2019 Honda CBR650R bookings open in India
Bookings for the Honda CBR650R have officially begun in India at an amount of INR 15,000. The motorcycle will be available at Honda's Wing World dealerships across 22 Indian cities, while Honda has confirmed that the bike will be priced below INR 8 lakh
Deliveries of the Honda CBR650R are likely to commence from April 2019. The CBR650R will be imported into the country via the CKD route and will be assembled at the company's facility.
In December last year, HMSI confirmed that the Honda CBR650R will be launched in India by early 2019. The motorcycle will replace the Honda CBR650F, which was discontinued last month. The CBR650R made its global debut at the EICMA 2018 in Milan, Italy, which was followed by a showcase at the Thai Motor Expo 2018. The Honda CBR650R features 41 mm upside-down Showa forks with 120 mm travel and an adjustable rear mono-shock with 43.5 mm wheel-travel.
The CBR650R features a complete overhaul to its design when compared to the Honda CBR650F. The motorcycle comes with dual split-LED headlights and a revised front fascia that is inspired by the flagship Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade. The side fairing, fuel tank and tail section are redesigned as well, while the motorcycle features a fully-digital LCD instrument cluster, and LED lighting all around.
The 2019 Honda CBR650R receives sportier ergonomics with low-set clip-on handlebars that are placed further ahead, and rear-set footpegs that are 6 mm higher and 3 mm rearward. The new CBR650R will be a direct rival to the Kawasaki Ninja 650 in the domestic market. The motorcycle comes equipped with Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) that modulates the traction at the rear wheel.
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The 2019 Honda CBR650R features a reworked motor that develops 5 per cent more power that is generated at a higher rpm. The 649cc in-line four-cylinder, 16-valve, DOHC engine pumps out 95 hp of power at 12,000 rpm (1,000 rpm higher) and a peak torque 64 Nm at 8,500 rpm. It is paired with a six-speed gearbox, while an assist/slipper clutch is standard.