Honda CBR650F expected in early 2016 at a price close to Rs 7 lakh

Japanese auto manufacturer Honda plans to make a big impact in the Indian middle-weight motorcycle segment by launching the CBR650F. With the help of a Completely Knocked Down (CKD) assembly, Honda will be able to price this motorbike aggressively.

Honda shocked everyone at the 2014 Auto Expo by announcing their plans to launch the CBR650F in India as a locally assembled model. The company currently does not have CKD operations for even a single bike in India, despite their 4-wheeler division being extensively involved in CKD activities with the Civic, Accord and CR.

Apart from planning to locally assemble the CBR650F via the CKD route, the company also plans to use local content on the bike. This bike will indirectly compete with the Kawasaki Ninja 650 and the Z800, the former being a 650cc bike. Honda CBR650F will become the cheapest 4-cylinder bike in the country, expected to be priced under Rs. 7 lakhs (on-road). It will be launched in early 2016 (before March) and only one variant will be offered, with antilock Braking System (ABS) as standard.

The Honda CBR650F's 649cc, 4-cylinder mill will generate 86 bhp of power and 63 Nm of torque. It will have wide 120 and 180 section tyres at the front and rear respectively. It accelerates from 0-100 kmph time in under 4 seconds, while its top speed s rated at 225 kmph.