Sophisticated neo-sports cafe style
Honda’s pride and joy, the CB650R, a four-cylinder naked bike, is set to become even more appealing with its 2026 model. The “Neo Sports Café” style, which combines mechanical beauty with modern functionality, has been refined, and this year four new color variations have been introduced. In addition to the existing “Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic,” “Matte Jeans Blue Metallic,” “Candy Energy Orange,” and “Grand Prix Red” have been added. All of these models combine “Graphite Black Metallic” details with bronze-colored forks and wheels to create a high-quality, sporty impression.
The CB650R, which was released in 2019, is a symbol of Honda’s neo-classical design and plays a central role in the “Neo Sports Café” series, following the “CB1000R” and “CB300R” from 2018. This series, which combines timeless design with the latest technology, has highlighted the beauty of the mechanical structure itself based on the design philosophy of “Art Mechanica.”
Evolution of styling and equipment
The exterior, which was revamped for the 2024 model, continues to be adopted for the 2026 model. While maintaining compact and muscular proportions, the lines that flow from the tank to the tail create a bold impression. The 5-inch full-color TFT display uses an optically bonded structure for improved visibility and is compatible with the Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity system. Music playback, calls, messages, and navigation can be operated in an integrated manner, allowing the rider to freely control the system using voice and handlebar switches.
The seat height is 810mm, ensuring a comfortable riding position. Full LED lighting is used both front and rear, and the unique round headlight at the front exudes presence as an icon of the series. The vehicle weight is only 207kg even with the E-Clutch, achieving a direct feel and agile response.
High-performance chassis and engine characteristics
The frame inherits the steel diamond structure. Equipped with a 41mm diameter inverted front fork “Showa SFF-BP” and a link-type mono shock, it is suitable for a wide range of riding styles, from sports riding to everyday use. The front and rear brakes are equipped with 310mm floating discs and 4-piston radial mount calipers, boasting high braking power and control.
The engine is a 649cc water-cooled inline 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve engine that produces a maximum output of 95PS/12,000rpm and a maximum torque of 63Nm/9,500rpm. Honda’s proprietary traction control “HSTC” is standard equipment, ensuring stable driving even on rough roads. Fuel economy is excellent at 20.4km/L in WMTC mode, and the 15.4L tank provides a cruising range of approximately 300km. It also complies with Euro5+ emission regulations, making it environmentally friendly. A 35kW version that meets A2 license requirements is also available.
The internal structure is also packed with Honda-like ingenuity. The cylinder is finely machined to improve heat dissipation, and the piston uses an asymmetric design to reduce frictional resistance. This achieves both smooth acceleration and reliability. The intake path has a double channel structure, making throttle response even sharper.
Innovative Honda E-Clutch as standard equipment
The biggest talking point about the CB650R 2026 is its standard equipment of the Honda E-Clutch electronically controlled clutch system. This revolutionary technology makes it possible to start, change gears, stop, and downshift using only the shift pedal, without the need to operate the clutch lever. The electronic control unit instantly analyzes engine speed, throttle, and vehicle speed, optimizing the opening and closing of the clutch. This completely prevents the engine from stalling when starting, and makes shifting gears almost completely painless.
The system weighs just 2 kg, and the clutch lever remains the same as before, allowing the rider to choose manual operation. The shift feel can be set to three levels (Soft/Medium/Hard) to get the response that suits your preference. It combines comfort for city riding with intuitive operability on winding roads, taking riding freedom to a new level.
Furthermore, Honda will be offering three accessory packs exclusively for the CB650R: the “Style Pack” to enhance the bike’s appearance, the “Sports Pack” to emphasize its sportiness, and the “Comfort Pack” that emphasizes comfort, allowing owners to customize the bike to suit their individual personalities.
The Honda CB650R 2026 combines the sensual engine feel of a traditional 4-cylinder naked bike with the future-oriented operability of the E-Clutch. As an ideal fusion of neo-classicism and technology, it can be said to be a new milestone that embodies Honda’s design philosophy, “Art Mechanica.”
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