THE FUTURE OF THE MODERN SPORTBIKE: THE NEW CBR650R.

For a certain breed of riders, once you’ve experienced the high-revving soul of a four, there’s no going back. That’s why we’re so into the new Honda CBR650R. It’s a real sportbike built for the way we ride today. The power is instant, and it builds with an exhilarating rush while delivering a smooth ride. The chassis, bodywork, and riding position are all designed to provide a comfortable street ride, but still hold up when the going gets hot. In short, this bike is just plain fun to ride: light, nimble, and responsive without being a prima donna.

FEATURES

PERFORMANCE

649cc DOHC ENGINE

Engines like this are what Honda does best. The four-cylinder design makes it smoother and faster revving than most twins, and offers ample low- to midrange torque, plus plenty of power through the entire rev range.

STYLE

SPORTBIKE STYLING

The CBR650R looks just the way a modern sportbike should—all business, with a generous dose of style. Check out MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez’s dominating Honda RC213V, and you’ll see where the CBR650R gets its good looks. Plus, the bodywork is aerodynamic and refined, so you can tuck in at speed.

INSTRUMENTS

In addition to the usual speedometer and tachometer, the full-flat instrument panel features an LCD readout with indicators for gear position, water temperature, peak-hold display of engine RPM, upshift indicator, and more.

NEW MUFFLER

Mufflers need to accomplish four things: They need to quiet the engine without robbing power, they need to help tune engine output, they need to sound great, and they’re a huge style element on any bike. The CBR650R’s exhaust knocks it out of the park on all counts, and sounds like only an inline four can.

4.1-GALLON FUEL TANK

A bike as versatile as the CBR650R needs plenty of range, and the 4.1-gallon fuel tank provides just that.

LED HEADLIGHT

The CBR650R uses an eye-catching dual-lens LED headlight that casts a powerful, scientifically tuned beam. It’s both brighter and smaller than a conventional design, and contributes in a big way to the CBR650R’s sense of style.

Y-SPOKE ALUMINUM WHEELS

The new aluminum wheels feature helps reduce unsprung weight. These lighter hoops have a greater influence on handling than the numbers alone suggest.

HANDLING

Honda SELECTABLE TORQUE CONTROL (HSTC)

With Honda Selectable Torque Control System (HSTC) the CBR650R offers you peace of mind during aggressive riding conditions. The system adjusts engine power to optimize torque at the rear wheel, reducing rear-wheel slip. And here’s the best part: you can turn it on or turn it off with a handlebar-mounted switch. (Available on ABS model only.)

ENGINEERING

NEW FRAME

The new CBR650R refines a classic Honda design. The twin-spar frame incorporates updated pivot plates, engine hangers, seat rails, and other components that all reduce weight. It’s light, strong, and provides the basis for the CB650R’s stellar handling.

REAR-DISC BRAKE

A 240mm hydraulic disc at the rear complements the twin front discs for plenty of stopping power.

SIX-SPEED TRANSMISSION

Smooth, nearly seamless shifts and gear ratios matched to the way you want to ride: those are two of the characteristics that make this Honda so much fun to ride.

SPECIAL ENGINE TUNING

Changes to valve timing and piston shapes have improve engine response, especially from the idle to 8000 rpm, a big advantage in urban environments.

FOUR-INTO-ONE EXHAUST

Power, style and an unmistakable growl—you get all three with the four-into-one exhaust system on the CBR650R.

REFINED INTAKE SYSTEM

The CBR650R features a twin-duct intake design, engineered to ram cool, dense air into the airbox, increasing horsepower.

SLIPPER CLUTCH

The new assist slipper clutch lightens clutch operation by approximately 12 percent compared to previous models, and that reduces rear-wheel hop during rapid downshifts.

COMFORT

SPORTING RIDING POSITION

By refining the riding position, you’ll find the CBR650R comfortable for both casual, weekday use and more aggressive weekend sport rides. The seat/bar/peg relationship in any motorcycle is critical, but with the new CBR650R, you’ll truly feel like a part of this bike.

HANDLING

41mm FRONT SUSPENSION

The CBR650R’s front suspension showcases some leading-edge technology. The 41mm fork is equipped with Showa’s Separate Function Fork (SFF) which offers reduced weight, superior rigidity, and excellent overall performance. A new aluminum lower triple clamp completes the picture.

RADIAL-MOUNT FRONT BRAKES

Featuring huge 310mm discs, the new CBR650R also comes with radial-mounted four-piston calipers. The result is premium sportbike stopping power that’s linear and easy to modulate.