Honda CBR650R: India vs European-spec Comparison

The Euro-spec Honda CBR650R is slightly more powerful than the one in India, and that’s not all

The Honda CBR650R was first unveiled at the EICMA back in November 2018. It draws its design cues from its elder sibling, the CBR1000RR, and as a result looks a lot sharper and meaner than the CBR650F. A couple of months down the line, Honda officially started accepting bookings for its much-awaited mid-displacement sports bike in India. And now the bike has finally made its way here via the CKD route, priced at Rs 7.70 lakh (ex-showroom India). An attractive proposition indeed but just how much has changed in the India-spec model compared to the international model? Here’s a closer look, starting off with the power difference. 

Powertrain:

Both the CBR650R available internationally and in India are powered by the same 649cc, liquid-cooled, inline-four engine. However, the bike meant for India has been slightly detuned to comply with the noise emission laws and low quality of fuel here. Consequently, the India-spec CBR650R produces 88PS of power at 11,500rpm and a peak torque of 60.1Nm at 8000rpm. 

On the contrary, the international-spec model belts out 95PS (7PS more) at 12,000rpm while producing 3.9Nm (64Nm) more torque at 8500rpm. It also makes its power slightly higher up the rev range. Since the CBR650R available in India is down on power, it’s just marginally more powerful than the outgoing CBR650F which puts out 86.6PS at 11,000rpm and 60.05Nm of torque at 8,500rpm.

Weight:

Thanks to a lighter frame, fuel tank and new rear-set footpegs, the 2019 CBR650R shaves around 5.6kg over its predecessor. While the Euro-spec model now weighs in at 207kg, the India-spec bike tips the scale at 210kg. The 3kg disadvantage is presumably due to the saree guard and grab handles which comes with the bike in order to comply with Indian safety norms. 

Colours:

As for colour options, the CBR650R is available in two: red and black. Luckily for us, Honda hasn’t cut any corners here and both shades are available in India and overseas.