2019 Honda CBR650R (CBR650F replacement) revealed at EICMA 2018

The Honda CBR650F would soon be replaced by a sharper looking CBR650R. The new 2019 Honda CBR650R made its debut at the 2018 EICMA motorcycle show. Apart from replacing the “F” with an “R”, the new motorcycle will drop its single-pod LED headlight for a dual LED unit. The new lights, along with sharper styling, draw cues on the litre-class CBR1000RR Fireblade. The motorcycle also gets LED blinkers and LED tail light.

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The updated fascia includes a revised design for the fairing. Unlike the outgoing model, the CBR650R does not get a dual-tone finish to the fairing. Instead, the red colour flows towards the tip of the fairing, near the exhaust outlet.

Clip-on style handlebars continue to perform the steering tasks but they now sit 30mm forward and lower than the CBR650F. The revised position of the handlebar, along with 3mm rearward and 6mm higher set footpegs deliver sportier ergonomics. Addition of a split seat instead of single-piece saddle gives an appealing look to the motorcycle.

A new LCD instrument display now features a Gear Position and Shift-Up indicator. Other information includes digital speedometer, digital bar graph tachometer, dual trip meter, digital bar graph fuel gauge, and a digital clock.

The in-line four-cylinder engine revs 1,000 revs higher and produces 5% more top end power. In its new iteration, the 649cc, DOHC 16-valve engine now delivers 95 hp of power at 12,000 rpm (versus 91 hp at 11,000 rpm on the CBR650F) while the peak torque of 64Nm arrives at 8,500 rpm. The engine is paired to a six-speed gearbox and features assist/slipper clutch.

A 35kW conversion option is available for A2 licence holders in the European market.

The CBR650R has also shed 6kg in the transformation from the CBR650F. The added power, along with reduced weight results in an 8% increase in the power-to-weight ratio. The engine is claimed to return 20.4km/l (WMTC mode) that, with the motorcycle’s 15.4-litre fuel tank, delivers a range of over 300km.

The new model also benefits from Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) to manage rear wheel traction. The system can also be turned off.

Genuine Honda Accessories for the CB650R include:

• Front Fender Panels, Side covers, Seat cowl (aluminium parts or aluminium inserts)
• Wheel Stripes
• Tank bag and seat bag inherited from the CB1000R
• Quick shifter
• High Screen (2 versions: clear, smoked)
• 12V socket
• Heated grips

Suspension setup has received an upgrade as the conventional telescopic front forks have been replaced by 41mm Showa (with 120mm stroke) ‘SFF’ USD units. At the rear is a Monoshock damper with adjustable preload and 43.5mm stroke.

Braking department skips the petal-type disc brakes. Stopping power now comes from the 310mm dual hydraulic disc with 4 piston callipers and sintered metal pads at the front and a 240 single hydraulic disc with single-piston calliper and resin mould pads at the rear. The brake callipers have been sourced from Nissin. Dual-channel ABS comes as standard.

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The India launch details are yet to be announced. With the updated hardware, the 2019 Honda CBR650R will most likely carry a premium over the CBR650F.