It’s all in the DNA
Heavier and less powerful than the Hornet, Honda’s latest CB650F’S underwhelming statistics don’t’ t do it justice…
I’M HAVING DE JA VU… I’m sat astride our Honda CB650F negotiating the ludicrously sublime series of 90° corners on the A427 heading towards Upper Benefield just outside Oundle, Northamptonshire. It all feels very familiar. Many Bike magazine photos have been taken here, and still are to this day, but this is more than knowing the road. The reason it feels so familiar is that, among all the times I’ve ridden this road, I still remember riding it in 1999 on the original Honda Hornet, the CB650F’S grandad. Back then I had 97bhp on tap but now this CB packs a 649cc motor and produces 86bhp. The Hornet weighed 179kg (dry), the CB tops the scales at 208kg (wet). And the CB has more torque. Despite the stats the CB has Hornet DNA in its fuel lines and I like it already. It’s nimble, light to the touch and eager to eat miles at a rapid pace as long as you keep the revs high, getting near the redline is when it comes alive. The engine is so smooth and clutchless gear changes are sweet. The horn button is huge and the indicator switch is below it on Hondas now, which at first feels strange and you end up beeping people all the time. In a world obsessed with auto blippers and semi active suspension it’s nice to go analogue and return to the good old days of the Hornet. Next, a longer trip before winter hits us.
Honda CB650F
TYRES: Dunlop Sportmax D222
COST: £7399
MILEAGE: 712
MPG: 48