Honda launches CKD CB650R and CBR650R in India

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has introduced the 2021 model-year versions of its two middle-weight siblings – the Honda CB650R and Honda CBR650R. The motorcycles will be brought via the CKD route and assembled locally.

HMSI has priced the naked CB650R at Rs 867,000 and the CBR650R at Rs 888,000 ex-showroom, Gurgaon. The company has commenced bookings for the motorcycles which will be delivered from its BigWingToplineshowrooms in Gurgaon, Mumbai, Bangalore, Indore, Kochi and Hyderabad.

Design and styling
The two products coming to India are in their Neo Sports Café-inspired trim which aim to enthuse young riders with their light chassis and superior engine performance from a four-cylinder engine. Both motorcycles get a twin-tube-type frame that enables a highly-efficient downdraft intake layout whilst taking advantage of steel’s supple nature.

Weight centralisation is further realised around the swing arm pivot and engine hangar structure.

Where the naked CB650R’s design features a trapezoidal proportion of short and stubby tail and short overhang headlight, the fully-faired CBR650R, on the other hand, sees the upper and lower fairings blend seamlessly with muscular lines and slim edges.

The CB650R gets a long fuel tank – a key motif of the brand’s lineage – and its smooth lines on the exposed metal lend a touch of robustness. Also, the small side panels accentuate the minimalism, while the round headlight is a stark highlight.

The CBR650R, however, gets a dual-LED headlight cluster with sharp new reflector profile for the 2021 variant. The seat is compact and truncates towards the rear of the machine, adding to a sense of purpose. New side panels and rear steel mudguard stand out while the clip-on handlebars offer an aggressive riding position.

The power
Powering the two machines is a 649cc, 16-valve, four-cylinder DOHC petrol engine that develops 85bhp at 12,000rpm and 57.5Nm of peak torque at 8,500rpm. Both motorcycles come equipped with a slipper clutch which reduces the effort required to operate the clutch by controlling rear wheel hopping that is caused due to sudden engine braking upon downshifting. The engine comes mated to a 4-1 side-swept exhaust to offer an aural pleasure from the exhaust system.

There is a fully-digital instrument cluster with advanced information dissemination to the rider, including the gear position, water temperature, fuel consumption and a digital clock among others.

Safe and secure
In terms of safety, the Honda CB650R and CBR650R get dual-channel ABS, dual radial-mounted four-piston brake callipers and floating dual discs in the front. There is Honda Selectable Torque Control System (HSTCS) to optimise torque and slip at the rear wheel to ensure rider control at all times.

The CB650R will be available in Candy Chromosphere Red and Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic paint shades while the CBR650R will be offered in Grand Prix Red as well as Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic colour options.

According to Atsushi Ogata, managing director, president and CEO, HMSI, “Honda is committed to provide the best from the worlds of racing, adventure and roadsters to Indian riders. We are proud to add two highly awaited models – 2021 CBR650R and CB650R - in our premium motorcycle product portfolio.”

YS Guleria, director – Sales & Marketing, HMSI, said, “Ever since its launch, CBR650R has been the heart throb of young motorcycle enthusiasts. Further strengthening our product portfolio of premium motorcycles, we are pleased to introduce for the first time in India, CB650R to take the excitement in the middle-weight naked sports category a notch higher. The 650 siblings are set to provide a thrilling experience to riders.”