2024 Honda CB650R E-Clutch Guide

Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications

2024 Honda CB650R E-Clutch: E-CLUTCH – NEXT LEVEL RIDING.

Introducing the 2024 Honda CB650R E-Clutch…

Unique to Honda, E-Clutch brings the fun. And choice. You can use the clutch in a conventional manner. Or let E-Clutch do the work leave the clutch lever alone. That’s it. Setting off from standstill, shifting up and down, and coming to a stop all you need do is operate the gear lever. E-Clutch does the rest – smoothly, instantly – like an expert sports rider. It offers you so much more control, whether you’re carving through a set of corners or busy traffic.  And need the clutch for any reason? No problem. Use it anytime.

This is where you find pure four-cylinder magic. Stripped back for hugely enjoyable performance – from city block to twisting backroad – the CB650R loads strong acceleration, lightweight agility and sharp new CB1000R-inspired Neo Sports Café style. Add premium tech, plus the choice of riding the first bike with Honda’s incredible new E-Clutch system, and sometimes less really can be more.

New school meets old school; stripped down retro looks exude mechanical minimalism.

It’s got a smooth rush of turbine-like inline power, from low- to high-rpm. Aggressively redrawn styling, inspired by our CBR1000RR-R Fireblade. And premium technology, like new TFT screen and Honda RoadSync connectivity, that make this star shine even brighter.

Honda has always thrived on exploring new boundaries – in design as well as engineering. In 2018, the CB1000R, CB300R and CB125R brought a fresh identity to its naked motorcycle line-up, mixing café racer inspirations with a forward-looking ultra-minimalist look under the ‘Neo Sports Café’ design theme.

In 19YM the CB650R joined the family and its combination of cool styling, exhilarating four-cylinder engine performance and light, versatile handling ensured immediate sales success. Building on the momentum, for 2021 it received a major front suspension upgrade, plus a range of detail improvements to enhance comfort, usability and practicality.

2024 is an important year for the CB650R and while updated style and functionality will get attention, this bike – alongside its naked sibling, the CBR650R – will go down in history as the first Honda to be available with Honda E-Clutch technology, which is designed to make motorcycling, from beginner right through to expert, even more enjoyable – and even more exciting.

Valerio Aiello, of Honda’s Rome R&D Department on the Neo Sports Café design aesthetic:

“The entire current Neo Sport Café range from Honda is the result of the CB4 Concept model presented at EICMA in 2015. Our desire was to explore the world of the café racer and reinterpret it in a modern key. We wanted to create neo-classics – that is, modern motorcycles showcasing classic design styles combined with modern techniques. 

 I used inspiration from outside the world of motorcycles, in watches. I’ve always liked their technicality and one of the key concepts used during the Neo Sports Café design was ‘Mechanical Art’. This is the desire to show the beauty of the various mechanical elements to which Honda has always given great importance.”

2024 Honda CB650R E-Clutch Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

• World-first technology allows the rider to start, stop and change gear without using the clutch lever – just the shift pedal
• Available as an option from new; system adds 2kg to kerb weight
• Honda E-Clutch also allows normal operation of the clutch lever
• Brings more enjoyment and flexibility across a wide range of scenarios, for a ‘next level’ riding experience
• Neo Sports Café styling evolves dynamically
• New 5-inch full colour TFT screen includes Honda RoadSync connectivity for on-screen turn-by-turn navigation and access to other smartphone functions
• New, simplified left hand switchgear easy to use and backlit for night-time
• All lighting LED; new slanted headlight matched by new taillight design
• 41mm Showa Separate Function Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks 
• Four-piston, radial-mount front brake calipers and floating discs
• 120/70-ZR17 and 180/55-ZR17 front and rear tires
• 70kW peak power with 63Nm peak torque
• 35kW A2 licence option available
• Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)

• Honda to introduce new ‘Honda E-Clutch’ electronic clutch technology as an option on CB650R and CBR650R from 24 year model season
• Honda E-Clutch delivers slick shifting up and down the gears, plus super-smooth starting and stopping without the need to use the clutch lever
• The lightweight and compact system brings more enjoyment and flexibility across a wide range of scenarios, for a ‘next level’ riding experience

Honda breaks more new ground with innovative Honda E-Clutch technology

With the introduction of its new Honda E-Clutch technology as an option on the CBR650R and CB650R for 24 year model, Honda will open up a whole new aspect of the motorcycling experience for riders of every type and experience level.

Honda E-Clutch takes elements of the technology and performance of quickshifters, manually-operated clutches and Honda’s Dual Clutch Transmission technology to create a unique blend of these well-proven approaches. The ultra-compact system weighs only 2 kilograms and the clutch and transmission hardware themselves are no different from a conventional motorcycle, which aids the feasibility of future applications.

In operation, Honda E-clutch is simplicity itself, taking away the need to use the clutch lever to make a shift either up or down the gearbox. The rider simply has to operate the shift pedal for ultra-fast, consistent gear changes, bringing extra enjoyment to sporty riding. The clutch lever is also not needed when pulling away or coming to a stop. Becoming active as soon as the engine is switched on, the system manages both scenarios smoothly, while taking away the possibility of the engine stalling when in operation, providing extra convenience and peace of mind to town riding involving frequent starts and stops.

In addition to enjoyment and convenience, Honda E-Clutch brings ultimate flexibility. Should the rider wish, they are able to operate the clutch lever as normal at any time. When the clutch lever is used, the Honda E-clutch system will re-activate after less than a second above a certain engine rpm; after 5 seconds at lower engine speeds. Should the rider wish to turn off the system for a particular ride, this is also possible via the switchgear on the left handlebar. The change to manual operation is indicated by a letter ‘M’ on the instrument panel.

The Honda E-Clutch also allows the rider to select an ‘operation feel’ to set the strength of the force required on the shift pedal to make a gear change. Three settings are available: HARD, MEDIUM, and SOFT, each of which can be chosen independently for upshifting and downshifting. The technology will also advise the rider to shift down – via a symbol on the instrument panel – if it detects the motorcycle is in a high gear at a certain speed.

The Honda E-Clutch manages clutch engagement and disengagement based on its reading of  parameters including vehicle speed, throttle opening angle, engine rpm, pressure on the shift pedal, clutch motor reduction gear angle, engine countershaft speed and gear position. The clutch is operated through an actuator unit with two motors situated inside the right hand engine cover. As the clutch is engaged or disengaged, the engine’s ignition timing and fuel injection are also controlled, resulting in smooth, shock-free shifting in any situation.

The new Honda E-clutch system is set to offer riders across Europe a ‘next level’ riding experience, and is another symbol that Honda, 75 years since its foundation, is committed to building on its rich history of rider-focussed innovation.

Junya Ono, Large Project Leader, Honda E-Clutch: “Our Honda E-Clutch is designed to offer motorcyclists a new kind of experience that can make their riding even more fun and exciting. It also adds peace of mind and comfort to town riding or the daily commute. We hope that many riders will try our new system to enjoy the unique mix of sportiness and flexibility it offers.”

There’s a fresh look to the CB650R’s retro minimalism. A new headlight, radiator shrouds, rider/pillion seat, tail unit and taillight inject a more dynamic energy, while the fuel tank remains a strong presence above the beautiful inline four-cylinder engine.

A new 5-inch full colour TFT screen is designed for readability on bright days and features Honda RoadSync connectivity. Managed by a new, easy-to-use 4-way lefthand backlit toggle switch the rider can now enjoy on-screen, turn-by-turn navigation in addition to other smartphone features.

Performance is unchanged: 70kw peak power with 63Nm are fun figures for a naked bike,  and the classic in-line 4 cylinder ‘pick-up’ and high-revving top end power are longstanding Honda calling cards. A 35kW option is available for A2 licence holders.

Available as an option on the CB650R, the new Honda E-Clutch takes away the need for the rider to use the clutch lever to make a shift either up or down the gearbox.

The chassis is as before and a perfect package from city block to twisting back road. A steel diamond frame provides core rigidity while 41mm Showa SFF-BP USD front forks and Showa rear shock deliver high-quality suspension control. Four-piston radial-mount front brake calipers work 310mm floating discs and cast aluminium wheels mount 120/70-ZR17 and 180/55-ZR17 front and rear tires.

Sporty angles
Defined by trapezoidal shaping, with the compact seat cowl set aggressively high.

Crisp new angled LED headlight
CB1000R specification with aluminium bezel and distinctive LED light signature.

Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)
HSTC smoothly manages rear wheel traction, wet or dry, so riding the busy street – or attacking a set of corners – is always a thrill.

High Quality Suspension and Brakes
Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD front forks offer precise control and fingertip feel for front tire grip. Dual, radial mount four-piston calipers grip 310mm wave-style discs hard.

Honda RoadSync Smartphone Connectivity
Want to use your phone’s nav or listen to music? No problem. By downloading the Honda RoadSync app, you can connect it to the CB650R.

New Full Colour 5-Inch TFT Screen
Backlit for readability with optical bonding to reduce glare, the new 5-inch screen is intuitive to use and features the smartphone connectivity of Honda RoadSync.

Agile New Style
Neo Sports Café moves on. Tightly wrapped angles outline new sophistication, matched to a minimal, upswept tail unit and crisp new angled LED headlight.

Inline Four-Cylinder engine
The only four-cylinder naked; nothing beats the smooth rush through the midrange, electrifying high rpm climb and exhaust note that draws adrenaline.

Power for the Ride
It’s all in your right hand. The DOHC inline four-cylinder engine produces 70kW (94 hp) @ peak – up to a free-spinning 12,000rpm redline – with 63Nm torque. For A2 licence holders there’s a 35kW conversion available (performed by a Honda dealer) and then ready for full power once an A licence is held. Because power needs control, an assist and slipper clutch works to prevent rear wheel lock-up through hard braking and downshifting. And, for next level road visibility, Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) activates the rear hazards under hard stop situations.

Make The Connection
This bike’s got your back. The 5-inch full-colour TFT display is all new, operated a by backlit handlebar switchgear with a very natural hand position allowing clear visibility in all conditions. Both have been designed together for easy use, and the screen is engineered to minimise glare in bright sunlight. It also offers full connectivity through the Honda RoadSync app. Available on both Android and iOS smartphones, you can access on-screen turn-by-turn navigation, make and receive calls or listen to music while you ride.

The 2024 CB650R will be available in the following colour options:

**NEW** Matt Laurel Green Metallic with Matt Vulcan Silver Metallic details

**NEW** Pearl Smokey Gray, with Matt Crypton Silver Metallic details

Candy Chromosphere Red with NEW Matt Crypton Silver Metallic details

Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic with NEW Matt Crypton Silver Metallic details

For 2024 Honda’s naked four-cylinder jewel evolves its Neo Sports Café style with a sharp styling update from nose to tail. A brand-new 5-inch TFT screen offers Honda RoadSync connectivity, operated by simplified new 4-way toggle switch. Engine performance is unchanged at 70kW power and 63Nm torque, with an A2 option. The CB650R – alongside the CBR650R super sports bike – will be the first Honda to be offered with the option of Honda E-Clutch technology, which gives the rider choice of automatic clutch operation by simply using the shift pedal. Chassis specification includes Showa SFF-BP USD forks, dual four-piston radial mount front calipers and 120/70-ZR17 and 180/55-ZR17 tire combination. Two brand-new paint options and two new colour combinations strike a contemporary chord.

2024 Honda CB650R E-Clutch Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

Honda E-Clutch

Honda E-Clutch takes elements of the technology and performance of quickshifters, manually-operated clutches and Honda’s Dual Clutch Transmission technology to create a unique blend of these well-proven approaches, opening up a whole new aspect of the motorcycling experience for riders of every type and experience level. The clutch and transmission hardware themselves are no different from a conventional motorcycle, with the ultra-compact system weighing only 2 kilograms.

In operation, Honda E-clutch is simplicity itself, taking away the need to use the clutch lever to make a shift either up or down the gearbox. The rider simply has to operate the shift pedal for ultra-fast, consistent gear changes, bringing extra enjoyment to sporty riding. The clutch lever is also not needed when pulling away or coming to a stop. Becoming active as soon as the engine is switched on, the system manages both scenarios smoothly, while taking away the possibility of the engine stalling when in operation, providing extra convenience and peace of mind to town riding involving frequent starts and stops.

In addition to enjoyment and convenience, Honda E-Clutch brings ultimate flexibility. Should the rider wish, they are able to operate the clutch lever as normal at any time. When the clutch lever is used, the Honda E-clutch system will re-activate after less than a second above a certain engine rpm; after 5 seconds at lower engine speeds. Should the rider wish to turn off the system for a particular ride, this is also possible via the switchgear on the left handlebar. The change to manual operation is indicated by a letter ‘M’ on the instrument panel.

The Honda E-Clutch also allows the rider to select an ‘operation feel’ to set the strength of the force required on the shift pedal to make a gear change. Three settings are available: HARD, MEDIUM, and SOFT, each of which can be chosen independently for upshifting and downshifting. The technology will also advise the rider to shift down – via a symbol on the instrument panel – if it detects the motorcycle is in a high gear at a certain speed.

The Honda E-Clutch manages clutch engagement and disengagement based on its reading of parameters including vehicle speed, throttle opening angle, engine rpm, pressure on the shift pedal, clutch motor reduction gear angle, engine countershaft speed and gear position. The clutch is operated through an actuator unit with two motors situated inside the right hand engine cover. As the clutch is engaged or disengaged, the engine’s ignition timing and fuel injection are also controlled, resulting in smooth, shock-free shifting in any situation.

Junya Ono, Large Project Leader, Honda E-Clutch: “Our Honda E-Clutch is designed to offer motorcyclists a new kind of experience that can make their riding even more fun and exciting. It also adds peace of mind and comfort to town riding or the daily commute. We hope that many riders will try our new system to enjoy the unique mix of sportiness and flexibility it offers.”

Styling & Equipment

Tightly wrapped, the CB650R’s Neo Sports Café style evolution features the signature compact ‘Trapezoid’ proportion of a new, sharper tail and short-overhang and new slanted LED headlight All other lighting is LED, and a new taillight tucks seamlessly into the new fairing.

From the front, via the new radiator shrouds backwards, the overall look is sinuous, more dynamic and with keen sense of purpose. The long fuel tank remains a key motif of the family design; its smooth lines accentuate the solidity of real metal surfaces and crown the engineering of the four-cylinder powerplant. It also houses the ignition. A 35° handlebar angle makes tight, slow-speed turns and U-turns straightforward.

The shape of the pillion and rider seats have been revised to match the new tail; seat height remains 810mm. There’s a USB Type-C socket located under the seat.

Premium technology – in the form of a brand new, 5-inch full colour TFT screen – uses optical bonding to improve visibility in bright sunlight. By sealing the gap between the cover glass and TFT screen with resin, glare is reduced, and visibility improved. The display itself is customisable between ‘Bar’, ‘Circle’ and ‘Simple’ display patterns and also, for the first time on the CB650R, offers the smartphone connectivity of Honda RoadSync.

Honda RoadSync – alongside a new simplified, easy-to-use, backlit 4-way toggle-switch on the left handlebar – allows straightforward, on-screen turn-by-turn navigation as well as the option (via a Bluetooth helmet headset) for the rider to make calls, listen to music or receive voice feedback of weather conditions. All an owner has to do is download the free Honda RoadSync app from either the Play Store or the App Store, connect to the CB650R, and go.

Chassis

The steel diamond frame uses pressed swingarm pivot plates and twin elliptical spars with a rigidity balance specifically tuned (stiffer around the headstock and more flexible in the spar sections) to deliver excellent all-round handling characteristics with high levels of rider feedback. Rake is set at 25.5° with trail of 100mm and wheelbase of 1,450mm. Kerb weight is 205kg (207kg E-Clutch).

Showa’s 41mm Separate Function Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks offer high-quality reaction. A pressure separation damper in one fork tube and spring mechanism in the other deliver high damping performance and lighter weight. Together with the use of a larger sized piston, the result is increased feel, bump absorption and control. Adjustable for 10-stage spring preload, the single-tube monoshock operates directly on the curvaceous gravity die-cast aluminium swingarm.

Four-piston radial-mount front brake calipers work 310mm floating discs, and are paired with a single-piston rear caliper and 240mm disc. The ABS is a two-channel system.

Cast aluminium wheels mount 120/70-ZR17 and 180/55-ZR17 front and rear tires.

Engine

The 649cc, DOHC 16-valve engine is unchanged for 2024. It’s tuned to create the purest, most enjoyable mid-sized four-cylinder performance possible, with the classically fast ‘pick-up’ through the rev range and hard-hitting, high-revving top end for which Honda’s in-line fours are renowned. Peak power of 70kW arrives @ 12,000rpm with peak torque @ 63Nm delivered at 9,500 rpm. A 35kW option is available for A2 licence holders.

Direct cam actuation makes for a compact cylinder head; bore and stroke is set at 67mm x 46mm with compression ratio raised of 11.6:1. Iridium spark plugs are employed and twin air ducts – either side of the fuel tank – feed the airbox and produce a throaty intake roar.

Asymmetric piston skirts minimise bore contact and reduce friction. Ferrous spines on the outer surface of the cylinder sleeves reduce oil consumption (and friction) with improved heat transfer and a silent SV cam chain reduces frictional losses by using a Vanadium coating on its pins. Internal water channelling from cylinder head to cylinders does away with most of the exterior hoses.

The engine uses a compact internal architecture, stacked six-speed gearbox and starter layout with the cylinders canted forward 30°. An assist/slipper clutch eases upshifts while managing rear-wheel lock up under hard braking and rapid downshifts. Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) manages rear wheel traction; it can be turned off should the rider choose.

Fuel consumption of 20.4km/l (WMTC mode) gives a range of over 300km from the 15.4L

fuel tank. EURO5 compliant, environmental efficiency has been updated with revisions to the ECU and catalyser, as well as the addition of an OBD2-2 sensor.

Accessories

A range of Genuine Honda Accessories are available for the CB650R, both available as individual items and grouped in packs, and are ready to bolt straight on:

Style Pack 

Designed to complement the looks and style of the CB650R by adding high-quality aluminium inserts, Front Fender Panels, Radiator Shroud Covers, Side Cover Panels and Tank Side Stickers for added grip and protection. A red adonised Oil Level Gauge featuring the Honda logo adds a touch of colour and contrast.

Sport Pack 

Pumps up dynamism with a Quickshifter (for non E-Clutch model), instrument Flyscreen for added wind protection, a Pillion Seat Cover featuring a dedicated aluminium plate, an Under Cowl that enhances the sporty appearance and finally, a Tank Pad that adds practical protection.

Comfort Pack 

Cold weather rideability is improved with the addition of 5 stage Heated Grips with a memory function, plus the flexible, easy-to-attach carrying capacity of a Tank Bag with a see-through pocket for smartphones and an expandable 17L Rear Seat Bag that can be increased to 22L.

The line-up is completed with Wheel Stripes available in different colours. All the accessories featured in packs can also be purchased individually.

2024 Honda CB650R E-Clutch – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $ TBA USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ TBA CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ See Dealer for Pricing in GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

TBA

2024 Honda CB650R E-Clutch – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details

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2024 Honda CB650R E-Clutch – Totalmotorcycle.com Europe Specifications/Technical Details

# Please note that the figures provided are results obtained by Honda under standardised testing conditions prescribed by WMTC. Tests are conducted on a rolling road using a standard version of the vehicle with only one rider and no additional optional equipment. Actual fuel consumption may vary depending on how you ride, how you maintain your vehicle, weather, road conditions, tire pressure, installation of accessories, cargo, rider and passenger weight, and other factors.

Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).