India-bound 2021 Honda CB650R Unveiled Overseas

It gets cosmetic and feature updates as well as an updated front suspension 

• Ergos have been revised with forward-set handlebars.
• The 649cc, liquid-cooled, inline-four engine complies with Euro 5/BS6 emission norms.
• It gets a revised instrument console and a USB Type-C socket.
• Expected to be launched in India early next year.

Honda’s Neo Sports Cafe middleweight, the CB650R, has been updated for 2021 in the international market. It gets a couple of cosmetic and feature updates, better hardware, revised ergos, and a Euro 5/ BS6-compliant engine. 

The most obvious update is to the engine, which now complies with strict European and Indian emission regulations. It gets a revised ECU, new cam lobes, intake timing, exhaust pipes, and a catalytic converter. This translates to a stronger mid-range and a higher-revving 649cc, liquid-cooled, inline-four motor. It makes 95PS at 12,000rpm and 63Nm at 8500rpm. 

Its 6-speed transmission features a slip and assist clutch which negates wheel hops during hard downshifts. You also have the added benefit of switchable traction control or Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC). In terms of hardware, the front suspension has been swapped out for Showa’s 41mm Separate Function Big Piston forks which should improve its handling. 

Additional changes come in the form of new smaller side panels which go well with the overall minimalistic look of the bike. The rear fender is now made of steel, rather than nylon plastic, making it more sturdy. For added convenience, Honda has added a USB Type-C socket under the seat which can be used to charge your smartphone or other small peripherals.

While the overall design of the digital instrument console remains unchanged, readability has been improved with a change of the LED angle and font size. The console also features a shift and gear position indicator along with a peak hold indicator. Last but not the least, the handlebar has been pushed forward which, according to Honda, makes tight, slow-speed turns and U-turns much easier.

Honda Motorcycles India recently launched the H’Ness 350 in India to take on Royal Enfield. While presenting the neo-retro roadster, the brand also gave us a  glimpse of what’s to come: an ADV, two classic motorcycles, and what looks like a mid-displacement neo-retro streetfighter resembling the CB650R. The CB650R makes sense in India because Honda currently has a huge gap between the CB300R and the CB1000R. Bringing in a mid-displacement streetfighter would help Honda take on the Kawasaki Z650 and the upcoming Benelli TNT 600. Expect the Japanese bikemaker to bring in the BS6 CB650R to India early next year via the CKD route, which means it could be priced competitively at around Rs 7.5 lakh (ex-showroom). 

The price is likely to be reasonable as Honda aims to localise its premium portfolio in India. With this in mind, the company could borrow components such as the headlight, rearview mirrors, brake and clutch levers for the CB300R. 

Honda could follow up the launch of the CB605R with the Forza 300 which shares the same engine as the CB300R. Honda would subsequently bring in its entire 500cc lineup -- also to be localised in India -- which includes the Rebel 500, CB500F, CBR500R, and the CB500X.