WE SAY: plenty of updates that make a likeable bike even more likeable
This CBR 650F with its 649cc, inline four has been a bit of a darling around the TG office and the updated version needs to fulfill the same expectations. Not that that should be a problem, since with the 2018 version, Honda has improved every aspect. It pumps out a modest 85 horsepower alongside an even more modest 60Nm of torque. So, if it is a fast motorcycle that you had your sights set on, well, this isn’t it. But, swing a leg over and give it a chance and you are likely to discover that there’s a lot more to like.
So, what has changed in the 2018 version? While Honda has chosen to keep peak power more or less the same, the motor has been retuned for better delivery through the range. They have slapped on a fresh pair of Show a developed forks at the front, switched the headlamp for a more contemporary LED unit, treated the tail-lamp to a clear lens, modified the four into one exhaust system for better performance and applied a bronze finish to the engine casing. They have also played with the decal designs and this one with flashes of red on a matte grey fairing works rather well in my book. The digital instrument cluster remains surprisingly untouched and the twin pod set-up looks rather dated now, but the general design of the motorcycle has stood the passage of time quite well.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MG COMET
A LOT OF PEOPLE HAD THOUGHT THIS CAR TO BE COMPLETELY useless when it came out.
BMW i7
WHEN THE i7 PULLED INTO MY GARAGE AND PARKED ITSELF next to the Mercedes EQA and the MG Comet, it just struck me that this is how the future will be.
SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP
McLaren's finest faces off Corvette's nat-asp swansong as the Brits and the Americans square up... in a Spanish playground. Expect fireworks
NEXT LEVEL
Thought the 750S was fast? The McLaren P1's successor - the W1 is ready to spread its wings
MANUAL LABOUR
Two cars from opposite ends of the performance spectrum with one crucial thing in common...
PRO VS SLOW
At last, we have our hands on the Valkyrie. But is its performance only accessible for the pros... or can anyone enjoy it?
THE OUTBURST OF OFFROADING
The high-volume market is a point of interest for all manufacturers here in India.
THE BATTLE OF CRUISER-COMMUTERS
WHO DOES THE BEST COMMUTER WORK WHILE NOT BEING A TRUE COMMUTER MOTORCYCLE?
LEAVING EVERYTHING ON THE TRACK
FT. YMRP ROUND 3 From being second, I DNF'd from the race on the last corner
BEHIND THE BARS,
THE DIFFERENT KIND