Honda launched the new CBR 650R in India earlier in January this year. In less than four months of its launch, the sports bike will receive its first major update. The Japanese auto giant has teased the updated CBR 650R on its Honda BigWing India social media handles hinting at it imminent.
Along with a teaser image showing a partial image of the middleweight sports bike, the social media post carries the caption, “Unleashing a new kind of precision. Stay tuned!”. This indicates the launch of the new CBR 650R with an electronic clutch or E-Clutch which is available in select international markets.
The new E-clutch technology is the perfect middle ground between the convenience of a fully-automatic gearbox and the engagement of a manual shifter. In other words, it is the direct equivalent of an intelligent manual gearbox (iMT) seen in popular Hyundai and Kia cars. Hence, the rider gets to make the gearshifts manually without the intervention of a clutch.
Honda’s E-Clutch system, introduced in October 2023, combines elements of quick-shifters, traditional manual clutches, and the brand’s Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). While the clutch and transmission hardware remain unchanged from standard configurations, the E-Clutch system adds approximately 2 kilograms to the overall weight.
Honda E-Clutch: How it works?
The E-Clutch enables clutchless gear changes for both upshifts and downshifts, as well as smooth starts and stops, removing the need for the rider to manually operate the clutch lever. The system activates automatically when the engine is started and helps prevent stalling. Riders still have the option to use the clutch lever manually, with the system re-engaging on its own shortly afterward.
It also provides customization, allowing riders to select from three shift sensitivity settings—hard, medium, or soft—for both upshifts and downshifts. The instrument panel can suggest downshifts if the motorcycle is in too high a gear for the current speed. E-Clutch functions are managed based on real-time inputs such as throttle position, engine speed, gear selection, and shift pedal pressure. An actuator unit with dual motors, located within the engine casing, controls clutch engagement, while ignition timing and fuel delivery are adjusted to match.
Honda CBR 650R: Engine Specs & Features
Powering Honda CBR 650R is a 649cc, inline four-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that churns out 94 bhp and 62.3 Nm of peak torque. This engine is paired with a 6-speed gearbox that comes with a manual slip and assist clutch in the existing model.
In terms of features, the CBR 650R comes with a 5-inch TFT instrument panel that supports Honda’s RoadSync app. Through this application, riders can avail features such as o turn-by-turn navigation, call/SMS notifications, and much more. The updated CBR 650R is expected to command a small premium over the current CBR 650R, which is priced at Rs 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
