2021 Honda CBR650R revealed

The Honda CBR650R has received multiple changes for 2021. The updates include a Euro 5 (BS6) engine, suspension upgrade and more.

• The bike gains Showa’s 41mm Separate Function Big Piston fork

• It uses a revised LCD instrument cluster

• The kerb weight has decreased by 2kg, bringing it to 208kg

It has been little more than a year since Honda revealed the heavily updated replacement to the CBR650F. Not only did the bike get major changes, making it sportier, but it also received a minor change in its name.

While it continues to be called the CBR650R in its latest guise, it has got multiple updates for 2021. The biggest change comes in the form of the Showa 41mm Separate Function Big Piston fork (SFF-BP), which will most likely result in sportier handling characteristics.

The 649cc engine has also witnessed revisions to the ECU, cam lobes, intake timing, exhaust pipe, catalyser and silencer, to help it meet Euro 5 (BS6) emission regulations. The power and torque figures now stand at 95hp and 63Nm, which is nearly identical to that of the bike it replaces. That said, we could see the India-spec CBR650R make lower figures, just like the 2019 model.

Honda has also said that the bike now uses revised side panels and a redesigned number plate mount. The bike’s headlight also has revised reflectors that are said to improve its performance. Similarly, the instrument cluster’s readability has been improved, with a change of LED angle and font size. Lastly, the middleweight motorcycle gets a USB Type-C socket under the seat for 2021.

The 2019 Honda CBR650R was priced at Rs 7.70 lakh in India and this upcoming, updated version is expected to bump up that price quite a bit. However, a big price hike would take its price over that of the considerably more powerful BS6 Kawasaki Z900 (Rs 7.99 lakh).

Honda’s naked CB650R that is based on the CBR650R has also received this update. Like its faired twin, it gets the Showa SFF-BP fork, Euro 5 (BS6) compliant engine, revised LCD display and a Type-C socket under the seat. In addition to this, the naked bike also gets a more forward-set handlebar.