The Honda CB650F And CBR650F Get Updates For 2017

Honda® released updated versions to two of their mid-sized, entry level options in the 2017 Honda® CB650F and 2017 Honda® CBR650F at the EICMA show in Milan, Italy.

The bikes are powered by the same 649cc inline four-cylinder engine which, thanks to a new intake and exhaust system, gains 4 hp. Honda® claims this extra power is felt mostly above 5,000 rpm and that, in its testing, these new 2017 units pulled three bike lengths in 400 meters over the previous iteration when doing second gear roll-ons.

2017 Honda® CB650F and Honda® CBR650F

Honda® claims a new power figure of 89 hp with a weight of 470 pounds for the faired CBR650F and 458 for the naked CB650F.

Honda® has also given the pair a new 41mm Showa Dual Bending Valve (SDBV) fork, which gives firmer compression damping and "improved rebound damping." Its aim was to improve both handling and rider comfort, it says, but we can't speak to that until we swing a leg over.

Finally, Honda® is using revised Nissin calipers to bite the 320 mm front discs and 240 mm rear disc for improved braking power. Thankfully, two-channel ABS is fit standard.

The two models are identical from the front fairing back, but both get redesigns to the headlight, with the CBR650F getting a newly designed fairing.