Honda’s top-line LAMS sportsbike will push learners that extra mile
Sure, it makes sense to think of LAMS bikes as a single category – there’s the shallow end of the pool guys, go swim in it. But in reality there’s a huge gap between your 125 or 250cc buzzabout and a bike like the CBR650F. Honda’s offering is pretty much as close to the deep end as you can get as a learner, and precisely because of that it’s a tempting proposition.
First, it’s got a grown-up kind of engine. As a learner rider, you’re somewhat limited in terms of configurations. Most bikes in the 660cc and under category are singles or parallel twins. You get your odd V-twin, and a lone triple. But here’s an engine note that stands apart. The sound of four cylinders working together produces a thrilling harmony – a bit like a mechanical choir, particularly in the rev range where this bike tends to operate: high.
Running through the gears on the highway, the Honda calmly sits at 100km/h in second right through to sixth gear, with the revs gradually stepping down: 7000rpm in second through to 4500 in sixth. Although the engine is louder at high revs, it doesn’t protest; in fact it seems to like it, and that idea is confirmed by the delivery of power right through the range.
Conversely, you don’t get much in the way of engine braking, or a huge punch when taking off in first. If anything, a commuter could wish for more scoot off the line. Then again, you
can get to 70km/h in first gear with ease.
In terms of build quality, this bike feels high-end. From the sparkle finish tank to the beautifully painted fairing, comfortable suspension and controls, reassuring bite of the brakes and smooth throttle response… it all gives you the feeling that you are riding a machine that’s very well-built.
And is there such an attribute as the hugability of a bike? Because I have never felt a tank as pleasant as this one to wrap my legs around. That’s important because the riding position is quite sporty, so you will want some good support from your lower body and core if you’re to avoid leaning on the bars excessively.
Sadly, I’ve probably arrived to motorcycling a little late (and out of shape) to really excel at sportsbike riding, and I found myself leaning on the ’bars quite a lot – and having my throttle hand affected by bumps in the road. A riser bar could help if you want a comfier ride, but then you wouldn’t really be riding a sportsbike, would you? Anyway, Honda has the naked CB650F if you’re after that kind of thing.
As for looks, it’s clearly a big kid’s toy. You can see it in the wide profiles of the headlight and fairing, and the rear tyre. And you can feel it in the power and heft of the bike. Fully tanked it weighs in at a smidge over 215kg, and although the engine has been limited it’s still got power.
I took the bike for a wander through the twisties on a rainy Sunday morning and came back buzzing, but also feeling I still have a lot to learn. At no point did it feel limiting.
One of the more experienced riders in our office took the Honda home one evening and came back raving. “The perfect learner bike,” were his exact words. And that probably says something about where the CBR650F sits on the learning curve – near the top end. Maybe it takes a non-LAMS rider to completely appreciate it, and yet it’s getting plenty of love from learners.
One of the reasons we chose this bike to review was because it stood out in the end-of-2016 sales charts. And we can assume that the buyers were all LAMS riders since there is also an unrestricted version of the bike available. In cases like these it seems ridiculous that dealers can’t legally de-restrict such bikes when the owner graduates to a full licence – as they can in other countries. There’s always the option of getting it done elsewhere, but this can lead to problems with registration and insurance. Rules eh?
But even in its restricted form, the CBR650F will provide plenty of challenge and enjoyment. If you’re looking for a motorcycle at the sporty end of the spectrum that can carry you through your LAMS restrictions and beyond, stick it on your test-ride list.
PROS
- That engine
- Brakes
- Finish
CONS
- No gear indicator
- Slightly porky
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