JP Honda E Clutch Recap Video
E-CLUTCH UNLEASHED
The devil is in the details so we went down to Georgia to fiddle around with Honda's new E-Clutch system. From a dealers' perspective this technology stands to open the market to millions who have never operated a manual transmission... without alienating experienced riders. "Think of it as a quick-shifter for city traffic," explained project lead Junya Ono. Of course, that is not what it really is, but that is close enough for a layman to grasp what the 4.2 lb. lump mounted on the right side of the CBR650R and CBR650s we would be riding on the track, backroads of Georgia and city traffic.
It is not simply a quick-shift for the street... it is better than that! “The Honda E-Clutch manages clutch engagement and disengagement based on its reading of parameters including vehicle speed, throttle opening angle, engine rpm, pressure on the shift pedal, clutch motor reduction gear angle, engine countershaft speed, and gear position,” explained Ono-san. Here is how the media is interpreting the message:
WHAT THEY SAID
The amount of negativity aimed at Honda’s latest E-Clutch technology, fueled by misinformation, is shocking. Surrounding it is the distinct energy from the “They took our jobs!” South Park episode, but instead of “jobs” it’s “clutch”. I believe the E-Clutch will go on to become mainstream and widely accepted by the community because a MT on a motorcycle adds to the sense of freedom while riding—you’re the governor. But, when you combine that MT with the E-Clutch system, you have more freedom, not less. P.S. I can confirm that this is the easiest burnout you’ll ever do on a motorcycle with a clutch lever.— Robbie Bacon, RideApart
Not once did the CBR650R’s rear wheel lock or squirm with E-Clutch activated. I can’t say the same when I switched into full manual mode, as slipping the clutch and matching revs were all down to me. If anything, manually managing the clutch only illustrated the automatic mode’s efficiency and efficacy. I may not know anyone who owns an automatic motorcycle, but something tells me I'll meet someone with an E-Clutch bike in the coming years. — Dustin Wheelen, Common Thread
Stop-and-go traffic is where the E-Clutch shines, especially for a daily commuter. Stuck behind what was most likely regular afternoon Dahlonega, GA traffic, where the patter of travel was roll a little bit and then wait a little bit, it hit me that I would typically have some discomfort in my hands at this point of a long day of riding. Time will tell what else the technology will bring to the moto-table. For now, the E-Clutch system invites and welcomes new riders to begin their journey as motorcyclists with the 2024 Honda CBR650R and CB650. — Allen Lane, SportBikes, Inc.
The new Honda E-Clutch system is something in between Honda’s Dual Clutch Transmission and a quickshifter. While using the E-Clutch, the rider won’t need to operate the clutch lever, whether shifting up or down, coming to a stop, or pulling away after a stop. The rider need only switch gears using the foot control. — Rider Magazine
