2024 Honda CBR650R Preview

Honda’s CBR650R is the more affordable and street-friendly option inside Big Red’s CBR sportbike family. For the 2024 model year it wears a similar set of updates as its 2024 Honda CB650R naked bike sibling as announced at EICMA. We originally tested this streetbike during the 2019 Honda CBR650R First Ride Review article.

The heart of the CBR650R is a 649cc liquid-cooled inline-four. The engine is known for its smooth power delivery and a good balance between low-end, immediate torque, and highway-passing power. It also is light on engine vibration and easy on fuel.

The engine cranks out 94 hp (at the crankshaft) and roughly 80 hp at the business end of the 17-inch rear wheel. A cable-actuated clutch with Honda’s new E-Clutch technology and a six-speed gearbox with chain final drive complete the powertrain package.

Specifically the E-clutch automates clutch action for manual-transmission-equipped motorcycles. Rather than operating the traditional clutch, the operator lifts up or down on the gear shifter, just like electronic quickshifter-equipped bikes. During the gear exchange, the electronics apply fuel and ignition cut for smooth shifting. The clutch lever remains, so riders can use it if they desire.

The CBR650R benefits from a moderately aggressive design, inspired by the 2017 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade (overhauled platform for that model year). Because it’s a sportbike, it employs a full fairing design.

For ‘24 it gets a sharper, more sporty stance highlighted by redesigned dual LED headlamps inside reshaped upper and lower fairings. The tailsection is also slimmer, and the motorcycle looks leaner and meaner than before.

Chassis- and suspension-wise, this CBR is built on a steel diamond frame with an inverted fork and Pro-Link rear shock. Triple disc hydraulic brakes with full-time ABS offer competent stopping performance.

Aside from the updated styling this CBR gets a larger 5-inch color TFT display that replaces the mono-color LCD unit. The display is now Bluetooth compatible so riders can pair their iOS- or Android-powered smartphones with the vehicle. American Honda has yet to announce whether this new motorcycle model will arrive in America. Official technical specifications and pricing also haven’t been formally released.