Along with the CBR650R (CBR650F replacement), the Honda CB650R middleweight roadster broke cover at the 2018 EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, as a replacement for the Honda CB650F.
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The new Honda CB650R benefits from the Neo Sports Cafe styling that is also seen on the new CB1000R, CB300R and CB125R. This new styling is complemented by Honda’s four-cylinder engine and updated hardware specifications. Similar to the CBR650R, the CB650R will be available with a 35 kW conversion for A2 licence holders.
The fascia features round, full-LED headlight accompanied by LED blinkers. The circular design of the headlamp gives it a retro look while full LED lighting adds a modern persona to the motorcycle. The fuel tank shrouds give the bike a muscular look. The split-seat design, which is identical to the CBR650R, looks modern and visually appealing.
Minimal styling reveals mechanical bits in all their glory, giving the motorcycle a proper naked roadster look. The four-cylinder engine is blacked-out while the cam and the engine cover is highlighted in burnished bronze.
The motorcycle has shed a commendable six kilogram. Weight saving measures include a revised frame, fuel tank and footpegs. The updated hardware includes 41 mm Showa SFF USD fork, radial-mount four-piston callipers, floating discs and new wheels. The LCD instrument display, apart from regular ride related information, also includes a Shift Up and Gear Position Indicator.
Unlike the CBR650R, the CB650R comes with tapered handlebars that give upright and comfortable ergonomics that are ideal for city rides. However, it is more aggressive than the model it replaces. Compared to the CB650F, the handlebar on the CB650R is 13 mm forward and 8 mm lower. The revised footpegs are more rear set - 3 mm back and 6 mm higher – that gives the motorcycle aggressive riding stance.
The CB650R will be available in four colour options: Graphite Black, Candy Chromosphere Red, Matt Crypton Silver Metallic and Matt Jeans Blue Metallic.
The motorcycle can be customised with a range of accessories that include several Aluminium parts and Aluminium inserts such as Meter Visor, Front Fender Panels, Shroud Covers, Side covers, Seat Cowl. Other options include:
- Under Cowl
- Wheel Stripes
- Tank bag and seat bag inherited from the CB1000R
- Quick shifter
- Front Visor
- 12V socket
- Heated grips
- Tank Pad
The CB650R uses the same engine that powers the CBR650R. The 649 cc engine features revised intake and exhaust, plus new cam timing and compression ratios. The motor is claimed to deliver 5% peak power boost and smoother torque delivery through the mid-range. Mated to a six-speed gearbox, the 649 cc inline-4 cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, 16-valve, DOHC engine is tuned to churn out 95 hp of maximum power at 12,000 rpm and 64 Nm of peak torque at 8,500 rpm. The CB650R also benefits from assist/slipper clutch and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC).
Claimed fuel economy stands at 20.4 km/l (WMTC mode), and that, along with a 15.4-litre tank, is said to offer a range of over 300 km.
Four-piston radial-mount brake callipers that work on 310 mm wave-pattern floating discs perform anchoring tasks at the front. At the rear, is a single-piston rear calliper and 240 mm disc. Two-channel ABS is fitted as standard.
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Suspension duties are performed by 41 mm Showa Separate Function Fork (SFF) USD front suspension (instead of conventional units on the CB650F). At the rear is a 7-stage spring preload adjustable monoshock.
