2024 Honda CB650R and CBR650R Arrive With an E-Clutch

American Honda gives riders in the United States two new auto-clutch options in the 2024 CB650R and CBR650R, both available starting this September. Honda has dubbed its new tech the E-Clutch (read the Say What? Honda Shows Off Its E-Clutch for Motorcycles article). It’s already available in European markets, so to many this may be old news, but it will mark the first time this option has ever been offered in the US. Curious how a motorcycle clutch functions? Read the Anatomy Of A Motorcycle Clutch article.

Editor’s note: We last operated the naked bike version during the 2019 Honda CB650R First Ride Review and 2019 Honda CB650R MC Commute Review articles and videos.

“Our Honda E-Clutch is designed to offer motorcyclists a new kind of experience that can make their riding even more fun and exciting,” said Junya Ono, Honda E-Clutch large project leader, in a company release. “It also adds peace of mind and comfort to town riding or the daily commute. We hope that many riders will try our new system to enjoy the unique mix of sportiness and flexibility it offers.”

As you might expect, the E-Clutch removes the need for traditional clutch lever engagement. It was built off elements taken from quick-shift setups and Honda’s own DCT system. Riders will be able to move through the gearbox, up or down, via a shift pedal and will be able to select different “operation feel” levels to determine the amount of force required to activate the pedal. Hard, Medium, and Soft settings can be set independently for up- and downshifts. The system itself monitors everything from throttle opening angle, vehicle speed, rpm, gear position, engineer countershaft speed, clutch-motor reduction-gear angle, and pressure on the pedal. It utilizes an actuator with dual motors inside the right-side engine cover to operate the clutch and calibrates ignition timing and injection when a shift is engaged. Additional benefits provided by the E-Clutch are allowing riders to not have to engage the clutch lever when coming to a stop or pulling away.

E-Clutch: Honda’s E-Clutch technology comes to the States for the first time on these two models, giving riders easy pedal shifting ability without the need for traditional clutch engagement.

At any time, a rider can use the clutch lever to shift in the more traditional manner, with the E-Clutch reactivating after a short period of time following the input. Riders can also turn off E-Clutch entirely via a left handlebar switch gear.

“Honda has long been a pioneer in the field of innovative motorcycle clutch and transmission technology, and we’re pleased to continue that tradition with the 2024 CB650R and CBR650R,” said Colin Miller, manager of public relations at American Honda, in a separate release. “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.”

As a result of the new tech, both models also come packing a new 5-inch, full-color TFT instrument screen along with updated left handlebar switch clusters. Both machines also get updated LED lighting throughout.

Both bikes are powered by a 649cc inline-four engine and utilize a 41mm Showa SFF-BP fork at the front and a 10-position spring-preload-adjustable Showa shock at the rear. Much of the remaining mechanical elements are also shared by both bikes (see specs below). The primary difference lies in the looks, with the CB650R sporting the brand’s Neo Sports Café styling and the CBR650R dressed in the brand’s sportbike attire.

As mentioned above, these machines will be available in dealerships starting this September. The CB650R will start at $9,399 and the CBR650R will be $9,899.