Just a few weeks ago, Honda had revealed that it was going to locally assemble the CBR 650F in India, from kits imported from Thailand. Now, reports indicate that the company is planning to launch the middleweight supersports motorcycle by March, next year. As completely knocked down (CKD) motorcycles fall in a lower tax bracket as compared to completely built units (CBU), the CBR 650F will be the most affordable four-cylinder motorcycle in the Indian market.
The Japanese manufacturer had first revealed its intent of launching the CBR 650F at the 2014 Delhi Auto, though the announcement of local assembly was made recently, during the ground breaking ceremony for the company’s new plant in Vithalapur, Gujarat. The local assembly means that the CBR 650F will attract lower excise duties and is expected to be priced very lucratively. The local assembly is a part of Honda’s ‘Make in India’ campaign, which aims to exploit the country’s efficient manpower and manufacturing quality, while maintaining an affordability aspect for its products.
The CBR 650F employs a four-pot 650cc engine that churns out 87bhp and a peak torque of 63Nm. It will attempt to catch the fancy of touring enthusiasts in the country, competing with the likes of the Kawasaki Ninja 650R, Hyosung GT650R and the upcoming Benelli BN 600GT.
