Honda’s CB650R has always been the quiet achiever of the middleweight naked class. It’s a bike that doesn’t shout for attention, but earns it the moment you thumb the starter. For 2025, it sports the biggest boon for learner riders; an E-Clutch.
Let’s start with the star of the show. Not a dual clutch and not a traditional quick shifter, the hybrid setup lets you start, stop and shift without touching the clutch lever, and will even tell you what gear you should be in for your speed.
It’s no scooter-esque automatic takeover either, as you can also use the clutch normally whenever you want, or turn the system off entirely. It’s surprisingly intuitive once you get past the initial weirdness of clicking into first without pulling the lever.
Around town, the system shines. Launching from lights becomes simple: twist, go, snick another gear before you’ve crossed the intersection. It’s forgiving too, even if you accidentally leave it in a higher gear.
At speed, it behaves like a well‑sorted quick shifter. Downshifts are decent, though not as buttery as the upshifts. It’s smooth but not flawless, if that makes sense. Now to the bike itself. Compact, yet still feeling like a “big boy” bike, it’s beautifully finished.
Styling is a blend of retro and modern, with brushed metal accents, a sculpted tank, and one of the best‑looking LED headlights around. The Candy Chromosphere Red paint option in particular is a standout – deep, glossy, and classy in a way few LAMS bikes manage.
If shiny almost maroon isn’t for you, then you can opt for Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic. The exhaust, often an afterthought on modern bikes, gets proper attention with a tidy four‑into‑one layout that hints at the bike’s inline‑four heritage.
At the heart of the CB650R is Honda’s 649cc DOHC inline‑four, a configuration that’s becoming increasingly rare. In LAMS trim, it’s capped at 35kW and 49Nm, but don’t let the numbers fool you.
Delivering excellent bottom end torque, it works great below 6000rpm, pulling cleanly and confidently, in what this P-plater has to say feels like a non-learner bike. Above that though, at around 110km/h if you’re accelerating hard, the party ends.
The LAMS tune hits a noticeable wall, and while the engine will rev out to 12,000rpm, there’s little point doing so (derestricted this bike is good for 70kW). You can even feel the potential bubbling under the surface.
For learners and commuters, the torque‑rich low‑end makes the bike easy, predictable, and genuinely enjoyable. Honda’s selectable torque control is an added bonus to manage power. Handling-wise, the CB650R’s chassis is a mix of strengths and compromises.
The Showa SFF‑BP forks are excellent. They’re stable, communicative, and confidence‑inspiring. The bike turns easily and feels planted at speed. At the rear, you’ll need to adjust it to its softest setting, just for it to not feel as solid as concrete.
On smooth roads, it’s fine. On typical Australian surfaces, it can be harsh and even a little skittish (mid-corner), especially for heavier riders like yours truly. The seat is solid too. Braking performance though, is fantastic.
Dual 310mm discs with four‑piston calipers up front, paired with ABS, provide predictable stopping power. Tipping the scales at 207kg wet, it’s easy to pull up, even in the rain. Tech-wise, Honda’s new 5.0-inch full colour TFT display is crisp and bright, even in the sun.
It’s paired with Honda RoadSync, which delivers turn‑by‑turn navigation, music control and phone call integration, if you can actually get it to work – we couldn’t. The switchgear too can be properly fiddly.
On the road, it’s in everyday use that the 2025 Honda CB650R E-Clutch really earns its keep. The riding position is neutral, and comfortable. Seat height is a manageable 810mm, while its slim profile would be perfect for lane filtering if you’re not a leaner or P-plater.
Power delivery is smooth and predictable, if not a little wanting at the high end, and the E-Clutch makes riding effortless. It’s a beautifully built ride that while not perfect (the suspension tune and LAMS restrictions hold it back), is stylish.
As a premium commuter or learner‑friendly naked, it’s one of the best options on the market. Priced from $13,407 – it’s backed by a 2-year unlimited kilometre warranty. You can find out more on the Honda Australia website, or by talking to your local dealership.
Our test bike was supplied by Honda Australia for independent review purposes. Exhaust Notes Australia has not been paid to review this bike.
