Honda CBR650F Launch on August 4, 2015

It has been raining middle-weight motorcycle this year giving enthusiasts with deep pockets lots to cheer about. At first it was the debut of Italian brand Benelli in India, which was closely followed by Ducati marking its re-entry. And now, the focus is all on Honda as they are readying the CBR650F. Our sources revealed that the Japanese 650cc offering is expected to be launched on August 4. 

Honda first showcased the bike at the 2014 Auto Expo and since then it has created a lot of buzz among the enthusiasts junta. When launched, it will be the largest displacement bike to be assembled by the Japanese giant in India. The CBR650F will be assembled in India but only 5 per cent of its parts will be localised. Despite coming in as CKD, the CBR650F will be priced around the Rs 8 lakh mark owing to the limited localisation.  

Set to go against the likes of the Kawasaki Ninja 650 and the Benelli TNT 650GT, the Honda isn’t an outright supoertsports machine but a sports tourer. As far as the engine is concerned, the Honda CBR650F will use a 649cc liquid-cooled inline four cylinder unit that pumps out 87PS and 63Nm. The engine will be mounted on a twin-spar frame and will be mated to a six-speed transmission. Suspension duties are handled by 41mm forks at front and preload adjustable monoshock setup at the back. Disc brakes will be found at the front as well as the back and ABS will be offered as standard equipment. 

In light of Honda’s strategy of launching 15 products in 2015, aside from the CBR650F, Honda will also launch a few other motorcycles on the same day. Although the big H has been very silent about the other launches on the said date, when provoked about the other launches, a Honda official seemed impish at the mention of a smaller CBR 300.