Exclusive Video of Honda CBR 650F, A lookback at the launch event

In a high voltage event named as “Honda Revfest”, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India launched the much awaited Honda CBR 650F. Honda also showcased the scale-down version of the Hornet, in the form of Hornet 160 and introduced it to the performance commuter motorcycle segment in the country.

Watch the Honda CBR650F launch video

With the rise of a mid-size capacity motorcycle in the portfolio of the manufacturers present in India, Honda decided to jump in the game with mid sized touring motorcycle CBR 650F. For the motorcycle tourer, this CBR 650F looks very aggressive and has a muscular stance to it. The bike is a unique in its segment because of the power plant it uses. It is the only motorcycle in its segment right now that draws power from the inline 4 cylinder, liquid-cooled 649cc, 16 valve engine that produces the maximum power of 87 PS at 11000 rpm along with the maximum torque of 63Nm at 8000 rpm. The engine is bolted to diamond shaped twin spark steel frame providing a better ride quality.

To provide almost perfect 50-50 weight distribution and to lower the center of gravity, the engine cylinders are angled at 30-degree forward position and exhaust has been placed under the engine. The CBR 650F is a perfect touring motorcycle with upright riding position and linear power delivery. The motorcycle comes with a price tag of Rs 7.3 lac (ex-showroom Delhi), which is a bit on the higher side when compared to its rival Ninja 650R, but Ninja misses out on 2 cylinders, which makes CBR 650F a better motorcycle to ride on long journeys.

The Japanese giant also unveiled the Hornet but in a scaled down model, in the form of Hornet 160R. When launched, the Hornet will replace the CB Trigger in the Indian market. The company revealed bare minimum information about the upcoming Hornet 160 R. When it comes to looks, Hornet carries the same commuter family look of Honda. It has sharp headlamps, X-shaped LED tail lamps and petal discs with combi- brake system. Honda was tight-lipped about the engine details, but as the name suggests it will come with a 160cc engine and will be launched later this year.

The company also launched two other models namely; the 2015 CBR 250 R and the CBR 150 R. Both the motorcycles do not have mechanical changes and the only update on them are the new graphics. The prices and specifications remain the same.