2019 Honda CBR650R and CB650R First Look

Honda took the stage at this year's EICMA show to announce, among other things, that the "F" attributed to it's mid-size sport and naked models would be no more. Instead, the sport-oriented "R" would be placed in its stead. And with that news, we got to meet the updated and renamed CBR650R and CB650R.

This machine gets a better power to weight ratio, in that there’s more power and less weight. Honda shaved 11.6 pounds off the bike, and changes to valve timing and piston shape give the liquid-cooled 649cc Inline Four more snap in the low- to mid-range. Honda raised the revs on the mill too and added Honda Selectable Torque Control and an assist/slipper clutch.

The twin-spar frame is updated too, with new pivot plates, engine hangers, and seat rails. These changes have helped to achieve the weight savings, and also contribute to a more sporty riding position than the previous model.

The muffler on the CBR650R is new too, and the 41mm Showa Separate Function Fork has been updated alongside a new aluminum lower triple clamp. The radial mount, four-piston calipers and dual 320mm discs at the front are among the changes Honda cite, as are new Y-spoke aluminum wheels.

LED lighting is utilized throughout and an updated LCD instrument panel now has gear position and up-shift indicators.

Aesthetically, Honda has worked to create a stance similar to that of the CBR1000RR. The CBR650R will be available in Grand Prix Red/Stripe only, and pricing and availability are yet to be determined.

The naked middleweight is built to resemble its older CB1000R sibling, and expand the Neo Sports Café styling Honda has created. As with the CBR650R, weight has been cut from the new CB650R and is more slim than the outgoing CB650F.

Key changes come to the suspension, brakes and instrumentation, as we’ve noted above on the CBR650R. The naked iteration gets the same Showa SFF fork, an updated LCD instrument panel and braking package. The addition of a slip/assist clutch and HSTC are also present on the CB650R. The engine is also tuned to be more responsive in the low- and mid-range, there’s a new muffler and altered intake system to help boost engine performance further.

Beyond that, riders will enjoy a new handlebar, which has been moved forward and down. You’re still promised a neutral riding position, but with a bit more of a sporting bent than before.

Pricing and availability information is listed for this model, with the CB650R ABS pricing at $9,199, and the non-ABS version coming in at $8,899. Both will be a Chromosphere Red colorway and will hit dealership floors starting April 2019.