[Rachit.K.Dogra]

Originally Posted by animeshb

I booked one in Red around the middle of November, and the dealer has indicated that I will get the delivery end of January or thereabouts. Anyone has a better update on when the deliveries will begin?

To add my 2 paise, I was terribly confused between the CBR and the Z900 - what clinched the deal was the absence of Grab Rails in the Z (and also the lack of after market ones)

Congratulations!! Keep us posted on updates of delivery. Well, interesting pointer to choose a bike. I have never heard of grab handle being a reason to choose/reject a bike. The new CBR does look better in my opinion in both the new color schemes plus the new LED headlight.

CHEERS!!

Rachit

[animeshb]

Originally Posted by Rachit.K.Dogra

Congratulations!! Keep us posted on updates of delivery. Well, interesting pointer to choose a bike. I have never heard of grab handle being a reason to choose/reject a bike. The new CBR does look better in my opinion in both the new color schemes plus the new LED headlight.

CHEERS!!
Rachit

Thanks Rachit! The new done does look a wee bit better.

To mention a little history, I wanted to get the Ninja650 first, having had a CBR250R for a few years which I barely used much. The Ninja650 didn't feel substantial enough, and hence started looking at the Z900. Did a test drive and was hooked. But looking at my usage decided on the CBR650 which launched at the right time. Either my 8.5 year-old Son (kitted) or my wife would (kitted) be on the bike once in a while and primarily the bike would be used for school, tennis and music class runs with an occasional ride with my riding group.

And that solves the mystery of my need for grab handles The Striple also has grab handles BTW

[Rachit.K.Dogra]

Originally Posted by animeshb

Thanks Rachit! The new done does look a wee bit better.

To mention a little history, I wanted to get the Ninja650 first, having had a CBR250R for a few years which I barely used much. The Ninja650 didn't feel substantial enough, and hence started looking at the Z900. Did a test drive and was hooked. But looking at my usage decided on the CBR650 which launched at the right time. Either my 8.5 year-old Son (kitted) or my wife would (kitted) be on the bike once in a while and primarily the bike would be used for school, tennis and music class runs with an occasional ride with my riding group.

And that solves the mystery of my need for grab handles The Striple also has grab handles BTW

Yeah, I could guess the usage from the need for the grab handles. Considering you have pillion comfort in mind, CBR is a wee bit better than the Z900 in my opinion in this regard. In the Delhi Honda group, there are a few guys who bring their sons/daughters on the ride with them in the CBR.

CHEERS!!

Rachit

[ethanhunt123]

Originally Posted by animeshb

I booked one in Red around the middle of November, and the dealer has indicated that I will get the delivery end of January or thereabouts. Anyone has a better update on when the deliveries will begin?

To add my 2 paise, I was terribly confused between the CBR and the Z900 - what clinched the deal was the absence of Grab Rails in the Z (and also the lack of after market ones)

Actually you can get aftermarket Hepco Becker rails for the Z900 which also double up as luggage holders

[dchahal]

Originally Posted by animeshb

To mention a little history, I wanted to get the Ninja650 first, having had a CBR250R for a few years which I barely used much. The Ninja650 didn't feel substantial enough, and hence started looking at the Z900. Did a test drive and was hooked. But looking at my usage decided on the CBR650 which launched at the right time. Either my 8.5 year-old Son (kitted) or my wife would (kitted) be on the bike once in a while and primarily the bike would be used for school, tennis and music class runs with an occasional ride with my riding group.

If one more family member will be with you always, then you should be happy about leaving z900 bcz that rear seat is so uncomfortable (padding is non existent and size is also small) that you will put the pillion on a torture test. Z900 otherwise being an excellent package is not good for 2 up riding. Congrats in advance for CBR650F.

Mod Note: Please quote ONLY the relevant bits of a post. Quoting a full, long post inconveniences our mobile readers.

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Originally Posted by animeshb

I booked one in Red around the middle of November, and the dealer has indicated that I will get the delivery end of January or thereabouts.

Quite surprising since the launch was back in October. Almost three months have passed and no bikes to be seen.

Had requested a callback from the dealer when the display vehicles arrive - and yet to receive any information from them as well.

Originally Posted by animeshb

Either my 8.5 year-old Son (kitted) or my wife would (kitted) be on the bike once in a while and primarily the bike would be used for school, tennis and music class runs with an occasional ride with my riding group.

Good decision on the CBR650F.

Z900 is a total misfit for pillion usage. Only the Versys 650 and Ninja 1000 can carry pillion in good comfort, in the Kawasaki lineup.

[Added_flavor]

Originally Posted by animeshb

I booked one in Red around the middle of November, and the dealer has indicated that I will get the delivery end of January or thereabouts. Anyone has a better update on when the deliveries will begin?

To add my 2 paise, I was terribly confused between the CBR and the Z900 - what clinched the deal was the absence of Grab Rails in the Z (and also the lack of after market ones)

Trust me, much more than grab rails contribute to pillion comfort and safety. When Honda called the CBR650 a sports tourer, they meant it. I'm saying this after doing a 7000 km ride across 8 Indian states over 17 days. Yes, my wife was pillion for more than 70% of this distance.

All the best for your ownership.

Adding one of my favourite pics clicked by a dear friend, before our travelogue comes up here on Tbhp.

[animeshb]

Originally Posted by ethanhunt123

Actually you can get aftermarket Hepco Becker rails for the Z900 which also double up as luggage holders

Nevermind! One of the smart alecs at the dealership mentioned that I can get one fabricated

Originally Posted by dchahal

If one more family member will be with you always, then you should be happy about leaving z900 bcz that rear seat is so uncomfortable (padding is non existent and size is also small) that you will put the pillion on a torture test. Z900 otherwise being an excellent package is not good for 2 up riding. Congrats in advance for CBR650F.

Thanks dchahal. Completely agree on the uncomfortable rear seat. If that wasn't a problem, I would have got the Z without even thinking. It's a silly reason, but valid for me.

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

Quite surprising since the launch was back in October. Almost three months have passed and no bikes to be seen.

The manufacturing was supposed to start on the 4th of Jan. Not sure whats the status right now.

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

Good decision on the CBR650F. Z900 is a total misfit for pillion usage. Only the Versys 650 and Ninja 1000 can carry pillion in good comfort, in the Kawasaki lineup.

Thanks! The Versys650 is too big for me at 5'7". The Ninja 1000 is amazing and VFM but quite intimidating for a first big bike.

[dchahal]

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

Z900 is a total misfit for pillion usage. Only the Versys 650 and Ninja 1000 can carry pillion in good comfort, in the Kawasaki lineup.

They have one more ace named "14R" which is even more comfortable.

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Originally Posted by animeshb

The manufacturing was supposed to start on the 4th of Jan. Not sure whats the status right now.

Finally after what seemed like ages - we have the first of the ride reports trickling in -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIB2UtMSPbc

Must say - Looks mighty good as compared to the earlier iteration, all thanks to a good colour scheme.

Key Differences -

1. More committed riding position now due to lowered clipons.
2. All LED headlamps, but average lighting.
3. Short gear ratios and slighty louder exhaust.
4. Much better handling and ride due to the new Showa forks.

[BoltThrower]

Booked mine in Nov. expecting delivery of the red in feb some time. there’s a comparo video of the 2017 vs the outgoing model by an existing 650f owner. the matte black looks breath takingly good.

here’s the link to the comparo video-

https://youtu.be/iBZFvNqHP90

cheers and happy riding!

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Originally Posted by BoltThrower

Booked mine in Nov. expecting delivery of the red in feb some time.

Any news on the delivery?

Hearing no news about the 650F from the Bangalore dealership. Honda website still says only 'Bookings Open'.

[Added_flavor]

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

Any news on the delivery?

Hearing no news about the 650F from the Bangalore dealership. Honda website still says only 'Bookings Open'.

Quite a few 2017 bikes have been delivered from Bangalore. That includes both red and black. In fact one of the red bikes met with an unfortunate small accident and is in the service center for repairs.

[BoltThrower]

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

Any news on the delivery?

Hearing no news about the 650F from the Bangalore dealership. Honda website still says only 'Bookings Open'.

Took delivery on the 9th of Feb. Have had first servicing done. Working on the write up now

[dilipkumar7278]

Just contacted Wing world KOCHI for details. The Service Advisor had no clue regarding the availability. She said they are expecting the price and availability details on the first week of March..I think they are least interested in selling the bike seeing their body language.:
Regards