Honda introduced the new, 2024 version of the CBR650R and CB650R at the EICMA 2023. The motorcycles received new styling and features as part of the update (you can read about it here). However, there was one intriguing feature on the 650R series that was somewhat sidelined in the chaos of the motor show. This is the new E-Clutch from Honda.
What is it? Let us tell you.
Firstly, the folks at Honda needed to tweak a few bits to fit the new clutch system onto the 648cc motor. It begins with a new engine cover to match the E-Clutch. Then there is a pair of servo motors that bolt onto the new engine cover, offering advanced shifting abilities. Other than adding shifting convenience, these electronic motors also pull in the clutch if the bike has halted and prevent the engine from stalling. The rider would simply have to twist the throttle to move ahead without pulling in the clutch lever.
The system is managed through an actuator unit and a new ECU fitted to handle the E-Clutch tech. Together, the system determines if the clutch needs to be engaged or disengaged based on the bike and engine speed. Now, the system continues to be based on the traditional clutch lever and cable combination. Moreover, riders can also tune the intervention in three levels- Soft, Medium and Hard. The rider can also have full clutch control by disabling the E-Clutch with a few toggles through the TFT screen.
It also means that if the tech fails, the clutch can still be operated with the lever. That said, the new tech prioritises the use of the manual clutch and is mainly there to prevent the engine from stalling. Well, it also offers smooth two-way shifting which, according to Honda, is smoother than a up-down quickshifter.
We have seen such technology in MV Agusta’s Smart Clutch System. However, Honda’s tech works with the slipper system fitted as standard on the motorcycles. And while the feature is only offered on the new 650 range, we can expect Honda to introduce it in other models as well, encouraging newer riders and offering more city riding abilities.
