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The Honda CB650R and CBR650R gets some much-needed updates for 2021

The changes may be subtle but are still important

Motodeal
Honda CB650R

Both the Honda CB650R Neo Sports Cafe and it's fully-faired version, the CBR650R have been in the market for quite some time now being introduced to the market back in early 2019. After less than two years since its introduction, Honda unveils its 2021 version with its biggest overhaul yet. It may take more than a keen eye to spot the subtle changes in its styling, but Honda still worked hard to improve the handling, comfort, and practicality of both of the bikes. More importantly, the powerplant they both share is now Euro5 compliant.

Honda CB650R
Honda CB650R
Honda CB650R

The 2021 CB650R now has smaller side panels, giving it a neater overall look for the classy Neo Sports Cafe bike. Its rear mudguard is now also made with steel, rather than nylon plastic from its predecessor. Handling wise, one of the biggest changes it gets is its improved set of front forks. It now sports a Showa Separate Function Big Piston (SFF BP) forks. The previous generation CB650R already had a pair of decent front forks, but the new upgrade brings with it a pressure separation damper in one fork tube, and a spring mechanism in the other that delivers a high damping performance, and lighter weight than ever before. 

People who have ridden the CB650R had their complaints about the bike’s dash. It was a little bit tricky to read in certain lighting conditions other than overcast weather. Its fully-faired brother, the CBR650R also used a similar dash and had the same problems with it. Honda might have remedied that for 2021 by making the font of the digital display a little bit bigger and altered the angle of the dash to make it a little bit easier to read. 

Meanwhile, the new CB650R also changed its handlebar angle to 35° to make it easier for U-turns and low-speed maneuvers. It now also comes with a USB Type-C socket under the seat to allow charging of your mobile devices on the go. The bike now comes with new color options with Pearl Smoky Gray, Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic, Candy Chromosphere Red, and Matt Jeans Blue Metallic. 

Honda CBR650R
Honda CBR650R
Honda CBR650R

The fully-faired CBR650R still sports its Fireblade-like styling, with a number of changes to improve its handling, styling and everyday usability. Slight tweaks were made on its upper and lower fairings that now blends muscularity with slim lines and angle according to Honda. It also sports a new steel mudguard and a revised mounting bracket just like the CB650R together with its improved front suspension. The new Sperate Function Big Piston (SFF BP) front fork now gives a perfect balance between cornering capabilities and everyday comfort. It is now also equipped with a USB Type-C socket to allow charging of your mobile phone and other devices. 

Honda CB650R

Both bikes are powered by a 649 cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC inline-4 cylinder engine capable of churning out 94 hp at 12,000 RPM and 63 Nm of torque at 8,500 RPM. Stopping duties are brought by 2 channel 310 mm dual disc for the front and a 240 mm disc for the rear with standard ABS. 

The Honda CB650R and CBR650R are expected to land in showrooms right before the Christmas season. Honda Philippines is yet to announce the official date of its arrival and its pricing. 

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