Honda has revealed the 2021 Model Year CBR650R in the European market with a new Euro5-spec engine and mild cosmetic updates along with a few mechanical updates. The Honda CBR650R started its life as the CBR650F, launched in 2014 alongside the CB650F but evolved from ‘F’ to ‘R’ in 2019 and the CBR650R is at the sportier end of the Sports Touring segment.
On the exterior, the Honda CBR650R will be available in two revised colour options – Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic, that comes with silver accent lines instead of red accents and the second Candy Chromosphere Red version comes with sharp black/white graphics and in addition to fairing the 2021 model also gets the graphics on the fuel tank and the tail cowling. The 2021 model also comes with new side panels and steel rear mudguard/number plate mount. The reflector profile on the LED headlamp unit has also been tweaked so is the angle of the LEDs on the LCD instruments cluster for better readability. The 2021 CBR650R also comes with a USB Type-C socked located under the seat for smartphone charging.
The Honda CBR650R 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 motor is also available with a 35kW (50 Hp) conversion for A2 licence holders. The Euro5 conformity has been achieved by making revisions to the ECU, cam lobes, intake timing, exhaust pipe, catalyser and silencer, as well as the addition of a crank pulsar. The engine also features Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) for rear wheel traction control and assist/slipper clutch that eases clutch operation and manages rear-wheel lock up under hard braking and rapid downshifts.
The most important update though is the new 41mm Showa Separate Function Big Piston upside-down front forks that feature a pressure separation damper in one fork tube and spring mechanism in the other delivering high damping performance and lighter weight. The front suspension is matched to a 7-stage spring preload adjustable single-tube monoshok mounted to the curvaceous aluminium swingarm.
The 2021 Honda CBR650R is expected to arrive in the Indian market next year. The outgoing model was priced at INR 7.70 lakh ex-showroom and the 2021 model year is expected come at a premium.
2021 HONDA CBR650R