Honda held a technical presentation of the Honda E-Clutch in Japan.
The E-Clutch is a mechanism that combines a manual clutch and an automatic clutch and will be installed on the new CB650R and new CBR650R. We would like to report on the details and approximate price.
The ultimate in manual transmissions
The Honda E-Clutch allows the motorcycle to operate the clutch on behalf of the rider, but it The Honda E-Clutch allows the motorcycle to operate the clutch on behalf of the rider, but it can be switched to manual operation whenever the rider wishes to do so. This is a useful feature when touring, as there are times when the rider may want to skip clutch operation, such as when riding in traffic jams.
But it is by no means an easy and simple mechanism. Honda describes it as "an evolution of the manual transmission (MT)," and unlike the Cub's automatic centrifugal clutch and DCT, the clutch lever remains in the left hand. The clutch lever is not covered by the AT license, and the vehicle has been developed as a manual transmission only.
A major feature is that it can drive sportier than a regular manual transmission model.
The Honda E-Clutch controls the half-clutch, suppressing shock and enabling quicker shifting than a quick shifter. Of course, shifting with the rider's hands and feet also enables a sportier ride.
Riders who ride motorcycles as a hobby also enjoy operating the clutch, and the ability to shift gears more skillfully than humans without losing this pleasure, allowing the rider to concentrate on "riding, turning, and stopping," is the evolution of MT.
In addition, it is the ultimate MT that offers the advantages of ease and simplicity.
New CB650R Honda E-Clutch Japan spec [HONDA] The photo shows it in Pearl Deep Mud Gray, which will be the exclusive E-Clutch color. The expected release date is mid-June 2024.
Honda E-Clutch [HONDA] Incorporates a motor-driven clutch control system into a manual transmission. Since the system can be retrofitted to existing engines, the number of compatible models is expected to increase in the future.
The concept of the Honda E-Clutch is "the evolution of the manual transmission. It embodies the function of extending human capabilities that Honda advocates by operating the clutch more quickly and skillfully than the rider.
The function of the Honda E-Clutch is shown on this slide. It is positioned between an automatic centrifugal clutch and DCT, which can be ridden with an AT license. It is easy to start and stop the car without having to operate the clutch.
The Honda E-clutch is not only easier but also provides the smoothest and quickest shifting in a single clutch operation system. It can be faster, although it does not seem to be allowed to be used in races by regulation.
Honda E-Clutch achieves low-cost production in Thailand
As for the price of the Honda E-Clutch, which is of interest, a Honda official says, "The shifter is about 30,000 yen and the DCT is about 100,000 yen. It's somewhere in between," he says.
The Rebel 1100 is priced at 1,138,500 yen for the STD and 1,248,500 yen for the DCT, a gap of 110,000 yen including tax, and the E-clutch can be expected to cost about 60,000 yen more than the STD.
In moving from prototype to mass production, E-Clutch was given a condition to "cut the size and price in half. The developers introduced robotics technology from Asimo and other companies, as well as parts procurement and production through the Thai supply chain, to achieve a smaller size and lower price.
In addition, E-Clutch is a new computer base. A separate control unit about 3 cm thick and the size of a business card is being prepared for deployment in multiple models. It will first be used in the CB650R/CBR650R in anticipation of the mass production effect of 35,000 units, but more models should be equipped with it in the future.
Honda aims to sell 60-70% of the E-Clutch models, and in Japan, the E-Clutch version will be the main sales strategy for both the CB650R and CBR650R. Color variations are expected to be two colors for the E clutch and one color for the STD, with a price difference of about 60,000 yen!
Honda E-Clutch development team. From left to right: Junichi Sakamoto, business headquarters; Junya Ono, development manager; Tatsuya Tatsuzaki, control design PL; and Asuka Ito, drive system LPL. The project took over 10 years to complete.
It is customary for Japan to be the head start for new mechanisms, and there were many barriers to starting with Thai production. The Japanese version will be a knockdown production, while the E-clutch itself will be produced in Thailand.
Motorcycles equipped with an E clutch have an overhang because the system is mounted on the right side of the engine.
The E clutch has both electronic and manual control by using a three-part clutch cam structure.
E-clutch can adjust shift touch up/down individually to hard, medium, or soft.
E-clutch gives priority to the rider when the rider operates the clutch lever even when the system is activated.
CB650R Honda E-Clutch European spec [HONDA] New CB650R with slant type headlight. Pearl Deep Mud Gray will be available only with E-Clutch in Japan.
CB650R Honda E-Clutch European version. Matte Ballistic Black Metallic is also available in Japan.
CB650R European spec. Domestic STD would be only matte ballistic black metallic.
CBR650R Honda E-Clutch European spec [HONDA] The new CBR650R has been restyled with sharper lines. Grand Prix Red will be the only E-Clutch available in Japan.
CBR650R Honda E-Clutch European spec. Matte Ballistic Black Metallic is also available in Japan.
CBR650R European spec. Domestic STD would be only matte ballistic black metallic.
2024 CBR650R/Honda E-Clutch European Specifications
Overall Length x Overall Width x Overall Height: 2120 x 750 x 1145mm
Wheelbase: 1450mm
Seat height: 810mm
Vehicle weight: 209/211 [208] kg
Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke, in-line 4-cylinder, DOHC 4-valve, 648cc
Maximum output: 95,2 PS at 12,000 rpm
Max. torque: 6.42 kg-m/9500 rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 15.4 liters
Transmission: 6-speed return
Brakes: F=W disc, R=disc
Tires: F=120/70ZR17, R=180/55ZR17
※ 2023 CBR650R European specifications
2024 CB650R/Honda E-Clutch European Main Specifications
Overall Length x Overall Width x Overall Height: 2130 x 780 x 1075mm
Wheelbase: 1450mm
Seat height: 810mm
Vehicle weight: 205／207【202.5】kg
Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke, in-line 4-cylinder, DOHC 4-valve, 648cc
Maximum output: 95,2 PS at 12,000 rpm
Max. torque: 6.42 kg-m/9500 rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 15.4 liters
Transmission: 6-speed return
Brakes: F=W disc, R=disc
Tires: F=120/70ZR17, R=180/55ZR17
※【 】 indicates 2023 CB650R European specifications
