First Ride Impressions of Honda’s CBR650R/CB650R with New E-Clutch Technology

Exploring Honda's advanced E-Clutch system on two of their sport-focused bikes, the CBR650R and CB650R.

Motorcycle gearboxes have remained mostly manual, even though the automotive industry shifted towards automatic transmissions long ago. Today, many new drivers are unfamiliar with manual transmission, which makes motorcycles with manual clutches seem daunting to the newer generation of riders. Honda has been pioneering technology to ease this transition, dating back to 1958 with the Super Cub's centrifugal clutch, allowing riders to shift without manually controlling a clutch. Honda continued to innovate, releasing the Hondamatic, V-Matic belt drive, and more recently the Human Friendly Transmission (HFT), which provided automatic gear control without conventional transmission belts and pulleys.

Honda's breakthrough, the Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT), first introduced with the 2010 VFR1200F, has revolutionized automatic shifting in motorcycles, gaining popularity on models such as the Gold Wing, Africa Twin, Rebel 1100T, and NC750X. However, the DCT system adds extra weight and cost to these bikes. Now, Honda is offering another solution—the E-Clutch.

The new E-Clutch, standard on the 2025 CBR650R and CB650R, is a unique alternative to traditional clutch systems. Designed for sportier riding, it blends manual clutch control with quickshifter and automatic clutch features, without removing rider input entirely. Unlike DCT, it won't shift gears for you, but it does allow riders to start, change gears, and stop without using the clutch lever. If the rider chooses to engage the clutch manually, it works just like a traditional system and resets after five seconds. Alternatively, it can be turned off entirely.

Additionally, the E-Clutch functions as an up/down quickshifter, easing the pressure on the transmission by using electronic clutch control for smooth gear transitions. This system is powered by electric motors controlled by data from the ECU, which reads throttle position, gear engagement, and other vital parameters.

Both the CBR650R and CB650R come with Honda's E-Clutch as standard equipment, making them more accessible to riders who might find manual clutches intimidating. These mid-weight sport motorcycles received additional updates, including new CBR1000RR-inspired styling, full-color TFT displays, backlit controls, and LED lighting.

The CBR650R remains powered by a 649cc inline-four engine with DOHC and four valves per cylinder, tuned for street performance. Both models retain the steel diamond frame and Showa suspension with preload adjustment. The CBR650R weighs in at 466 pounds, while the CB650R, a lighter naked version, weighs 456 pounds. The shared engine and assist/slipper clutch ensure a smooth power delivery while maintaining rider control.

Our first test ride of the E-Clutch was at Atlanta Motorsport Park, where the system quickly proved itself in racing conditions. Acting as a top-notch quickshifter, the E-Clutch provided seamless upshifts and downshifts without jarring gear changes. Unlike standard quickshifters, it uses electronic clutch control to lighten the transmission load for smoother gear transitions, especially during high RPMs.

On the street, the E-Clutch's real advantage shines through in stop-and-go traffic. The rider can pull away from a stop without using the clutch and slow down without needing to manually downshift every time. This feature is particularly useful in urban settings where constant clutch control can be tiresome.

While the system takes some getting used to—especially for experienced riders—the learning curve is shorter compared to DCT-equipped bikes. With the E-Clutch, you maintain more control while gaining the convenience of automatic features.

While not as groundbreaking as the DCT, the E-Clutch brings a notable improvement to traditional clutch systems. Riders gain the convenience of automated clutch engagement without losing the manual control that sportbike enthusiasts value. For newer riders, it offers a less daunting introduction to motorcycling, although it still requires manual gear changes.

In heavy traffic or during long urban commutes, the E-Clutch system enhances the riding experience, making tedious starts and stops more tolerable. It represents an evolution in motorcycle clutch technology that combines the best aspects of manual and automatic systems. We expect to see this tech appear in other models soon, with adventure bikes like the Transalp being a strong candidate for the next rollout.

Honda's E-Clutch offers a refined middle ground between traditional manual transmissions and full automation. While not revolutionary, it's an exciting development that could pave the way for future models, providing more riders with flexibility and ease of use in various riding conditions.