Honda CB 650 RC (reduced effect) vs Norton Mercury 650 (1983)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Honda CB 650 RC (reduced effect)stacks up against the Norton Mercury 650. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | Honda CB 650 RC (reduced effect) | Norton Mercury 650 |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 1983 | 1969 |
| Price | — | — |
| Engine | 627 cc | 646 cc |
| Horsepower | 50 hp | — |
| Fuel capacity | 3.7 L | — |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | 5-speed | — |
| Front brakes | Dual disc | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Rear brakes | Expanding brake | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Tires | 3.50-19 / 130/90-16 | — |
Honda CB 650 RC (reduced effect) vs Norton Mercury 650 — which should you buy?
Picking between the Honda CB 650 RC (reduced effect) and the Norton Mercury 650 usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Honda CB 650 RC (reduced effect) brings 50 hp, while the Norton Mercury 650 counters with its own power figure.
Our spec tables above highlight the winning number on each line. For the full rider-focused reviews including real-world fuel economy, service costs and available colors, click into either bike: