US-market Honda CB650R, CBR650R to get automated clutch system

Honda shall fit the upcoming CB650R and CBR650R motorcycles for the United States (US) region with the brand’s E-Clutch system.

The Honda E-Clutch — the American wing of the Japanese motorcycle brand explained — will help make the riding experience “easier, sportier, and less fatiguing.”

On that note, American Honda believes that motorcycles with E-Clutch will appeal to riders of various skill and experience levels.

“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,” American Honda Public Relations Manager Colin Miller stated.

“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. And yes, if and when you prefer to ride in a traditional manner, the clutch lever can still be used,” he added.

The Honda E-Clutch-equipped CB650R and CBR650R will be released in the US sometime in September.

Honda E-Clutch

The Honda E-Clutch is a technology that, according to American Honda, “eliminates the need to learn shifter-clutch coordination, along with worries about stalling or jerky starts or sudden stops.”

It uses a pair of small, quick-response electric motors to automatically actuate the clutch. And while the rider still needs to use his or her foot to move the gear change lever to upshift or downshift, squeezing the clutch, or learning how to time the shifting is no longer required.

“In that way, it’s like shifting gears on a bicycle. You pick the gear you want to be in, and also get all the fun and exhilaration of precise gear changes,” American Honda noted.

Honda motorcycles equipped with the E-Clutch still get a clutch lever on the handlebar, which will allow riders to “override the system or bang off a shift with full manual clutch control” whenever they want.

Honda CB650R

The Honda CB650R is equipped with a 649 cubic centimeter (cc) engine complemented by a six-speed transmission with E-Clutch technology. Halting and deceleration are facilitated by dual 310-millimeter (mm) disc brakes with radial-mount four-piston calipers and an anti-lock braking system (ABS) at the fore while the rear gets a single 240-mm disc, also with ABS.

Suspension-wise, it uses a 41-mm front fork with 4.3-inch travel and a Showa Single Shock with 5.1-inch travel at the back. It rides on 17-inch wheels at the fore with 120/70 series tires and 17-inch wheels at the rear wrapped in 180/55 series tires.

It is finished in a single Pearl Smoky Gray color and has a sticker price of US$9,399 (approximately P549,042).

“With an updated Neo-Sports Café look to celebrate the new technology, the CB650R is a naked bike with looks that match its impressive performance, well-suited for daily commutes and weekend outings on twisty backroads,” Honda wrote in a press release.

Honda CBR650R

Similarly, the Honda CBR650R gets a 649 cc mill also paired with a six-speed transmission with an E-Clutch. Like the abovementioned CB650R, it also has the same brakes, suspensions, and set of wheels and tires.

However, the Honda CBR650R wears complete aerodynamic fairings that cover the body of the motorcycle. Thus, it looks sporty, athletic, and agile compared to its naked brother.

American motorcycle buyers can get it in Grand Prix Red with a price tag of US$9,899 (about P578,235.)

“…the model gets a number of styling and convenience upgrades, making it even more of a pleasure to own for a wide spectrum of riders, and a gratifying intersection of values for the modern sport-bike enthusiast,” the company said.

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