Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) today unveiled an exciting update to its vehicle lineup in the Indian market. The renowned models CB650R and CBR 650R have received their much-awaited updated versions, now equipped with the revolutionary E-Clutch technology. Priced at INR 9.60 lakh and INR 10.40 lakh respectively (ex-showroom), these models are available for booking at Honda BigWing dealerships and on their website, with deliveries starting in the last week of May 2025.
In terms of look and design, both the Honda CB650R and CBR650R have retained their standard model appearance. What sets them apart is the incorporation of the country's pioneering e-Clutch system. This system allows riders to seamlessly shift gears, halt, and accelerate without clutch usage. Although a clutch is provided in these variants, it can be manually operated at the rider's discretion.
Source: aajtak
Similar to the standard versions, the E-Clutch variants of the CB650R and CBR650R boast a 649cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder engine. This engine pumps out an impressive 95hp at 12,000 RPM and a torque of 63 Nm at 9,500 RPM. Paired with a 6-speed gearbox, the E-Clutch variant offers the same chassis and feature set as the standard versions, with an additional weight of 2.8 kilograms due to the E-Clutch system.
Available in two striking colors, Black and Red, the CB650R and CBR650R E-Clutch variants are among the few motorcycles in India offering an 'assisted' clutch system. This technology is also seen in the BMW R 1300 GS model. Let's explore how this technology works and its benefits.
The E-Clutch technology is truly groundbreaking. It employs an automated clutch system, enabling clutch-free gear shifting. Essentially, it revolutionizes traditional motorcycle riding. Similar to the iMT (Intelligent Manual Transmission) we see in some Hyundai and Kia cars, the iMT system lacks a clutch yet features a manual gearbox utilizing an 'intelligent intention sensor' on the gear lever for clutch activation or deactivation. Honda, however, includes the clutch in this technology for show, but its main operation is automated.
Source: aajtak
Honda proudly claims this to be the world’s first automatic clutch control system designed for multi-gear motorcycle transmission. The objective is to simplify motorcycle riding without clutch usage, a boon for the daily commuter motorcycle scene.
The Honda E-Clutch system uses electronic control technology for an automatic clutch control system, operating efficiently across various conditions. Hailed as more comfortable and simplifying gear shifting compared to manual clutch operations, the E-Clutch system retains a manual clutch lever identical to any motorcycle, yet functions automatically. It can still be manually operated, though the beauty lies in not having to press the clutch repeatedly for gear changes.
