2019 CB650R and CBR650R launched at EICMA 2018

MANILA: Honda has launched two motorbikes - the 2019 CBR650R and the 2019 CB650R at the EICMA 2018 in the middleweights section. The new two-wheelers replace the faired CBR650F and the naked CB650F, respectively. The CB650R is a retro-futuristic bike, which is the newest of Honda’s Neo Sports Cafe range portfolio. Whereas, the CBR650R is a fully faired sports bike. Both the bikes are equipped with a 4-cylinder 649 cc engine, which is tuned to offer a better output in comparison to its predecessors.

When it comes to launching the Neo Sports Cafe motorcycles, Honda generally does it very fast. In the last month itself, the auto giant had displayed the prototype model of the CB650R Neo Sports Cafe at the 2018 Mondial Paris Motor Show and the production model is here now.

The 2019 CB650R comes with a brand new LCD dash and LED lighting. The rake angle has become larger than the outgoing model. Surprisingly, the Neo Sports Cafe’s wheelbase remains the same. The two-wheeler weighs 6KG lesser than the previous one as the fuel tank’s capacity has been reduced down to 15.5-litre. Moreover, the bike comes with the same seat height of 810 mm.

The brand new Neo Sports Cafe is equipped with an assist and slipper clutch, a single 240 mm rear disc, dual front discs (320 mm) with four-piston callipers, which are radically mounted, 41 mm Showa SFF inverted front forks and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), which prevents from rear slipping. The bike also features optional ABS and will be available in the global market from, or before April 2019.

On the other hand, the 2019 Honda CBR650R adorns the manufacturer’s supersport styling and can be called the elder sibling of the CBR500R. The motorcycle now comes with extended fairings along with a shorter tail and improved aerodynamics. The bike also trims down 6Kg of weight in comparison to the outgoing model. The footpegs and handlebars also get new positions to offer a more aggressive riding stance. The motorcycle is capable of churning out a maximum of 95 PS of power at 12,000 rpm.

Coming to the features, the brand new Honda CBR650R gets a new frame, LED lighting, a revised intake, a new LCD dash, and an updated muffler. The CBR650R has some features in common with the naked CB650 R. The sportbike also features HSTC, a Showa rear mono shock, 41 mm front forks, a single 240 mm rear unit, dual front discs of 320 mm and an assist and slipper clutch. Fuel tank capacity is 15.5-litre and the seat is at 810 mm. Just like the naked bike, the CBR650R also features optional ABS.