2024 Honda CB650R E-Clutch Review | Still FUN?

2024 Honda CB650R E-Clutch Review | Still FUN?
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[@RupeWilson]

Anything that can get more people riding motorbikes is a win.

[@Englishbikerdan]

My thoughts exactly.

[@thebrowns5337]

That's how I always see it but the doom mongering dinosaurs with their toxic masculinity bubbling are starting to comment otherwise. They don't like progress or choice or anything seen as 'soft'.

[@bachpham5357]

@@Englishbikerdando you feel more vibrations on the CB650R vs the Daytona 660 ?

[@rjgallman4916]

Did not think of it that way. 😅

[@davidmartin9459]

Booked my theory at the weekend. It's time to become one with freedom

[@starkey75]

I love mine, I struggled with clutch control, just couldn't quite get it right, I was terrible I have no idea how I managed to pass my full licence, However this e clutch is just amazing, I finally can actually enjoy riding without the anxiety of not letting clutch out enough and hearing the terrible over rev or stalling, And as opposed to dct, I still can use the clutch to keep practicing,

[@Englishbikerdan]

Glad this is helping you! Great to hear. 👍

[@mcvaluemenu]

video is fake. no way you're in the UK and in the sun at the same time.

[@Englishbikerdan]

😂

[@aleokyn5757]

For me, that new air intake left n right make the bike look awesome, it’s filling the emptiness.

[@X-cript]

but the previous version looks so much better

[@Dan-56]

I can see an advantage of the E-Clutch over the DCT as it allows for you to manually “feather” the clutch for low speed maneuvers. 👍

[@Throttle.Therapy.]

Thank you for the showcase Dan! Ive had my CB650R for 4 years now and still love it! I like the redesign. Im also surprised that this didn't make its way over to the States either. Maybe for 2025 or 26!

[@aapddd]

For me this could be a game changer. I have mental illness and use medications and stuff. I’m still allowed to ride, but I find it’s difficult to concentrate on all those things needed to ride a motorcycle. As a result, I decided to stop riding years ago. Maybe this can get me back into it. Not worrying about the clutch could help me relax.

[@darrickkeels6387]

I know everyone is not a fan of the e-clutch system. I currently ride a Tracer 9GT. I love it. But when commuting 50 miles to work, I encounter a lot of stop and go traffic and hills. I think the e-clutch is perfect system is perfect for those scenarios. No I am not handicapped and yes I am capable of your a traditional clutch lever.

[@Englishbikerdan]

I think Yamaha's new AMT system will be coming to a lot more bikes soon.

[@paullister7293]

I am old … I took one out today, it is a great bike and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I used the e clutch to set off, and used the clutch thereafter. I just love a clutch. I get it though, and it is a great bike. In-line fours for me all the way.

[@Englishbikerdan]

Thanks for sharing!

[@GoldenBoyGarage]

I have always wanted one of these bikes. I loved the pipes. I didnt know the 400f existed, it fell into my lap, and I love it. I would love to try one of these for a year or two. The intake cheeks I am not a fan of personally. The eclutch is neat and i dont think it should be a crutch for new riders, certainly cool to have

[@davidtait7407]

I’m old school,.. or am l 🤨 still think it’s part of the engagement of riding a bike with a clutch. I have a scooter as well and it has its place either for enjoying exploring when I’m away with my Motorhome and a convenient trip in to town. ., but when I’m my motorbike I like to engage with different revs and rev matching and yes, enjoy the mechanics of a machine that needs input from the rider. I’m sure it’s very good for others as well.

[@user-om2fg7yh6s]

I think the intakes and the bike in general look awesome - overall this bike is just really appealing. Only downside is the insurance for these is sky high from what I’m hearing (if you live in London)

[@vonkruel]

That E-Clutch looks like a neat little bit of engineering. £100 well spent I'd say. I think it's still best to learn to use the manual clutch (even if they were to offer automatic licenses for bikes), but this E-Clutch is a beautiful solution because it works brilliantly but can easily be disabled -- either completely or temporarily. I'm a fan and I hope to see similar systems on other bikes. CB650R looks like an ideal beginner bike to me with its manageable power and weight.

[@Englishbikerdan]

A very measured and reasonable comment. Not many of these on KZbin! Thanks!

[@davidnunnerley9084]

I love the idea of the e clutch. Brilliant concept in my opinion. Lovely bike too.

[@stabitandsteer]

Currently chewing over upgrading my 2019 CB650R (also in red) to one of these or hold to see what the new CB1000R is looks like. I agree with the intakes. Prefer the older ones too.

[@trevor2830]

The previous design was perfect all it needed was the TFT dash and morr comfy seat but hey ...its still nice 👌

[@CaptainFeathersword]

I think that this is an excellent first big bike for any rider anywhere....I have a 2023 model and it gets to 150km/h in very little time....94hp is lots of oomph, and a lower torque figure makes it very forgiving for errors made while in heavy traffic.

[@trevor2830]

What about compared to a mt07?

[@CaptainFeathersword]

It's really personal choice....horsepower wise the MT-07 is a bit lacking compared to the CB650 (94 vs 75), however you need to really rev the CB650 to grab that power.....I prefer an inline-4 to a parallel twin which drove my decision...someone who values lots of low end torque will gravitate to the MT-07....the CB650 is somewhere between an MT-07 and MT-09 imo.

[@trevor2830]

​@CaptainFeathersword good comparison. I've never rode an inline 4 before but I do know they are high revving and the speed is at the top. While this is a quicker bike as well I've heard persons claim because it has low power at the bottom it's a more forgiving bike. Is that true? For me personally the instant torque of the mt07 especially in 1st gear is a bit snatchy which requires more clutch control but this having to rev to get going especially in traffic makes me wonder in that aspect which one requires more experience or which is the easier bike to ride?

[@CaptainFeathersword]

@@trevor2830 It is definitely forgiving at the bottom of the rev range, which I actually appreciate when I am commuting in heavy traffic....the last thing I want is a snatchy throttle where I ram into someone or hit the curb on a bad day. There is significant power available when I call upon it lol.

[@trevor2830]

​@@CaptainFeathersword😅that's spot on the reason why my hand is always on that clutch on the MT 😆 but you have me considering this as a better choice just to be more respectful and responsible given its long power band once I get going

[@berkk29]

i wish Honda updated the dash on their smaller bikes too like the CB300R with the same dash on this. KTM and some other chinese manufacturers are offering TFT displays whereas Japanese bikes are still using very basic stuff. I dont think it would push the price that much higher.

[@Englishbikerdan]

I am sure new dash will filter down to other models.

[@Dimitris4110]

I sold my previous bike and got a scooter because i was bored driving it in the city. This seems like the best of both worlds.

[@JohnLongdin]

Thanks Dan, I've got the DCT NT and an e-clutch would be really useful for low speed manoeuvring, I can see the benefits of it 👍

[@bjornveendorp6222]

Hey Dan, I love the video’s, I just bought a Honda NX500 and I’m very excited for the longer term review! The video’s are great, keep it up 👌🏻

[@thesmithsteron2wheels362]

great review as always, have this engine in my cbr650r, to be honest not keen on e clutch or dct, also looks like an after thought the way fitted to the bike.engine

[@djking44151]

Love the idea of the E-Clutch, but man the old 650r was so much nicer looking

[@Smi7h1sH3r3]

question, if an american travels to europe and wants to ride, do you have any ideas as to how that would work? would our license be valid in the EU? Britain? Not that i'm going to be traveling to another country anytime soon, but hey you never know!

[@leeinwis]

International drivers license is a thing .

[@domi9577]

E-clutch seems like a gimmick to get a few more sales but something extra to go wrong. I wouldn't want to get used to an e-clutch as when you ride any other bike you'll be out of the clutch habit. I still can't decide between the 650 and 750. 4 pistons seem excessive, but the 750 is ugly.

[@Englishbikerdan]

It still has a clutch and you can use that as normal if you want.

[@chrisnielsen9885]

A guy at work has a DR650 with a Rekluse clutch which is very similar to this. I got used to it quickly but it didn’t have any negative impact on riding my own bike. You’re overthinking it

[@FatBiscuitYT]

The only thing I dislike about this model is the box shaped air intakes. Compared to the previous years, they look horrible. Other than that, everything else is perfect.

[@pgonzalez106]

This is amazing! What Happens if you come to a stop in 2nd gear without using the clutch? Will it shut off?

[@Englishbikerdan]

Nope, it'll just come to a stop in 2nd. It won't stall.

[@pgonzalez106]

Waoo 🤩

[@jaychallis7933]

lovely route that, from Mortimer to Wellington

[@HLB2512]

I had ordered one of these in black, was supposed to be in within 3 weeks but then got delayed without even having an estimated date the next bike that had a date was 27/2/2025. So I cancelled and got a BMW f900r

[@rexx986]

That was a beautiful day.

[@derekpang3578]

I like using the clutch. I dont have a qs on my bike

[@Englishbikerdan]

I like apples. Sometimes oranges too.

[@luketerry1745]

Impressive technology but not for me. Even though you can still use it manually, that fact it’s on there and not being used would drive me mad. I’m the same with quick shifters unless it’s on a track bike. I’m just getting old and scared of the future 😂

[@Englishbikerdan]

Haha fair enough!

[@CH1K3N99]

So you get annoyed that you can no clutch shift your bike too? Or have indicators for the opposite direction you are indicating. What bizarre reasoning to leave a comment.

[@markfranks1329]

Another excellent report, young Daniel. This is fantastic technology. You've explained the concept perfectly; that is, using it IF you want to or completely ignoring it by conventionally using the clutch, IF you so desire. The choice is YOURS. Simples. For all the Flat Earthers, what is so difficult to comprehend about that?🙄

[@Zx6rBlue]

Do i buy a 2024 with the e clutch or find a 2023 black edition for less money with extras used? I really wish they had brought out a black edition for 2024

[@siwynjones]

Good luck finding a Black Edition for less money; the couple I’ve seen have been pretty much as expensive as a new 2024 model. How do I know? I’m having the same dilemma. 😁 Much prefer the styling of the old model.

[@Zx6rBlue]

​@@siwynjones I agree the prices for a used black edition are almost as much as a new bike. It does look so much better tho.

[@rustworks2588]

😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣 the shlong size joke made the coffee come out of my nose! Thanks! ❤

[@Englishbikerdan]

You’re welcome 😊

[@thebrowns5337]

Got my full licence test coming up, I can only hope the tester has a good tape measure

[@neilcole3406]

So! It’s a big scooter?

[@Englishbikerdan]

Not at all, you still need to change gears.

[@moto_flow4776]

All CB’s have spongey breaks 😂

[@Derpderpson123]

way too heavy imho, street triple for the win

[@Englishbikerdan]

Too heavy for what? Besides, it's like 12Kg heavier than a Street Triple R. Which is also £2k more expensive than the Honda. This isn't a bike aimed at consumers looking at 120bhp naked machines. It's aimed at new riders and A2 license holders, but it's also really good fun for more seasoned riders too. Obsessing over spec sheets is really daft.

[@gabymotsoloc9295]

You DON'T need to Flat-Foot it. Just like you don't need a Pogo Stick, Suspenders, Garmin satnav or a second hole in your butt...

[@Not_alex_jones]

I hate it. Bring back cable clutches, bring back cable throttles and bin off ABS across the board. Real bikes for real riders.

[@Englishbikerdan]

Plenty of bikes still have cable clutch and throttle, so your manliness isn't in question just yet!

[@Zx6rBlue]

Getting rid of Abs is stupid. It's a great safety system for road motorcycles. I'd much prefer to have it on wet roads on my vfr400 if I could.

[@Dan_B_Rides]

I love how Honda are continuously improving the CB/CBR 650 range. Those updates are great and that e-clutch system is so clever in my opinion. I still love the looks of the bike and the performance is perfect for the UK roads. Nice review Dan and looking forward to the future videos of the bike.

[@ThreeB78]

I was thinking the hornet would replace the CB and sprout fairings to replace the CBR. Chuffed that is not the case

[@ram64man]

As good as this is , I think we in the final 1 months of it since the 750 hornet effectively replaced it and is more fuel efficient (not by much but still 5 per litre ) the 650 is in my opinion a direct upgrade to the old cb500 91 man I miss that , same hp , two more cylinders, same wheels AND SME EXAUSE NOTES

[@Irfan87]

The E-Clutch is gonna be pretty revolutionary. Yamaha is already coming out with something similar. And i suspect at some point A LOT of bikes will run a similar system. Cos you get the best of both worlds, without any of the downsides.

[@BennyZ88]

I hate to say it but i think i prefer the old design... The new headlight and intake ports don't look as nice to me... The new dash and E-Clutch look like great additions though!

[@aluisious]

I’d love to buy an eclutch when it’s on an sv650.

[@whammo11224]

Don't know what's better, the bike or the fact that I'm watching an English video with the sun out!

[@KrypteiaXi]

Its a quickshifter that can also do idle gears. The fuck are people complaining about?

[@markfranks1329]

Exactly!👍

[@antoniom4016]

Exactly! Some people plain & simple do not like changes. I think this e-clutch is a genius system by Honda 👌🏾👍🏾

[@Ju_A_B]

1 more thing that can break I guess

[@markfranks1329]

@Ju_A_B Oh, live a little. Any part of a bike can break, yet we still ride them.

[@KrypteiaXi]

@@Ju_A_B dumbest point so far.

[@simonbowen6653]

£100 for the e-clutch, including the quick shifter. This isn't a scooter, gear changes are manual but either with or without the clutch. What's not to like? Honda will run this out across their range.

[@Englishbikerdan]

It's a no brainer for me. You don't have to use it, but it's there if you want and if you're feeling lazy. There's cons as with anything, but I'll go over those on the CBR vid.

[@M4LLYB]

I've had mine for just over a month and it makes light work of the 15 mile (each way) across london cummute! 1st gear is a little jerky when filtering through traffic but using 2nd gear sorts this out!

[@JT-ue6hw]

I have mine 2 weeks now. I'm a beginner so I turn it off everytime I ride to perfect my controls. But the times I've used it it's really smooth, feels like a cheat code. The best 'quickshifter' on the market, since it's better then a regular quickshifter

[@Englishbikerdan]

Glad you are finding it a useful feature, thanks!

[@Daniel-dj7fh]

Omg I just saw that the Akrapovic is selling the old exhaust system for this bike again. Arguably the best looking exhaust for the bike (since nothing low profile exists other than the ixil)

[@kurvaonwheels]

Frame sliders look like a must for this one. If you fall on that side, or if you slide and that E clutch hits something, could be bad.

[@Englishbikerdan]

Absolutely!

[@FatBiscuitYT]

frame sliders are wide as it is, they'll be even wider and make commuting in dense cities a pain haha.

[@-Eternal-Damnation-]

Man the CB650R is just so good looking. Beautiful bike! One day I'll have one for myself, but probably not for another 4yrs, life in the UK is so expensive at the moment 😭 Great review as per usual 👍. Yeah i agree, the new air intakes look really odd. Way preferred the previous ones.

[@rustworks2588]

What a machine! So glad that its still has all 4 cylinders. She sounds so naughty! The e-clutch addition definately adds to the appeal regardless if your a new rider or not. Kudos to Honda for yet another innovation. BUT Dan..... be honest.... did you flinch the first time you put that 1st gear down without pulling the lever? 😅

[@Englishbikerdan]

I did haha!

[@deansmith9513]

I ordered one in May.. delays have crept on and on now, until Honda UK are now saying there won’t be any deliveries until October! I’m a new licence holder, so keen to get started asap. If they can’t deliver the bikes, they shouldn’t put them on sale!

[@ZinoAmare]

Reason I bought a cheap second hand bike to ride. Also doesn’t hurt as much when dropping it vs a new bike.

[@chebha1]

this system was available with Honda Street in 100 CC scooter probably in earlier format used it for like 10 years amazing one probably 1998 - 2008 era

[@AyaWetts]

Wish they'd sell e-clutch bikes like this in the US

[@Icem4n84]

Love that there is an option to switch to what would be standard. If it gets more riders into it then I'm for it. An extra £100 is also quite reasonable.

[@Kenicavus]

Personally I miss the 2021 design of the lights & air intake. If I can get that design with e-Clutch, that would be great.

[@alexanderhartwig4897]

Absolutely perfect bike. Definitely gonna buy this.

[@antoniom4016]

Me too, I'm considering this in 2025. I've always liked this CB650R

[@RE650NZGraeme]

How does the E-Clutch deal with Emergency Braking? I'm sure I would, out of natural reaction, grab the clutch as you hit the brakes hard, and the need to down shift at the same time. Interesting function - thanks!

[@Englishbikerdan]

When you come to a stop, the E-Clutch system will engage the clutch for you. If you grab the clutch, it will disengage the system. Cheers!

[@RE650NZGraeme]

@@Englishbikerdan and you can crunch through the gears at the same time? Just hoping :)

[@slickman5969]

good vid, i agree that the older version looks better

[@CaptainFeathersword]

The technology is great however....as someone who already owns an electric car and just uses the gas pedal and braks (ie can be boring at times), I enjoy having to use the clutch. I think that it keeps me engaged with the bike and everything that is happening around me....that said, I find the choice to drive the bike in a traditional way very appealing.

[@ProphetAndLoss]

It's the best of both worlds. Auto or old school in one.

[@GazBromley]

love those downpipes.

[@ninoanipse9098]

Does the gear automatically go low when push the break or you have to push it to go low gear?

[@Englishbikerdan]

You have to use the shifter, as it's not an automatic.

[@deus2645]

2:09 I can't find neutral, neutral finds me

[@kakappawpmaiangche7090]

I am the only one who watch your video from India. So can i get pin?😅

[@mellymoo_eats]

I want one!

[@marktiller1383]

I wont be buying a bike that you've run in Dan.

[@Englishbikerdan]

It's a press bike, they do this day in and day out, mostly without issue. Goes to show just how tough bike engines actually are these days and that old school breakins is now largely irrelevant.

[@jacobellw]

That inline 4 is just to die for! Also, Did Dans bottom give this the thumbs up? Biggest shock of 2024. Thanks so much for the video, Dan! Can't wait for the next video.

[@imraniqbal2712]

i want this for stop and go traffic!

[@SBKPete]

Why would it have a quick shifter, if it has the e-clutch 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Englishbikerdan]

The quickshifter is part of the E-Clutch system and it wouldn't work without it.

[@o00scorpion00o]

Is it me or are Honda Motorcycles getting uglier ? more tech but ugly ? Could they not give it a clutch like the Cub 125 where you don't need any electronics ?

[@FraserWash]

Brilliant video dan! May be a silly question but im sure you had a part 2 to the eclutch system where you were answering some more questions on it but i cant seem to find it now?

[@hakankillberg6043]

Nice system that e-clutch but dont like the looks of this bike. The older looks much better

[@milesfinch]

I suppose it would come in handy at the tolls!

[@cliveomahoney4096]

I want my 650R back! They can keep my new Hornet. I also want the e-thingie. For a bike with 50 miles on the clock, you were ragging that throttle a bit; so, I'll pass on that particular one. I agree totally about the new looks.

[@Englishbikerdan]

It's a press bike, this is how they are ridden!

[@FraserWash]

Great video, whens part 2 out? Looking forward to seeing it!

[@danniedwards5750]

Got my mod 2 Thursday and this bike is a winner for my first big boy and all black for me cant beat it butt definitely don't want the e clutch the fun in riding is using the clutch!!!!

[@wolfpackpete6408]

I think there is an automatic (scooter) license, which would allow someone to ride a maxi scooter but not a manual geared bike. Whether a bike like this would be accepted in that licence category, I don't know

[@AshleyGriffiths-ee8nz]

Just got my cbr650r because of you from Farnham Honda ;)

[@Englishbikerdan]

Wow that's great! I hope John looked after you!

[@anthonylawrence295]

I had the 2019 cb650r..And felt build quality was not that good..honda standards have gone down ..but they are made in Thailand now .!!!

[@KrypteiaXi]

These bikes are very well made. If you compare them to bikes that cost 15K or more thats a you problem.

[@Dabby724]

is this color style available in the U.S.? My god it looks absolutely gorgeous.

[@tryan715]

I’m really annoyed we, in the U.S., can’t get the red option.

[@herky-jerky]

Hey Mr Dan, your mind, what is the best middle cc bike ever?

[@goodkqrma]

send one to the US

[@bachpham5357]

Do you know what happens if the final gearing is changed ? How far is the clutch engagement point when you have to override it ? Other reviews seem to say that the clutch biting point is set quite far out which is incredibly annoying for me especially while doing the low speed stuff which is exactly the only scenario that I need to override it.

[@Englishbikerdan]

I currently have the CBR E-Clutch, so I'll test and put that in my CBR650R video.

[@bachpham5357]

@@Englishbikerdan thanks a lot man. I've asked a Honda dealer here in France about the effects of changing the final gearing on the e clutch system and they said that it can make it malfunction. I've always found the original gearing to be too tall. If you can ask Honda about this it would be very helpful 😄

[@lastdimestudios]

Omg - so jealous! Very excited about the e-clutch……and your review of course. Now where’s my wallet.

[@koviyovas8325]

you rode a dct before, yeah ?

[@korazon3spinado]

Are you going to get one? It's similar to the one you had.

[@Englishbikerdan]

I am tempted, we'll see!

[@johntheaccountant5594]

I do not like the new air intake cowlings. I do not like the new head light. E-Clutch doesn't make sense to me as using the clutch is part of the riding experience. Looks like I shall have to find a second hand 2022 or 2023 CB650R.

[@Englishbikerdan]

Ok. Ok. Try it, you might like it. Ah well, lots to choose from!

[@Pch100]

Looking forward to part 2

[@elvisdimaculangan3128]

I thought its about e clutch

[@aluisious]

Eclutch seems nifty but I’m sorry, you can’t convince me to pay $2k more than an sv650 for a cb650.

[@Englishbikerdan]

I'm not trying to convince you to do anything.

[@TheOGForkinCrazy]

Where's the 2nd video, mate? 🤷‍♂️

[@Englishbikerdan]

Still editing other vids first at the moment. Hopefully soon.

[@mikos2k1]

That e clutch is huge

[@Vidve]

The CB650R sounds and looks like the kind of bike I'd like to move up to in a few years, once I hone my roadcraft on my old CG125. The e-clutch especially sounds almost too good to be true, to have the option to go automatic. I just wish it came in blue!

[@matthewfall-eq8be]

I think its a great system, I have a 2024 cbr650r e clutch which replaced my 2023 cb650r , I prefer the cbr position and better wind protection. The eclutch works just fine but I do sometimes miss 2nd if I'm not being positive with the lever, down shifts are perfect, when in manual mode I was surprised that the quick shifter is disabled so its either eclutch or full manual. I occasionally use the clutch when carrying out low speed manoeuvres but it's not needed really, great bike, enough power for me , and I think the new cbr in red looks fantastic 😊

[@TheLentastic]

How was the big windshield on your old CB? I currently have the small one but I would consider the bigger one if I the wind protection would be significantly better.

[@shemt0v335]

wanna buy this bike because of its looks, sound and technologies. the city where I live is kinda hilly, and I don't wanna use the clutch, also I don't want the DCT... so this bike is an absolutely win-win situation (just a little bit pricey)

[@camlong89]

I want one without the e-clutch and other tech I'll never use. They should have two versions.

[@Englishbikerdan]

They do have two versions.

[@leeinwis]

He had this bike but it was too powerful for him, sad and pathetic really.

[@Englishbikerdan]

You realise my new bike is more powerful right? 😂