Honda Motorcycles continues to evolve its popular middleweight 650cc lineup, introducing new and exciting colour schemes for the 2026 Honda CB650R and CBR650R. The update, although cosmetic, aims to keep the models fresh and visually appealing for enthusiasts who appreciate a balance of performance, refinement, and design sophistication.
Both models, the CB650R (naked roadster) and the CBR650R (fully-faired sportbike), have established strong reputations among riders looking for four-cylinder power with everyday usability. With the 2026 refresh, Honda enhances their visual appeal through new paint finishes and accent combinations that add character and modernity to their already striking designs.
Let’s explore the details, new colours, features, specifications, and what these updates mean for global and Indian riders.
Table of Contents
The 2026 Honda CB650R and CBR650R: Overview
Honda’s 650cc lineup has long been a sweet spot for riders seeking a blend of refinement, smooth inline-four performance, and Honda reliability. The CB650R represents the neo-retro “Neo Sports Café” design language, featuring muscular lines and minimal bodywork, while the CBR650R embodies Honda’s aggressive supersport styling with aerodynamic fairings and a racing stance.
Both motorcycles share the same core — a 649cc inline-four engine, smooth power delivery, premium build quality, and a reputation for being approachable yet thrilling to ride.
For 2026, Honda hasn’t altered the mechanicals but has instead introduced new, sophisticated colour options designed to appeal to a wide range of riders.
New Colour Options for 2026
Honda CBR650R 2026 – New Colour Palette
The 2026 Honda CBR650R receives a significant visual refresh, with four new colour options introduced for the European market. Each shade combines Honda’s signature performance DNA with premium detailing through contrast accents.
Here are the new colour options:
- Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic with Graphite Black Metallic accents – A stealth-inspired finish for riders who prefer a dark, premium look.
- Matte Jeans Blue Metallic with Graphite Black Metallic details – A unique blue tone that balances sportiness with elegance.
- Candy Energy Orange with Graphite Black Metallic accents – A vibrant, youthful colour aimed at riders who love standing out on the streets.
- Grand Prix Red with Graphite Black Metallic highlights – The signature Honda racing red, symbolizing performance and heritage.
These new hues complement the motorcycle’s aggressive lines, LED lighting setup, and angular fairing, making the CBR650R visually more captivating than ever.
Honda CB650R 2026 – New Colour Option
While the CBR650R gets four fresh shades, the CB650R receives one striking new addition to its palette:
- Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic with Yellow Accent
This combination injects a hint of sportiness into the CB650R’s neo-retro aesthetic. The yellow highlights around the tank and panels offer a contrast that accentuates the bike’s mechanical detailing and gives it a more energetic street presence.
The existing colour options — Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic and Candy Chromosphere Red — continue for 2026, giving buyers multiple choices that range from subtle elegance to bold expression.
Engine and Performance: Unchanged but Still Outstanding
While the 2026 updates focus on visuals, Honda has wisely chosen not to interfere with the tried-and-tested mechanical formula.
Both the CB650R and CBR650R are powered by a 649cc, inline-four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine. This engine is one of the smoothest and most reliable units in its segment and is known for its linear power delivery and unmistakable four-cylinder symphony.
- Maximum Power: 94 hp @ 12,000 rpm
- Peak Torque: 63 Nm @ 9,500 rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed gearbox with assist and slipper clutch
The assist/slipper clutch helps reduce rear-wheel hop during aggressive downshifts, improving stability. Power is delivered smoothly across the rev range, making it ideal for both spirited weekend rides and daily commutes.
Chassis, Suspension, and Braking
The mechanical architecture of the 650 duo remains unchanged for 2026. Both models use a steel diamond frame, which strikes a perfect balance between agility and rigidity.
Suspension
- Front: Showa Separate Function Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks
- Rear: Monoshock with adjustable preload
This setup offers responsive handling, excellent road feedback, and comfort for both city and highway riding.
Brakes
- Front: Dual 310mm discs with radial-mount four-piston calipers
- Rear: Single 240mm disc
Dual-channel ABS is standard, ensuring safety under varied conditions.
Features and Design
Honda CB650R Highlights:
- Neo Sports Café styling inspired by the CB1000R
- Round LED headlamp and minimalist tail section
- Upright seating posture for comfort
- Fully digital LCD display with gear position indicator and shift-up light
Honda CBR650R Highlights:
- Fully-faired body for aerodynamic efficiency
- Clip-on handlebars for a sportier stance
- Full LED lighting setup
- Modern LCD instrument cluster
Both models offer Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) — Honda’s traction control system that ensures optimal grip on slippery surfaces by modulating power delivery.
Market Availability and Pricing
Currently, the 2026 models have been unveiled for European markets, where Honda’s 650cc range enjoys strong popularity. However, in India, the existing models — still among the most premium mid-capacity offerings — continue unchanged.
As of now, the Honda CB650R is priced at approximately ₹10.30 lakh (ex-showroom, India), while the CBR650R retails for around ₹11.16 lakh (ex-showroom, India).
Given Honda’s pattern, the new colours may eventually reach Indian shores in 2026, depending on demand and homologation schedules.
Why Honda’s 650 Twins Still Matter
Despite growing competition in the middleweight category, Honda’s CB650R and CBR650R continue to attract a loyal following. Their inline-four configuration offers a level of refinement and sound unmatched by most twin-cylinder rivals.
They strike an ideal balance between everyday usability and spirited performance. While some competitors focus purely on power or price, Honda emphasizes smoothness, quality, and an all-round experience — traits that make these motorcycles timeless.
The new colours for 2026 simply add to their charm, ensuring they remain visually relevant in an evolving market.
Specifications Summary
| Specification | Honda CB650R / CBR650R |
|---|---|
| Engine | 649cc, inline-four, liquid-cooled, DOHC |
| Power | 94 hp @ 12,000 rpm |
| Torque | 63 Nm @ 9,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed with assist & slipper clutch |
| Front Suspension | Showa SFF-BP USD Forks |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock (adjustable preload) |
| Front Brakes | Dual 310mm discs |
| Rear Brakes | Single 240mm disc |
| ABS | Dual-channel |
| Frame Type | Steel diamond frame |
| Lighting | Full LED |
| Instrument Cluster | Digital LCD |
| Traction Control | Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) |
Expert Verdict
The 2026 Honda CB650R and CBR650R may not introduce mechanical changes, but their refreshed styling ensures continued appeal among enthusiasts who value design and reliability over outright innovation.
For riders stepping up from smaller-capacity motorcycles, the 650 twins remain among the most approachable inline-four bikes on the market — blending sophistication, durability, and an exhilarating soundtrack.
FAQs
What are the main updates in the 2026 Honda CB650R and CBR650R?
The 2026 update introduces new colour schemes and accent detailing for both models. There are no mechanical or feature changes.
Is there any engine upgrade in the 2026 models?
No, both models retain the 649cc inline-four engine, producing 94 hp and 63 Nm of torque.
Which new colours are available for the 2026 CBR650R?
The new colours include Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic with Graphite Black accents, Matte Jeans Blue Metallic, Candy Energy Orange, and Grand Prix Red with updated highlights.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Honda CB650R and CBR650R updates reaffirm Honda’s commitment to offering style, reliability, and performance in a balanced package. Even without engine or feature upgrades, these models remain benchmarks in refinement and build quality within the middleweight segment.
With new colours now enhancing their aesthetic appeal, the CB650R and CBR650R continue to hold their place as some of the most desirable 650cc motorcycles on the road — proof that timeless engineering and design evolution can go hand in hand.