Minimalist Perfection
Honda’s Neo Sports Café styling combines the stripped-down features of the café racer with the streetfighter's pure functionality. It elevated the naked sports bike to a new level and the 2024 Honda CB650R takes up and runs with the batten.
The first CB650R model rolled onto the showroom floor in 2019. It entered the fiercely fought middleweight battleground. By 2021, Honda’s super naked 650 upped the stakes with major suspension and detailing updates.
Not even the addition of Euro-5 compliance could lessen the engine’s flexibility and responsiveness. Plus, thanks to altered cam profiles plus tweaks to the timing and ECU, the engine added an additional three horsepower.
Today, due to its tuned frame, high-end suspension and engaging engine, the CB650R remains one of the most versatile motorcycles on the street.
The 2024YM model is the only 4-cylinder bike in the category and continues to be a stand-out machine for performance, handling and design. Amongst a sea of twin-cylinder rivals, when the 'on the pipe' howl of the CB650R hits its midrange, the sound is addictive.
The 2024 CB650R is the first motorcycle in the factory’s 75-year history to offer Honda E-Clutch technology. The existing model’s assist/slipper clutch already gives an incredible, light lever action. Yet the E-Clutch takes things to a whole new level. This new bolt-on technology allows riders to make clutchless changes up and down the gear box.
With styling updates to the taillight, seat unit, radiator shrouds and headlight, sharpening the angles, the model exudes dynamic energy.
There are no changes to the 23YM’s frame, Showa SFF-BP forks and multi-adjustable shock, as these already produce one of the sweetest handling packages on the street.
The bike's information consul sports a 5" full-colour TFT screen to provide improved visibility in bright sunlight. Three display formats for information readout are available. Another first for the CB650R is the addition of Honda RoadSync with Smartphone connectivity via Bluetooth.
The CB650R is an established favourite. Yet, the 2024YM's dynamic look, improved interactive information consul and optional E-clutch technology elevate it to a class of its own.
Former Best-Selling Middleweight Sports Bike in Europe, is Even Better Than Before
While ‘Race on Sunday sell on Monday’ is a phrase from the 1950s, the principle remains solid. Success on the track creates brand loyalty, leading to higher sales.
Honda has a track record of winning races around the world for over half a century and success creates an ever-growing army of loyal fans. The biggest takeaway of this is the track-tested technology that filters down to the production line.
While engine performance is an obvious benefit from the racetrack, everything from frame geometry to fairing aerodynamics gets tested to the limit.
The 2014 launch of the CBR650F utilised plenty of track-won ideas. The result was a competitive middleweight whose speed and stability placed it at the livelier end of the sports touring spectrum.
As the middleweight performance bike sector became more fiercely fought over, in 2019 Honda rose to the challenge with a complete overhaul of the CBR650F. This model year saw the ‘F’ designation dropped in favour of an ‘R’ as Honda gave the bike a sportier edge.
A Honda trademark, the CBR650R had that unmistakable X factor. While providing the type of adrenaline-fuelled levels of excitement often experienced on an RR, the new Honda remained a practical daily ride.
The 21YM CBR650R was as competent on the street as it was confidence-inspiring on a track day. Its versatility earned it the accolade of top-selling sports bike in Europe.
The 2024 CBR650R is a game changer.
For 2024, the Honda CBR650R has some important changes but introducing the Honda E-Clutch is set to be a game changer.
The 24YM CBR650R’s trademark mid-range surge and high-revving top end remain the same. The same goes for its perfectly poised Showa SFF-BP USD forks and rear shock combination.
Changes include a new headlight, fairing, rider/pillion seat, tail unit and light, all giving the bike's existing energetic stance an even sharper edge.
A 5" full-colour TFT dash with increased daylight visibility is also features Honda RoadSync connectivity managed by a new user-friendly 4-way toggle switch.
The big news, though, is the all-new E-Clutch. This optional extra allows the rider to go up and down the gearbox without using the clutch lever. This option is currently only available for the 24YM CBR650R and CB650R. It offers riders the benefits of an automatic gearbox, which can only add to the CBR650R’s popularity.
Forget the clutch lever and don't bother blipping the throttle. The E-Clutch gives seamless, accurate, lightning-fast gear changes every time. Furthermore, when rolling to a stop, the E-Clutch kicks in, allowing the rider to come to a stop while still in gear. Accelerating away requires only a twist of the throttle.
As the E-Clutch mechanism automatically activates the moment the engine starts, clutchless take-offs become the norm. Moreover, the possibility of stalling disappears in the rearview mirror. All these features have something to offer riders of all levels and enhance pure riding pleasure.
The rider can disengage the E-Clutch by the conventional use of the clutch lever at any time. It's also possible to turn the system off via a switch on the left of the handlebar. Taking electronic readings from as many as 10 different engine parameters, the sensor sends a signal to the twin motor actuator to either engage or disengage the clutch. Simultaneously, the engine's ignition timing and fuel injection are altered, resulting in seamless shock-free gear changes.
Weighing in at a mere 2kg, the hardware is housed behind an integrated engine cover on the right-side engine case. It requires no changes to conventional clutch or transmission components.
Whether you prefer the CB650R or the CBR650R, the addition of Honda's E-Clutch technology is set to enhance every ride.
What is Honda E-Clutch Technology?
Not only is 2024 Honda’s 75th anniversary but it also heralds the launch of the Honda E-Clutch. Available as an option for the 24YM CB650R and CBR650R, the E-clutch draws inspiration from the technology behind the quick-shifter, manual clutch and Honda’s Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT).
The result offers the rider seamless gear changes without using the clutch lever. Whether hacking through the urban jungle or accelerating flat-out, changing up or down through the gears requires using the conventional gear lever only.
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