Honda CB650R & CBR650R E-Clutch
When Honda reintroduced the CB650R and CBR650R to India in early 2025, I was thrilled. As someone who has followed Honda’s four-cylinder legacy for years, these mid-weight machines have always held a special place in my heart—refined, reliable, and thrilling without being intimidating. But now, there’s a twist. Honda has phased out the standard clutch variants and is offering only the E-Clutch versions of both bikes in India. Naturally, I had to dig deeper.
What is Honda’s E-Clutch and Why Should I Care?
To put it simply, the E-Clutch system lets me ride without ever needing to pull the clutch lever. Sounds like magic? It kind of is. I can still shift gears using my foot as usual, but the system handles clutch engagement and disengagement automatically—especially handy when crawling in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
Interestingly, Honda still gives me a clutch lever, which I can use manually if I prefer that traditional feeling. That’s a key difference from something like Honda’s DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) or Yamaha’s Y-AMT, where the clutch lever disappears altogether.
Honda’s E-Clutch weighs just 2.8 kg more than the standard setup—a small price to pay (along with ₹40,000 extra on the ex-showroom price) for all that everyday convenience.
A Bit of Background CBR650R & CB650R Engineering Legacy
To appreciate what Honda’s done here, you have to understand the roots of these motorcycles. The CB650R follows Honda’s “Neo Sports Café” design philosophy—a blend of retro and modern styling. It’s got an upright stance, muscular bodywork, and just enough aggression to turn heads without screaming for attention. The CBR650R, on the other hand, channels the fire of the Fireblade family with supersport styling, clip-on bars, and a more aggressive, tucked-in riding position.
Both bikes are powered by Honda’s 649cc inline-4 engine—a jewel of a motor that revs freely to 12,000 rpm, delivering 95hp and 63Nm of torque. The engine is liquid-cooled, extremely refined, and has a soundtrack that any motorcycle lover would appreciate. These specs haven’t changed with the E-Clutch.
The 6-speed gearbox remains the same as well, and Honda has calibrated the clutch system to work seamlessly with it.
Riding Without the Clutch? Here’s What It Feels Like
When I first tried the E-Clutch, I noticed the real magic during starts and stops. I could just roll off from a signal without fiddling with the clutch, which made me feel like I had a superpower in traffic. But it’s not entirely automatic—I still have to choose the correct gear for the situation. If I try to launch in 3rd gear, for example, the bike won’t be happy. So rider input still matters.
And I like that balance. It’s not a scooter. It’s still very much a motorcycle, but a smarter one.
The Global Evolution of the 650 Twins
Globally, the CBR650R and CB650R have undergone gradual yet meaningful updates since they replaced the older CBR650F and CB650F. Honda has refined the chassis, improved suspension feel, sharpened the designs, and continuously upgraded electronics over the years. The bikes now get full LED lighting, radial-mount front brakes, USD Showa SFF-BP forks, and slipper clutch (which still complements the E-Clutch).
For context, these bikes form a key part of Honda’s middleweight strategy, appealing to those who want four-cylinder sophistication without jumping to the litre-class segment.
Colors and Pricing in India
In India, both bikes are available in two color options—black and red. The prices are:
CB650R E-Clutch ₹9.60 lakh (ex-showroom)
CBR650R E-Clutch ₹10.40 lakh (ex-showroom)
That ₹40,000 premium over the previous standard models might sting for some, but in my opinion, it’s a reasonable bump for a more relaxed and futuristic riding experience.
Final Thoughts
As a rider who loves the emotional connection with machines, I approached the E-Clutch with some skepticism. But now, I see it as Honda doing what Honda does best: blending tradition with innovation. These aren’t automatic motorcycles—they’re evolved ones. The joy of a high-revving inline-four remains, but now with less fatigue and more flexibility.
Whether I’m carving a ghat section or crawling through Mumbai traffic, the CB650R and CBR650R E-Clutch variants offer me the kind of experience that makes me look forward to every ride.
