P72
2019 HONDA CB650R & CBR650R
F I RST REVI EW
Honda also revised the engine hanger with a
new cross pipe and shortened the seat rail by
60mm, putting the rider's weight closer to the
center of the motorcycle. That's a significant part
of the new CB/CBR platform—both machines are
aimed to be a little sportier, with the ergonomics
now more aggressive thanks to slightly lower bars,
a sharper seat angle, and pegs that have been
moved somewhat rearward and up.
The suspension comes from Showa with its
non-adjustable 41mm Separate Function Fork (SFF)
and a rear shock that gets preload adjustment, but
nothing else. The brakes across both bikes are
also the same, with Nissin giving up its dual 310mm
floating discs and four-piston radial mount calipers,
stopping five-spoke wheels that are a claimed
single pound lighter front and rear.
Electronics play a role in the CB/CBR platform
but not as much as some competitors. There's
no variable riding maps, no cruise control and no
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