Honda Cbr 650R

The CBR650F will be replaced by this, the CBR650R. That change of a single letter isnt quite enough to convey just how many changes have actually been made to Hondas middleweight sportsbike.

The R makes it a little more aggressive, and that is reflected in the styling. It looks like a baby Fireblade now, which is excellent. There is aggression in the new riding position as well - the handlebars are lower and 30mm further forward, and the footpegs have been moved 3mm back and 6mm higher. The seat is a split seat, which means the riders seat is bolted on. This will give the rider more feel. The engine also delivers 5 per cent more peak power with a redline that is 1000rpm higher, totalling 98bhp at 12,000rpm. The CBR650R is thin on electronics, with just ABS.

The CBR650R will compete in concept with the likes of the Kawasaki Ninja 650, another 650cc faired sportsbike. But in reality, it will be closer in character to the Triumph Street Triple, although that is not a faired machine.