Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) has today launched the E-Clutch variant of its popular middleweight naked streetfighter, the CB650R, priced at ₹9.60 lakh (ex-showroom). This new variant introduces Honda’s innovative E-Clutch technology to the Indian market for the first time, offering riders a unique clutchless gear-shifting experience.
The E-Clutch system is designed to simplify riding, particularly in urban environments with frequent stop-and-go traffic. It employs servo motors housed in a redesigned engine casing to automate clutch engagement and disengagement during gear changes and when the motorcycle comes to a standstill. This eliminates the need for riders to use the clutch lever, reducing fatigue and enhancing convenience.
Despite the integration of this new technology, Honda has retained the option for riders to manually operate the clutch lever should they prefer a more traditional riding experience. The system can also be disengaged entirely.
Apart from the E-Clutch, the CB650R E-Clutch remains largely identical to the standard model that was launched earlier this year. It continues to be powered by a potent 649cc, liquid-cooled, in-line four-cylinder engine that delivers 94 bhp of power at 12,000 rpm and 63 Nm of torque at 9,500 rpm. This engine is paired with a smooth six-speed gearbox.
The motorcycle’s design adheres to Honda’s Neo Sports Café aesthetic, featuring a distinctive round LED headlight, a sculpted fuel tank, and a sharp, minimalist rear section. The four exhaust headers are a visual highlight, adding to its sporty appeal.
The CB650R E-Clutch rides on a steel frame, supported by Showa Separate Function Front Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks at the front and a preload-adjustable monoshock at the rear. Braking is managed by twin 310mm front discs with four-piston calipers and a single 240mm rear disc with a single-piston caliper, complemented by dual-channel ABS. A 5-inch TFT instrument cluster with Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity is also included.
Bookings for the Honda CB650R E-Clutch are now open at all Honda BigWing dealerships across India and through the company’s official website. Deliveries are expected to commence by the end of May 2025. The new E-Clutch variant is priced approximately ₹40,000 higher than the standard CB650R. In the Indian market, the Honda CB650R E-Clutch will compete against the likes of the Triumph Daytona 660.
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