Honda’s “Neo-Sports Café” restyle campaign continues, with the CB650R (and its sporty sibling, the CBR650R) replacing the CB650F/CBR650F for 2019. We liked what the makeover did for the CB1000R and CB300R, so we’re looking forward to getting a ride on this new naked middleweight.

2019 Honda CB650R

The most obvious change from the outgoing CB650F model is the total redesign, which includes a trimmed-down chassis, a round LED headlight and a new LCD dash that includes shift indicators and a gear position indicator. Despite a longer rake (32 degrees compared to 25.3) and an identical trail (4 inches), the new CB650R has an oh-so-slightly shorter wheelbase, 57 inches compared to 57.1.

Its seat height is unchanged at 31.9 inches and it weighs in at a claimed 445 pounds wet, compared to the F’s 454 pounds. At least some of that weight loss is due to the half-gallon smaller fuel tank, now holding 4.1 gallons.

Performance upgrades include a new inverted 41mm Showa fork, radial-mount 4-piston brake calipers, floating brake rotors and new wheels. Its 649cc in-line four has a revised intake and exhaust, new cam timing and a slightly higher compression ratio, for more peak power and smoother torque delivery throughout the rev range.

An assist-and-slipper clutch and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) round out the CB650R’s features.

The 2019 CB650R will be available in April 2019. It comes in Chromosphere Red, with an MSRP of $8,899 for non-ABS, and $9,199 for the ABS model.

2019 Honda CBR650R

New styling and a more aggressive riding position that shifts the rider’s weight forward and down are drawn from the CBR1000RR, making the CBR650F’s replacement even sportier than before. Its 649cc in-line four revs higher and makes more power and torque, plus it gets HSTC and an assist-and-slipper clutch.

Revisions to the frame, fuel tank and footpegs resulted in a claimed 11.6-pound weight loss over the previous model, with the CBR650R weighing in at 456 pounds. Like its naked CB650R sibling, wheelbase is 57 inches, seat height is 31.9 inches and it holds 4.1 gallons of gas.

The CBR650R also gets all-LED lighting, a new LCD dash with shift and gear position indicators, a new 41mm inverted Showa SFF fork, radial-mount 4-piston brake calipers and floating brake rotors, and redesigned wheels.

It will be available in Grand Prix Red/Stripe, and MSRP is $9,399.

Check out Rider’s Guide to New/Updated Street Motorcycles for 2019