re: My Honda CBR650F. EDIT: Track Day at BIC on PG-53


There are a lot of misinformation regarding octane rating in India and also about premium fuels.

• India: India's ordinary and premium gasolines are of 91 RON. The premium gasolines are generally ordinary fuels with additives, that do not really change the octane value. Two variants, "Speed 93" and "Speed 97", were launched, with RON values of 93 and 97. India's economy-class vehicles usually have compression ratios under 10:1, thus enabling them to use lower-octane gasoline without engine knocking.

re: My Honda CBR650F. EDIT: Track Day at BIC on PG-53

I agree with you. Plus there is some dilution also that happens on many Petrol Pumps, so expecting prescribed Octane Numbers is also a problem.
In general I have been asked by Honda to get the Extra Premium like Stuff Filled. They said a clear No to 97 Octane. I am right now getting the 93 Octane. I have used 97 Octane for around 6 months.

Rachit

re: My Honda CBR650F. EDIT: Track Day at BIC on PG-53

Hi rachit, how is your 650F? Do you have any stories to tell us?

re: My Honda CBR650F. EDIT: Track Day at BIC on PG-53


Hi brother,

Actually yes, quite a few but god man life has become so busy. I have thinking about updating the thread everyday for the last 3-4 months but have not been able.
As a heads up, I took the CBR to BIC last sunday.

Overall experience was amazing and I loved every bit of it. I have wanted to do it for years and it finally lived upto its expectations. I am so much in love with track riding that I am thinking of trying to do them a bit more often. The bike performed well.

Just bear with me for a few days, I will surely post all the updates very soon.

CHEERS!!

Rachit

re: My Honda CBR650F. EDIT: Track Day at BIC on PG-53

[MENTION=23793]mod[/MENTION]s: Kindly change the title of the thread to:
A dream come true - My Honda CBR650F. EDIT: Track Day at BIC on PG-53
First of all I would like to sincerely apologise for not being able to post updates on the thread. For the last 6 months, I have thought about posting the updates every weekend, but for one reason or the other I couldn't. I guess, I have become lazy.


I have three main updates, which I will split into individual sections.


The 1st update is the tyre change.
So during our trip to lansdowne, we noticed a cut on the tyre. There was a small chunk that came out. Although it was not loosing air much and as an immediate fix, we put in some quick fix with sand which sealed it, however it was deemed unsafe. It still had about a 1000 KM of life left but I decided to get it changed. I clocked 12500 KMs on tyre which is slightly on the lower side from what I have heard from others. Also during its last stages, it had started to move around a bit, reducing my confidence on corners. Overall pretty satisfied with the stock tyre. It was nothing special, but it was not bad either and it mostly always delivered on whatever I could throw at it.
So the choice was between either Metzeler M7 or Pirelli Angel GT. My friend was using the Pirelli on his Ninja 650 and had a very positive feedback and the availability of the M7 was a challenge. Although my first preference was the M7, but had to get the Pirellis as I couldn’t find any M7s in NCR. I am not sure why but I have a soft spot for the Metzelers. I mean the name in itself is so cool.


So Switched over to Pirelli Angel GT and the overall feedback has been great. Its a definite improvement over the stock tyre in terms of dry grip. I have clocked around 2500 KMs so far on them and I have really liked them.






The 2nd update is the 4th service.
Although the bike had probably clocked around 3K KMs after the third service, but I got a call from Honda for the service being due. They recommend I get it done for warranty purposes, so I decided to get the service done. Even though the Engine Oil and the Air filter were not required to be changed, but I still requested them to change both. This was also the first paid service of the bike as such. Overall the service experience was excellent as always. Plus this time when the bike came back from service, for some reason it felt much peppier for a month or so.


The servicing costs remain a positive surprise. Nothing to complain about here. The overall after sales experience with Honda has been so positive that I think they have won me as a loyal customer. I would have to seriously think many times when I get an opportunity to upgrade, to even consider any Non Honda bike.




I did get a couple of accessories also fitted to the bike after the service. The first being the rear sets. I am a short guy and I always felt that I could never hold the CBRs tank with my knees properly while cornering. All the rear sets I saw, were very expensive. I even thought of getting a bracket made and then moving the stock foot pegs up a bit. This topic kept on going in my mind for 3-4 months when while casual browsing I saw a set on Aliexpress. It had a couple of positive reviews from US Customers. Overall cost was $100 including shipping. I took the risk and ordered them. They turned out to be okay. I wouldn’t say they are very good, but they are completely acceptable for the price. No installation instructions were a pain though. After installing them I can confidently say that for my height, the CBR feels more sporty now. I can grip the tank better and these helped on the track a lot.


I have always liked the Tecspec tank pads too. So when I got the rear sets, I got the tank pads to accompany them too. Both helped on the track.








Now for the big one. The BIC Track day.
Ever since I got to know about BIC being constructed, I only had 1 dream, to ride my bike on the track. Even though I was pretty deep in F1 at that time and I was excited about F1, but the real dream was to ride on a track. My desire to watch F1 was fulfilled by a contest by Overdrive in which I won a grand stand ticket. Watching F1 on BIC was special. The track felt special and the overall event felt like an International Standard event.
I kept dreaming and hoping for a track day. I bought some gear too like Full riding shoes, Full gauntlet gloves etc. However 1 key piece I couldn’t buy which always kept me away from the track was racing suit. I just could not spare the cost of a racing suit.
Last Year while speaking to friends I asked them that this year we have to do it. All the news of Jaypee going defunct were also not helping with the future of this track. This track day would also have gone by like every time I had told myself “Maybe Next Time”. But somehow it struck me that this way, I would never be able to. I spoke to a couple of close friends as I wanted to do it with my friends and received a positive answer. Thankfully a friend had a race suit which fit me and it saved the cost of renting one. It finally materialised and it was a very special feeling and I was fully excited.


Overall if I can say it one sentence, the wait of all these years was worth it. The experience of riding on an International level track with friends among JK series race winners was truly special. It was so special that for 2 days, I just could not resist and wanted to go back. I have decided to save a bit more and try to become a bit more regular at track days.


So the day started with we reaching the track, going through scrutiny and then soaking in the atmosphere in the pits. There were special bikes there and I was surprised to see the number of people with full slicks, tyre warmers, Dainese Race suits. At first it felt intimidating but being with friends helped. Also people there were mostly helpful especially Simran and Gurvinder ji. We got the see the 1299 Superlegera too and boy what a bike. We had 4 session of 20 mins each. Initially we were a bit worried about our fitness levels and being able to wear race suits the whole day. Overall smaller sessions helped and I would say and we were not tired by the end of 4 sessions.


The first session started and initially we were a bit anxious with fast riders coming from behind etc. In the briefing we were told to not look back unless slowing down for a reason and keep taking our lines. The faster riders will go around us on their own. But still the first 2 laps were a bit anxious. Thankfully I was familiar with the track layout as I had played this track on the F1 game a lot. Although the bikes layout is slightly different, but I had seen a couple of videos on the previous day and it helped. As much as I thought to myself that this was not about lap times and it was just to learn, it all went in 2 laps. 3rd lap onwards I was going for it. While riding, I saw Red Flags and thought somebody crashed, but later realised that 1st session was over. It literally flew and I didn’t realise. We came to pits and saw our times and I had clocked a 2.47.


In the 2nd session, I improved a bit and was getting better at lines in few corners. I was amazed the grip Pirellis offered even being sport touring tyres. I felt good at slower technical sections and felt my lines and speed through corners were good. However I was not happy at corners that required hard braking like 1, 4, 15 and 16. I was not able to judge the braking distance properly.


I follow Moto GP and other forms of motorcycle racing. Motorcycle racing is very dear to me. I have watched/read a lot of content on internet and over the years have tried to practice a few things on the roads as much as you can on public roads. I felt I know the basics and had to just implement them. However, in my greed to further reduce my lap times, I actually started riding too aggressively on corners with hard braking. I was braking too late and was reaching corners with my front loaded because of brakes and was taking corners in a not so smooth manner. The slower sections, I was still good. My mistakes, I realised when I got to see an onboard lap by Simran and I realised I was braking later on CBR than him on his race prepped R1. Well, a lesson for next time. By the third session I had become pretty aggressive with the bike for the initial 4-5 laps and I felt I didn’t go faster and then sort of brought it down a notch. My fastest lap time came at this point when I had brought it down a notch. I clocked a 2.34.1 lap. In the fourth session I repeated the same mistakes and went again very hard on brakes and the fastest I clocked was 2.34.8.


I am glad that I got see that onboard lap by Simran now and I can see where I made mistakes. This is a positive sign and something to look forward to in the next track day. I am also happy that me and my friends all had an excellent day and everybody came out safe even though for all of us except 1, it was the first track experience. The overall experience was special and I have committed to myself to become a bit more regular.


The CBR performed very well. I cannot say that for a first times, person with my skill level, I could draw any flaws in the bike. It felt safe, smooth and stable. Even when I went a bit too far being aggressive on brakes and trying to corner, it still was unfazed. The ABS was going bonkers front and rear but it still brought me home safe. On the winding faster corners, the CBR was very stable and confidence inspiring. I am quite happy with the way it performed on the track in stock condition. A few upgrades and that should make it even better. The only grouse I have with the bike is gear box. It is either me or my bike only because I have not read it in any reviews or have heard it from other users, but for some reason I just cannot get a hang of the timing of the clutch and gear change on my bike. Even after riding it for 15K KMs. I have not had this issue in any other bike but only mine. God knows what is wrong and this issue took some concentration away from me on the track as well. Because I was going so aggressive, I actually feared I will break the gear box of the bike. However, so far so good. I do plan to get a quick shifter for this very reason some day.


Now for some pics:
The Old Tyre


New Tyres getting on


New Rubber






Bike getting serviced


Bill




Rear sets




Tank Grips



Me ready in suit


Coming in pits after session 1




Cool Down lap


I think turn 2


The whole group



Random weekend ride pictures


On a rainy day with the Nuda 900R


On Gurgaon Faridabad Road






Morning gathering point




Somewhere around Khan Market


Touching 14K KMs


Thank you

Re: My Honda CBR650F. EDIT: Track Day at BIC on PG-53

Hi Rachit,

Pics look great, wonderful write up. Need a piece of advice on the two issues i got.

My bike is 2018 model and has clocked 1200+ kms, 1. Throttle seems to be a bit tight creating pain in my palms during B2B traffic. Did you face this issue anytime in the early days of ownership ?


2. I feel my rear brake is too soft, had to press harder and takes time to get the response. Is this normal in the early days of ownership ?

Thanks in advance.



P.S: Its been two weeks owning this beauty, purchased the test ride bike after 873kms last week .

Re: My Honda CBR650F. EDIT: Track Day at BIC on PG-53

Hello Murali,

Hearty COngratson your purchase!! Wish you many happy miles with her.

Yes, The throttle and clutch are slightly on the stiffer side. I did not have that many issues with the throttle but had issues with the clutch. Adjusting your clutch and brake levers angle can help because in traffic you tend to keep your fingers over brake lever which can cause an awkward angle if not adjusted to your height.

Rear brakes on most such bikes are meant or designed to be soft. They are mostly just to balance the braking forces and not as such provide any major braking. I was also used to using rear brakes a lot and had to spend a lot of time re-calibrating. MOst bikes of this class will have softer rear brakes. The major breaking is supposed to be done by the front brakes.


I hope this helps. Please feel free to let me know of any other questions you might have.


CHEERS!!

Rachit

Re: My Honda CBR650F. EDIT: Track Day at BIC on PG-53

Hi Rachit,

Thank you for the answers. I took the bike to service last friday after some 400+ kms, have adjusted the clutch and took care of few things. It feels good to ride now, settings are good now. Could have adjusted the clutch lever myself, however wanted to learn from the technician on what and how so took it to service. A week back fitted the Radiator guard and had a hard time putting back the left side fairing.

One more doubt, Have you changed the LED headlight. I find the headlight is not that bright, thinking of changing it before long trips. Any suggestions ?

Re: My Honda CBR650F. EDIT: Track Day at BIC on PG-53


That is an excellent update Murli. I am glad to know what you are finding the bike more comfortable to ride now.

Yes, I have switched to LEDs. I think MODRVIVE LEDs on my bike. A decent upgrade.


CHEERS!!

Rachit

Re: My Honda CBR650F. EDIT: Track Day at BIC on PG-53

Any news on the replacement cbr 650 r?

Re: My Honda CBR650F. EDIT: Track Day at BIC on PG-53

I think reliable sources are saying it will be here in 2019. But no more info on whether CKD or CBU etc are known yet.


Rachit

Re: My Honda CBR650F. EDIT: Track Day at BIC on PG-53

I spoke over call to Honda Chennai Zonal office in Dec 2018, they confirmed about CBR650R being a CKD and will be launched by March or April. Showroom manager told me about two bikes coming via CKD route and one of them being a 500cc bike, he was briefed about this in the Zonal meeting.

Re: My Honda CBR650F. EDIT: Track Day at BIC on PG-53

CKD sounds good. 500CC bike? I wish it is the CBR500, will make a lot of sense in India if priced well too.

Re: My Honda CBR650F. EDIT: Track Day at BIC on PG-53

Anything on the naked version of the cbr i.e. CB650R ?

Re: My Honda CBR650F. EDIT: Track Day at BIC on PG-53

Yeah, i was told by the manager that a 500cc bike and cbr650r for 2019 via the CKD routes, but no official confirmation on the 500cc bike yet, however there is official news on the cbr650r . I wish it to be the CB500x, it will be a excellent adv bike in the market seeing the present situation. Incase if its launched with a price tag of anything near 5 lakhs OTR, its a VFM bike. Many of my friends would upgrade it .

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Not sure bro, did not hear any.