EICMA Update: New Honda CBR650F, CB650F with 35 pics

Honda announced 13 new or upgraded models today at EICMA, including two 650s based around a new inline-four.

According to their press release, the brand-new CBR650F and CB650F are “a new entry point into Honda’s four cylinder engine range.” Translation: Expect a practical all-rounder, likely similar to Kawasaki’s Ninja 650 and ER-6N.

The liquid-cooled 649 cc powerplant looks like the old CBR600 unit and has been tuned for torque through the low-to-mid RPM range, particularly before 4,000 rpms, thanks, in part thanks to internal plates intended to change airflow and increase torque. It’s a DOHC motor, with four valves per cylinder, direct cam actuation, and a 4-2-1 exhaust that was designed with the classic CB400/4’s lines in mind, at least where the downpipes are concerned – the muffler is an underslung GP-style unit.

Obviously, these bike have EFI (four 32 mm throttle bodies). It’s been tuned to giver riders good fuel mileage during sustained highway riding; in that scenario, the machines  see a claimed 21km/l making for a 350 km range (the tank has a 17.3-litre capacity). The motor makes 87 hp at 11,000 rpm, and around 46 ft-lb of torque at 8,000 rpm.

While Honda has become more and more enamoured with dual clutch transmissions, these bikes sport six-speed gearboxes, which should help to keep pricing low. Curb weight is 211 kg; the frame is a steel diamond design, with a 1450 mm wheelbase (25.5° rake, 101 mm of trail). Seat height is 810 mm, and the seating position is intended to be relaxed, which is significant on the CBR as (along with a sensible looking seat) it reminds us of the old F4 before everything went race replica and (yes, we’re going to say it) a tad impractical for real world riding.

The rear spring has seven adjustment positions for preload with standard 41 mm shocks up front – not as flashy as USD units, but more affordable. Honda cut the front and rear brake discs from a single slab of steel to save money (the same trick they used on the NC700 series, which sees some upgrades this year). There’s two 320 mm disc up front with two-piston caliper, and single 240 mm disc in back with single-piston caliper. The bikes come with dual-channel ABS.

Other deets – the gauges are LCD units, there’s an LED taillight and front markers (headlight isn’t LED), and 17-inch aluminum wheels front and rear. The front tire is a 120/70-ZR17, and the rear tire is a 180/55-ZR17.

Honda has also announced a host of optional accessories that include a 35L top box, seat bag, rear carrier, carbon-look hugger, carbon-look seat cowl, carbon-look front mudguard, crankcase protectors, heated grips, paddock stand and alarm.

No word about Canadian availability or pricing.

GALLERY

Check out all the pics that go with this story! Click on the main sized pic to transition to the next or just press play to show in a slideshow.

The CBR650F is the naked version

A nicer looking CBF600?

The question is, will these bikes both come to Canada?

CBR from the front and rear

The CBR650F is built very much along the same ideas as the older all-round CBR600 models, before everything got all track-focused. It’s an excellent sport bike for the real world, and you should be able to find one for less than half the price of a modern 600.

The new CBR650F is a return to practical sport bikes.