Following the information that the new Rebel 250 in 2025 will be equipped with an E-clutch, it has been revealed that there is a possibility that a sibling model, the CL250 E-clutch, will be released. Like the new CL500 announced overseas, the footpeg layout will likely be revised!
If you have the same engine type, there is no hurdle in adopting the E-clutch! For stress-free riding
The Honda CL250, which has been on the market since 2023, is a scrambler equipped with large 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels and an up-silencer. If you don't know in advance, you may not know that it is a sibling model that shares the basic engine and frame design with the low and long cruiser Rebel 250. The atmosphere of the body is so different that it is a model.
There is information that an "E-clutch" version of this CL250 will be released. The E-clutch is a new technology that was just released this year and is currently used in two models, the CB650R and CBR650R. The mechanism is recognizable from the outside by adding an automatic clutch mechanism to the clutch cover on the right side of the engine.
The E-Clutch is a mechanism that uses this part and electronic control to achieve smooth shift changes without clutch operation. It does not automatically shift gears like AT or DCT machines, but it eliminates the need for precise clutch lever movements such as half-clutch, which are difficult for beginners to get used to. Anyone can easily shift gears smoothly, assisting in sporty riding. Of course, the benefits of the E-Clutch can be fully demonstrated not only by beginners, but also by veterans who get tired of clutch operation on long touring trips.
CL250 E-Clutch (CG projection by the editorial department) There is also information that the Rebel 250 will be equipped with an E-Clutch. Will the CL250, which uses the same engine, also be equipped with a similar E-Clutch specification?
Honda's E-Clutch automates clutch operation. It is electronically controlled and has additional parts for the clutch, and has been announced as being able to be installed on a variety of engines.
The mechanism of the E-Clutch is simple and easy to install on existing engines.
Honda has stated since the announcement of the E-Clutch mechanism that it will be installed on many more models. As of December 2024, there has been no official announcement other than the two models already on the market, but it is highly likely that the next model to be equipped with the E-Clutch will be the Rebel 250. This is because it has been four years since the last model change and it is time for an update, and the E-Clutch would be most welcome for the Rebel 250, which is also popular among beginners. And if the Rebel 250 E-Clutch is released, it would be extremely natural for the CL250 E-Clutch, which is equipped with a similar engine, to appear.
CL250 E-Clutch (CG prediction by the editorial department) If the E-Clutch, which will be of great benefit to people other than beginners, is made available in the 250cc class, the middle class lineup will be instantly enriched!
We are also looking forward to the color change of the Rebel 250 E-Clutch (CG prediction by the editorial department). This time, we imagined two retro-style colors.
CL250 (2024) A mid-size scrambler released last year, it shares the frame and engine with the Rebel 250, but has a completely different silhouette.
Rebel 250 E-Clutch (CG projection by editorial department) The highly anticipated new Rebel 250 is expected to be announced next spring. It is expected to be released together with the standard model.
The footpeg has been improved in the same way as the CL500, which may improve the footrest placement.
However, the improvements of the new CL500 will also be reflected in the CL250. The CL500 for overseas markets announced recently will retain the traditional style, but it has been announced that it will comply with the latest exhaust gas regulations EURO5+, improve the visibility of the meter, and add new colors. What we want to pay attention to here is that in addition to these, the "position and shape of the footrests have been changed." This has offset the footrests forward and made them slimmer. This is thought to be an improvement in response to complaints that the wide footrests laid out directly under the feet, which were previously considered to be one of the equipment that hinted at an off-road taste, affected the ability to reach the ground.
The CL500 and CL250 share almost the same basic design of the frame and equipment, and Honda has already announced the domestic introduction of the 250 with the same specifications. If that is the case, the new CL250 will have a more comfortable footrest that tends to interfere with the footrests when reaching the ground, and the adoption of an E-clutch will greatly improve the sense of security and operability. As for the price, we expect it to be around $4440.41, since the conventional E-clutch model is priced $348.89 more than the standard model.
CL500 (2025: overseas) The 500, which was released first in Europe, is EURO5+ compliant and has improved footwear.
The new CL500 footpegs are offset forward, reducing the impact on foot placement.
The conventional CL250 footpeg. Honda has already announced that the new specifications will be adopted.
Previously, the mid-control position was natural, but there were complaints that when you put your feet down, your shins and other parts of your body would hit, and you had to be careful.
The new CL250 will be long-awaited for riders who are interested in the scrambler style, but are worried about how to reach the ground and control the bike. The release date is unknown, but it may be revealed as early as next spring's motorcycle show, along with the "Rebel 250 E-Clutch"! We'll be keeping an eye on further news.