I’m riding a brand new 2018 CB650F... It’s just awesome. I can see myself riding this for a long time. It’s Badass no doubt. A very practical ride that packs a whole lot of punch!
I've watched your reviews for years now (excluding your hiatus of course) and have to say you do an incredible job. The detail you share with every aspect of the bike and its performance are unparalleled by any other channel, to include "professional " reviewers. Very glad to see you back
I purchased a new 2018 CB650FA (has ABS) this year. Put about 6,000 kms on it so far and absolutely love the bike. It's such a good all-rounder. So smooth and handles great on twisties. Plenty of punch in the city, yet really pulls hard at high rpm on fast roads when you want some fun. Suspension holds up well to spirited riding, yet is comfortable on roads that could use some improvement. I can get about 60 to 63 mpg imperial on combined city/highway. Can't find anything to fault really. Nice review.
I have a 2018 CB650F and love it. Although it would suit new riders because of it's easy going nature, it can be ridden very hard in unrestricted form and that could catch them out. I've followed sports bikes with more power that could not shake me off, but I've been riding for a long time and my skills were honed on a Honda VTR 1000 and Frazer 1000.
This evening i have watched your video on the honda cb 500, 650 and 750. These bikes should meet all the needs of any road biker should want. These massive brake horse power bikes are just not needed using only 50% of their power. Also with the honda you get top quality finish and reliability and decent fuel economy. The pricing isn't much more if any more than a lot of bikes coming in from india and asia. More great reports.
I was out riding near you this morning, hardly any cars on the road, dry roads, sunny and no wind - perfect winter ride out. Hope to see more from you Mark hny. Ps wish Honda would make a proper cbr600f of the old formula, they were difficult to fault.
Hi david the mt07 is a great bike ,ive ridden one ,its a very affordable parallel twin with about 70 hp,would be a great buy ,i love the mt07 all the best mark
both good starter big bikes, the Honda is about 15BHP more powerful and offers a smooth linear power delivery but the Yamaha will feel more torquey at lower revs. Im biased and would say go for the twin! Just wondering if youve looked at the SV 650? I had one a while ago and loved the v twin also some cracking deals on nearly new ones
@@davidlazenby5442 you're welcome, if you're a new rider i think youre doing the right thing by looking at these types of bikes theyre more than fast enough and a great way to polish your riding skills.
Mark great video 📹 thanks for sharing that very well explained would you say its better than the kawasaki ninja krt 650 and the honda nc 750 or is the honda cb 650 r a better bike for new rider mark
Hi Andy ....all the bikes you've mentioned are 5 ⭐ bikes ...my favourite is the nc750 but just be mindful as a new rider of the size and weight of these bikes ..just takes a few months to develop your skills...I always recommend the cb500f as a great first bike Good luck with your biking career Best wishes mark
@@ANDY-we7mr just keep rebooking Andy don't give up...just practice on what you failed on ...my friend failed twice he passed on the third attempt...it will definitely be worth it....I still love bikes and I've been riding 35 years Good luck for next time :)
@@markpulling12 I had a,test on Thursday mate shouldn't have gone mark I had food poisoning this time last week caught it my KFC where I live been to the doctors defo food poison I went for the test mate last Thursday still poorly vomiting all over the grass I should have cancelled it
Glad you are back. You could have had quite a big bike channel by now if you'd kept at it. Your reviews are so unpretentious. Is this this first again of many?
Hi Mark did you find you were leant forward slightly on this ? Was thinking for touring but maybe the seating position onmthe tracer 7 is better for the longer runs
Hello again Mark must be 18 months since your last post Honda 500 I seem to recall ? I thought you had done with the bike reviews, let's hope you do plenty more now . Happy New Year.
Hi Adam you could probably do two hundred miles on this no problem it always depends on how ride fit you are ,there are better tourers arround but this Honda is a good all rounder all the best mark
@@markpulling12 The problem is I'm not with England coming. I'm from Central Europe that does not matter. I'm just thinking about doing trip in the summer of 2020 Prague(CZE), Saarbrücken (GER), Giverny (FRA), Essex (UK) and then home. That's why I'm looking for a comfortable motorbike on this road, and since I love only Honda and this bike is very interesting to me a bit Honda Hornet.
I'm about to do my A2 would I be able to drive this? Or would I need to do a direct access. I'm 30 so age isn't a problem, I want to upgrade from my 125cbf Honda, this looks so sexy.
i think you need direct access tristan to get over 45 bhp,but im sure you could get a restrictor kit for the cb650f,prob best though to just do the direct access i would have thought mark
I have one. Can confirm everything you say. Great fun on twisty roads, have a a lot of them in Norway. Added a gear indicator and heated hand grips, a necessity in our climate. And of course the MRA wind screen.
Hi yes it's comfortable but for distance touring I'd more likely go for a bike with more wind protection and a big screen but yes you can still tour on any bike Best wishes mark
@@markpulling12 cheers for the reply mark I'm going to get it this weekend I think the bike is mint just hope I'm picking the rite dream bike. I just don't want tsomething il get bored of quick lol. Shall I wait for some winter prices or go with this deal I'm really not sure lol
Great review! I'm torn between the CB650F and the CBR650. One of my main concerns with the naked is the wind factor, does that small screen make a big difference?
Hi I have a review on the cbr too on my channel ,I'd definitely go for the cbr ,it's got more wind protection and I found it to be comfortable All the best mark
mark pulling Great thanks! I will check that video out next 👍 Did you find it more comfortable even considering the more leaned over seating position and angled handle bars?
@@alxforth1 no not more comfortable about the same ,even though it's marketed as a sports bike the clip ons are above the top yoke so it's nothing like my ninja 636 racer crouch position just a nice sports touring position ,low seat height and well priced new ,also check out the Ninja 650 that's a good one too :)
Hello there my friend. You have a gorgeous looking bike. I love this Honda CB650F because its the only 650cc inline 4 while the others have parellel twin. My friend, would you recommend this bike for someone like me who want to get his first big bike? Oh and how strong is this bike engine and performance wise? I really love this bike but I see people say negative things about it.
Hi. Yes this would be a very good first big bike ,it has about 90 hp which will impress you alot as a beginner and more importantly it's easy to ride with no surprises ,it's nice and smooth ,all the best mark
I did my license on z750. Then i bought cb650f 2015 - its like ending in different dimension Much better handling, agyle,. Driving like a bycycle. Power when ever you need. Keeping up with sports bike easyly. From the downside - no gear indicator, but in time you start to addapt in which gear you should be depending on speed and revs No heat grrips, no cruise control And the worst - its kind a bad wind protection Those are reversable with aftermarket parts - but not quit findable and cheap - mostly ebay Aftermarket exhaust starts from 600 euro and up. Cheapest was ixil x55 - i got used on No ecu reflash kit yet 5 years later - only power comander - around 250-300 euros No rear axle sliders Basic maintenance is easy Realy good fuel economy Bike is realy underrated - but it will be good choise I did some rideing with triumph street triple 675 - nahhh... so stiff Only bike which could be better is yamaha mt/fz 07 - but i havent ride with it so i cant compare - yust check reviews
Hi, i have also a 2016 one, but as second big bike - after a Suzuki Gs500. My opinion is, that this CB is the bike for anyone, who would like to ride and enjoy it in any circumstances without fearings. Just ride, give your hands to the bike's hand and only enjoy the ride. Best choice in inline 4 class under 1000ccm.
Just paid £4200 for the same model and colour scheme early 2017 with 3600 on the clock, I’ve just returned to biking now my kids have left the nest and I am a little surprised at how twitchy the throttle is at low speeds. Having tested a few bikes do you think this is now the norm compared to pre injection 80’s bikes which i grew up on and is it something you get used to with time?
Hi mark ..yes it's the norm you'll get used to it...carb bikes have a very soft throttle response...fuel injection is way more immediate Great choice btw cheers MP
@@markpulling12 you were spot on, a few hundred miles later, a little adjustment back to the Honda recommended throttle adjustment and it is very manageable. I also loved your review on the Triumph Trident, your presentation along with clear information is excellent.
Hi Mark - if your riding was mostly doing long distances (100+ mile trips) on a mix of fastish A roads and motorways, would you rather have one of these or a Versys 650 or a V-Strom 650 (assuming you could only choose a 650cc machine) ?
Mark, not sure if you can recall test riding the Honda cb650f. You have a review on there which is good. Could you get your feet down flat at all? I'm 5ft 7 and have a 30 inside leg which I think is the same as yourself.
Mark, what windshield is that on the bike and the engine guard please buddy? I have the same bike and want to get some decent bits for it. Hard to find a decent looking windshield that ain't going to cost the earth! Cheers bud
Canford Bottom Roundabout.... what a screw up. First it was traffic lights, then they put in a roundabout, then the put the road right through the middle because a fly over was too expensive.. then they covered the whole thing with traffic lights.... which the roundabout was supposed to get rid of in the first place... and it still doesn't work at peak time..... :D Other than that... great review would be good t compare it to the 2019 model with the revamped suspension etc...
Hi mate need your honest opinion, seen one of these exactly same colour as this with 2,100 miles full Akropovic exhaust 66 plate for £5200..does that sound a good deal to you? Thanks
Old CB600F Hornet's are better........ less displacement but more POWER!! During these years of your Honda here, they dumbed down their bikes for a good few years but now seem to finally waken up again, introducing their all..... new.......super...... powerful..... cutting edge technology. ballz out bike...... that is the mighty 2020 Honda CBR1000 not single, not double but TRIPLE mutha effin' 'R' SP Edition!! Long live Honda Racing!! :P
God i'll NEVER be qualified to drive in your country, that left lane riding and circling roundabouts by the left side just fry my brain and definetly will get me killed or maimed for life if i atempt to drive/ride there. Its a bit odd that we live in Europe ( The most united and civilized continent in the world ) but some countries have different traffic rules. I give all UK citizens a big salute that come here to Portugal and atempt to drive in the rigth lane and survive to tell the story back in UK.
I’m riding a brand new 2018 CB650F... It’s just awesome. I can see myself riding this for a long time. It’s Badass no doubt. A very practical ride that packs a whole lot of punch!
I've watched your reviews for years now (excluding your hiatus of course) and have to say you do an incredible job. The detail you share with every aspect of the bike and its performance are unparalleled by any other channel, to include "professional " reviewers. Very glad to see you back
Thanks for the praise :). All the best Mark
Just found my first bike. Thank you!
I purchased a new 2018 CB650FA (has ABS) this year. Put about 6,000 kms on it so far and absolutely love the bike. It's such a good all-rounder. So smooth and handles great on twisties. Plenty of punch in the city, yet really pulls hard at high rpm on fast roads when you want some fun. Suspension holds up well to spirited riding, yet is comfortable on roads that could use some improvement. I can get about 60 to 63 mpg imperial on combined city/highway. Can't find anything to fault really. Nice review.
Thanks for the comment Scott ! All the best mark
I strarted out not liking the look of these. But now after several videos I bloody love them and want one.
Thanks James great bikes
black and metallic red paint scheme is really badass !!!
I have a 2018 CB650F and love it. Although it would suit new riders because of it's easy going nature, it can be ridden very hard in unrestricted form and that could catch them out. I've followed sports bikes with more power that could not shake me off, but I've been riding for a long time and my skills were honed on a Honda VTR 1000 and Frazer 1000.
This evening i have watched your video on the honda cb 500, 650 and 750. These bikes should meet all the needs of any road biker should want. These massive brake horse power bikes are just not needed using only 50% of their power. Also with the honda you get top quality finish and reliability and decent fuel economy. The pricing isn't much more if any more than a lot of bikes coming in from india and asia. More great reports.
Great to have you back. Missed your honest reviews. More please😀😀
Hi thanks for the reply ,yes watch this space ,I have more free time now :). All the best Mp
I was out riding near you this morning, hardly any cars on the road, dry roads, sunny and no wind - perfect winter ride out. Hope to see more from you Mark hny. Ps wish Honda would make a proper cbr600f of the old formula, they were difficult to fault.
Hi yes it was lovely weather ,watch this space in the next few days ref cbr600f !! i have something youll enjoy
From Canada good to see you again missed your reviews😁
many thanks happy new year !
That's the color I 'm waiting for.
Nice to see another bike review from you matey , Happy new yr from Shane uk 🇬🇧 nice review
thanks shane hny to you too :)
Great review, just purchased one in the same colour on the strength of your review and I love it!!,
What's mpg like on combined journeys?
Welcome back,i thought you had knocked it on the head,good review.
Hi kevin ,im back !!
Thx for the review. Will buy mine at the end of april. Can't wait to drive it.
Nice one ....good choice all the best mark
Nice bike nice frame color paint love it. Love to have mine sad to say I'm just 5'3. Keep up and God bless. 🙏
Thanks for that review, what id really like to know is an mt07 comparison as this is my first choice right now cheers
Hi david the mt07 is a great bike ,ive ridden one ,its a very affordable parallel twin with about 70 hp,would be a great buy ,i love the mt07 all the best mark
both good starter big bikes, the Honda is about 15BHP more powerful and offers a smooth linear power delivery but the Yamaha will feel more torquey at lower revs. Im biased and would say go for the twin! Just wondering if youve looked at the SV 650? I had one a while ago and loved the v twin also some cracking deals on nearly new ones
@@captainaverage721 thanks for the info I'll take a look at the sv thanks
@@davidlazenby5442 you're welcome, if you're a new rider i think youre doing the right thing by looking at these types of bikes theyre more than fast enough and a great way to polish your riding skills.
Mark great video 📹 thanks for sharing that very well explained would you say its better than the kawasaki ninja krt 650 and the honda nc 750 or is the honda cb 650 r a better bike for new rider mark
Hi Andy ....all the bikes you've mentioned are 5 ⭐ bikes ...my favourite is the nc750 but just be mindful as a new rider of the size and weight of these bikes ..just takes a few months to develop your skills...I always recommend the cb500f as a great first bike
Good luck with your biking career
Best wishes mark
@@markpulling12 mark I have failed my mod 2 a couple of times any good advice 😊
@@ANDY-we7mr just keep rebooking Andy don't give up...just practice on what you failed on ...my friend failed twice he passed on the third attempt...it will definitely be worth it....I still love bikes and I've been riding 35 years
Good luck for next time :)
@@markpulling12 I had a,test on Thursday mate shouldn't have gone mark I had food poisoning this time last week caught it my KFC where I live been to the doctors defo food poison I went for the test mate last Thursday still poorly vomiting all over the grass I should have cancelled it
Glad you are back. You could have had quite a big bike channel by now if you'd kept at it. Your reviews are so unpretentious. Is this this first again of many?
Hi alex yes it is hopefully , i have more free time now to get the keys from dealers, all the best mark
Hello . I have the same Bike . How is the wind protection on that MRA Windsheild ? I'm thinking buying one of thoes whindshields...
Hi it does help with the wind protection plus it looks good 😊
Cheers mark
Hi Mark did you find you were leant forward slightly on this ? Was thinking for touring but maybe the seating position onmthe tracer 7 is better for the longer runs
Hi yes it's very slightly lean forward...I'd definitely recommend the tracer 7 for longer trips
Best wishes mark
Hello again Mark must be 18 months since your last post Honda 500 I seem to recall ? I thought you had done with the bike reviews, let's hope you do plenty more now . Happy New Year.
Yes it was the 500 pat im back !! , happy new year
Hello, I wanted to ask if the motorbike is good for long-distance riding? I plan to buy a motorbike in the future and think about them.
Hi Adam you could probably do two hundred miles on this no problem it always depends on how ride fit you are ,there are better tourers arround but this Honda is a good all rounder all the best mark
@@markpulling12 The problem is I'm not with England coming. I'm from Central Europe that does not matter. I'm just thinking about doing trip in the summer of 2020 Prague(CZE), Saarbrücken (GER), Giverny (FRA), Essex (UK) and then home. That's why I'm looking for a comfortable motorbike on this road, and since I love only Honda and this bike is very interesting to me a bit Honda Hornet.
Thank you, great review.
Glad it was helpful!
I'm about to do my A2 would I be able to drive this?
Or would I need to do a direct access.
I'm 30 so age isn't a problem, I want to upgrade from my 125cbf Honda, this looks so sexy.
Nice one tristian great choice !!
i think you need direct access tristan to get over 45 bhp,but im sure you could get a restrictor kit for the cb650f,prob best though to just do the direct access i would have thought mark
@@markpulling12 Cheers for the reply, I'll I'll defently go for the direct access.
It's such a looker I'm going to have alot of fun with it.
Go for full
I have one. Can confirm everything you say.
Great fun on twisty roads, have a a lot of them in Norway.
Added a gear indicator and heated hand grips, a necessity in our climate.
And of course the MRA wind screen.
Would you say this is all day comfort Mark, would you go to Spain on it
Hi yes it's comfortable but for distance touring I'd more likely go for a bike with more wind protection and a big screen but yes you can still tour on any bike
Best wishes mark
I've heard this engine in person, sounds fantastic
Thanks yes it does ☺️😊
Found one iv got down to 3800 2016 plate but a drive so 4grand total for travel. 7k miles on it not bad?
That's a good price :)
@@markpulling12 cheers for the reply mark I'm going to get it this weekend I think the bike is mint just hope I'm picking the rite dream bike. I just don't want tsomething il get bored of quick lol. Shall I wait for some winter prices or go with this deal I'm really not sure lol
@@G88-y1g no I'd go for it now ..prices only drop a bit over winter ..get it now and enjoy the autumn :)
I got it now I need my license 🥴🤪 next month 🙏
Great review! I'm torn between the CB650F and the CBR650. One of my main concerns with the naked is the wind factor, does that small screen make a big difference?
Hi I have a review on the cbr too on my channel ,I'd definitely go for the cbr ,it's got more wind protection and I found it to be comfortable All the best mark
mark pulling Great thanks! I will check that video out next 👍 Did you find it more comfortable even considering the more leaned over seating position and angled handle bars?
@@alxforth1 no not more comfortable about the same ,even though it's marketed as a sports bike the clip ons are above the top yoke so it's nothing like my ninja 636 racer crouch position just a nice sports touring position ,low seat height and well priced new ,also check out the Ninja 650 that's a good one too :)
@@markpulling12 Nice one thanks! Great to get first hand information. I was looking at the Ninja however the Honda has won me over
Hello there my friend. You have a gorgeous looking bike. I love this Honda CB650F because its the only 650cc inline 4 while the others have parellel twin. My friend, would you recommend this bike for someone like me who want to get his first big bike? Oh and how strong is this bike engine and performance wise? I really love this bike but I see people say negative things about it.
Hi. Yes this would be a very good first big bike ,it has about 90 hp which will impress you alot as a beginner and more importantly it's easy to ride with no surprises ,it's nice and smooth ,all the best mark
@@markpulling12 thanks for the quick response my friend. You're respond as fast as the paramedics
😄😄😄
I did my license on z750.
Then i bought cb650f 2015 - its like ending in different dimension
Much better handling, agyle,. Driving like a bycycle. Power when ever you need. Keeping up with sports bike easyly.
From the downside - no gear indicator, but in time you start to addapt in which gear you should be depending on speed and revs
No heat grrips, no cruise control
And the worst - its kind a bad wind protection
Those are reversable with aftermarket parts - but not quit findable and cheap - mostly ebay
Aftermarket exhaust starts from 600 euro and up. Cheapest was ixil x55 - i got used on
No ecu reflash kit yet 5 years later - only power comander - around 250-300 euros
No rear axle sliders
Basic maintenance is easy
Realy good fuel economy
Bike is realy underrated - but it will be good choise
I did some rideing with triumph street triple 675 - nahhh... so stiff
Only bike which could be better is yamaha mt/fz 07 - but i havent ride with it so i cant compare - yust check reviews
@@Evoandrs Hi thanks for the comments
Hi, i have also a 2016 one, but as second big bike - after a Suzuki Gs500. My opinion is, that this CB is the bike for anyone, who would like to ride and enjoy it in any circumstances without fearings. Just ride, give your hands to the bike's hand and only enjoy the ride. Best choice in inline 4 class under 1000ccm.
I have one of these at the moment for a loan bike, while my 18 street triple if being serviced
Any good? Pros, Cons?
Just paid £4200 for the same model and colour scheme early 2017 with 3600 on the clock, I’ve just returned to biking now my kids have left the nest and I am a little surprised at how twitchy the throttle is at low speeds. Having tested a few bikes do you think this is now the norm compared to pre injection 80’s bikes which i grew up on and is it something you get used to with time?
Hi mark ..yes it's the norm you'll get used to it...carb bikes have a very soft throttle response...fuel injection is way more immediate
Great choice btw cheers MP
@@markpulling12 you were spot on, a few hundred miles later, a little adjustment back to the Honda recommended throttle adjustment and it is very manageable. I also loved your review on the Triumph Trident, your presentation along with clear information is excellent.
Hi Mark - if your riding was mostly doing long distances (100+ mile trips) on a mix of fastish A roads and motorways, would you rather have one of these or a Versys 650 or a V-Strom 650 (assuming you could only choose a 650cc machine) ?
Hi Steve for long trips only I'd go for the versus because of its comfort and wind protection
Cheers mark
Would this be a good second bike?? trying to graduate from my ninja 250
Hi yes it would be a great bike to trade up too,have a look at the z650 too :)
Going to test drive the cbr650f today
Nice one bobby
You'll love it !
Regards mark
@@markpulling12 Bought a 2017 model today 2900 miles, love it. Thanks for the review it helped alot especially when it came to the test drive.
Any idea on the brand of screen ? :)
Hi Paul ,it was a while ago now ,but I think it was an mra cheers mark
@@markpulling12 thanks mark 👍🏻
Mark, not sure if you can recall test riding the Honda cb650f. You have a review on there which is good. Could you get your feet down flat at all? I'm 5ft 7 and have a 30 inside leg which I think is the same as yourself.
Hi Paul yes flat footed no problem .. very good bike as I recall ...there is also the cb500f which I recently reviewed which is great too
Much appreciated Mark. Thanks very much
Mark, what windshield is that on the bike and the engine guard please buddy? I have the same bike and want to get some decent bits for it. Hard to find a decent looking windshield that ain't going to cost the earth! Cheers bud
Hi it was a while ago ...but I think it was a power bronze screen and givi engine bars
Cheers mark
Thanks buddy
Doing my DAS on this bike!! Will be investing in one when I pass....... hopefully 🙏
Canford Bottom Roundabout.... what a screw up. First it was traffic lights, then they put in a roundabout, then the put the road right through the middle because a fly over was too expensive.. then they covered the whole thing with traffic lights.... which the roundabout was supposed to get rid of in the first place... and it still doesn't work at peak time..... :D
Other than that... great review would be good t compare it to the 2019 model with the revamped suspension etc...
Haha yes it's not very good Christian ! Thanks for the comment all the best mp
Watching this on new years day 2025
Ps ,,,the inside leg measurements are more important than your height ,, height is a misleading figure ,,, cheers Shane uk 🇬🇧
Hi mate need your honest opinion, seen one of these exactly same colour as this with 2,100 miles full Akropovic exhaust 66 plate for £5200..does that sound a good deal to you? Thanks
Hi jeremy ,yes thats about right ,make an offer of 4900 ,then you should get it for 5k good luck mark
@@markpulling12 Hi mate I will try, it's from a Honda Dealer so it might be tough but thanks 😉
Old CB600F Hornet's are better........ less displacement but more POWER!! During these years of your Honda here, they dumbed down their bikes for a good few years but now seem to finally waken up again, introducing their all..... new.......super...... powerful..... cutting edge technology. ballz out bike...... that is the mighty 2020 Honda CBR1000 not single, not double but TRIPLE mutha effin' 'R' SP Edition!! Long live Honda Racing!! :P
mark..u got fed up of cruisers like tbirds.i know i have ,i went off cruisers to this inb 2017
HONDA 😀💪👍🔥
85-90 hp?????
Max. Power Output90 HP (67kW) @ 11,000rpm
Can you have good fun on this? Didn't hear you say anything about fun 🤣
God i'll NEVER be qualified to drive in your country, that left lane riding and circling roundabouts by the left side just fry my brain and definetly will get me killed or maimed for life if i atempt to drive/ride there. Its a bit odd that we live in Europe ( The most united and civilized continent in the world ) but some countries have different traffic rules. I give all UK citizens a big salute that come here to Portugal and atempt to drive in the rigth lane and survive to tell the story back in UK.