Honda is ready to write a new chapter in the Neo Sports Café project. Having
introduced the CB1000R, CB300R and CB125R trio of naked models for 2018, Honda
now brings its unique ‘Neo Sports Café’ look to the middleweight arena with the
CB650R. The styling ‘language’ is
modern and minimalist, and mixes café racer inspirations and a super-compact
‘trapezoid’ form to eye-catching effect. The in-line four-cylinder engine is
fully on display, and the signature round headlight and sculpted fuel tank
underline the ‘Neo Sports Café’ family feel.
Unveiled at the 2018 Paris Motor Show the updated version of
the Neo Sports Café has been developed on the CB650F platform and it comes with the same 4-cylinder 649 cc inline
engine as well as the steel diamond frame.
Specifications include 41mm Showa upside-down ‘Separate
Function’ forks, radial-mount four-piston front brake calipers, Honda
Selectable Torque Control, assist/slipper clutch and ultra-modern instruments.
Another new model name on the Honda line-up is the CBR650R sports middleweight. It
features new styling which draws strongly on the CBR1000RR Fireblade for its
sharp, aggressive lines and extended side fairings, plus super-short rear
section and narrow dual LED headlights. The CBR650R is 6kg lighter than the
CBR650F (which it replaces) with a sportier riding position thanks to
handlebars repositioned 30mm forward, and footpegs moved both rearward and higher.
The Honda in-line four-cylinder engine revs 1,000rpm higher,
producing 5% more top end power with peak output of 95hp arriving at 12,000rpm.
The CBR650R now comes with a more dynamic and sporty appeal thanks to the
structure that leaves most of the engine in sight. The driving position is
loaded on the front axle thanks to the half-handlebars, now fixed under the
steering plate. Thanks to technical changes, the weight with a full tank has
shrunk to 207 kg and there is a new Showa SFF fork. Anti-hopping clutch and
HSTC traction control are included.
Other bikes on display included the CB500F, CBR500R and CB500X, with improved performance and styling.
Other product updates included those of CBR1000RR
Fireblade and CBR1000RR Fireblade SP
The Honda X-ADV and
the GL1800 Gold Wing will be available in new colours. The SH300i, Honda’s popular high-performance mid-sized scooter is
newly equipped with Honda Selectable Torque Control and a ‘Smart’ Top Box
linked with its remote key system.