The Honda E-Clutch technology that hit the motorcycle show circuit in late 2023 is now available in Canada. But for this year, at least, the CBR650R is the only machine where you can have this clutchless-shifting tech.
The E-Clutch is only the latest Honda attempt to free riders from the indignity of using a manual clutch. Back in the 1970s, we had the Hondamatic gearbox while smaller motorcycles like the CT90 and ATVs came with centrifugal clutches that required the rider to shift the gears, but without using a clutch to disconnect the engine from the final drive while shifting. More recently, Honda pioneered the DCT gearbox and has doubled down on this tech while other manufacturers have kept their distance from dual clutch transmissions. And of course, Honda has quickshifters available on several models, just like other OEMs.
The E-Clutch combines design elements from all those ideas to offer a new take on clutchless shifting. Here’s how Honda describes its design and operation:
Honda E-Clutch takes elements of the technology and performance of quick-shifters, 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 less than four and a half pounds.
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 operates 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 urban riding involving frequent starts and stops.
In addition to enjoyment and convenience, Honda E-Clutch brings ultimate flexibility. Should the rider wish, he or she is 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, or 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 righthand 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.
So: If you want to have the feel of a traditional clutch-equipped gearbox, you can. If you want to just bang up and down through the gears, you can do that too. Everybody can be happy.
Because Honda put this technology into its four-cylinder 650 engine first, it’s available in the CBR650 and CB650R. Unfortunately for Canada, the excellent CB650R naked bike is not currently listed in our market for 2025. We do have the CBR650R, though, with the E-Clutch, coming in at a $12,666 price for this year before taxes and dealer fees. See it here.
If Honda figures the CB650R will sell, chances are that will be next. After that, expect it to spread throughout the rest of the Honda lineup. Big Red has already adapted the E-Clutch design to their simple Rebel 250 engine, which means it could fit into the 300-series singles with no problem. Eventually, this design will probably be the norm.
