Honda CBR650F launching next year
Honda had revealed the CBR 650F motorcycle at the 2014 Indian Auto Expo and we know that Honda will launch the sportsbike in India in 2015. Let’s have a look at the details.
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.
The 650F is 2,110mm long, 755mm wide and 1,145mm tall. Wheelbase is at 1,450mm and has a ground clearance of 130mm. The bike weights 211 kgs. A telescopic front fork, a monoshock rear suspension, 120 patch rubber at the front and a 180 section at the rear add to the form and function of the motorcycle. With a 320mm front disc and a 240mm rear disc, the bike comes with ABS as standard.
The overall stance of the motorcycle is of a sports tourer. It is fully faired, but has a rather relaxed riding position. The CBR 650F will go head-on with the Kawasaki Ninja 650. The bike looks big and was more proportionate than the CBR 500R showcased at the Auto Expo. Fairing exposes a large amount of the engine which should help in better heat management. At the front, you get a single headlamp unit with two pilot lamps. At the back, you have LED tail lamps which are much like the Fireblade category. Seats are touring friendly which are of the step-up type, but not split. Raised clip-on handle bars also aid rider comfort and the bike will deliver a perfect balance between comfortable and sporty riding position. Instrument cluster is all digital, with a digital speedometer and a digital tachometer bar on the LHS. It also displays the odometer, two trip meters, fuel gauge, clock etc.
Expect the price of the Honda CBR 650F to be in the range of the Kawasaki Ninja 650, but demanding a slight premium considering that it is an inline four. Also, Honda will locally assemble this motorcycle.
