Honda has just dropped some exciting news for bike lovers in India with the launch of the 2025 CBR650R and CB650R, both featuring the new E-Clutch technology, as of May 11, 2025. These middleweight bikes are the first in the country to come with this innovative system, aiming to make riding smoother and more enjoyable, especially for those who love performance bikes. Let’s break down what these bikes bring to the table for Indian riders looking for a mix of thrill and ease.
Rides Smooth with Great Control
These bikes are built to handle well, with a diamond frame, Showa 41mm upside-down front forks, and a rear mono-shock for a balanced ride. The 150 mm ground clearance is fine for city streets, but don’t expect to take them off-road—they’ll struggle on rough terrain. Braking is solid with dual 310 mm front discs and a 240 mm rear disc, plus dual-channel ABS for safety. They roll on 17-inch alloy wheels with tubeless tyres (120/70 front, 180/55 rear), offering good grip for cornering. The riding position on the CBR650R is sporty and forward-leaning, while the CB650R is more upright, making it comfier for longer rides. Some folks might find the CBR650R’s stance a bit aggressive for daily use, and both bikes can feel firm over potholes due to the sporty suspension setup.
Tech That Makes Riding Easier
The E-Clutch is the star here, making gear shifts effortless and reducing fatigue in stop-and-go traffic. You also get a 5-inch TFT display with Honda RoadSync for smartphone connectivity, showing speed, gear position, and navigation. LED lights all around—headlamp, tail light, and indicators—look sharp and save power. The CBR650R adds Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) for better traction on slippery roads, which the CB650R doesn’t have. Both are 2-seaters with sporty seats, but the pillion spot can feel cramped on long rides. There’s no under-seat storage, so you’ll need a bag for your stuff. Some riders might miss features like cruise control or adjustable suspension, which rivals like the Triumph Daytona 660 offer.
Not Cheap to Run, But It’s a Premium Ride
With a real-world mileage of 20-22 kmpl, these bikes aren’t the most fuel-efficient. The 15L tank gives you 300 to 330 km per fill, costing about ₹4 to ₹5 per km to run at ₹100/litre—pricey compared to a 50 kmpl commuter bike. You’re looking at ₹20,000 more a year than a budget bike, but you’re paying for performance and tech. The BS6 Phase 2 engine keeps emissions low, and Honda’s focus on lightweight materials adds to the green factor. But in heavy traffic, mileage might dip to 18 kmpl, so it’s not the best for penny-pinchers.
Price and Availability in India
The CB650R E-Clutch starts at ₹9.60 lakh ex-showroom Delhi, while the CBR650R E-Clutch goes for ₹10.40 lakh—a ₹40,000 jump over their standard versions due to the E-Clutch tech. On-road in Delhi, expect ₹10.50 lakh to ₹11.40 lakh. EMIs can start at ₹30,000/month with a ₹1 lakh downpayment at 9% interest for 3 years. They come in two colors each—Candy Chromosphere Red and Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic for the CB650R, and Grand Prix Red and Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic for the CBR650R. Bookings are open at Honda BigWing dealerships across India, like in Mumbai or Delhi, and online via Honda’s website. Deliveries start in the last week of May 2025, though some dealers might have waiting periods of 15-30 days.
Bikes They’re Up Against
The CBR650R takes on the Triumph Daytona 660 (₹10.50 lakh, 80 bhp, 25 kmpl), which offers more power but lacks the E-Clutch. The CB650R competes with the Kawasaki Z900 (₹9.29 lakh, 123 bhp, 20 kmpl), which has more grunt but misses the tech edge. Both also face the Suzuki GSX-8R (₹9.25 lakh, 82 bhp, 23 kmpl), which is cheaper but less powerful. Honda’s E-Clutch gives them a unique edge for ease of riding, but rivals might appeal more to raw performance seekers.
What You Should Know Before Buying
At ₹9.60 lakh to ₹10.40 lakh, these bikes are pricey for India, where you can get a 150cc bike for under ₹1 lakh. They weigh 202-208 kg, which is manageable, but the 150 mm ground clearance might scrape on rough roads outside cities. Mileage of 20-22 kmpl isn’t great for daily commutes, and running costs are high. They’re 2-seaters, but the pillion seat isn’t ideal for long rides, and there’s no storage. The E-Clutch is a big win for ease, but some riders might find the lack of HSTC on the CB650R a miss, and service costs for premium bikes can add up—expect ₹5,000 per service. Honda’s BigWing network is growing, but parts availability for high-end models can be slow in smaller towns.
Who These Bikes Are For
The CBR650R and CB650R E-Clutch are for performance lovers and tech-savvy riders who want a premium 2-seater with 20-22 kmpl mileage and cutting-edge features like the E-Clutch and TFT display. The CBR650R suits sportbike fans who love aggressive styling, while the CB650R is better for those who want a naked bike for city and highway rides. They’re not for budget commuters, off-road adventurers, or those needing storage or long-distance pillion comfort.
Where to Find Them
Head to Honda BigWing dealerships in cities like Bangalore or Chennai, or book online via Honda BigWing India’s website. Deliveries start late May 2025, but festive deals later in the year might include offers worth ₹20,000—check for colors like Grand Prix Red.
Honda CBR650R and CB650R E-Clutch: Premium Rides with a Tech Edge
The Honda CBR650R and CB650R E-Clutch have a 649cc engine, 20-22 kmpl real-world mileage, and start at ₹9.60 lakh to ₹10.40 lakh. They bring E-Clutch tech, LED lights, and sporty designs. High running costs and limited storage are downsides, but they’re awesome for riders who want performance and innovation in 2025. Perfect for those who love a thrilling ride with modern ease.
Disclaimer: Specs and prices are based on recent reports as of May 2025. Check with Honda BigWing dealers for the latest details.
