2021 HONDA CB650R

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

Expert Verdict
βœ“Good Reliability

The 2021 Honda CB650R showcases commendable reliability with a single recall tied to exterior lighting. Given the absence of complaints, this model stands out for its overall engineering integrity.

Key Factor:Minimal recall impact

πŸ“‹Why This Matters

In the context of motorcycles, a low number of recalls is particularly significant. The single recall related to exterior lighting reflects Honda's commitment to safety and compliance with federal standards, showcasing their manufacturing quality. A clean sheet in terms of complaints reinforces the brand's strong reputation for reliability within the motorcycle segment, appealing to both new and seasoned riders.

Focus Area:Safety Profile
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Expert Analysis

  • πŸ“ˆ
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • ⚠️
    Primary Risk Area:Various
  • βš–οΈ
    Vs Brand: Worse than avg (0.3)
    πŸ“
    Summary: Year-over-year, the Honda CB650R maintains a favorable safety profile compared to its peers. Its low incident rate suggests a well-crafted vehicle that aligns with industry expectations for durability and performance.

Safety & Reliability Score

90/100

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-8
Complaint Impact-1.75
Investigation Impact-0

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2021 HONDA CB650R

Model Year2021
MakeHONDA
ModelCB650R
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Dec20
ISSUEFirst Report
Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
βœ…

No Consumer Complaints Reported

Great news! There are currently no consumer complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2021 HONDA CB650R. This is a positive indicator of owner satisfaction.

Primary Risk Areas

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Exterior Lighting

Issue: The rear reflector lens may not reflect brightly enough, impacting visibility.

βœ…

Verify the brightness and condition of rear reflectors immediately.

πŸ”

Check if any repairs or replacements have been made regarding the recall before purchase.

Campaign:21V-134
πŸ’‘Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your HONDA dealer to verify recall completion status.

Official Safety Recalls (1)

Campaign: 21V382000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Summary

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Super Cub C125, CB500X, CB650R, CBR300R, CBR500R, CBR650R, Rebel 300, Rebel 500, Monkey, 2020 CRF250L, GROM, 2021 CRF300L, and CB500F motorcycles. The rear reflector lens may not reflect brightly enough. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence

A dim rear reflector may reduce the visibility of the motorcycle to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the rear reflector, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KM3.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

NHTSA Investigations

0 investigations
βœ“

No active investigations for this vehicle.

Consumer Complaints

0 complaints
βœ“

No consumer complaints recorded for this vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common issues reported for the 2021 Honda CB650R?

Currently, there are no widespread issues reported aside from a single recall related to exterior lighting. This is indicative of Honda's high manufacturing standards during this era.

How does the recall affect the safety of the 2021 Honda CB650R?

'Even with one recall, it addresses critical visibility concerns which can impact rider safety at night. Hence, it is recommended to ensure compliance with any necessary adjustments or replacements.'

πŸ“ŠYear-over-Year Context

➑️Stable Pattern

Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows stable reliability patterns. No meaningful structural change detected in recall frequency between adjacent model years.

🧭What This Means for You

Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

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If You Own This Vehicle

  • Immediate Action: If any recalls are listed as 'incomplete', contact a certified HONDA service centerβ€”repairs are performed at no cost to you.
  • Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
  • Proactive tip: Enroll in HONDA's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
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If You're Buying Used

  • Request the VIN from the seller and verify the 'Clean' recall status via NHTSA.
  • This specific CB650R year is noted for its strong reliability foundations.

This page is designed to help you decide, not alarm you.

Compare with Similar Vehicles

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: February 23, 2026.