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2019 Honda CB650R

  • The 2019 Honda CBR650R and 2019 Honda CB650R were launched today.

  • Both bikes were first unveiled at EICMA 2018.

  • Both models have been extensively upgraded yet priced close to their predecessors.

The eagerly awaited 2019 Honda CBR650R and 2019 Honda CB650R were launched today (watch video below).

The bikes were launched by Boon Siew Honda Malaysia (BSH) at the Malaysia Autoshow 2019, at MAEPS Serdang. Fans and enthusiasts can view the new bikes between 11thto 13thApril 2019.

Mr. Keiichi Yasuda, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BSH launched the bikes. In his speech, Mr. Yasuda said, “In 2018, Boon Siew Honda successfully launched 7 models of high performance big bikes in Malaysia. We are happy to have received overwhelming response from the market. And, we shall also look into the middleweight segment demand. Therefore, today we launched the all-new CBR650R and CB650R.”

2019 Honda CBR650R (from RM 45,499)

For the last time, the CBR650RR is NOT from the CBR600RR’s lineage. Clear? Good. And who said it was going to cost in the vicinity of RM 75,000 to RM 80,000?!

The CBR650R replaces the pervious CBR650F as Honda’s middleweight sportbike.

In line with the “CBR” designation, the 2019 model is made sportier to distance itself from its naked brethren, the naked CB650R. So, the CB650R is no longer a CBR650F without clothes.

Highlights:
  • New styling inspired by the CBR1000RR Fireblade superbike. The single “diamond” headlamp makes way for twin aggressive LED headlamps; and the fairing’s rear part is extended further back.

  • Revised rider ergonomics. The handlebars are repositioned 30mm forward to put more weight on the front wheel plus for a sportier riding position. Similarly, the footpegs were moved 3mm back and 6mm higher. Yet, seat height remains at an accessible 810mm.

  • Higher engine power. The inline-Four now revs to 1,000 RPM higher. Consequently, there is a 5% percent gain in maximum power from 90 to 94 HP at 12,000 RPM.

  • Assist and slipper clutch. The assist function allows lighter clutch lever operation. The slipper function, on the other hand, minimizes rear tyre hop when downshifting aggressively.

  • New running stock. The forks are now 41mm upside-down Showa SFF (Separate Function Forks). Braking duty is handled by a pair of Nissin 4-piston calipers that are radial-mounted.

  • Lower weight. The new bike is 6kg lighter.
  • New features. Such as full LED lighting; A new LCD instrument panel which includes gear position and shift indicator.
  • Traction control. The Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) traction control strategy finally makes its way into the model.
  • Two colours. Grand Prix Red and Matt Gun Powder Black Metallic.

Priced from RM 45,499 (basic selling price).

2019 Honda CB650R (from RM 43,499)

The 2019 CB650R replaced the CB650F as the middleweight naked sportbike. Besides that, the new CB650R completes Honda’s Neo Sports Café line-up, which already consists of the CB250R and CB1000R.

Highlights:

Modern and minimalist design. As part of the Neo Sports Café family, the bike’s styling mixes classic and modern elements. Honda calls it the “compact, trapezoid” effect.

  • The round headlight and sculpted tank form the front and “backbone,” respectively while the engine hangs below in full view.

  • Higher engine power. The engine is shared with the CBR650R. Revisions to the intake, cam timing, compression and exhaust yielded a 5% increase in power to 94 HP.

  • Relaxed ergonomics. The riding stance is more relaxed compared to the CBR650R’s.

  • Shared specs with CBR650R. Suspension, brakes, assist and slipper clutch, LED lighting, HSTC traction control are shared with the CBR650R.

  • Two colours. Candy Chromosphere Red and Graphite Black.

Priced from RM 43,499 (basic selling price).

  • Honda UK has revealed the 2019 Honda CB650R price.

  • The new bike is almost entire new, besides its styling.

  • Honda UK is selling it at £6999 on-the-road.

Just as we are currently testing both the CB250R and CB1000R, Honda released the price of the new CB600F in the UK.

First making its appearance at the Paris Motor Show last year, CB650R is an almost total revamp of its CB600F predecessor. Styling wise, the new bike fits into Honda’s Neo Sports Café line-up which includes the two models we are testing.

We were impressed by the CB650F during our testing. We called it an all-rounder as it filled a number of roles comfortably. However, its styling hardly caught anyone’s eyes. Sure, it fitted in with modern motorcycle designs, but there was just something missing.

2018 Honda CB650F Test & Review: The All-Rounder

As such, Honda addressed that issue by redesigning the bike completely. It now has a modern retro styling, yet with modern twists, hence the “Neo Sports Café” designation.

Honda didn’t just perform a makeover, however. The new CB650R is almost entirely new.

Revisions to the frame, fuel tank and other parts lowered weight by 6kg. The frame itself is 1.9kg lighter with a stiffer headstock and more flexible side spars. The forks are now Showa SFF (Separate Function Forks) that are adjustable for preload and rebound damping. The front brakes consist of radially-mounted four-piston Nissin calipers. The rims are new, too.

The engine gains a 1000 RPM rev limit, besides revisions to the fueling and mechanical bits. The result is a 5% power boost from the inline-Four.

As for ergonomics, the riding position is now more aggressive. The handlebar has moved forward by 13mm and down by 8mm. Additionally, the footpegs have gone backwards by 3mm and up by 6mm.

The TFT screen is shared with the Honda CB500 range.

Honda UK quoted the 2019 Honda CB650R at £6999 (RM36,950.52 as of 15thJanuary) on the road. We expect it to cost between RM 45,000 to 52,000 in Malaysia.

  • The 2019 Honda CB650R was unveiled at EICMA 2018.

  • It is built on the Honda CB650F platform.

  • It completes Honda’s Neo Sports Café range.

Honda had teased with a 650cc Neo Sports Café concept back at the Paris Motorshow last month. The design had won many praises, prompting the manufacturer to unveil the 2019 Honda CB650R Neo Sports Café at the EICMA show.

Honda Neo Sports Café 650 Concept Breaks Cover

As we have mentioned before, the CB650R is built upon the Honda CB650F and CBR650F platform. The inline-Four engine and frame are easily apparent in the photos of the new bike. Honda gave the CB650F a retro-modern treatment, like the CB1000R and CB250R. The Neo Sports Café line-up is now complete.

Boon Siew Honda Launches CB1000R and CB250R

Please click here for our review of the Honda CBR650F.

2018 Honda CBR650F Test & Review – “Between Two Worlds”

Please click here for our review of the Honda CB650F.

2018 Honda CB650F Test & Review: The All-Rounder

However, Honda didn’t just build a new styling on top of the CB650F. Instead, they revised a number of features on the bike.

For example, the forks on the CB650R Neo Sports Café are 41mm Showa Separate Function Forks (SFF). The CB650F and CBR650F utilize Showa Bending Valve Forks, on the other hand. Additionally, the CB650R’s front brake discs are gripped by radially-mounted four-piston calipers.

On the electronics side, the CB650R features Honda’s “Selectable Torque Control” system (first seen on the Africa Twin), assist and slipper clutch and what Honda calls “ultra-modern” instruments.

The engine has been uprated, likewise. There is a 5% power boost, bringing its output to 95bhp. Honda also claims a 6kg weight reduction over the CB650F.

When will this hit Malaysia? Soon enough, we hope!

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