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Honda launches 2025 CB650R and CBR650R with game-changing E-clutch
MUMBAI: Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has shifted gears in India’s premium motorcycle market with the launch of the 2025 CB650R and CBR650R, both powered by Honda’s revolutionary E-clutch technology — a first for Indian riders. Bookings are now open at all BigWing dealerships, with deliveries set to rev up by the end of May.
The 2025 Honda CB650R, with its minimalist neo sports café styling, is priced at Rs 9.60 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), while the aggressive, race-ready CBR650R retails at Rs 10.40 lakh. Both models are powered by a 649cc, liquid-cooled, inline four-cylinder engine that churns out 70 kW of power at 12,000 RPM and 63 Nm of torque at 9,500 RPM — now enhanced with Honda’s E-clutch for smoother shifts without the clutch lever.
The E-clutch system, first developed by Honda in 2023, automatically manages the clutch, offering seamless starts and gear changes. Whether you’re cruising in the city or carving corners, the E-clutch ensures a fatigue-free ride.
Sporting Honda’s signature neo sports café design, the CB650R blends a rugged yet refined look with modern tech. Key highlights include a round LED headlamp, sculpted fuel tank, a 5.0-inch TFT display with smartphone connectivity via Honda RoadSync, and high-performance Showa 41 mm SFF-BP front forks. The bike is available in candy chromosphere red and matte gunpowder black metallic.
Inspired by Honda’s supersport DNA, the CBR650R features aggressive styling, aerodynamic fairing, and a sporty riding stance. It shares the same powerhouse engine with the CB650R but adds Honda selectable torque control (HSTC) for enhanced traction. Available in grand prix red and matt gunpowder black metallic, it’s designed for those who crave speed.
Both models feature premium hardware — Showa 41 mm SFF-BP inverted front forks, adjustable rear monoshock, dual radial-mounted 310 mm floating discs at the front, a 240 mm rear disc, and dual-channel ABS. Riders get a full-colour 5.0-inch TFT display with smartphone connectivity via the Honda RoadSync app for calls, messages, and navigation.
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Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI: Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has landed in a tax tussle after receiving a GST demand of Rs 47.5 crore from the office of the additional commissioner of CGST and central excise in Thane, Maharashtra.
The order, issued under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, relates to an alleged incorrect classification of certain services under the category of restaurant services. According to the tax authorities, this classification resulted in a short payment of goods and services tax for the period between the financial years 2019-20 and 2021-22.
The demand includes Rs 47.5 crore in GST along with an equal amount as penalty, in addition to applicable interest. The order was received by the company on March 13, 2026.
In a regulatory filing to the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, the company said it disagrees with the order and believes its arguments were not adequately considered.
The company is preparing to challenge the decision and plans to file an appeal. It added that once the redressal process is complete, the demand is likely to be dropped.
Despite the sizeable figure attached to the notice, the company said it does not expect any material impact on its financials, operations or other activities.
The disclosure was signed by Suman Hegde, EVP and chief financial officer, who confirmed that the company received the order at 19:06 IST on March 13 and has already initiated steps to contest it.
The development places the quick service restaurant major in the middle of a tax debate that could hinge on how certain restaurant-linked services are classified under GST rules. For now, the company appears ready to take the matter from the tax office to the appeals desk.
