Opinion on Honda CBR 500R or 650F

[conundrum]

650 is 50 lbs heavier than the 500. I agree with the rest.

42 pounds according to Honda (and I could have sworn when I bought mine Honda had it listed maybe 5 lbs lighter than it shows now). I know this is splitting hairs, but the largest difference between the two bikes is that the 500 'feels' heavier, given the power to weight:

CBR500R (42 hp 425 lbs) = 0.09 hp per pound
CBR650F (87 hp 467 lbs) = 0.18 hp per pound

EDIT: Also added a few more for comparison

CBR250RA (24 hp 366 lbs) = 0.06 hp per pound
CBR600RR (100 hp 410 lbs) = 0.24 hp per pound

 

[conundrum]

I would probably get into loads of trouble with the 600RR. Plus from what I heard it's ergonomics take a toll on the rider on long rides. I'm surprised by your word the 650F suppresses the 600RR after 10k RPM, isn't the only difference is the extra 50cc? But I may be wrong, the insurance is kind of funny truth. More power than the RR, unless I'm missing something here (which I am probably).

Displacement is only part of the equation. Sure the 650 is only about 50cc more than the 600 (649cc vs 599cc if memory serves), but the 600 is at least 40-50 lbs lighter, and whereas the 650 makes about 87 hp, the 600 makes around 100. The 600 is also geared to make all that power at the top of the rev range, and the 650 is designed to make the most in the upper middle of the rev range.

 

[Jayell]

...but the 500 makes 47hp and the 650F makes 87hp...so more than double.

Sure the 650 is only about 10cc more than the 600 (649cc vs 599cc if memory serves)

Better check your arithmetic, mate.

 

[LePhillou]

42 pounds according to Honda (and I could have sworn when I bought mine Honda had it listed maybe 5 lbs lighter than it shows now). I know this is splitting hairs, but the largest difference between the two bikes is that the 500 'feels' heavier, given the power to weight:

CBR500R (42 hp 425 lbs) = 0.09 hp per pound
CBR650F (87 hp 467 lbs) = 0.18 hp per pound

EDIT: Also added a few more for comparison

CBR250RA (24 hp 366 lbs) = 0.06 hp per pound
CBR600RR (100 hp 410 lbs) = 0.24 hp per pound

From what I had heard and read looking at reviews for both bikes
500 was the nimble one and 650 was more top heavy and less nimble

So for twisties fun 500 would've been better

 

[Brian_S]

In my opinion the price difference between CBR500R and 650F (including bike and insurance) doesn't justify an upgrade. I test drove 650F and I found it less maneuverable but slightly more powerful than CBR500R/CB500F. Just for a sake of comparison, I'm paying $920 per year for my 2014 CB500F and my insurance quoted me $1770 for 650F ... almost double.

 

[Dr. Luxurious]

i chose a 500r over a 650f due to insurance as well ....$405 vs $950...
im sure the 650 is superior to the 500 in almost every way...but im finding the 500 is a really fun balanced bike you can be pretty aggressive with and not get into too much trouble.

 

[2wzilla]

In my opinion the price difference between CBR500R and 650F (including bike and insurance) doesn't justify an upgrade. I test drove 650F and I found it less maneuverable but slightly more powerful than CBR500R/CB500F. Just for a sake of comparison, I'm paying $920 per year for my 2014 CB500F and my insurance quoted me $1770 for 650F ... almost double.

CBR500R is just in the right place. It's a LAM approved and if it has x2 the kick of my CBR250RTA then why not. The insurance is also a big thing since my insurance for the 250R (1st year riding, brand new M2, Brampton ON, 23) is $3400. I can only assume what the insurance would be on the 500/650. But I would need to call in and see.

I don't like the 650F for little things, the 650 dash looks dated and the single headlight is annoying (I know other bikes have it as well).

 

[2wzilla]

i chose a 500r over a 650f due to insurance as well ....$405 vs $950...
im sure the 650 is superior to the 500 in almost every way...but im finding the 500 is a really fun balanced bike you can be pretty aggressive with and not get into too much trouble.

Jesus christ.... Where do you and Brian_S get such cheap insurance?

 

[2wzilla]

From what I had heard and read looking at reviews for both bikes
500 was the nimble one and 650 was more top heavy and less nimble

So for twisties fun 500 would've been better

Small bikes are usually more nimble ... I only know Forks of the Credit as a nice twisty road, about it.