Honda’s “Neo-Sports Café” restyle campaign continues, with the CB650R (and its sporty sibling, the CBR650R) replacing the CB650F/CBR650F for 2019. We liked what the makeover did for the CB1000R and CB300R, so we’re looking forward to getting a ride on this new naked middleweight.
2019 Honda CB650R. Images courtesy Honda.
2019 CB650R
The most obvious change from the outgoing CB650F model is the total redesign, which includes a trimmed-down chassis, a round LED headlight and a new LCD dash that includes shift indicators and a gear position indicator. Despite a longer rake (32 degrees compared to 25.3) and an identical trail (4 inches), the new CB650R has an oh-so-slightly shorter wheelbase, 57 inches compared to 57.1. Its seat height is unchanged at 31.9 inches and it weighs in at a claimed 445 pounds wet, compared to the F’s 454 pounds. At least some of that weight loss is due to the half-gallon smaller fuel tank, now holding 4.1 gallons.
Performance upgrades include a new inverted 41mm Showa fork, radial-mount 4-piston brake calipers, floating brake rotors and new wheels. Its 649cc in-line four has a revised intake and exhaust, new cam timing and a slightly higher compression ratio, for more peak power and smoother torque delivery throughout the rev range.
An assist-and-slipper clutch and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) round out the CB650R’s features.
The 2019 CB650R will be available in April 2019. It comes in Chromosphere Red,...