. A 15% price variant is irrelevant if the product is sub par or far superior to its competitors. I think the Aprilia 660 is a worth competitor in this space. It also appears the new R7 will up the ante as well.

 

[ducatiman]

hate to bust yer bubble https://www.rideapart.com/news/518266/aprilia-rs-tuono-660-recall/

 

[GPJake]

hate to bust yer bubble https://www.rideapart.com/news/518266/aprilia-rs-tuono-660-recall/

Wow! Entire engine swaps!

 

[Motojack]

Man engine failure at 75mph is no joke!