2024 Honda CB650R

Honda’s new 2024 CB650R was a late announcement for the US market, but it is now available and brings with it the brand-new E-Clutch technology that is also found on its fully faired sibling the CBR650R. Not only is the CB650R mechanically changed from its predecessor, but it gets a freshly updated Neo Sports Café styling that is inspired by the CB1000R Black Edition.

At its heart is a 649cc inline-four engine with double-overhead cams and four valves per cylinder. Bore and stroke measure 67 x 46mm with a 11.6:1 compression ratio. The engine is tuned for the street more so than the racetrack with good low- to midrange power delivery.

The biggest news for 2024 is the addition of Honda’s brand-new E-Clutch. Think of the E-Clutch as taking elements of a quickshifter, Honda’s DCT, and a normal clutch and mashing them altogether to simplify shifting. The clutch and transmission are conventional units, with a pair of computer-controlled motors actuating the shifts. The rider can still use the clutch and shift lever just as on a normal motorcycle, or allow the system to automate the shifting process. If desired, the rider doesn’t need to use the clutch starting, stopping, or while shifting, as the system will automatically utilize the clutch as necessary. For sporty riding the clutch is still an assist/slipper unit that will help prevent rear-wheel lockup under aggressive downshifting.

The CB650R’s chassis is anchored by a steel-diamond frame, while the bike’s wheelbase measures 57 inches, and its full-of-fuel weight is a very reasonable 456 pounds. Suspension is handled by a Showa 41mm Separate Function Big Piston (SFF-BP) fork in the front and a single Showa shock with 10 steps of preload adjustment at the rear. A pair of radial-mount four-piston calipers with 310mm discs at the front and a single-piston caliper and 240mm disc, both equipped with two-channel ABS, highlight the brake package.

Other additions for 2024 include a new 5-inch full-color TFT display, new backlit bar control pods, while new headlight and taillight are now LED.

The 2024 Honda CB650R is available in Pearl Smoky Gray for $9,399.