Honda CBR650F coming before CBR300R?

We all know that Honda has stopped production of the CBR250R since the replacement, the CBR300R is expected to make a market debut. However, there are no concrete news on when this replacement would arrive and Honda is now seen working on the higher capacity CBR650F which they have already confirmed for launch by March 2015. Will Honda bring the the higher capacity CBR650F to the Indian market before the CBR300R?

The CBR300R will be powered by a bigger 286cc, single-cylinder, liquid cooled, 4-stroke motor producing 30.4 BHP of power and 27 Nm of torque. Engine will be mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox and fuel will be delivered via EFI. The new bike also weighs 8 kg lesser than the outgoing model and hence, the power to weight ratio will be on the positive side. Without any doubt, expect Honda to offer an optional / standard C-ABS system for a safe commute.

The CBR 650F is powered by a 649cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-stroke, inline four-cylinder, 16 valve motor producing 87 BHP of power @ 11,000 RPM and 63 Nm of torque @ 8,000 RPM. The engine is mated to a 6-speed transmission and the bike is built on a bridge-style steel frame. It has a 17.3 litre fuel carrying capacity and the fuel is delivered via fuel injection. Fuel efficiency is claimed to be 21 kmpl.

Seems like Honda is responding to threats in the higher capacity segment with the likes of Triumph and Kawasaki quickly raking in sales numbers. Also, the iconic Italian brand Benelli will soon launch products in the same category and backed by CKD assembly, will be competitively priced as well.

Does Honda now find lesser potential in the relatively cheaper, quarter-litre sportsbike segment?

Expected pricing: Rs. 2.5 lakh for the CBR300R and Rs. 6.5 lakh for the CBR650F.