Box of tricks: Seamless shifting for Honda's CBR650R and CB650R

Honda’s popular mid-size four-cylinder duo, the CBR650R sportsbike and CB650R naked have both had a major makeover for 2024 – becoming the first bikes in the brand’s range to feature a new ‘E-Clutch’ system in the process.

We’ve tried it!

• 2024 Honda CB650R E-Clutch review
• 2024 Honda CBR650R E-Clutch review

The ‘E-Clutch’ is a new electronic system first teased by Honda in early October, with the 2024 CBR costing £8699 OTR, and the naked CB priced at £7899 OTR. The Japanese brand claim it is a world first which “allows the rider to start, stop and change gear without using the clutch lever – just the shift pedal.”

On the move, its function is similar to a quickshifter, removing the need to use the clutch lever when shifting up or down – the rider simply has to operate the gear pedal.

Where ‘E-Clutch’ differs, however, is that the clutch lever is also not needed when pulling away from standstill or coming to a stop, although ‘normal’ operation is also possible.

‘E-Clutch’ will initially be offered as an option, similar to a Honda Dual Clutch Transmission system on some of its bikes. Clutch control is managed through an actuator unit, again like those in DCT, and again housed inside the right-hand engine cover. The additional weight of the system is 2kg. 

There are significant changes to the CBR/CB650R duo elsewhere, too. For starters, both get updated styling – with the CB naked (above) receiving a new, slanted LED headlight, radiator shrouds, seat, and tail unit.

Meanwhile, the sportier, fully faired CBR below also gets a new headlight, seat and tail unit but also a new fairing, too.

Both also get a new five-inch, full colour TFT dash with Honda’s ‘RoadSync’ connectivity navigated by a new left-hand switch pod which includes a backlit toggle.

Elsewhere, however, they’re unchanged, with the same 649cc four-cylinder unit producing a claimed 92bhp at 12,000rpm, steel diamond frame with Showa Big Piston inverted forks and twin radial mounted brakes.