We told you about the Honda E-Clutch technology last October, and now it is coming to Honda showroom floors. The first recipients of this new automatic clutch feature are the 2024 Honda CBR650R and CB650R sport bikes.
The Honda E-Clutch delivers completely automatic clutch operation with computer-controlled electronic assistance, while still allowing the rider to use the clutch manually when desired. Unlike a quickshifter, which provides clutchless shifts, the Honda E-Clutch actuates the clutch instantaneously for fast shifting, up or down. The E-Clutch also means the bike can come to a stop and take off from the stop without the rider touching the clutch. When the clutch is engaged via the two actuator motors, the ignition timing and fueling are also adjusted to enhance smooth gear changes.
The Honda E-Clutch also has adjustable shift lever input settings. The rider can choose between Hard, Medium, and Soft feel for shifts. The settings for upshifts and downshifts can be made independently.
The E-Clutch will alert the rider via the dash if the gear selected is too slow for conditions and a downshift is needed. The E-Clutch determines this by monitoring the speed, countershaft speed, throttle opening, rev count, gear position, pressure on the shift lever, and clutch-motor reduction-gear angle.
The E-Clutch system works on a standard transmission and clutch assembly, rather than being an entirely new design. The package adds less than five pounds to the bike’s weight, and can be disabled by the rider at any time.
Other new features on the 2024 Honda CBR650R and CB650R include a five-inch TFT dash, backlit left-handlebar switchgear, a slanted LED headlight, and a new LED taillight. Both bikes are only available with the E-Clutch, at least initially.
The 2024 Honda CBR650R has a list price of $9899 and is available in Grand Prix Red, while the CB650R is priced at $9399 and comes in Pearl Smokey Gray.
2024 Honda CBR650R (and CB650R) Specs
ENGINE
- Type: Inline-4 canted forward 30 degrees
- Displacement: 649cc
- Bore x stroke: 67.0 x 46.0mm
- Compression ratio: 11.6:1
- Valvetrain: DOHC; 4 vpc
- Fueling: EFI w/ 32mm throttle bodies
- Transmission: 6-speed
- Clutch: Wet multiplate w/ automatic E-Clutch and assist-and-slipper functions
- Final drive: 525 chain
CHASSIS
- Frame: Twin-spar steel
- Front suspension; travel: Fully adjustable Showa SFF-BP 41mm inverted fork; 4.7 inches
- Rear suspension; travel: Linkage-free spring-preload adjustable Showa shock; 5.1 inches
- Front tire: 120/70 x 17
- Rear tire: 180/55 x 17
- Front brakes: 310mm floating discs w/ radially mounted 4-piston Nissin calipers
- Rear brake: 240mm disc w/ single-piston Nissin caliper
- ABS: 2-channel standard
DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES
- Wheelbase: 57.0 inches
- Rake: 25.5 degrees
- Trail: 4.0 inches
- Seat height: 31.9 inches
- Fuel capacity: 4.1 gallons
- Curb weight: 466 pounds (CB650R: 456 pounds)
- Color: Grand Prix Red (CB650R: Pearl Smokey Gray)
2024 Honda CBR650R Price: $9899 MSRP
2024 Honda CB650R Price: $9399
