Honda has revealed an updated version of the CBR650F for 2019. Not only does the motorcycle have a dramatically different front-end, it also has a new name. Honda has dropped the ‘F’ for an ‘R’ in the bike’s name and it has also become lighter and gained a bit more power and equipment.
When compared to the outgoing CBR650F, the 650R loses up to 5.6kg, giving it a total kerb weight of 208kg. This reduction in weight is thanks to the revised chassis, fuel tank and foot rests. While the motorcycle continues to be powered by the same 649cc, inline-four engine, it now has a revised intake and exhaust setup. The compression has also been increased, giving it an additional 4hp, taking the total to 93hp. The torque has also now increased to 64Nm. Overall, this is an increase of 8 percent in the power-to-weight ratio.
Honda has said that the delivery of torque at low speed is now softened and it becomes more aggressive in the second-half of the rev range. The motor now revs up to 12,000rpm, which is 1,000rpm higher than the outgoing bike. For 2019, the motorcycle will also feature the HSTC (Honda Selectable Torque Control) system, which essentially stops the rear wheel from sliding on heavy acceleration, and a slipper clutch as well.
Other changes include a 41mm Showa SFF USD fork, radially mounted four-piston brake calipers with 310mm floating discs, and a new wheel design. Interestingly, the seating position has become slightly sportier, with the clip-ons moving forward by 30mm, while also being lower, and the foot pegs moving towards the rear by 3mm and going higher by 6mm. The seat height, however, remains unchanged, at 810mm.
The CBR650R also features a revised fully-digital instrument cluster that comes equipped with a gear-position indicator. Since the CBR650R is the replacement for the CBR650F, which is on sale in India, we can expect this bike make to its way here sometime next year. As for pricing, one can expect a slight hike over the outgoing model’s Rs 7.37 lakh price tag (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
