2021 Honda CB650R Neo Sports Café Review

The 2021 Honda CB650R strikes a perfect balance between aggressive streetfighter styling and practical, everyday rideability. As part of Honda’s Neo Sports Café lineup, it inherits a unique blend of retro-modern design language, while being firmly rooted in the mid-weight naked category. Whether you're a seasoned rider or upgrading from a smaller displacement bike, the CB650R offers an impressive mix of performance, style, and versatility.

Launched as an evolution of the outgoing CB650F, the CB650R has gained a strong reputation for being an ideal middleweight—capable of weekend fun, daily commuting, and even light touring. But what really makes the 2021 model special? Let’s dive in.

Honda CB650R Neo Sports Café (2021) Performance Accessories

Design and Aesthetics

The CB650R is a head-turner. Its styling draws clear inspiration from the café racer era but fuses it with a modern naked bike stance. The round LED headlight up front gives off a retro vibe, while the angular tank and sculpted bodywork bring it squarely into contemporary territory.

Paint options for the 2021 model include a striking Candy Chromosphere Red and a classic Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic, both of which complement the bike’s bronze-colored engine casings and premium finishing touches. Honda has done a brilliant job of making this bike look more expensive than it is.

The steel diamond frame, now slightly revised for 2021, keeps the chassis compact and aggressive-looking. It’s a minimalist but muscular look, perfectly suited to city streets and canyon curves.

Technology and Features

Honda didn’t skimp on tech here. While it’s not overflowing with gadgets, the essentials are smartly integrated.

You get Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), which acts as a traction control system. This can be toggled on or off depending on your preference. It’s subtle and reassuring, especially on wet roads or uneven surfaces.

The LCD display, while not TFT, is clean and informative. It shows gear position, fuel consumption, and includes a shift light. There’s also full LED lighting all around, which not only adds to the modern aesthetic but also improves visibility.

Quick shifter? Optional accessory. And it’s one worth considering if you want snappier gear changes, especially on the track or fast rides.

Comfort and Ergonomics

The CB650R is designed to be comfortable enough for daily use but still sporty enough for aggressive riding. Its upright seating position strikes a balance between control and comfort. The slightly forward-set footpegs and low-rise handlebars give it a mildly aggressive stance, but it doesn’t punish your wrists or back on longer rides.

At 810mm, the seat height is approachable for a wide range of riders. The saddle is firm but not uncomfortable, and there’s enough room for some movement on the bike. Pillion comfort is modest—adequate for short hops, but not ideal for extended two-up touring.

The Showa Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) suspension on the front is new for 2021, offering better damping and a more controlled ride over rough roads. The rear mono-shock is adjustable for preload, so you can tailor it to your weight or riding style.

Braking and Safety

Stopping power is handled by dual 310mm discs up front with Nissin radial-mount four-piston calipers and a single 240mm disc at the rear. The setup feels strong and progressive—ideal for both spirited and casual riding.

ABS is standard and non-intrusive, giving you added peace of mind on slick surfaces. While not quite track-spec in feel, the braking system is more than capable for street and weekend performance riding.

Fuel Efficiency and Maintenance

Honda has a reputation for building bulletproof engines, and the CB650R is no exception. It’s not just fun to ride—it’s reliable and fairly economical to run.

• Estimated mileage: 50-55 mpg (US) / ~4.5L/100km

• Tank size: 15.4 liters (just over 4 gallons)

This means decent range for longer weekend rides without frequent fuel stops. Maintenance is straightforward, especially compared to V-twins or more exotic engines. Oil changes, chain maintenance, and valve checks are the usual touchpoints, and most parts are affordable.

Comparison and Competitors

In the mid-weight naked segment, the CB650R goes up against the likes of the Yamaha MT-07, Kawasaki Z650, and Suzuki SV650. While those bikes are often lighter and torquier at low RPMs, the CB650R offers a unique proposition—an inline-four engine with the smoothness and rev-happy nature reminiscent of bigger sportbikes.

It may not have the brute punch of the MT-07 at low revs, but the CB650R delivers a more refined, balanced experience overall. It’s also arguably the best-looking bike in the class, especially for riders who appreciate timeless design over aggressive futurism.

Ideal Riders and Target Audience

The 2021 Honda CB650R is best suited for:

• Intermediate riders upgrading from a 300cc or 500cc machine

• Riders who want a stylish, daily-ridable bike with enough edge for weekend thrills

• Those who appreciate refined engineering and aesthetics over raw aggression

It’s not a beginner’s bike in the truest sense, but it’s incredibly forgiving and smooth—making it accessible to confident newer riders as well.

Engine and Performance

Under the tank, the CB650R packs a 649cc, inline-four engine—something increasingly rare in this segment. It’s a jewel of a motor that revs freely and produces a satisfying symphony as it climbs to its 12,000 RPM redline.

• Engine: 649cc liquid-cooled DOHC inline-4

• Power Output: 94 horsepower at 12,000 RPM

• Torque: 63 Nm at 8,500 RPM

• Top Speed: Around 130 mph (209 km/h)

Acceleration is smooth and linear. The power builds progressively, making it accessible for newer riders but still thrilling for veterans. The bike really comes alive above 7,000 RPM, which gives it that sportbike spirit without the harshness. Around town, it’s docile and easy to manage, but give it the beans on an open road, and the CB650R responds with a grin-inducing surge of power.

The six-speed gearbox is precise, and the slipper clutch helps reduce rear-wheel hop during aggressive downshifts—great for both spirited riding and daily traffic.

Honda CBR650R (2021) Sport Motorcycle Upgrades

Conclusion and Final Verdict

The 2021 Honda CB650R Neo Sports Café is a masterclass in balance. It combines head-turning aesthetics with smooth, usable performance, modern tech, and Honda’s renowned reliability. While not the most powerful in its class, it’s certainly one of the most refined and visually appealing.

If you’re looking to upgrade your ride or step into the world of four-cylinder motorcycles, the CB650R is a compelling option that won’t disappoint.

Interested in optimizing your CB650R experience? Check out our store’s selection of performance exhausts, quick shifters, and bar-end mirrors specifically designed for the CB650R platform. These upgrades not only enhance your bike’s look and sound but elevate the entire riding experience.

Whether you’re carving city corners or heading out for a weekend escape, the CB650R is the kind of machine that makes every ride feel like an event.