CBR650R CBR650R E-Clutch A good commuter bike?

[10stepsback]

Hello everyone!

I am new here so sorry if this is in the wrong channel :/. I just had a few thoughts and questions if you do not mind answering these repeat questions probably.

Background: - I will be doing a very big commute weekly. Over 440 miles in total a week. I will be going through traffic for 2/3 of that commute. To be specific over San Mateo bridge to Redwood City in the morning, to Milpitas in the afternoon, and then from there home at night. A lot of traffic in morning and during day, none really going home. I have not bought it yet but I found a used one, Possible for me to get 1-2k off MSRP.

MPG is a big one for me b/c broke college student once I start, and save $$$, but don't want to get bored quickly.
(Why even think of this bike? Well I want a one and done "most likely". For only 2k more msrp for double the hp and e-clutch, it seems like I should spend the extra.)

1. What’s the fuel efficiency like in heavy traffic during lane splitting, normal city driving, and highway around 70mph? (US MPG/Gallons) Please let me know

2. Is it good for a beginner? (I took the MSF course so I have a little bit of experience. Top in class if that matters, but shows I learned quickly I guess? haha)

3. Is the CBR650R easy to maneuver through traffic, or would a lighter bike be better for lane splitting?

4. I know its a Honda but any reliability issues? Will it last me 2 years straight to go to school and work throughout that time? (Yes I will clean chain and change oil)

5. Why should I get this over its younger brother the 500. Or get the 500 instead? (I know its a 650 forum but just want some thoughts, don't hurt me)

6. How comfortable is the CBR650R for long commutes, especially in stop-and-go traffic?

7. How’s the wind protection for highway commutes?

8. Any tips for maintaining the bike for high-mileage commuting?

Now you can throw your tomato's at me. :S

 

[Pete Croney]

Hello everyone!

I am new here so sorry if this is in the wrong channel :/. I just had a few thoughts and questions if you do not mind answering these repeat questions probably.

Background: - I will be doing a very big commute weekly. Over 440 miles in total a week. I will be going through traffic for 2/3 of that commute. To be specific over San Mateo bridge to Redwood City in the morning, to Milpitas in the afternoon, and then from there home at night. A lot of traffic in morning and during day, none really going home. I have not bought it yet but I found a used one, Possible for me to get 1-2k off MSRP.

MPG is a big one for me b/c broke college student once I start, and save $$$, but don't want to get bored quickly.
(Why even think of this bike? Well I want a one and done "most likely". For only 2k more msrp for double the hp and e-clutch, it seems like I should spend the extra.)

1. What’s the fuel efficiency like in heavy traffic during lane splitting, normal city driving, and highway around 70mph? (US MPG/Gallons) Please let me know

2. Is it good for a beginner? (I took the MSF course so I have a little bit of experience. Top in class if that matters, but shows I learned quickly I guess? haha)

3. Is the CBR650R easy to maneuver through traffic, or would a lighter bike be better for lane splitting?

4. I know its a Honda but any reliability issues? Will it last me 2 years straight to go to school and work throughout that time? (Yes I will clean chain and change oil)

5. Why should I get this over its younger brother the 500. Or get the 500 instead? (I know its a 650 forum but just want some thoughts, don't hurt me)

6. How comfortable is the CBR650R for long commutes, especially in stop-and-go traffic?

7. How’s the wind protection for highway commutes?

8. Any tips for maintaining the bike for high-mileage commuting?

Now you can throw your tomato's at me. :S

1. I average around 45-50mpg but that is mostly spirited riding around the countryside.
2. My CBR650R is my first motorcycle. It’s a great beginner bike, but also a great bike for an experienced rider.
3. It’s very easy to lane split (filter as we call it in the UK). The bike feels nimble and light.
4. 3800 miles in my year of ownership. I’ve had zero mechanical issues.
5. The 500 is not much lighter but has a lot less power.
6. In August I ride 1700 miles through France. All rural roads, villages, traffic, mountain passes… the lot. We rode 250-300 miles a day and the bike was supremely comfortable. The bar height and peg heights are good. The saddle is comfortable. I’m 6 foot (1800mm) tall.
7. I have the raised Race screen. Wind protection is better than a naked but nothing like GS levels. I rarely ride highways/motorways (we did none in France) but when I do, it’s what you would expect of a motorbike.
8. Keep it clean and look after the chain. Keep the cables adjusted correctly. I let Honda service mine every 3000 miles but it would easily go twice that distance.

Great bikes, see if you can get an extended test ride on one.

 

[10stepsback]

1. I average around 45-50mpg but that is mostly spirited riding around the countryside.
2. My CBR650R is my first motorcycle. It’s a great beginner bike, but also a great bike for an experienced rider.
3. It’s very easy to lane split (filter as we call it in the UK). The bike feels nimble and light.
4. 3800 miles in my year of ownership. I’ve had zero mechanical issues.
5. The 500 is not much lighter but has a lot less power.
6. In August I ride 1700 miles through France. All rural roads, villages, traffic, mountain passes… the lot. We rode 250-300 miles a day and the bike was supremely comfortable. The bar height and peg heights are good. The saddle is comfortable. I’m 6 foot (1800mm) tall.
7. I have the raised Race screen. Wind protection is better than a naked but nothing like GS levels. I rarely ride highways/motorways (we did none in France) but when I do, it’s what you would expect of a motorbike.
8. Keep it clean and look after the chain. Keep the cables adjusted correctly. I let Honda service mine every 3000 miles but it would easily go twice that distance.

Great bikes, see if you can get an extended test ride on one.

Thank you!
Sounds like the bike is worth it but now I just wait a little until my finances are up a little more. For sure it is one of these cbr's.
And is your MPG in UK or US? If it truly gets 50 mpg US than I would be a lot more confident in the 650 haha.

 

[sterminare]

My CB650R (non-fairing version of your bike) gets around 50-55mpg in rush hour traffic. I ride 1.5hr each way to work and back. I recently did 1050 miles in 2 days, got around 40mpg at pretty consistent 75-95mph. I assume CBR650R is a little better on gas since it’s got better aerodynamics. US gallons

E-clutch is a dream in rush hour. Once you learn its quirks it’s really quite smooth. Then when you feel like it, you can switch it off and it feels completely normal (since it is). Best of both worlds absolutely

I think in Europe don’t they use these bikes (CB not CBR) for MSF courses (whatever that’s called in Europe)? Restricted versions but they’re just as heavy. So I assume they make good starter bikes.

 

[MacRoadster]

I have the CB and tested the CBR E-Clutch when it came out, so I won't comment on wind protection ( more wind = higher sense of speed 🤪) or touring comfort.

1. I do between 4,8 and 5,2 L /100 km, commuting with a bit of highway on the CB.

2,3,5 . For a beginner the 500 is better / easier to ride. The 650 is a front heavy bike, while the 500 is lighter and being a twin is less front heavy. It's not just the weight numbers that matter, but also the weight distribution, steering lock and suspension geometry, that make a big difference on low speed manoeuvres ( lane splitting/ filtering).
Also, the 500 has much better mpg, so it would be much cheaper for you.
The good points of the 650... the power and e-clutch! But the extra power can also be something bad in the wrong hands! You need a cold head and not let the adrenaline rush drive you.

4. There was a recall for the shift lever for the first 2024 models. If you're getting a used one, try to know if it was replaced.

Ride safe and welcome to the forum! 😉