To many motorcycle purists, even the concept of an ‘automatic’ in a motorcycle is anathema. Who wants to drive a damn scooter, Martha! Well, whether Martha has an opinion or not, Honda has brought the latest iteration to fruition. The new E-Clutch is reality and will be offered on Honda’s CB650R and CBR650 this year. The E-Clutch adds amazing versatility, which for many, will be welcomed. Particularly in urban settings, or where there are substantive inclines to the roads.
For new riders, the E-Clutch may well be exactly what they want because as they grow into the motorcycle they can simply revert to normal clutch use when they feel more comfortable and have learned all the nuances of their new bike.
MCNews.com.au, in their December 16th, 2023, issue go to great lengths to break down the design, function and use of the E-Clutch, and say the following;
“In operation, Honda E-clutch is simplicity itself, taking away the need to use the clutch lever to make a shift either up or down the gearbox. The rider simply has to operate the shift pedal for ultra-fast, consistent gear changes, bringing extra enjoyment to sporty riding. The clutch lever is also not needed when pulling away or coming to a stop. Becoming active as soon as the engine is switched on, the system manages both scenarios smoothly, while taking away the possibility of the engine stalling when in operation, providing extra convenience and peace of mind to town riding involving frequent starts and stops.”
I remember watching a rider on a hill in Calgary slide not once, but twice, into the bumper of the car behind as he tried to navigate the workings of the clutch on a new bike. On the second attempt he fell over, damaging the bike. There are certainly situations where, for anyone, having the ability to use the E-Clutch would be beneficial.
On one of my last rides this year I stopped at a burger stand and an older rider pulled up beside me. As motorcyclists do, we began to talk to each other, and in the process, he explained that he was going to have to give up motorcycling because the arthritis in his left hand had become an impediment to not just the enjoyment, but the function of operating a clutch. I’m sure that this individual will be interested in considering the E-Clutch, as it was obvious, he did not want to stop motorcycling, and, he was already riding a Honda.
I’m looking forward to taking one for a ride this spring. Personally, I’d love to see them put the E-Clutch into a new Sport Tourer, like the VFR 800 I use to own. That would be truly awesome.
Stay safe, be well.
Ciao.
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