Boon Siew Honda Sdn. Bhd. has officially introduced the renowned Honda E-Clutch electronic clutch technology for the new CB650R, alongside exciting color and stripe. The CB650R cements its position as a standout in the middleweight motorcycle segment, celebrated for its exhilarating performance, refined handling, and distinctive Neo Sports Café design.

The innovative E-Clutch technology eliminates the need for manual clutch lever operation during starts, stops, and gear changes, delivering a seamless riding experience for riders of all skill levels. For those who prefer traditional operation, the clutch lever remains functional and re-engages automatically when required. Complementing this system are advanced features such as Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) for enhanced traction, a 2-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for greater braking confidence, and customizable shift settings for a tailored riding experience.

Making its first debut in Malaysia, the Honda E-Clutch is a groundbreaking technology designed to enhance the riding experience for a wide range of riders pursuing the pleasure of motorcycle manoeuvring. Positioned as a new innovation to cater to the diverse preferences of riders who enjoy leisurely cruising and sporty riding alike, the Honda E-Clutch is set to redefine motorcycling by broadening the horizons of riding enjoyment.

The Honda E-Clutch has been developed to provide riders with more enjoyable and exciting experiences on motorcycles equipped with manual transmissions. By improving the riding experience in various scenarios, this system empowers riders to enjoy their motorcycles freely and ride the way they desire. To embody its development concept, Take You to the NEXT STAGE, the development team established the following three pillars as its key objectives:

Feature Highlights:

• High Sports Performance (Sportier):

Electronic clutch control surpassing rider skill levels, enabling a focus on riding, turning, and stopping without the need for clutch lever operation.

·        Ride Comfort (Without Fatigue):

Elimination of clutch lever operation in traffic jams or during commutes reduces rider fatigue.

·        Peace of Mind (Easier):

Prevention of engine stalls during take-off or stopping, with no need to shift to neutral or use the clutch lever when coming to a stop.

With the introduction of this new technology for the CBR650R and CB650R, Honda offers an entirely new dimension of motorcycling for riders across all experience levels.

The Honda E-Clutch seamlessly integrates technology from quickshifters, manually-operated clutches, and Honda’s Dual Clutch Transmission to create a distinctive blend of these proven systems. At just 2 kilograms, the ultra-compact system uses conventional clutch and transmission hardware, ensuring feasibility for future applications.

In operation, the Honda E-Clutch eliminates the need for the clutch lever when shifting up or down the gearbox. Riders can enjoy ultra-fast, consistent gear changes using only the shift pedal, enhancing the thrill of sporty riding. Additionally, the clutch lever is not required for pulling away or stopping. Activating as soon as the engine is started, the system smoothly handles these scenarios and removes the risk of engine stalls, offering convenience and peace of mind, especially in urban settings with frequent stops and starts.

The Honda E-Clutch offers ultimate flexibility. Riders can operate the clutch lever manually whenever desired. The system re-engages in less than a second above certain engine rpm or after 5 seconds at lower speeds when the clutch lever is used. The system can also be deactivated for specific rides via the left handlebar switchgear, with manual operation indicated by an ‘M’ on the instrument panel.

Another standout feature is the ability to adjust the ‘operation feel,’ allowing riders to set the force required for gear changes. Three settings: HARD, MEDIUM, and SOFT, can be independently chosen for both upshifting and downshifting. The system also provides a visual advisory to shift down when it detects a high gear at low speeds.

The Honda E-Clutch intelligently manages clutch engagement and disengagement by analyzing parameters such as vehicle speed, throttle angle, engine rpm, shift pedal pressure, clutch motor reduction gear angle, engine countershaft speed, and gear position. Operated through an actuator unit with two motors within the right-hand engine cover, the system also controls ignition timing and fuel injection, ensuring smooth, shock-free shifting in all scenarios.

This innovative system is set to elevate the riding experience for motorcyclists, symbolizing Honda’s 75 years of rider-focused innovation and engineering excellence.

Junya  Ono,  Large  Project  Leader  for  the  Honda  E-Clutch,  remarked: “Our Honda E-Clutch is designed to give motorcyclists a new level of enjoyment and excitement. It also provides added comfort and reassurance for urban riding or daily commutes. We look forward to riders experiencing this unique blend of sportiness and flexibility.”

Mitsuharu Funase, CEO and Managing Director of Boon Siew Honda says “We are committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation to deliver exceptional riding experiences. The introduction of the revolutionary Honda E-Clutch technology in Malaysia marks a significant milestone in our journey to empower riders with greater freedom and enjoyment. By combining advanced engineering with rider-focused solutions, this technology redefines how motorcyclists connect with their machines, whether they seek the thrill of sporty performance or the ease of urban commuting. We are excited to share this breakthrough with our customers and invite all riders to experience the next stage of motorcycling excellence with the Honda CB650R and CBR650R.”

By achieving its three core development pillars, the Honda E-Clutch ensures riders of all skill levels from beginners to experts can shift gears and take off smoothly in various conditions without using the clutch lever. This focus on comfort and enjoyment is complemented by the option to operate the clutch manually at any time, a defining feature of this groundbreaking technology.

The CB650R is powered by a 649cc DOHC 16-valve engine, EURO 5-compliant, delivering 70kW of peak power at 12,000 rpm and 63Nm of torque at 9,500 rpm, offering a thrilling yet balanced four-cylinder performance. Its handling is further refined by 41mm Showa Separate Function front Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks and a lightweight chassis, ensuring agility and comfort in all riding scenarios.

Additional updates, including a TFT screen, LED lighting, a USB Type-C charging port, and optional accessories, making it an ideal choice for both urban commuting and weekend adventures. With Honda RoadSync Smartphone Connectivity, you can easily connect your phone to the CBR650R by downloading the Honda RoadSync app, allowing you to access navigation and music effortlessly. The Honda CB650R is the perfect fusion of advanced technology, exhilarating performance, and refined design, appealing to riders who seek both excitement and sophistication in their motorcycle.

Mitsuharu Funase, CEO and Managing Director of Boon Siew Honda says “The CB650R has always been a remarkable fusion of power, precision, and design, embodying the spirit of our Neo Sports Café philosophy. With the introduction of the revolutionary Honda E-Clutch technology, we are taking the riding experience to an entirely new level of convenience and control. This innovation, paired with advanced features and refreshed styling, reaffirms the CB650R as a true leader in motorcycling. We are excited to offer riders this unique blend of exhilarating performance and cutting-edge technology, designed to meet the diverse needs of modern motorcyclists.”

The CB650R is available in refreshed colors, including Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic, Matte Laurel Green Metallic and Candy Chromosphere Red, which features striking all-black detailing on components like the cam cover, fork stanchions, and levers, adding a bold, modern aesthetic.

The available color options and price are as below:

The price shown is the recommended showroom price that excludes road tax, insurance, and registration.

Boon Siew Honda offers two years or 20,000km manufacturing warranty (whichever comes first).