Major 2019 upgrades for Honda's CB650 four range

HONDA'S 650 four range is a good ‘un – the CBR600RR derived engine is a torquey beast thanks to the extra capacity. And there’s a couple of big old updates for the range this year.

Replacing the old CB650F and CBR650 is a new CB650R and CBR650R. So the naked roadster (the old Hornet as was) gets the Neo Sports Café (NSC) styling of the CB1000R, while the sporty roadster CBR650 gets another ‘R’, and an injection of performance. Both bikes get new forks, a lighter steel frame, radial mount brake calipers, traction control, plus more power and less mass.

Both bikes get a revised engine, with five per cent more peak power, up to 94bhp, new intake and exhaust setups and a slipper clutch. The CB650R has the NSC design, with aluminium bodywork highlights, a new LED headlamp, new 41mm USD forks, radial Nissin brakes, and the new lighter steel frame (the swingarm pivot plates are now pressed rather than forged). It weighs 202kg ready to ride.

The CBR650R is a sportier update on the old CBR650, with more aggressive bodywork, and the updated engine and chassis package. It looks like a spunky little sporty roadster now – the brakes, suspension and fairing updates move it far closer to the old CBR600 machines than before. The kerb weight of 208kg is a bit chunky, but not horrendous, and with Honda’s usual skillz at making more of less, we bet it will work really well on the road…