Honda compares the CBR650F with the Kawasaki Ninja 650, hinting towards a competitive price tag and could be priced below Rs. 7 lakhs.
The Honda CBR650F was touted to be India’s most affordable four-cylinder motorcycle when first showcased at the 2014 Auto Expo. But the arrival of the Benelli TNT 600i spoiled Honda’s plans to owning that title. The more recent reports have claimed that the Japanese auto giant will price the CBR650F around Rs. 8 lakhs (ex-showroom), a bit higher than most rivals including the Kawasaki Z800, Ducati Monster 795, Triumph Street Triple and the likes. Nonetheless, this leaked image of a spec comparison from a dealer training program suggests that Honda is comparing the bike to the more affordable Kawasaki Ninja 650 as well.
This hints at the possibility that Honda India will price the CBR650F bang in the middle of its rivals. The Ninja 650 is one of the more competitively priced Kwackers with a starting price of Rs. 5.30 lakhs, while the Benelli TNT 600i is priced at Rs. 5.29 lakhs. The more powerful Z800 (an in-line four) is priced at around Rs. 7.35 lakhs. The Ducati Monster 795 is priced at Rs. 6.45 lakhs; whereas the Triumph Street Triple is the most expensive, crossing the Rs. 8 lakh mark (all prices, ex-showroom Mumbai). Given the range it has to compete with, Honda could price the CBR650F just a notch below Rs. 7 lakhs, justifiably claiming a healthy price tag on the bike.
Power on the Honda CBR650F comes from a 649cc in-line four-cylinder engine that belts out 87 PS at 11,000 RPM and 62 Nm of torque at 8000 RPM, paired to a 6-speed gearbox. Honda India is all set to launch the model in the following weeks with dealers accepting bookings for Rs. 50,000/-. While pricing will be a key factor in the success of the CBR650F, Honda’s urge to ask for a premium in India could deter a lot of buyers away. However, it just seems the company is holding an ace up its sleeve this time and might surprise us with a new pricing strategy.
Source – BikeAdvice.in