Will showcase HMSI's manufacturing skill to the world.
Addressing the media on the sidelines of the foundation stone laying ceremony for the new plant in Gujarat, Mr. Y.S. Guleria, Vice President, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) has announced that the Honda CBR650F sportsbike will be made in India for local consumption starting from next year.
Honda has previously announced that the motorcycle would go on sale in the country in the fourth quarter of this financial year (January to March 2015). HMSI is expected to have a significant level of localization to arrive at an attractive price tag.
The fully-faired motorcycle which is powered by a 649 cc inline four-cylinder engine was showcased at the Auto Expo earlier this year. Its liquid-cooled fuel-injected powerplant generates 85.8 bhp at 11,000 rpm and 63 Nm of torque at 8,000 rpm. A 6-speed gearbox transmits power.
The market for medium displacement sportsbikes in India is growing and an increasing number of automakers are taking the CKD route to have a competitive edge. The local assembly could result in a mouth watering price tag in the vicinity of INR 5 lakhs, making the CBR650F the most affordable four-cylinder sportsbike in India.
Also read: Honda CB650F at the Paris Motor Show 2014
Competitors: Kawasaki Ninja 650 (and ER-6n), Benelli BN600 GT and Triumph Street Triple.
Expected Price: INR 5-6 lakhs, ex-showroom
Launch Date: Early 2015
[Source: PTI]
