CB650R
Before you buy
- Learner legal
- LAMS Yes, every version sold here is LAMS approved.
- On the registers as
- Watch for
- No high- or medium-severity faults are listed for this bike.
- Running cost
- $8k–$11.5k used est. Sep 2026
Overview
A neo-retro naked four, the step up from Honda's own CB500F in the local range. Correcting a common assumption: Honda Australia has sold the CB650R here in LAMS-restricted form only — the full-power 649cc inline four available overseas has not been offered locally, at least at launch, and this session found no Australian source describing a full-power CB650R on sale here. This is a different situation from the CB650F/CBR650F generation it replaced, which had a distinct, separately-badged LAMS variant (CB650FA/CBR650FA) alongside a full-power one; the current CB650R has no such twin in Australia to confuse it with. Honda Australia did not publish full torque figures for the LAMS-restricted local model at launch.
Engines & variants
649cc inline four (LAMS) LAMS approved
ECU-restricted on the same 649cc inline four sold overseas in full-power form. Honda Australia has sold this model in LAMS form only. Listed on the NSW, QLD and VIC registers.
- NSW files it as "CB650R, CB650R E-Clutch", 2019-on, 649cc, distinct from the older "CB650F/CB650FL" row (2015-20) which is a different generation.
- QLD lists a plain "CB650R" row alongside the separate LAMS-restricted "CB650FA" (VIN 10th character G, engine number starting 22) that belongs to the older CB650F generation — don't confuse the two model generations' compliance codes.
- Victoria lists it by name: "CB650R", 649cc.
Pros
- Inline-four character and induction sound that no LAMS twin or triple rival can match
- Assist/slipper clutch with a noticeably light lever pull
- Neo-retro styling with a round LED headlight and exposed frame, distinct from the class's usual angular naked look
- Honda dealer network and parts availability across regional Australia
Cons
- No full-power version sold in Australia to move up to on the same nameplate — moving up means changing bikes entirely, unlike most other LAMS/full-power pairs on this site
- Honda Australia did not publish full torque figures for the local LAMS tune at launch, making direct comparison to rivals harder
- An inline four has more service items (four throttle bodies, more valves) than a twin or triple, and costs more to service at a workshop unfamiliar with it
Known problems
Also worth looking at
Closest in class and capacity to the Honda CB650R.