Honda has launched the 2019 CBR650R middle-weight sports tourer in India and priced it at Rs 7.70 lakhs (ex-showroom, pan India). The motorcycle is a successor to the now-discontinued CBR650F and carries significant changes in various aspects. The design of the ‘R’ version is more aggressive, the ergonomics are sportier and it gets more features. The engine, although the same, now churns out more power. All of that sound truly enticing but in case you are wondering what alternatives you have around this price range, here are the options available.
The Indian market offers three naked street bikes in this segment. Starting with the Kawasaki Z900, the motorcycle has replaced the Z1000 and the Z800 in India. Boasting of the traditional Z series styling, it looks ready-to-pounce with the intimidating front fascia, edgy tank section along with the high set tail design. Powering the Z900 is a 948cc, liquid cooled motor which comes mated to a six-speed gearbox. This liquid-cooled engine churns out 123.3bhp and 98.6Nm. The Kawasaki Z900 retails at Rs 7.69 lakhs.
Next up in the naked street bike line-up is the Suzuki GSX-S750 which is Rs 17,000 cheaper than the Z900. Also called the ‘Apex Predator’, this bike boasts of an aggressive design like the Z900. However, it has an upper hand in terms of electronics as it features three-mode traction control and low RPM assist. Powering the bike is a 749cc, in-line motor which produces 114bhp of power and comes mated to a six-speed gearbox.
One can also opt for the Ducati Monster 797 which is the entry level offering in the Italian brand’s Monster family. The 797 may not look as butch as its elder siblings but carries the muscles to justify its name. The baby Monster pumps out 75bhp and 69Nm from its 803cc, twin-cylinder liquid-cooled mill. Priced at Rs 8.12 lakhs, it demands a considerable premium over the Z900 and the GSX-S750.
Now, the Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT is the only adventure tourer in this price bracket. Following the design cues of its litre-class sibling, the V-Storm 650 XT gets a beak-like front fairing, tall windscreen, knuckle guard and gold-finished wheels, all of which lend it a premium ADV look. The bike is powered by a 645cc, liquid-cooled, twin-cylinder motor which makes 70bhp and 69Nm. In terms of pricing, the V-Strom 650 is slightly cheaper than the CBR650R at Rs 7.51 lakhs.
(All prices are ex-showroom)
