Honda CBF190TR revealed for Chinese market
The 2020 Honda CBF190TR is launched for the Chinese-market but its sharp styling and eye-catching specification is tipped to filter across European models
Honda has pulled the wraps off its new CBF190TR modern retro ‘mini-scrambler’ model for the Chinese market, debuting a new styling direction that could preview the look of Honda’s upcoming global models.
Manufactured by Honda’s Sundiro subsidiary, the Honda CBF190TR sees the Japanese firm adopt a fresh take on the increasingly popular ‘modern retro’ style and packs it into a mini-scrambler package that while small, is smartly formed.
Packing 184cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine generating 16bhp, the Honda CBF190TR appears destined to remain a China-only model even if a glance specification sheet suggests it wouldn’t take much upgrading to bring it to a market like Europe.
At the very least it is reasonable to suggest the Honda CBF190TR could form a blueprint for a new design direction, with the CBF190TR offering a modern and trendy take on the Honda design language, one that could well filter out across the European range.
Indeed, with its large front forks, attractive LED headlight arrangement and dual-purpose tyres, the Honda CBF190TR demonstrates a noticeably premium finish and attention to detail for a machine that won’t be seen outside of Chinese borders.
Honda Elsinore on its way?
With scrambler ranges demonstrating a classic 1970s style proving to be a hit with Honda’s rivals Ducati and Triumph, the Japanese firm appears to have been researching its own offerings with the trademark registering of the name ‘Elsinore’ – the moniker it used for its 1970s scrambler bikes.
Then again, it is a rumour that has done the rounds for a while now, with Honda instead choosing to focus on its core models.
Alternatively, the CBF190RTR could also herald a new look for Honda’s Neo Sports Café, starting in China before rolling out to Europe too. Either way, we could well find out in October when Honda no doubt gives us plenty to talk about at the Tokyo Motorshow.
What do you think to the look? Stick with the current styling of the CB range, or is it time for a facelift?
