Press Release:
Launched in 2018, the ‘Neo Sport Café’ concept saw Honda create a completely new category for this range under the ‘Sports Naked’ banner, with the introduction of the CB1000R and CB300R to the Australian market. Now the CB650R will join the family, satisfying the need for a mid-range option in this new styling era.
The CB650R offers a modern and minimalist styling ‘language’ mixed with café racer inspirations and a super-compact ‘trapezoid’ form to eye-catching effect. The in-line four-cylinder engine is fully on display and the signature round headlight and sculpted fuel tank underline the ‘Neo Sports Café’ family feel.
With the premium look comes premium specifications: 41mm Showa upside-down ‘Separate Function’ forks, radial-mount four-piston front brake callipers, Honda Selectable Torque Control, assist/slipper clutch and ultra-modern instruments. The result is a desirable naked middleweight with a unique combination of looks, performance and top-line specifications.
The CBR650R will also join Honda’s new 650 line up, taking styling cues directly from the CBR1000RR. In the process of its transformation, the revised model name and looks indicate a sport bike that provides similar pleasure, enjoyment and adrenaline to an RR machine, yet with enough practicality to make it a viable option as day-to-day transport in addition to weekend fun.
The CBR650Rs new wrapping ramps up the pure sporting appeal; dual LED headlights emit a penetrating, uncompromising stare, and the upper and (extended) lower fairings blend muscularity with sharp, slim lines and angles.
The seat unit is more compact and the steel diamond frame now has pressed (rather than forged) swing arm pivot plates. It’s a lighter machine than the previous design and uses twin elliptical spars with a rigidity balance specifically tuned (stiffer around the headstock and more flexible in the spar sections) to deliver balanced handling characteristics with high levels of rider feedback.
ABS is standard and the new 41mm inverted Showa Separate Function front Fork (SFF) is adjustable for seven-stage spring preload, the single-tube shock operates directly on the curvaceous gravity die-cast aluminium swing arm.
Both of the new 650s – the CB650R and CBR650R – are LAMs approved. The CB650R is available in Graphite Black and Candy Chromosphere Red and the CBR650R is available in Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic and Grand Prix Red.
For more information on these exciting new models or to request a test ride, visit: http://motorcycles.honda.com.au
The 2019 CBR650R and CB650R will arrive in Honda dealerships in March, with pricing set at $9,999 MLP for the CB650R and $10,299 MLP for the CBR650R.
