Perspective: Bmw R nineT coming from a cb650r

Dontpush

2020
CB650R ABS
Mar 8, 2020
Riding Since
2017
The only bikes I've ridden were Hondas (rebel and cb650r), and a Yamaha xsr700. I just spent 3 days on a bmw r ninet and I can't believe the power difference was so minimal.

I thought with 85lb torque at 6krpms and a 1000cc 2cyl boxer engine, I was in for a huge power upgrade.(especially since it doesn't weigh much more) After riding them both back to back all I can say is I have a newfound respect for my Cb50r... It blew my mind how doubling the torque of an engine didn't feel that much different.

Not only that, the vibrations and the clunky as hell gear box felt so sloppy and unrefined. The dip in while turning was so sharp - once you start to countersteer, the thing just drops (that was one thing that I did like about the BMW, it takes way less force to hold a countersteer)

Maybe it was my expectations that because it's a BMW it would be far more refined than the Honda, but damn the CB feels a lot more powerful than it's numbers.

I just wanted to post this as an appreciation for what Honda did with the CB650r, and that torque and HP specs don't mean anything until you ride the bike yourself.

Boy, I love my cb650r.
 

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BC_Rob

2021
CBR650R ABS
May 6, 2021
Riding Since
1981
Fair enough, but the torque between 2000 and 5000 (where most people spend the majority of their city riding) is night and day.
 

Dontpush

2020
CB650R ABS
Mar 8, 2020
Riding Since
2017
Fair enough, but the torque between 2000 and 5000 (where most people spend the majority of their city riding) is night and day.
True, I for sure can feel the bmw pulls harder lower. I ride around 6000 on my cb so it's closer to peak torque which is maybe why I wasnt blown away with the difference. The BMW is fun as balls but I just wasn't as impressed as my expectations. 👍
 

BC_Rob

2021
CBR650R ABS
May 6, 2021
Riding Since
1981
I usually ride my CBR650R at 5000rpm or higher too… so much fun to wring its neck :)

I’ve ridden about 10k miles on an R9T Pure with Ohlins front and back. Fun bike too (all bikes are fun - just different).0CCA1F4D-46CA-4A72-805D-315FB35A1563.jpeg
 
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Atucker

2019
CBR650R
Aug 18, 2020
Riding Since
2001
I don't know what the torque curve looks like on that nineT, but comparing peak numbers is never telling the whole story.
That couldn't be more true! On paper the CBR650R is equal / better torque than my 2001 SV650, but the reality is that due to where the torque curve is the SV650 is so much quicker around town and much more enjoyable ride in general.
 

Dontpush

2020
CB650R ABS
Mar 8, 2020
Riding Since
2017
Rode a 2021 Indian FTR S for the last 3 days. Enjoyed the BMW much more. Holy crap does the FTR get hot. My legs were absolutely burning and even the seat gets hot as balls. I'd never be able to own one living in Texas.

The 2021 FTR platform ergonomics feel so similar to the CB650r. Going from one bike back to the other the body position and ergos are almost identical.

The FTR felt way quicker than the BMW but the ftrs engine im not a huge fan of in general. The one major thing I liked about the FTR is the adjustability and electronics. The FTR with fully adjustable front and back suspension + great TFT display to me is a winner.
 
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