India-bound 2019 Honda CBR650R - Motorshow Focus

The new Honda CBR650R, which will replace the CBR650F globally was displayed at the 2018 Thai Motor Expo. The new CBR650R made its debut at the 2018 EICMA motorcycle show in Milan and is expected to arrive in the Indian market in 2019.

Also read: 2019 Honda CBR500R, CB500F and CB500X officially revealed

Compared to its predecessor, the CBR650R uses a dual LED headlight instead of a single-pod LED unit. The fascia gets sharper and draws cues on the litre-class CBR1000RR Fireblade. Lighting on the motorcycle is full LED, and thus, apart from the headlight and the tail lamp, the blinkers too are LED. The cockpit includes a new LCD instrument display that now features a Gear Position and Shift-Up indicator. Other information includes digital speedometer, digital bar graph tachometer, dual trip meter, digital bar graph fuel gauge, and a digital clock.

The 2019 model also brings sharper ergonomics. Thus, while the steering duties are continued to be performed by clip-on style handlebars, they now sit 30mm forward and lower than the CBR650F. The footpegs too are 3mm rearward and 6mm higher than before, giving the motorcycle sportier ergonomics.

The engine on the motorcycle has been revised too and the unit on the 2019 model revs 1,000 rpm higher and produces 5% more top end power. The 649cc, DOHC 16-valve engine now delivers 95 hp of power at 12,000 rpm (versus 91 hp at 11,000 rpm on the CBR650F) and 64Nm of peak torque at 8,500 rpm. The engine is paired to a six-speed gearbox and features assist/slipper clutch. The new model also benefits from Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) to manage rear wheel traction.

Braking department features 310mm dual hydraulic disc with 4 piston callipers and sintered metal pads at the front and a 240 single hydraulic disc with single-piston calliper and resin mould pads at the rear. The brake callipers have been sourced from Nissin while dual-channel ABS comes as standard.

Updated hardware includes 41mm Showa (with 120mm stroke) ‘SFF’ USD forks that replace the conventional telescopic units from the CBR650F. At the rear is a Monoshock damper with adjustable preload and 43.5mm stroke.

The updated hardware would result in a price increase and the 2019 Honda CBR650R will most likely carry a premium over the CBR650F.

Also read: 25 million Honda scooters sold in India till date

In other updates, Minoru Kato, President, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) spoke about the company's product strategy for the Indian market. Kato told Economic Times in an interview that the company has strong intention to introduce new products in the premium segment post the BS VI emission norms implementation (April 2020), in 160, 200 and 300cc segments.