For the 2019 model year, we say goodbye to the Honda CBR650F, a fine enough machine in its own right, but one that didn’t exactly set the world on fire, and instead we say hello to the Honda CBR650R, which gets a more aggressive styling and a bevy of features, to help it earn that “R” designation at the end of its name.
Easy to sport is that the new bodywork, which draws a direct line to the Honda CBR1000RR superbike, the Honda CBR650R comes also with a sportier riding position, and the electronics and feature package to match.
The most notable addition is the revised engine, which makes more torque and now goes 1,000 rpm higher into the rev range, for a redline of 12,000 rpm. This translates into a higher peak power figure of 94hp (70 kw), up from 86hp (64 kW).
In addition to the power increase, the Honda CBR650R gets a weight reduction of 13 lbs (6 kg), thanks to a lighter chassis, tipping the scales now at 456 lbs at the curb. This helps mark an 8% increase in the power-to-weight ratio for the Honda CBR650R.
To control that power, Big Red adds what it calls Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), which is a fancy name for traction control. An assist/slipper clutch has also been added to the package, though it comes without a fancy name like HSTC.
Honda has also included the well-regarded 41mm Showa Separate Function Forks (SFF) to the suspension system, which now hold radially mounted four-piston brake calipers from Nissin. The dash has been upgraded to an LCD unit.
For A2 license holders in Europe, there is a 47hp (35 kW) version available as well.
Source: Honda Motor Europe
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