EXCLUSIVE: Honda CBR650R BS6 Arriving Soon

It will be Honda’s entry-level inline four-cylinder motorcycle

• It gets minor aesthetic tweaks.
• Powered by the same 649cc inline four-cylinder motor but makes more power than before.
• Uses more sophisticated Showa 41mm big piston fork for 2021.

Honda’s ready to kick-start its 2021 superbike voyage in India soon and our sources suggest the 2021 CBR650R will be the first to arrive here. After launching the Honda CB350RS, it will be launching the CBR650R around March 2021. It is expected to arrive with an elevated price tag of Rs 8.5-9 lakh (ex-showroom). The previous-gen 650R was priced at Rs 7.70 lakh (ex-showroom), so as you can see, Honda is not really playing the value card here. 

But what’s different? Not much really. Aesthetically, the motorcycle gets revised graphics, all-LED lighting, revised fairing panels, and a new steel mudguard. The rear number plate mount is also new. These changes aren’t too noticeable but they make the motorcycle look slightly beefier than before.

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The biggest highlight for the 2021 model, though, is its suspension setup. The CBR650R now employs Showa 41mm USD big piston fork. It used Showa previously too, but the BPF fork is more premium and will probably enhance the riding dynamics and inspire more confidence. 

Honda has also made several subtle changes to enhance the overall experience, such as a revised instrument cluster angle and bigger fonts for better readability. Additionally, the 650R also gets a USB type-C socket under the seat. 

There aren’t too many changes to the mechanicals. The 649cc inline four-cylinder motor features revisions to the ECU, cam lobes, intake timing, exhaust system, and crankshaft, all to make it BS6-compliant. Its power output is rated at 95PS and 63Nm, 7PS and 3Nm more than the previous model. 

When the 2021 CBR650R finally sets foot in India, it will go up against the Kawasaki Ninja 650. At around Rs 8.5 lakh, it will also take on the Kawasaki Z900 and the Triumph Street Triple R. We recently rode the BS6 Ninja 650 and had a lot of fun on it. Should the CBR650R be worried? Read our review to find out.