Honda CB650R & CBR650R Sport Bikes Include New E-Clutch Technology

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Riders can expect easier tight, slow-speed turns from the 2024 CB650R thanks to Honda finetuning the bike’s handlebar angle. (Photo courtesy of Honda.)

The 2024 Honda CB650R naked and CBR650R sport middleweight bikes have something special for U.S. buyers seeking an easier, sportier, and more exhilarating ride. Along with styling, LED lighting, and other updates, the bikes are the first Honda motorcycles available to American customers with the company’s E-Clutch technology. Initially unveiled in Europe, E-Clutch enables riders to start, stop, and change gears using only the shift pedal, with no clutch lever needed.

“By eliminating the need to pull in a clutch lever during starts, gear changes, and stops, E-Clutch simplifies riding and makes it more enjoyable for beginners and experts alike,” says Colin Miller, American Honda public relations manager. “And yes, if and when you prefer to ride in a traditional manner, the clutch lever can still be used.”

What Is E-Clutch?

E-Clutch is an ultra-compact system that weighs less than 4.5 pounds (2 kilograms). Honda says it blends aspects of quick-shifters, manually operated clutches, and its Dual Clutch Transmission technology to create a new motorcycling experience. Clutch and transmission hardware, however, is no different from a conventional bike. Once the rider switches the bike's engine on, the system becomes active to seamlessly take over up and down gear shifting, including at starts and stops.

As mentioned, riders can use the clutch lever when desired. They can turn off E-Clutch for an entire ride by switching to Manual mode via a switch on the left handlebar. Furthermore, Soft, Medium, and Hard settings are available for riders to set the force required for the shift pedal for shifting the gear. Honda says E-Clutch handles clutch engagement and disengagement based on reading vehicle speed, throttle opening angle, engine rpm, and other parameters.

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The CBR650R includes the Honda Selectable Torque Control System, which reduces rear-wheel slippage by adjusting engine power to optimize torque at the rear wheel. (Photo courtesy of Honda.)

CB650R & CBR650R Details & Availability

Both bikes will be available in September, the CB650R with a Pearl Smoky Gray theme and Neo Sport Café styling and the CBR650R in Grand Prix Red and a sportier, more aggressive look and feel. Both motorcycles carry over their 649-cc dual overhead camshaft, 4-cylinder, 16-valve engines from 2023. Honda offers nine accessories for each bike, including a rear seat bag and tank bag.

Among the bikes' more noteworthy updates is a new 5-inch full-color TFT instrument display with enhanced screen visibility, including in bright sunlight. Owners can customize the display according to Bar, Circle, and Simple patterns. Honda also gives the CB650R a new slanted, dual-lens LED headlight, and the CBR650R redesigned dual LED headlights. Each bike also features a new seat, a taillight design, and a left-hand switch cluster.

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Source: Honda