Honda has expanded its ‘Neo Sports Café’ portfolio by riding in the new CB650R at the 2018 EICMA motorcycle show. The new motorcycle is basically the naked variant of the Honda CBR650R which also made its debut at EICMA. The styling of the new bike is reminiscent of the Honda CB1000R that was unveiled last year and the neo-retro styling does make the new motorcycle look pleasing to the eyes. The round LED headlamp, burly USD fork and the hefty four-cylinder motor endow the bike with a butch appearance. It is also equipped with a new LCD screen, as seen on its full-faired sibling.
Apart from the styling update, the Honda CB650R also features a new frame, tank and updated cycle parts which have helped it shed 6kg in comparison to its predecessor. Powering the bike is a liquid-cooled, inline-four motor churning out 95hp, which is a 5 percent bump in output. Honda also claims that the new motorcycle has a different torque curve which ensures better tractability. The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox and a slipper clutch comes standard.
The new frame has a stiffer headstock and is suspended on 41mm adjustable Showa USD fork and a monoshock unit at the back. Braking hardware remains unchanged and consists of twin discs at the front with Nissin four-piston radial calipers, while a dual-channel ABS comes standard. Riding position on the new Honda CB650R is slightly sportier with lowered and slightly forward-set handlebar.
While it is almost certain that the new Honda CBR650R will land on our shores next year via the CKD route, the introduction of the neo-retro streetbike is uncertain.
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
