2024 Honda CBR650R debuts all-new tech

Honda’s middleweight range sees quite the overhaul in 2024, with the Honda CBR650R and CB650R both debuting new tech, and some renaming in the 500s.

The middleweight categories are of increasing importance in motorcycling, with manufacturers trying to appeal to younger riders who may not be eligible to ride a one-litre superbike, for example, or a flagship adventurer. Honda’s 2024 range exemplifies this, with all-new tech being debuted on both the Honda CBR650R and CB650R.

2024 Honda CBR650R

The 2024 Honda CBR650R is an evolution of the previous version, but a significant step, nonetheless. 

No longer Honda’s primary European middleweight sports bike thanks to the reintroduction of the CBR600R, the CBR650R is, regardless, pushed on in 2024 thanks to the implementation of Honda’s new E-Clutch system as an option.

Of course, a manual transmission is available, but Honda is also making available its new automatic clutch available on the CBR650R in the new model year. This option is also available on the CB650R, making these two four-cylinders the first bikes to be offered with the new tech. It should be noted that the system adds 2kg to the weight of the bike, and does not prevent ordinary use of the clutch.

In terms of engine performance, that stays the same in 2024, with 94bhp and 46lb ft. An A2-compliant 47bhp version is also available, but whichever you choose you still get the same chassis specification, including a 41mm Showa Separate Fork Function - Big Piston (SFF-BP) front fork, rear monoshock with 10-stage-adjustable preload, four-piston callipers on dual 310mm front discs, a single 240mm rear disc, and 120/70-ZR17 and 180/55-ZR17 on the front and rear wheels respectively.

Electronically, the CBR650R utilises Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), offers connectivity to the Honda RoadSync app, and has two-channel ABS. Settings and connectivity are managed via a five-inch TFT display which is new for 2024, itself navigated by a new-for-2024 toggle switch on the left bar.

Two accessory packs will be available: ‘Racing’ and ‘Comfort’. The former includes a quickshifter (for the standard manual gearbox and clutch), a colour-matched rear seat cover and a 25mm higher smoked tall screen. Additionally, it adds a carbon-look tank pad with a CBR logo, an oil level gauge and transparent side tank grippers, also with the CBR logo.

On the other hand, the ‘Comfort’ pack adds heated grips, a three-litre tank bag, and a 15-litre rear seat bag.

All of the accessories in the packs can be purchased individually, and there is a wheel stripe kit available as well.

The 2024 Honda CBR650R will be available in two colour choices: ‘Grand Prix Red Tricolour’, and ‘Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic’. 

The manual version of the 2024 Honda CBR650R will be available in early 2024, with the E-Clutch variant expected to arrive in the UK in the spring. Pricing is yet to be announced for the E-Clutch version, but the manual will cost £8,599.

2024 Honda CB650R

The 2024 Honda CB650R is essentially exactly what you would expect. Take everything you just read above about the CBR650R, remove the fairing, and add cafe racer styling.

That means 94bhp, 46lb ft, a Showa SFF-BP front fork, and 17-inch wheels. It also means the inclusion of the new Honda E-Clutch for the first time on a Honda naked machine, available at a 2kg weight gain compared to the manual bike.

There are also two new colours for 2024, with ‘Matt Laurel Green Metallic’, ‘and Pearl Smokey Gray’, both with silver detailing. The existing ‘Candy Chromosphere Red’ and ‘Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic’ are both updated with new ‘Matt Crypton Silver Metallic’ details.

As with the CBR650R, the CB650R will be available from early 2024 in the manual version (£7,799), and from the spring in the E-Clutch version, with pricing still to be announced for the latter.

2024 Honda CBR650R specifications

2024 Honda CB650R specifications