Honda's Revolutionary E-Clutch: A Unique Fatigue-Free Innovation to Enhance your Riding Experience
With almost 150,000 DCT-equipped motorcycles sold, Honda's game-changing Dual Clutch Transmission is here to stay. In 2024, Honda returned to the spotlight with the E-Clutch, another technical innovation ready to make life easier and safer for motorcyclists.
The E-Clutch is the perfect choice whether you're a seasoned or newbie rider. It's a versatile tool that can enhance your ride, regardless of your skill level.
Ride Enhancing E-Clutch
New riders can use slick, clutchless gear changes to smooth their riding style. It also allows them to focus more on the road. Moreover, seasoned motorcyclists will appreciate effortless E-Clutch gear changes, whether clocking up road trip miles or enjoying a spirited ride through the countryside.
While DCT offers fully automatic gear changes, the E-Clutch serves a different purpose. It eliminates the need to pull the clutch lever when changing gear. So, with the E-Clutch engaged, you can accelerate from a standstill by simply opening the throttle.
The rider can choose when to change up or down the gearbox using the gear lever, and the E-Clutch does the rest. Changing gear is effortless, fast, and slick, but pulling away with just the throttle is merely the icing on the cake.
The ability to apply the throttle from a standstill is a game-changer for less experienced riders. Meanwhile, seasoned riders will appreciate the fatigue-free action, whether filtering through traffic or carving through bends.
Riders Talk, Honda Listens
When creating innovative technology for road bikes, Honda includes rider feedback as part of the design brief. With this in mind, Honda included the option of manual shifting using paddle shift on the DCT system. The E-Clutch gives the same ultimate flexibility by also offering manual clutch operation.
Overriding the E-Clutch is possible by pulling in the clutch lever during any part of a ride. This option provides the ultimate in rider flexibility and confidence.
Weighing in at a mere 2kg, the E-Clutch fits perfectly onto the standard gearbox cover and is virtually unnoticeable. As understated as the colour-matched unit is, though, below the casing, Honda has created the world's first electronically controlled clutch.
When manually shifting gear up or down the box, the E-Clutch uses one of its two actuator motors to engage or disengage the clutch directly on the release shaft. Simultaneously, this 'half clutch' action combines a momentary cut in the fuel injection and ignition control. These three onboard operations result in seamless shifts, free of 'shift shock,' regardless of engine speed.
Groundbreaking Technology
Honda's groundbreaking Dual Clutch Transmission paved the way for the actuator unit in the E-Clutch. Similarly, like DCT, it can be used manually with the bonus of being switched off at the click of a button.
The E-Clutch is easy to use. Twist the throttle to accelerate, change gear via the foot pedal, and the E-Clutch will handle the rest without even blipping the throttle. Slowing to a stop is equally fuss-free; use the brakes to slow, and the E-Clutch allows the bike to roll to a halt.
If you want to use the clutch conventionally, the moment you deploy the clutch lever, the mechanism provides complete manual control. Within a few seconds, depending on the engine speed, the E-Clutch turns itself back on. For those riders wishing to use the fatigue-free E-Clutch occasionally for road trips, the ability to turn the system off entirely is an option on the TFT screen.
The only question remaining is which models in the Honda range will be first to showcase the new E-Clutch?
Two Models will Showcase the E-Clutch
As one of Europe's biggest-selling naked road bikes, the Honda CB650R needs little introduction. With its agile, precise handling, 94bhp of adrenaline-pumping stomp, and class-leading "Neo Sports Café" look, it's no wonder the bike is so popular.
For 2024, Honda added subtle styling changes to make it even more honed, including a new 5" TFT screen, making the '24 CB650R razor sharp. The big news is though, this motorcycle will be one of only two models to showcase the new E-Clutch. It's an unmissable offer for a mere 100 UK pounds more than the stock version.
The second E-Clutch ambassador is Europe's best-selling sports bike, the Honda CBR650R. Honda's formula for a middleweight powerhouse with race track looks and everyday road manners has made this model a runaway success.
The 2024 model sees a subtle sharpening of the bodywork and a new colour TFT screen, confirming that it doesn't take much to improve on perfection. The E-Clutch option is a mere £100 over the standard bike price and will help maintain the CBR650R's status as Europe's premier sports bike.
The CB650R and CBR650R are at the top of their game in the hard-fought naked and supersport sectors. However, regarding flexibility, rideability, and sheer value for money, the revolutionary new E-Clutch option looks all set to put them in a class of their own.
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