The E-Clutch variant is expected to attract a premium of Rs 20-25k over the standard model which costs Rs 9.20 lakh (ex-showroom).
Honda 2-Wheelers India has teased the E-Clutch version of the CBR650R and CB650R on its social media handles ahead of the official launch in the country. The E-Clutch variants will be identical to the regular models in terms of design, features and engine specs. Honda CB650R E-Clutch is likely to be more expensive than the standard motorcycle which is priced at Rs 9.20 lakh (ex-showroom). It has been learnt through credible sources that the E-Clutch models of the CBR650R and CB650R are expected to launch in the next few days in the Indian market.
First things first, the primary highlight of the E-Clutch version is that it can be operated without taking the help of clutch lever during shifting of gears. Moreover, the bikes can take off from standstill and come to rest without clutch operation. Though the clutch lever is pretty much there on the motorcycles and riders can manually use it whenever they wish to.
Honda CB650R E-Clutch tips the scale at 205.8 kg which is nearly 2.8 kg more than the stock bike. There is no visual difference between the motorcycles, barring the marginally larger clutch casing for housing the actuators and other technical bits. Other than this, it gets the same features, hardware and cycle parts.
Mechanically, the E-Clutch variants will be powered by the same 649cc four-cylinder liquid-cooled petrol engine which belts out top power of 94 bhp at 12,000 rpm and peak torque of 63 Nm at 9,500 rpm. The engine is linked to a 6-speed transmission and only the operation of the clutch distinguishes the two motorcycles.
Honda CB650R boasts of Showa-sourced USD forks at front and a mono-shock damper unit with 10-level preload adjustability as the rear suspension. The bike rides on 17-inch alloy wheels with section 120/70 front tyre and 180/55 rear tyre. The braking duties are helmed by twin disc units at front and a single disc at the rear. It has a saddle height of 810 mm while the ground clearance stands at 150 mm.
Honda had first introduced the E-Clutch technology at the EICMA 2023. However, later on, several leading brands such as Yamaha, KTM and BMW followed the suit and rolled out their respective motorcycles with this tech. The biggest advantage of E-Clutch is that it reduces tiredness during thick traffic where the riders need to engage and disengage the clutch lever manually multiple times.
