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2024 Honda CB650R Preview

Honda’s peppy CB650R gets a face-lift and E-Clutch.

November 7, 2023

Honda shows off its more muscular-looking CB650R naked bike for 2024.Honda

Honda’s CB650R is an inline-four-powered midsize naked bike that is part of American Honda’s Neo Sports Café lineup. Introduced to the American market during the 2019 Honda CB650R First Ride Review and 2019 Honda CB650R MC Commute Review, it is designed to offer a combination of modern styling, performance, and versatility. For 2024, it receives a face-lift and the introduction of Big Red’s E-Clutch for the European market, as announced at the EICMA Motorcycle Show. It effectively replaces the 2023 Honda CB650R.

Honda stands apart from its competitors with the use of a 649cc liquid-cooled inline-four engine and classic styling touches like its symmetrical header pipes.Honda

In contrast to the twin-cylinder-powered competition in the streetbike segment, the CB650R continues to use a 649cc liquid-cooled inline-four. This engine is known for its smooth power delivery and is good for 94 hp at the crankshaft. Expect around 80 ponies at the 17-inch rear tire.

New ram-air intakes on either side of the bikes afford a tougher look, and presumably improved engine power and character.Honda

The big news is the addition of Honda’s E-Clutch, which automates clutch use for six-speed transmission motorcycles. Instead of operating the traditional clutch, the rider lifts up or down on the gearshift lever, just like electronic quickshifter-equipped bikes. During the gear exchange, the electronics automatically apply fuel and ignition cut for a smooth shifting experience. The clutch lever remains, so riders can use it if they desire.

The 2024 CB650R is the first motorcycle to benefit from Honda’s E-Clutch, which automates manual clutch action.Honda

Styling-wise the CB650R offers a unique design that pays homage to the past with its symmetrical header pipes, yet meets modern motorcyclists’ tastes.

A much needed 5-inch color TFT replaces the mono-color LCD setup on the 2019–2023 generation bike.Honda

“The CB650R’s Neo Sports Café unique look has evolved to make it a sinuous, more dynamic, and purposeful looking machine,” Honda Motor Europe says in its official press release.

Specifically the LED headlight had a sharper, slanted profile. Beefy air intakes sit on either side adding to its muscular shape. The tailsection is more narrow and the LCD dash display has been upgraded to a 5-inch color TFT.

The CB650R’s underpinnings consist of a steel-diamond-type frame with a 41mm Showa inverted fork and a Pro-Link-equipped shock. Triple disc hydraulic brakes with radial-mounted four-piston front calipers and fixed always-on ABS keep speed in check.

For now, this new motorcycle model is for European customers only with American Honda yet to release this vehicle in America. Official technical specifications and price have not been published either.