Revolutionary E-Clutch Transforms Honda CB650R and CBR650R: A Game-Changer in Bikes Review

A new era for motorcycle riders begins now as Honda unveils its groundbreaking E-Clutch system, set to transform the popular CB 650R and CBR 650R models. This revolutionary technology allows riders to shift gears seamlessly without touching the clutch lever, offering a smoother, easier, and more engaging ride for both new and experienced bikers. This development is not just an upgrade; it redefines how people interact with their motorcycles, making urban commutes and spirited rides significantly simpler and more enjoyable.

New Clutch System Changes Riding Experience

Honda has introduced a new electronic clutch system, known as the E-Clutch, marking a significant step in motorcycle technology. This system changes how riders interact with their bikes by automating clutch operation, making the experience easier and more comfortable for many. It aims to reduce the physical effort needed, especially in busy city traffic or during long rides. The E-Clutch is now a standard feature on the 2024 Honda CB 650R and CBR 650R models in the U.S. market, building on its earlier introduction in Europe.

The core idea behind the E-Clutch is to let riders focus more on steering and braking. Gear changes, rather than managing the clutch lever. This new system means riders do not need to use the clutch lever when starting from a stop, shifting gears, or coming to a complete stop. This is different from a fully automatic transmission because riders still manually select gears using the foot pedal. The E-Clutch essentially acts as a "robotic hand" for the clutch, taking over its operation electronically.

Also Read: The all-new Honda Electric Motorcycle Teaser Revealed—Expected Global Debut on September 2​

How the E-Clutch Works

The Honda E-Clutch system uses advanced electronic control to manage the clutch automatically. It relies on a Motor Control Unit (MCU) that gathers details from the bike's Engine Control Unit (ECU), including wheel speed, throttle position, and engine speed. Pressure on the shift pedal. Based on these insights, two small electric motors inside the E-Clutch unit control the engagement and disengagement of the clutch.

When a rider shifts gears, the E-Clutch temporarily cuts the engine's ignition timing and fuel injection. It also "half-opens" the clutch before a new gear engages. This process helps to reduce the "shift shock" often felt with traditional manual shifting, leading to smoother and quicker gear changes. The system works whether the throttle is open or closed and at any engine speed, including idle.

Key Feature of the E-Clutch

A key feature of the E-Clutch is its flexibility. Riders can still use the clutch lever manually at any time if they prefer. If the rider pulls the clutch lever, the system temporarily switches to manual operation. After a few seconds, or once certain conditions are met, the E-Clutch will reactivate its automatic control. The system can also be turned off completely through a switch on the left handlebar for riders who wish to have a fully traditional riding experience.

Key Advantages for Riders

The introduction of the E-Clutch offers several essential benefits that aim to improve the riding experience for a wide range of riders, from beginners to experienced enthusiasts. One of the main advantages is a significant reduction in rider fatigue. In stop-and-go traffic, or during long rides, the constant need to operate the clutch lever can be tiring. The E-Clutch eliminates this, making city commuting less stressful and more comfortable.

For new riders, the E-Clutch greatly lowers the learning curve. It removes the need to master clutch coordination, which can often be a challenging part of learning to ride a motorcycle. This feature helps prevent engine stalls, a common issue for less experienced riders, providing more confidence from the start. Even if a rider mistakenly tries to start in a high gear, the system can adjust the clutch to get the bike moving.

Experienced riders also benefit from the E-Clutch's precise and consistent gear changes. The system provides smooth, quick shifts, which can enhance sports performance on winding roads or even on a track. It acts like an advanced quickshifter for both upshifts and downshifts. With the added benefit of automatic clutch control during stops and starts. This allows riders to focus more on cornering and throttle control.

Available on Popular Honda Models

The E-Clutch system is making its debut on two of Honda's popular middleweight motorcycles: the 2024 Honda CB 650R and Honda CBR 650R. The CB650R is known for its "Neo Sports Café" naked bike styling, while the CBR650R is its fully faired sportbike sibling. Both models are powered by a 649 cc inline-four engine, which is praised for its smooth power delivery across the entire speed range.

In addition to the E-Clutch, both the 2024 CB 650R and CBR 650R have received other updates. These include a new 5-inch full-color TFT instrument display and updated LED lighting throughout the bike. Despite these significant technological upgrades, Honda has maintained the same price for these models as the previous year's versions, meaning customers get the E-Clutch and other enhancements without an extra cost.

A Different Approach to Automatic Riding

It is crucial to comprehend that the E-Clutch is not the same as Honda's Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) system, which is available on other models like the Gold Wing and Africa Twin. The DCT is a fully automatic transmission that handles both clutch operation and gear changes for the rider. In contrast, the E-Clutch only automates the clutch, while the rider remains in control of shifting gears using the foot pedal.

This distinction is key for riders who want the convenience of automatic clutch management but still prefer the engaging feel of a traditional manual gearbox. The E-Clutch offers a blend of manual engagement and electronic precision, making it a bridge between traditional manual and fully automatic systems. The system is also relatively light, adding less than 4.5 pounds (about 2 kg) to the bike's overall weight, which is much less than the 25-pound increase typically associated with a DCT system.

Design and Technology Details

The E-Clutch unit is designed to be compact and is housed inside the right-hand engine cover, ensuring it does not significantly impact the bike's ergonomics or the rider's foot space. Its simple and compact structure allows for precise electronic control of the clutch. The system also incorporates "half-clutch control" during shifts, a technique that reduces strain on the transmission gears and provides a smoother feeling than some quickshifter systems.

The system's control unit continuously adjusts based on various data inputs, making shifting possible at any engine speed or throttle setting. Riders can also adjust the "feel" of the E-Clutch through three settings—Hard, Medium, or Soft—which change how much force is needed on the shift pedal for a gear change.

The CB650R and CBR650R bikes maintain their other quality components, including a steel diamond frame and 41 mm Showa SFF-BP front forks. A Showa rear shock with adjustable preload. Braking is handled by radial-mount four-piston calipers and 310 mm discs at the front, with a single-piston caliper and 240 mm disc at the rear, both with ABS.

Industry Impact and Rider Feedback

The Honda E-Clutch is seen by many in the Bikes Review community as a significant innovation that could change how people approach motorcycling. By simplifying clutch operation, it has the potential to attract new riders who might be intimidated by traditional manual clutches. It also caters to experienced riders who seek enhanced comfort, especially during daily commutes, without giving up the joy of manually shifting gears.

Early feedback from riders testing the E-Clutch-equipped CB 650R and CBR 650R has been largely positive. Riders note the seamless operation in traffic and the smooth, effortless gear changes. While some initial adjustments to riding style may be needed, particularly concerning throttle input at very low speeds, the system's ability to revert to manual clutch use offers a safety net and adaptability. There is a general expectation that this first-generation system will likely be further refined in future models, similar to the continuous improvements seen in Honda's DCT.

Availability and Market Price

The 2024 Honda CB650R and CBR650R models featuring the E-Clutch became available at dealerships in the U.S. Starting in September 2024. The CB650R has a starting price of $9,399, while the CBR650R starts at $9,899. These prices are the same as the previous year's models, meaning the E-Clutch technology is included as a standard feature without an increase in cost to the buyer.

CarBike360 Says

The revolutionary E-Clutch technology on the Honda CB 650R and CBR 650R marks a significant advancement in motorcycle riding. This system automates clutch control via servo motors, allowing riders to start, shift gears, and stop without manually operating the clutch lever. It enhances rider comfort by reducing fatigue, especially in urban commuting and sporty riding scenarios.