Honda CB650R, CBR650R get new colours

A week on from the big-bodied NT1100 gaining a new colour option for 2026, Honda has now welcomed a new set of variants, but this time to its mid-capacity CB650R and CBR650R models.

From a technical and mechanical point of view, both models have remained unchanged since receiving updates as part of their 2024 model year evolution. 

Starting with the CBR650R, the Japanese company’s middleweight supersport model gains a new Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic variant, which also features a light dash of yellow along the side fairing.

First launched in 2014, the CBR650R benefited from a new 5-inch TFT dash in 2024, as well as styling updates. A new headlight, fairing, rider and pillion seats, tail unit and taillight were all introduced during the same year. 

The bike’s engine was unchanged in 2024, though, which remains the case for the 2026 model. That means the CBR650R still produces 93.8bhp at 12,000rpm and 46.4 Ib ft of torque at 9,500rpm. 

While the CBR650R gains just the one colour update for 2026, its naked sibling, the CB650R, gets four new options to choose from. They include the same Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic as the CBR650R, a Matt Jeans Blue Metallic, Candy Energy Orange and Grand Prix Red options. 

All four variants share the same price tag of £7,999, while the CBR650R will cost you £8,799. There’s no waiting necessary if you want one of the new colour options, with all five bikes already available to buy on Honda’s official website.

The CB650R continues to be one of Honda’s best performing bikes, with over 46,000 units sold since its introduction in 2019. It has repeatedly been amongst Honda’s top three selling bikes and according to the brand, it “is one of Europe’s most popular Super Sports models.” 

Both the CB650R and CBR650R were the first Honda models to be offered with the company’s E-Clutch technology. If you’re unsure how the system works, you can find out everything you need to by reading our Honda E-Clutch feature.

But to give you a quick introduction, the E-Clutch works by effectively giving the bike an electronically actuated clutch, meaning when the bike's gear lever is touched, the system engages by pulling in the clutch and then releasing it once the next gear has been selected. All five 2026 variants of the CB650R and CBR650R feature Honda’s E-Clutch system as an option - standard gearboxes are still available.

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