All-new Honda CBR 650R sportsbike launched in India

Honda has just launched the all-new, 2019 CBR 650R sportsbike. India’s best selling 4 cylinder sportsbikes, the Honda CBR 650R gets a slew of changes. The bike is priced at Rs. 7.7 lakhs, which represents a Rs. 40,000 increase over the outgoing model.

Considering the range of changes on the motorcycle, the increase in price won’t be a bother for most if not all enthusiasts seeking to buy this motorcycle. The 2019 Honda CBR 650R, like its predecessor, will be assembled in India through the completely knocked down (CKD) kit route. The motorcycle will be sold through 23 specific Honda dealerships across the country, which have been earmarker to sell and service Honda’s high performance motorcycles.

What are the changes?

For starters, the motorcycle features totally revamped styling that is borrowed from the liter-class Fireblade. It’s  now called the CBR 650R instead of the CBR 650F. The 2019 Honda CBR 650R looks sharper, and more sportbike-like than the version it replaces, which has sports tourer cues. The styling at the rear is an exercise in minimalism, and this gives the bike a racier look.

The chassis is a full 6 kilograms lighter, and Honda claims that it’s been fully redesigned to offer sharper  handling. The front suspension is now a 41 mm, ‘Separate Fork Function’ upside down unit from Showa, and is  adjustable. The front brakes are twin discs with radially mounted calipers.

LED headlamp, fully digital LCD instrument cluster, and gear shift and position indicator are now standard. As for  safety features, dual channel ABS is standard while a slew of additions such as a slipper clutch and the Honda  Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) system are now standard. The HSTC – essentially traction control – can be turned off as well. We recommend against doing so unless you’re on a race track.

The engine is the familiar 650cc, inline four cylinder unit that loves to be revved. It makes 87 bhp of maximum power  at 11,500 rpm and 60.1 Nm of peak torque at 8,000 rpm. The gearbox is a 6 speed manual unit with a slipper clutch as standard. The 2019 Honda CBR 650R is available in two colours: Grand Prix Red & Gunpowder Black Metallic

Mr. Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Senior Vice President – Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt.  Ltd. said,

It was just last week that we announced the establishment of new premium big bike business vertical – the Honda  BigWing in India. CBR650R further strengthens the model line up to be sold & serviced under Honda BigWing. Delivering a sporty & powerful performance with Honda’s Racing pedigree, the all new CBR650R is set to excite middleweight biking enthusiasts.