Previously introduced in Europe, Honda E-Clutch will become available in the U.S. on the 2024 CB650R and CBR650R. This new system removes the need to use the clutch lever at all and eliminates the possibility of stalling, among other operational conveniences. In the same announcement, Honda released information about the upgraded 2025 CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, as well as four returning street models for 2025. All models in this announcement will be available at dealers in the U.S. starting in September 2024.
Honda E-Clutch
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. A clutch lever remains operational, so riders can choose to use it if they prefer.
If the rider uses the clutch lever, the Honda E-Clutch system will reactive after less than a second at higher engine rpm or after five seconds at lower engine speeds. For even more control, the rider can select Manual mode from the switch cluster on the left side of the handlebar to eliminate any E-Clutch functionality.
E-Clutch also allows riders to select from three operational feel settings: Hard, Medium, or Soft. These settings can be chosen independently for upshifting and downshifting, and they affect the strength of force required on the shift pedal to make a gear change.
The Honda E-Clutch system weighs less than 4.5 lb, and the clutch and transmission hardware are the same as on a conventional motorcycle. The system works by reading parameters like vehicle speed, throttle-opening angle, engine rpm, pressure on the shift pedal, clutch-motor reduction-gear angle, engine countershaft speed, and gear position. Using these readings, the system manages clutch engagement and disengagement, as well as ignition timing and fuel injection for smooth responses.
For 2024 in the U.S., the Honda E-Clutch system will be offered only on the CB650R and CBR650R, both of which receive other updates as well.
2024 Honda CB650R and CBR650R
Honda’s middleweight naked and its fully faired sibling are upgraded for 2024. The most notable update is the addition of the E-Clutch, detailed in the section above. Other updates to both models include a new 5-inch TFT instrument display, LED lighting throughout, and updated styling, with the CB650R dressed in Honda’s Neo Sports Café style and the CBR650R carrying a sportier look.
Both bikes feature a 649cc inline-Four with DOHC and four valves per cylinder. Suspension comes from a 41mm Showa SFF-BP fork and a Showa shock. Dual 310mm discs with radial-mounted 4-piston calipers slow things down up front. The CB650R naked has a claimed wet weight of 456 lb, while the CBR650R is 10 lb heavier.
The 2024 Honda CB650R will be available in Pearl Smoky Gray with an MSRP of $9,399. The 2024 Honda CBR650R will be available in Grand Prix Red with an MSRP of $9,899.
Related: 2019 Honda CB650R vs. Kawasaki W800 Cafe vs. Suzuki SV650X | Comparison Review
2025 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP
A proven winner in MotoAmerica’s Stock 1000 class, the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP returns for 2025 with several significant upgrades. Honda claims the updated Fireblade SP now makes more power in the midrange and has a more responsive engine thanks to reduced crankshaft mass. All gear ratios have been shortened for 2025, and the Akrapovič muffler is larger for adequate flow while meeting noise-emissions standards.
The riding position is more humane for street use, with taller handlebar grips and lower footpegs. The bike also includes a new two-motor throttle-by-wire system, nine-level traction control, three riding modes, a revised aluminum frame with new rigidity balance, a suspension with third-generation Öhlins Smart Electronic Control, new Brembo Stylema R radial-mount 4-piston calipers, a new winglet shape, a 5-inch color TFT screen, and a slight increase in fuel capacity to 4.4 gallons.
The Fireblade is powered by a 1,000cc inline-Four with DOHC with a bore and stroke of 81mm x 48.5mm. Valve timing has been revised for 2025, and the compression ratio was raised from 13.4:1 to 13.6:1.
The 2025 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP will be available in Grand Prix Red with an MSRP of $28,999.
Related: 2021 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP | Road Test Review
2025 Honda CBR1000RR
The CBR1000RR returns unchanged for 2025. The bike’s 1,000cc inline-Four features magnesium engine, covers, DLC-coated finger-follower rocker arms, a compression ratio of 13.0:1, and a redline of 13,000 rpm. The bike also features a slipper clutch, Honda Selectable Torque Control, wheelie control, three levels of engine braking, a TFT screen with three selectable display options, and a five-level Power Selector. Suspension is provided by a 43mm Showa BPF fork and a Balance Free Rear Cushion shock, and braking is provided by Tokico 4-piston radial-mounted calipers up front. All lighting is LED.
The 2025 Honda CBR1000RR will be available in Pearl White with an MSRP of $16,999 without ABS and $17,299 with ABS.
2025 Honda CBR600RR
Designed to “deliver racetrack-level performance at an accessible price,” the CBR600RR returns for 2025 unchanged. It’s powered by a 599cc inline-Four with a bore and stroke of 67.0mm x 42.5mm and a compression ratio of 12.2:1. The 41mm Showa BPF is adjustable for spring preload and compression and rebound damping, and in the rear is a Pro-Link shock with spring preload, rebound, and compression damping adjustability.
The 2025 Honda CBR600RR will be available in Deep Pearl Gray with an MSRP of $12,199 without ABS and $13,199 with ABS.
2025 Honda CB300R
The smallest of the CB models, the CB300R naked returns for 2025 as Honda’s entry-level bike. It features fully blacked-out hardware, styling cues taken from the larger-displacement CB bikes, aluminum wheels, and ABS. It has an LCD instrument display and full LED lighting. It’s powered by a 286cc Single with DOHC and four valves. Wet weight is a claimed 317 lb, wheelbase is 53.3 inches, and the seat height is 31.5 inches.
The 2025 Honda CB300R will be available in Pearl Dusk Yellow or Matte Black Metallic with an MSRP of $5,149.
Related: 2019 Honda CB300R | First Ride Review
2025 Honda Monkey
The quirky and fun-loving Honda Monkey returns for 2025. The retro-styled mini is powered by a 124cc air-cooled Single with a 5-speed transmission, and its wet weight is only 231 lb with its 1.5-gallon tank full. Its seat is reasonably low at 30.5 inches, and its wheelbase is just 45.0 inches. The Monkey is equipped with LCD instrumentation and LED lighting.
Related: Honda Monkey: Super-Spreader of Happiness
The 2025 Honda Monkey will be available in red with an MSRP of $4,349.
Visit the Honda website for more information.
Check out more new bikes in Rider’s 2024 Motorcycle Buyers Guide
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Source: RiderMagazine.com