Opinion on new CB650R Cafe Neo Sports Cafe

[grame99]

I kind of like this - and just wondering from more experienced riders how it would compare to my V7iii Stone. I like the look, the weight, and the extra grunt without a big heavy engine, but not sure how an inline four would feel compared to the Guzzi V-twin. Mostly to be used as a town bike-commuter. Not so keen on smaller tank, chain, and increase in appeal to bike thieves.

[twowings]

The muffler is butt-ugly...buy a Griso! 

[grame99]

The muffler is butt-ugly...buy a Griso! 

This I have seriously pondered. But it's a bit bulky and a bit heavy for blatting about town. And I am no long-legged giant...

[Perazzimx14]

The muffler is butt-ugly...buy a Griso! 

Yes because the gigantic caution cone and a 1/2 muffler on the Griso is soooooo sexy

[fotoguzzi]

probably run circles around any Guzzi

[bigbikerrick]

Interestink, very interestink!  Almost sounds electric, though.....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eldqhovUe6E
Rick

[Turin]

hmmm.


Reminds me of this...
https://www.tradebit.com/usr/manuals/pub/9002/fzx700.jpg

[JohninVT]

It weighs less than your Stone, has 95hp, better brakes and better suspension.  On paper it’s twice the bike your Stone is.  However, you said you want it for around town.  While this engine isn’t a peaky 600cc super-sport, it does rev to 12,500rpm.  It has to rev to make power.

Around town, torque is where it’s at.  A V7III has over 40ft/lbs from 2800 to 7,000rpm.  The CB650r doesn’t have 40ft/lbs until about 7,500rpm.  The effect of this difference is more clutch slipping at lights(especially if you’re two-up) on the Honda to get away as quickly as on the Guzzi.  Getting away from lights, shooting gaps in traffic, making short passes in 2nd gear...those are things easier done on a bike with accessible torque rather than horsepower that requires revs to make power. 

I happen to really love the neo whatever Honda is calling this styling.  I love the 300 and the 1000 versions too.  In fact, the 300 is my favorite.  Your Guzzi is a really great commuter/in town bike.  The 650 is a great bike but I don’t know that it would be better than what you already have for your intended use. 

[Thunderbutt]

Sorry but I am just not a fan of the current "street fighter" style.  I think your V7 is so much more balanced visually, not to mention much more unique.
Viewing the picture of the Honda I can't imagine wanting to ride two up.  And if your planning on using the bike for errands around town,  are there any soft bags or luggage rack available?
Sorry but just my two cents of useless info.

[grame99]

It weighs less than your Stone, has 95hp, better brakes and better suspension.  On paper it’s twice the bike your Stone is.  However, you said you want it for around town.  While this engine isn’t a peaky 600cc super-sport, it does rev to 12,500rpm.  It has to rev to make power.

Around town, torque is where it’s at.  A V7III has over 40ft/lbs from 2800 to 7,000rpm.  The CB650r doesn’t have 40ft/lbs until about 7,500rpm.  The effect of this difference is more clutch slipping at lights(especially if you’re two-up) on the Honda to get away as quickly as on the Guzzi.  Getting away from lights, shooting gaps in traffic, making short passes in 2nd gear...those are things easier done on a bike with accessible torque rather than horsepower that requires revs to make power. 

I happen to really love the neo whatever Honda is calling this styling.  I love the 300 and the 1000 versions too.  In fact, the 300 is my favorite.  Your Guzzi is a really great commuter/in town bike.  The 650 is a great bike but I don’t know that it would be better than what you already have for your intended use.

Thanks - this is just the sort of information I was looking for. Being fairly new to biking, I am keen to try a variety of riding experiences - and after two Guzzis I feel ready for something with a bit more beef without being too much heavier - this Honda, the  Z900RS, the RNineT and the SpeedTwin are all things I am pondering. Ideally, the new V85TT engine in a street form would be good - but it's not yet been announced... And I hate the big heavy upright SUV bikes.

[chuck peterson]

those head pipes look really familiar.......

[SteveRivet]

I kind of like this - and just wondering from more experienced riders how it would compare to my V7iii Stone. I like the look, the weight, and the extra grunt without a big heavy engine, but not sure how an inline four would feel compared to the Guzzi V-twin. Mostly to be used as a town bike-commuter. Not so keen on smaller tank, chain, and increase in appeal to bike thieves.

I had a Nighthawk S with a similar powerplant and ergos for quite a while, and the Honda would probably do what you want.  You highlight the minuses very well, and if the plan is to replace vs augment the Stone I'm not sure it would be justify the effort, cause the Stone is a pretty great town bike-commuter itself.

Steve

[JohninVT]

Thanks - this is just the sort of information I was looking for. Being fairly new to biking, I am keen to try a variety of riding experiences - and after two Guzzis I feel ready for something with a bit more beef without being too much heavier - this Honda, the  Z900RS, the RNineT and the SpeedTwin are all things I am pondering. Ideally, the new V85TT engine in a street form would be good - but it's not yet been announced... And I hate the big heavy upright SUV bikes.

The CB650R would be a great weekend bike; meaning you'd ride it less than 200 miles a day to explore twisty roads and just for the fun of it.  As soon as you get out of town with a bike like the Honda all the differences it has from your Guzzi would become immediately apparent.  You can't access 95hp in town but you sure can in the mountains.  The better suspension would be an epiphany on rough pavement at 70mph. 

Everyone has different opinions on bikes and this is mine: Your Guzzi is much better in town.  Your Guzzi would be much better as a single person, light touring bike.  Your Guzzi would be easier to wander down a gravel road with.  The Honda would be better at riding at any sort of true pace, overall reliability, suspension damping, resale, tuning, dealer support, track days, etc.   By "better" I am only saying that in my opinion, the engineering decisions and compromises inherent in each bikes respective engine, suspension and geometry designs would make the above true for me.

If you're only going to have one motorcycle, either is an excellent choice.  If you're going to have a second bike to go along with either of these....I suggest you consider something truly different than the other.  A small dual sport like a KLX250 would make a killer commuter/in town bike and allow you to do things you can't with your current bike.  Just my .02       

[JJ]

those head pipes look really familiar.......

Yes, indeed!!

[usedtobefast]

Are you thinking to keep the Stone and add the CB650R?

You mentioned wanting more grunt ... as JohninVT pointed out, the grunt ain't there on the CB650R until you wind it up ... a lot.  Some people find that exciting ... an engine that spins up to higher rpms and unleashes some good power then.  Personally, I'd rather have the power/grunt at low rpms.

But logic and emotions rarely come together.      Like a used Honda NC700X would logically make an excellent town/commuter bike ... power is smooth and down low, great gas mileage and amazing reliability, and used ones can be found for cheap. A Suzuki 650 twin (SV or V-Strom) is another great bike.   But these aren't very exciting and many don't think they look that great.

You mentioned the RnineT and Speedtwin ... the great thing about those two is you should be able to find a BMW & Triump dealer that will allow test rides and you can see what you think.  The RnineT would have  better suspension, much more grunt, shaft drive ... could be your winner. A bit pricey thou ... and any BMW accessory is also pricey.

I've heard great things about the Yamaha twins & triples, but have never had the chance to ride one.  Like the FZ07 & FZ09. 

Not sure if you are thinking new or used, but since most Japanese dealers do not allow test rides, try to find a used bike (like FZ07, FZ09, NC700X, SV650, etc) at a dealer as most will allow a test ride on a used bike. 

[tazio]

those head pipes look really familiar.......

Yes, indeed!
..I took creative license to fab and weld-up my own 4into1 set for the cb350

[JACoH]

And don't forget the servicing costs. Adjusting 4 cylinders of shims at the dealer (although only every 16,000 miles) and synching the throttle bodies, etc will cost more than servicing the Guzzi. 
I have just purchased the new CB300R to join my V7 III Special in the garage. Mainly for a lightweight runabout, but like the CB650R, they are little hot rods. The only thing I don't like about the new sporty bikes is the way the seat holds you in one spot, cannot move around to alter position as sometimes needed, and yes, they need to rev.

[bad Chad]

You need a test ride of a half hour,  then I think you could form an opinion.

[Sheepdog]

Cool bike. I'm with you...the breadth of the motorcycling experience is very wide
and though the Honda is a great deal different in execution than the V7, it is similar in mission. They're both roadsters...that is; naked street middleweights with limited amenities. This is a great class if all you need to carry is a backpack. However, for bikes to be truly usable in urban environs, locking luggage and avoiding tendonitis from squeezing that clutch lever becomes important. My solution is a Piaggio BV500 scooter. 16"/14" wheels, CVT transmission, lots of power, 3 locking compartments (underseat, topcase, and glove box), and 60mpg amount to a great chore bike that I can leave my helmet locked within. My feet don't get dirty on wet streets, either. Each of my bikes has a unique mission...with the scooter, I can "under-compensate."

[grame99]

Some great feedback here. I guess my impulse was to try a different riding experience whilst still using a bike for the same purpose. Alas, I cannot afford two bikes so whatever one I get will be the one to get me to work and back. Living in central London can be a bit of a pain when it comes to breaking out of the city - it's quite a lengthy ride just to get past the built-up traffic-filled roads.
I like very much the Guzzi, but being new to motorcycling, want to extend my range of riding experience. I learned on a NC750, started on a Guzzi V9,then moved to the V7. But never having ridden a sporty more powerful bike made me hanker to try something with more beef. Rninet's are around £7.5K so possible. Z900RS can be got for £8.5k. But the CB650R is £7k from new. So I spoke to a dealer today about test riding one tomorrow.I may even take along my cam and mic and vlog the experience... Yikes!

[twowheeladdict]

I am not a fan of I-4s until they get to 1200 cc and above with a powerband designed for torque.

Much prefer twins of various configurations. 

The I-4s I have owned is because they were a screaming deal.  1977 Honda 550 four supersport in 1987 with 3000 original miles for $400, is the only small displacement I-4 I owned.





Nice bike for $400.  The picture is the condition I got it in after 40 hours of polishing.