New and experienced riders come to our dealership shopping for motorcycles for sale near San Mateo, each looking to satiate their need for adventure on two wheels. However, new riders are often intimidated by the intricate dance of balancing the bike, engaging the clutch, and shifting gears. Likewise, experienced riders sometimes want a more convenient riding experience on city streets without losing that physical connection to the engine. Fortunately, Honda has the answer.
Honda is an industry leader renowned for changing the landscape with its pioneering technologies, reliable engines, and versatile lineup. Last year, that reputation was brought back into the spotlight when the manufacturer introduced the Honda E-Clutch technology to American riders. Available on the CB650R and the CBR650R, the E-Clutch system is revolutionary for riders of all skill levels. Here's everything you need to know about the system.
What Is Honda's E-Clutch Technology? How Does It Work?
Riding a motorcycle is a full-body dance that requires precise choreography and control. In addition to keeping the bike upright, you're watching your surroundings and following traffic laws as you listen to the engine. Your hand engages the clutch, and your foot shifts gears as the engine and situation demand. The coordination has to be perfectly timed.
For veteran riders, engaging the clutch and shifting gears is natural, but it's also tiresome and can lead to fatigue, especially in more urban areas like San Mateo. In extreme cases, riders can experience carpal tunnel from this repetitive motion. Further, shifting gears can be intimidating for new riders unfamiliar with a manual transmission. The learning curve is steep, with new riders often stalling the engine repeatedly as they master the timing and coordination.
Honda's E-Clutch offers a solution for riders of all skill levels. The technology builds on quick-shifters and Honda's Dual Clutch Transmission, providing riders with a new experience that mitigates fatigue and makes riding more accessible. So, how does it work?
The Basics of the E-Clutch System
Ultra-compact and lightweight at just under five pounds, the E-Clutch system doesn't eliminate the traditional clutch and transmission hardware on a bike. Instead, it offers riders more flexibility and can be switched on or off. When on, the technology electronically controls the clutch mechanism. It automatically engages the clutch when you shift gears based on the data it gathers about the bike's speed, the throttle position, the engine RPMs, and more. It responds to rider input on the shift lever, enhancing the experience by offering faster and more consistent gear changes without the lag that comes with using the clutch.
This on-demand engagement is significant when navigating stop-and-go situations throughout San Mateo. For example, instead of engaging the clutch and downshifting to reduce your speed in traffic or stop at a red light, the E-Clutch system instantaneously responds as you shift gears and eliminates the threat of stalling the engine. As a result, you can confidently navigate the urban landscape, enjoying greater peace of mind and convenience.
Built-In Smart Technology
The E-Clutch system offers built-in smart technology that can help you maximize your experience in the saddle. Honda recognizes that riders have unique riding styles and performance needs, so the E-Clutch system is customizable and intuitive. For example, you can finetune the E-Clutch with three settings—Hard, Medium, and Soft—for upshifting and downshifting. These settings adjust how much force is required on the shift lever to change gears.
New riders will particularly enjoy the E-Clutch's gear coach. Beyond customizing the technology's responsiveness on the shift lever, the feature also monitors the engine and your input. If it senses that the transmission is in a higher gear than necessary, you'll see a symbol on the instrument panel that alerts you to shift into a lower gear for smoother handling and better performance.
The Best of Both Worlds
The E-Clutch system is incredibly versatile, offering riders the best of both worlds whether you're still honing your skills or are a veteran in the saddle. Unlike other automated transmissions, the technology can be switched on or off to accommodate your riding preferences. When switched off, you'll see an “M” for manual on the instrument display, meaning you'll need to engage the clutch lever normally as you shift gears.
You can also keep the E-Clutch system on and still engage the clutch when desired. For example, you might want to use the clutch to maneuver at low speeds but let the E-Clutch work its magic at higher speeds. In that case, you don't have to do anything special. The system will turn off when you pull the clutch and then reengage automatically a few seconds after you've released the clutch.
Exploring the E-Clutch With Honda's CBR650R and CB650R
San Mateo riders have two outstanding options when shopping for bikes with the E-Clutch technology. The CBR650R caters to those looking for sportier performance, with its sleek silhouette and bold styling reflecting its penchant for speed. The middleweight sport bike shares the spotlight and its 649cc engine with its naked bike sibling, the CB650R. Here's a closer look at the details and the distinct impact the E-Clutch technology has on each bike.
What to Expect From the CBR650R
The CBR650R is instantly recognizable by its supersport styling draped in Grand Prix Red. Weighing a modest 466 lbs, the bike lives up to and exceeds every expectation of a Honda sportbike. Its high-revving 649cc four-cylinder engine offers dynamic performance, especially with the six-speed transmission and Honda E-Clutch technology. For sport bike enthusiasts, the E-Clutch is a game-changer that operates like a quick-shifter during upshifts and downshifts for on-demand responsiveness and next-level performance when pushing the middleweight powerhouse to its limits.
The bike's finishing touches are notable. Its 41mm Showa Big Piston front fork provides 4.3 inches of travel, and its Showa single-shock rear suspension offers 5.1 inches of travel. Dual 310mm disc brakes with radial-mount four-piston calipers at the front and a single 240mm disc brake at the rear deliver exceptional stopping power. Beyond this, the bike's 31.9-inch seat height and lightweight design make it widely accommodating, while the E-Clutch system makes it more accessible and engaging.
What to Expect From the CB650R
Cruising San Mateo in style is guaranteed when you're behind the handlebars of the CB650R. Honda's middleweight standard motorcycle is guaranteed to turn heads with its sharp styling draped in Pearl Smoky Gray. As its name implies, the CB650R shares the same heartbeat as its sportbike sibling but offers distinct performance perfect for updating your weekday commute or adding excitement to your weekend rides.
Weighing a modest 456 lbs, the CB650R offers broad appeal because of its lightweight design and neutral riding position with a 31.9-inch seat height. Its 649cc engine provides plenty of excitement, with the E-Clutch System enhancing the bike's performance in any condition by automatically engaging the clutch. The combination of the engine and E-Clutch transmission makes it easier to enjoy every ride, whether exploring a winding backroad outside the city limits or navigating rush-hour traffic downtown. Either way, the E-Clutch mitigates rider fatigue and fosters confidence and peace of mind.
Making Riding More Accessible and More Convenient
Whether you spend most of your time riding in San Mateo or life takes you beyond the city limits, Honda's E-Clutch technology on bikes like the CBR650R and CB650R is revolutionary. The technology makes riding more accessible by eliminating an obstacle that prevents many new riders from enjoying life in the saddle. Mastering the choreography of engaging the clutch and shifting gears takes practice, and each failure threatens the rider's confidence when they're the most vulnerable.
Honda's E-Clutch system doesn't eliminate the importance of learning how to shift gears but offers a solution that gives riders the best of both worlds. It fosters confidence by automatically engaging the clutch, letting you shift gears as needed. The advanced technology also provides coachable moments, alerting you when you need to shift gears for optimal performance. This gives new riders the freedom to focus on the engine and how it sounds before and after gear shifts rather than worrying about stalling.
The E-Clutch also caters to experienced riders who want more freedom in the saddle without compromising their physical connection to the bike. The technology mitigates fatigue by automating the clutch, allowing you to focus on the ride and the landscape around you. When you're ready, you can engage the clutch without a second thought or switch the system into manual mode and ride like you're accustomed to.
