Honda CB650R

Honda has unveiled the new Honda CB650R at the EICMA show in Milan, which is basically the naked version of the Honda CBR650F that is currently on sale. The styling of the new bike is inspired by the Honda CB1000R that was unveiled last year. The launch of the bike will help to expand company’s ‘Neo Sports Café’ portfolio.

Honda CB650R will be an aggressive looking bike with a bunch of retro styling elements. The bike will sport signature round headlamp with LED elements, vertically-stacked dual muffler and four-swooping exhaust pipes – all these features will contribute to its appealing look. The bike will also feature a new lighter steel framework and tank which will help it shed 6kg weight in comparison to its predecessor. The bike will come fitted with 120/70 ZR17 and 180/55 ZR17 tyres

The new CB650R might come in a choice of four colours – Red, Matt Crypton Silver Metallic, Matt Jeans Blue Metallic, Graphite Black and Candy Chromosphere.

Honda CB650R is an extremely agile motorcycle, right from the time you throw your leg over the saddle. Its tried and tested 650cc engine is amazingly refined with ample power and this is a very sweet handler. The sixth gear is purely for cruising, and is meant purely for highway cruising. For suspension duty, the bike will get a 41mm Showa USD fork and rear will get an adjustable monoshock absorber.

The Honda CB650R will be a perfect combination of technology, performance and style. When launched, it will compete with the likes of Suzuki Bandit GSF 650, Kawasaki Z650, KTM Duke 750, Yamaha MT 07 and many more.

It would be too early to comment on the fuel efficiency of the CB650R. However, we can expect it to be as fuel efficient as CBR650F (i.e. around 18kmpl – 19 kmpl).

The CB650R will continue to be powered Honda’s tried and tested 649cc, in-line, the liquid-cooled, inline-four cylinder engine that churns out peak power of 95 hp and a peak torque of 64 Nm. The bike will get a 6-speed gearbox as well as a slipper clutch to aid in aggressive downshifts. The Company says that they have tuned the engine for slightly better power & torque output.

Braking will be handled by dual front 310mm discs on the front wheel gripped by Nissin four-piston radial calipers. The brakes will be further aided by a dual-channel ABS unit. The bike is also expected to come with an assisted clutch with anti skid system and Honda Selectable Torque Control system that prevents slipping of rear wheel in acceleration.