CBR650F - Honda Throws the Gauntlet

Honda’s CBR650F is set to be launched here on 4th August 2015. One of the most beloved motorcycles in its class, the CBR650F is the sedate cousin of the Supersport CBR600RR. The motorcycle sports a 649cc inline 4, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder engine producing the power of 87BHP @ 11000RPM and torque of 62.3NM @ 8000RPM. The engine is fed by Honda’s renowned PGM-FI electronic fuel injection system with 32mm throttle bodies. The front suspension is 41mm cartridge forks with 4.3inches of travel while the rear is a mono-suspension with preload adjustability and 5 inches of travel.

Also Read: What to Expect from the Upcoming Honda CBR650F

Less aggressive in its intention as a Supersport, the CBR650F creates a fine balance with the involving ride of a sportbike without compromising too much on comfort. For a country like India, this could turn out to be the most practical inline 4 cylinders motorcycle till date. Honda has tuned this particular engine for better low and midrange torque so that the riding within the city or daily commuting is as effortless as possible. However, the overall power is still enough for high speed highway riding and to keep most vehicles in the rear view mirror. At 209kgs ready-to-ride, CBR is going to be quite manageable in various riding conditions.

Also Read: 5 Things to Know About the Upcoming Honda CBR 650F

The relatively less aggressive riding position combined with the wind protection and aerodynamic design presents CBR650F as an excellent sport-touring machine. The seating looks comfortable for both rider and pillion making it a good choice for two-up riding as well. However, CBR650F is worthy of the CBR badge. The twin-spar frame made of steel is developed to provide excellent and stable handling at all operating speeds and it makes the motorcycle good enough as a potent track tool as well. It is, in a sense, a better motorcycle for an amateur for riding on a track.

Also Check: Honda CBR650F Image Gallery

This is an important launch for Honda and motorcycle enthusiasts around the country. Pricing is key and if the Japanese company can keep it looking fair enough, they have a winner at hand. CBR650F has a whole legacy behind itself. It is more approachable than a Supersport while still offering a very engaging riding experience. People who are on the lookout for a motorcycle that can be used for commuting in a metropolitan city, on a race track and also for touring will most likely find CBR650F as their best choice.

In terms of dynamics and design, currently there is no direct competitor to CBR650F in our market. However, there are certain motorcycles that will compete with it in terms of pricing. Closest competitors could be Benelli’s 600i, 600 GT and Kawasaki’s Z800 as they are all inline 4 cylinder motorcycles. While the two Benelli’s at 600cc are CBR’s closest competitors in terms of specs, Kawasaki’s Z800 is more powerful at 800cc, still closer because of pricing.

These are good times to be a motorcycle enthusiast with some of the best motorcycles in the world making it to India.