Honda CB650

The Honda CB650 is a four-cylinder middleweight motorcycle manufactured from 1979 to 1985 by Honda. The machine was largely based on the Honda CB550 and had the same frame, speedometer, and tachometer as the Honda CB550 of the 1970s. The CB650's engine had the same engine block as the CB550, but was bored out to 626 cc. The SOHC four-cylinder, eight-valve engine had added domed pistons and produced 63 hp (47 kW) @ 9,000 rpm.^[1] The CB650's performance was comparable to contemporary DOHC 750 cc motorcycles because of it being built on the lighter, more compact chassis of the CB550. It was Honda's last SOHC air-cooled straight-four engine, which was a culmination of the engine technology of Honda up to that time.

Model history

The CB650 was introduced in 1979.

In 1980, the newly re-styled CB650 used the same 626 cc engine as the previous year. The 1981 and 1982 models again used the same engine, but with a different head and vacuum carburetors instead of the mechanical carburetors used in 1979 and 1980. It was now available in either Standard or Custom configurations. The style changes focused on a new teardrop tank, chromed air-box, and smaller side covers. The 1980-1982 Standard model featured 4-2 exhaust pipes and wire-spoke wheels. The Custom model featured 4-4 exhaust, Comstar wheels, and in 1981, dual disk front brakes and air assist forks.

The second generation was produced from 1982 to 1985. In 1982 the Nighthawk replaced the Custom of the previous years and featured a re-designed tank and side covers. In 1983 a new Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) engine replaced the Single Overhead Cam (SOHC) engine used since 1979. The DOHC engine had hydraulic valve lash adjusters and was rubber mounted; and final drive changed from chain-drive to shaft-drive.

References