Honda has unveiled the Model Year 2021 Honda CB650R, a middleweight Neo-Sports Café motorcycle in the European market. In terms of design and styling, the 2021 CB650R retains its looks but gets more features and pieces of equipment added to the new model. The new model also comes with a Euro5 emissions-compliant powertrain and new colours. Honda’s entire Neo Sports Café range is based on the CB4 Concept model presented at EICMA in 2015.
For 2021 the CB650R comes with a new Pearl Smoky Gray colour option along with Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic, Matte Jeans Blue Metallic and Candy Chromosphere Red. The major update is the application of 41mm Upside Down Showa Separate Function Front Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) that further enhances the motorcycles ride quality and handling. The 2021 model also comes with an increase in the handlebar angle, up 3-degree to 35-degree making tight, slow-speed turns and U-turns easier.
The 2021 CB650R features rounded LED headlamps, an elongated fuel tank that reverberates with the CB family design, a short stubby tail with a short overhang, smooth lines and signature compact ‘Trapezoid’ proportions. The new model also comes with smaller side panels that emphasise the minimalist proportions. The nylon rear mudguard has also been replaced with a steel one. Other changes to the 2021 model include a USB Type-C socket located under the seat for mobile charging. The readability on the fully-digital colour instruments display has been improved with a change of LED angle and font size. The digital instruments console also comes with digital bar-graph tachometer, dual trip meter, digital bar graph fuel gauge, digital clock, gear position and upshift indicator.
The 2021 Honda CB650R is powered by a Euro5 compliant 649cc in-line four-cylinder liquid-cooled 4-stroke 16-valve DOHC engine with PGM-FI electronic fuel injection that makes 94 Hp of power and 63 Nm of torque matched to a 6-speed gearbox. The CB650R comes with an assist/slipper clutch for easier clutch operation and manages the rear-wheel lock-up under heavy deceleration and rapid downshifts. The CB650R also comes with Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) is fitted to manage rear-wheel traction.