CBR650R for older rider

[thomasmortiz]

I've ridden a CB650R for seven years. It's a great bike. I have, however, been considering an upgrade to the e-clutch, and also perhaps switching to the CBR650R. I did test drive one, and it feels fine. My neurosis is that I am 53. I'm in fine shape for my age, but I want to make sure I can enjoy whatever I get next for as long as possible. Any old timers on a CBR who have an opinion about this?

 

[ducatiman]

I'll be 75 yo in 3 months. My '19 CBR650RR interacts perfectly with my 2 Ducatis (a 900SS and 800SS) I can choose to take it easy, ride within legal or at very least sane limits. The 650, however, will accept much more than what i normally give it. Theres a LOT left, but my age fully negates my using it up.

I hope that helps answer your question somewhat, in a little way.

 

[miweber929]

My dad was 75 when he passed away in an auto accident last September. The day before he passed he did 120 miles on his ‘21 XSR900 and also had played around on his ‘22 CT125 Trail that morning. A few years before that he had an ST1100 and CBR600F4i, both he sold to get his XSR so he could combine two bikes into one.

I’m 53, will be 54 in 2 months. This spring bought a ‘26 990 RC R and just sold my Super Duke GT to get an 890 Adventure R for some off-road fun. Will be getting back into track days next year after taking a few years off.

Friend of mine is in his late 60s and track rides basically every summer weekend.

No need to adjust to anything unless the need arises; you’re only as old as you let yourself feel.

 

[Brammers]

I'll be 50 this year and I find the cbr650f very comfortable. As a platform it isn't going to be too hard on you.

Note that the 650r has a slightly more aggressive position, and the cbr moreso than the cb.

J

 

[Bran]

I'm 56 and had the CBR650R for about 4 years i think (the memory's not what it was😁) for me, its a great bike, I have the 21 plate, and do about 3000 miles a year now, i have said previously, another 20BHP would be a wet dream come true, but that's all ego. The thing is comfortable enough, and quick enough. I've ridden cadwell about 8 times and Donnington once. My mate who turned 80 last month recons its the easiest clutch he's ever ridden, whilst not as quick as his GSX-6R the brakes on the Honda are way better.
I'm forever reading how the CBR has no low down grunt and is basically a 2 wheeled hirst, that wont turn and needs thrashing at 10,000 revs to hit 15 mph. The best ever was a standing drag using the e-clutch and not the clutch lever, saying how slow the CBR is off the mark ( that's why Marc marquez couldn't get the RCV- off the line he was using the e clutch.) I've never heard such dross. The CBR like so many Honda vehicles, does everything you want it to, not the fastest, not the most expensive, but bloody good at everything and 180 mile comfy. Being an inline 4, for maximum fun you have to use the gearbox, but that's the whole point of riding bikes, they are meant to be interactive, I have an automatic car if I want to be comatosed and dribbling in the seat.
The thing has great looks, there are loads of people who double take a look at me when out, if you need to feel young n hip still. My best ever being at a set of traffic lights, 2 guys on bicycles and a blonde in hot pants. The 1st guy said, that's bloody gorgeous, what is it a 600. A work colegue twenty minutes ago asked what my bike was so I showed her a picture, she's a bit younger than me, and instantly said wow that looks nice.

I'm sure there are bikes that provide more thrills and more electronic gadgets, does 94BHP need a rain mode? But for me, IF Honda ever release the CBR750R, they will need to produce something very special for me to swap, and I cant see them doing it based on the rumors of a similar BHP.

 

[thomasmortiz]

Thanks all for the feedback. I've owned four Hondas over the years, from 250 and 500 "sportbikes" to a 750 cruiser and now my 650 standard. I really enjoy the CB650 platform and I am looking forward to trying out the new e-clutch model.