The successor to Honda’s CBR650F middleweight sports tourer, the CBR650R made its debut at the 2018 EICMA motorcycle show. While Honda has not revealed a timeline for the launch of the new CBR650R, the CBR650F has been taken down from the company’s official website. A report from last month claimed that the Honda CBR650R would arrive in India in early 2019.
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Visually, the new CBR650R draws styling cues from the CBR1000RR Fireblade and uses a dual LED headlight instead of a single-pod unit on its predecessor. Apart from the headlamp, the motorcycle also gets LED tail lamp and blinkers. Updates to the cockpit include a new LCD instrument display with a Gear Position and Shift-Up indicator.
The engine of the CBR650R revs 1,000 rpm higher and produces 5% more top-end power. The 649 cc DOHC 16-valve engine delivers 95 hp of maximum power at 12,000 rpm (versus 91 hp at 11,000 rpm in the CBR650F) and 64Nm of peak torque at 8,500 rpm. The engine sends power to the rear wheel via a six-speed gearbox and features assist/slipper clutch. The new model also benefits from Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) – traction control.
The CBR650R comes 41 mm Showa (with 120mm stroke) ‘SFF’ USD forks instead of conventional telescopic units that were seen on the CBR650F. At the rear is a monoshock damper with adjustable preload and 43.5 mm stroke. Stopping power in the new model comes from 310 mm dual hydraulic discs with 4 piston callipers at the front and a 240 single hydraulic disc with a single-piston calliper at the rear. Dual-channel ABS comes as standard.
The updated hardware would result in a price increase, and the 2019 Honda CBR650R will most likely carry a premium over the CBR650F, which was sold at an ex-showroom price of INR 7.38 lakh.
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Meanwhile, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India has added the CB300R in the Super Bikes range. The company had announced the CB300R for the Indian market earlier in January. Bookings for the CB300R have commenced for a token amount of INR 5,000. The 286 cc roadster will cost under INR 2.50 lakh (ex-showroom).
