Dual personal
Auto Today|October 2021
Streetfighter? Weekend track day warrior? Honda now has one for both types of motorcyclists with an updated as well as a brand new product, theCBR650R and the CB650R
Abhik Das
Dual personal

Dipayan and I are always up for a technical debate and this one turned out to be very interesting indeed. A super energetic character himself, he thinks that I’m usually too laid back for my own good while I’d wager that Dipayan is too hyper for anyone’s good. Opposites attract they say and so it seems true when I usually find myself attracted towards a hyper streetfighter motorcycle while Dipayan seems the happiest astride a smooth, calm yet quick motorcycle. Riding motorcycles together then, creates its own set of problems. We’re always in a bit of a fix on choices but for once we might have a solution. More specifically, Honda might have the solution for us. The new for 2021 CBR650R and the all-new streetfighter version, the CB650R. Two distinct personalities sharing the same passion for engineering and speed. I was describing the motorcycles, just in case the bromance was getting out of hand for you.

NO ADJUSTABILITY FOR THE SUSPENSION, JUST ON OR OFF TRACTION CONTROL BUT WHAT STANDS OUT IS THE MECHANICAL GRIP AND ERGONOMICS THAT INSTILL CONFIDENCE

The CBR and the CB in their 650 guise represent the stepping stones to high-performance motorcycling in our country. Yes the latter is new and no the former isn’t the same borderline boring, tepid latte in a brand new cup. Honda gave the boot to the CBR650F and it’s now in fact, a shot or two of a full-bodied espresso. And, when Honda sticks an R to the name, you know they mean business.

WHILE THE CB650 USES AN UPRIGHT POSTURE AND REAR SET PEGS, TYPICAL OF SPORT-NAKEDS, THE CBR650R PITCHES THE RIDER FORWARD WHILE POSITIONING THE LEGS A BIT HIGHER MAKING THE RIDER’S TRIANGLE MUCH SPORTIER THAN BEFORE

Likes Ergonomics, tractable engine, refinement, aesthetics

This story is from the October 2021 edition of Auto Today.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the October 2021 edition of Auto Today.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM AUTO TODAYView All
Old School Charm
Auto Today

Old School Charm

BSA's Gold Star 650 has arrived in the Indian market with a starting price of Rs 2.99 lakh (ex-showroom). It takes a single-minded approach to retro looks, performance and cylinders. Does it have what it takes to be your garage's premier modern classic motorcycle?

time-read
3 mins  |
September 2024
Destini's Child
Auto Today

Destini's Child

Is Hero's updated 125cc scooter finally destined to break into topselling products in its segment? Can the 2024 Destini 125 take the fight to the other top contenders? We recently headed down to sunny Goa to ride the updated Destini to find out if it is up to the task

time-read
4 mins  |
September 2024
Drops of Jupiter
Auto Today

Drops of Jupiter

TVS has launched a thoroughly updated version of the Jupiter 110 which comes with several crucial updates. Does the Jupiter 110 have the chops to top the list of best-selling scooters in India? We headed to Hosur looking for an answer

time-read
3 mins  |
September 2024
A well-deserved CHANGE
Auto Today

A well-deserved CHANGE

Ever since Its launch, the Hyundai Alcazar been doing well in the Indian market. Now though, things have gotten spicier as Hyundai has updated the Alcazar. So what all has changed and does it make a difference? Let's find out

time-read
4 mins  |
September 2024
Combustion Curvvs
Auto Today

Combustion Curvvs

Coupes are the new black, and the C-segment has its newest contender in the form of the Tata Curvv, which looks to take on the Creta and the Grand Vitara with a slightly different approach

time-read
5 mins  |
September 2024
CROSSOVER CULTURE
Auto Today

CROSSOVER CULTURE

MG's newest contender the Windsor takes out-of-the-box thinking to new levels, but can this Crossover Utility Vehicle offer enough to be your next mobility solution? Read on to find out

time-read
5 mins  |
September 2024
WHAT A MINI
Auto Today

WHAT A MINI

The Mini brand is all about being different and away from the rest. So does the Mini Countryman Electric stick to the plan? We find out

time-read
3 mins  |
September 2024
Aston's Vanquish returns with an 835bhp V12
Auto Today

Aston's Vanquish returns with an 835bhp V12

ASTON MARTIN has revealed the new Vanquish, marking the return of the iconic nameplate after an absence of six years.

time-read
1 min  |
September 2024
NOT A GIMMICK
Auto Today

NOT A GIMMICK

We have heard of Xiaomi’s smartphones, TVs and tablets, but Anagh Bhaskar got the chance to get up close with the SU7, Xiaomi’s first ever attempt at a car that was first announced two years ago, and was launched in China earlier this year

time-read
2 mins  |
September 2024
Definitive update for the executive saloon
Auto Today

Definitive update for the executive saloon

It has been 30 years since the E-Class was launched in India. Now it is time to launch the V214 version and it sure is after keeping the passenger pampered says Rahul Ghosh

time-read
3 mins  |
September 2024