The Honda CB650 R middleweight stalwart does everything you want from a motorbike, as Jeremy found out on a tour of Hampshire.

The Honda CB650 R ks labelled as a Naked bike.

Naked biking is back to basics riding, with the Neo Sports café CB 650 R from Honda. A real bikers' bike with nothing superfluous yet it is packed with modern technology.

The CB 650 R is new for 2019 and fills the gap Honda had between

the 500 and 1000cc bikes.

Opposition comes in the form of the KTM 790 Duke, Kawasaki's Z900, Yamaha's MT-09, and Suzuki's GSX-S750. The Honda is less expensive than these bikes but less powerful, so it is a catch 22, go after more horsepower, and you have to pay more.

Honda motorcycle CB 650 R on side stand.

The CB650R's inline four-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve engine produces 70kW with strong mid-range torque of 64Nm. It has a 12,000rpm redline and features Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) to maintain rear-wheel traction. The ignition switch has been moved to the front of the fuel tank cover to create a minimalist frontal area.

The new CB650R provides perfect traction as you're racing down the road. Honda Selectable Torque Control manages Rear-wheel traction (HSTC). When the wheel sensors detect a difference between the front and rear wheel speeds, the system smoothly reduces torque to the rear wheel, maintaining traction.

Honda loves its history, with the CB650R they have designed the four exhaust downpipes to sweep together around the front of the engine in a retro style. The muffler's rear is redesigned to channel the full impact of the exhaust sounds directly to the rider, delivering a thrilling growl as revs climb. The design creates powerful engine reverberations, giving you an immersive experience that only an inline-four engine can produce.

Full profile of Honda CB 650 R Naked bike.

The new CB650R is all about balance. The frame's elliptical spars feature tuned rigidity balance for front and rear wheel feedback. The curved aluminium swingarm is designed to be both hardwearing and handsome. 120/70-17 and 180/55-17 front and rear tyres deliver superbike-sized grip levels. Ride in style.

The CB650R's Emergency Stop Signal technology helps keep you safe if you ever need to hit the brakes unexpectedly. The system detects sudden braking and automatically activates the front and rear hazard lights, which flash to warn any nearby vehicles.

The new CB650R features rich digital LCD instruments that are easy to read. The display has a Gear Position and Shift Up indicator, a water thermometer, a peak hold meter of the engine RPM, and an upshift indicator linked with the engine RPM to let the driver know when to change gears. The tapered handlebars of the CB650R offer easy leverage for fast steering reaction.

The CB 650 R has a 15-litre fuel tank with realistic riding that delivers around 120 miles between stops. Probably just enough to allow for a couple of hours continuous riding.

The basic bike starts at £6999, which is reasonable for a middleweight.

Agile with crisp handling and fast performance, you will be thrilled with the bike if you choose one.

Honda CB 650 R Road Test.

The Honda CB650 R middleweight stalwart does everything you want from a motorbike, as Jeremy found out on a tour of Hampshire.