Honda CBR650R to launch in India in early 2019

Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India has confirmed that the new CBR650R will launch in the domestic market by early 2019. The Honda CBR650R debuted at the EICMA 2018 in Milan, Italy and was recently showcased at this year’s Thai Motor Expo.

The CBR650R replaces the Honda CBR650F globally and features dual split-LED headlights in place of the single-pod unit on the previous model. The fascia draws inspiration from the flagship Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade and the motorcycle receives LED lighting all-around and a fully-digital LCD instrument cluster.

The 2019 Honda CBR650R features sportier ergonomics. The clip-on handlebars are placed 30 mm lower and further ahead than the CBR650F, while the footpegs sit 6 mm higher and 3 mm rearward. The CBR650R will rival the Kawasaki Ninja 650 in India.

For 2019, the Honda CBR650R receives a reworked engine that produces 5 per cent more power and revs 1,000 rpm higher. The 649cc, 16-valve, DOHC in-line four-cylinder engine churns out 95 hp of maximum power at 12,000 rpm and 64 Nm of peak torque at 8,500 rpm, mated to a 6-speed gearbox with standard assist/slipper clutch.

The 2019 Honda CBR650R comes equipped with Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) that controls the traction at the rear wheel. As compared to the Honda CBR650F, the CBR650R features 41 mm upside-down Showa forks with 120 mm travel and an adjustable rear mono-shock with 43.5 mm wheel-travel.

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While a launch date isn’t revealed by HMSI, we can expect the CBR650R in Q1 2019. The update is also likely to increase the sticker price by a few thousand. HMSI President, Minoru Kato has revealed that the company will do more for the premium motorcycle portfolio post the introduction of BS VI emission norms.