Honda CBR650R E-Clutch Ride Review | What’s the point?

[@Toni62R]

One of the best cbr 650 reviews in the web - in gorgeous landscape

[@robpizz]

The e-clutch is also a huge asset for the track rider in that in effectively eliminates one more think to think about with downshifting at the end of the straight into turn one, which is usually a hairpin. No need to worry about blipping etc. Keep in mind that almost all the faster track riders these days have some combination of quick shifters/slipper clutches. Oh yeah this CBR also has that slipper clutch:)

[@peterb514]

Hi Dan, great real world review! I test rode the CBR650R then the CBR600RR back to back a few weeks ago, and in isolation the 650R is a lovely bike, very comfortable and much better than the previous model now that it has the superb dash display. Now go and ride the 600RR - a bit more money, a bit less comfy, but you’ll come back with the biggest smile on your face! You HAVE to review it!

[@midlifecrisismotorcyclist]

@@peterb514 Consider me inspired to do so!

[@simonbowen6653]

I found automatic bikes to be clumsy at slow speed but great once you're going, especially with a pillion. So this is the best of both worlds.

[@Piotr-zf4if]

Yes, indeed it is better to use the clutch manually for low speed manouvering. Otherwise the E-clutch is really convenient. Got this machine since a few months and it is fantastic 😀

[@DavidManning-mv6vo]

I have a cb650r e clutch, it's incredible. Don't knock it until you've tried it.

[@rgetso]

Some confuse the e-clutch with an automatic transmission; however, there is nothing automatic about the e-clutch. With the exception of stopping while in gear, Honda's e-clutch still requires the rider change gears at their leisure.

[@simonbowen6653]

​@@rgetsoThat's what I said. Best of both worlds.

[@davidbarton7463]

Whats not to like, I think I would get along with the CBR650R with or without e-clutch, I was looking for something a bit bigger & more comfortable than my CBR400RR early this year & test rode the Suzuki 8R, it was nice and has loads of torque as you mentioned but for me lacked the excitement of the 4 cylinder engine especially when revving it out, so as it turned out I kept my 400 and added a Motto Guzzi Mandello with a litre Vtwin engine to my garage which has loads of character & is more comfortable for those longer rides. Keep up the good reviews -very enjoyable thanks.

[@redrock7243]

E-clutch CBR 650R would be quite useful during city riding it won't tire the wrists gripping the clutch every time you stop. Just don't expect this to run like the CBR 600RR it's on a different league. But this is bike is a good sports tourer.

[@pcarragher6025]

Nice review Dan

[@midlifecrisismotorcyclist]

@@pcarragher6025 Thanks!

[@glyncoates8253]

When you turn off the E CLUTCH you should use the clutch as this quick shifter is designed for the E CLUTCH ONLY.but you can buy a standard quick shifter which is up shifts only and more expensive.

[@Brian-qg9bm]

"Quick shifter"? "E-Clutch"? Seems like they've solved the biggest problems I didn't have. As far as that goes, what we really need is "Total Rider Aid" technology! A complete, full compliment AI managed bike that rides itself, so I don't have to. Think of it - All the joy of motorcycle ownership, but without the hassles of having to walk out the door and actually do something.

[@midlifecrisismotorcyclist]

Haha, I'm with you! But at least this Honda system keeps the clutch lever and the option of a full manual mode if you want to ride 'properly', and it doesn't add much to the cost or weight. I'd have this over the Yamaha Y-AMT, which ditches clutch lever and gear selector for a more automated experience. But, yes, to your point, I agree that the whole point of riding a motorbike is about getting out what you put in.

[@Brian-qg9bm]

@@midlifecrisismotorcyclist I used to "ride" and I used to drive "stick" and much enjoyed both. Marriage ruined all that - Not "allowed" a bike and stuck with automatic transmissions since the happiest day of my life, because the wife "can't" and "wont". Maybe it was enough to have something to look forward to, some day, but now they're engineering the joy out of motorcycles. Obviously, we all look forward to improvements, getting killed less often can only be a net positive, but thoughtful and well conceived begins to cross a line at a certain point. Well engineered suddenly becomes sheltered, protected, coddled, insulated, removed, disconnected; all machine, no rider. Somewhere in the blur, romanticism is erased, the visceral nature of the experience fades, excitement dies and our connection to what we loved is lost. Good intentions, strike again.

[@Gexxon]

@@Brian-qg9bm Stop complaining! As it's been said, "It's the BEST of both worlds now".

[@Brian-qg9bm]

@@Gexxon We'll just have to agree that I'm "old fashioned", I suppose. I choose to remain dubious.

[@Kevin-mm6xm]

I hate when reviewers block the TFT display with a camera or cell phone holder. Part of the fun of watching these reviews is seeing the gearing and RPM's and speed as you cruise through town and the back roads. I'd much rather look at the display than the person riding.

[@midlifecrisismotorcyclist]

Sorry, but I love TFT screens for providing a quick and easy place to mount a camera, especially on sports bikes with clip-ons! I'll bear in mind your comments and look for a better position in future, in the hope you can see the info you want. Cheers!

[@Kevin-mm6xm]

@@midlifecrisismotorcyclist Looking forward to it! :)

[@paullong1472]

Great review, very enjoyable. Looks like a cracking bike.

[@m2menuiserie540]

Enjoyed the presentation. Where's the British rain? Over the space of a year I couldn't adjust to the Honda DCT system on my Rebel 1100. I never felt totally confident. The control of the bite the clutch lever affords and the power transmitted to the rear wheel is to me essential to riding skill and safety. Now happily on a CB1000R, which does exactly as I ask of it in all situations.

[@midlifecrisismotorcyclist]

@@m2menuiserie540 The British rain? Fear not, never far away! You get used to watching the weather radar like an F1 team boss and grabbing the dry moments when you can. Anyway, interesting what you say on DCT. Only had a brief go so far but would tend to agree with your observations there.

[@birchwoodbiker]

DCT takes time to adapt but once you do you find it hard to go back, the e clutch for a wider spectrum of riders is the best, but they don't work on fly by wire at moment, I've got to try KTM and Yamaha new auto assist see if they suite me great vid​@@midlifecrisismotorcyclist

[@SimonRiley752]

Definitely sounds like a skill issue. Spend more time training and less time dependent on archaic tech.

[@RegLocal]

Nice review Dan! As I taught you to ride a clutched bike in the first place, I now feel a little redundant! Bit of a boring question on a sports bike review - the e-clutch looks nice & easy at town speeds, but how is it at very low manoeuvring speeds? I teach to ride against the back brake with some revs & a little clutch slip. Does the system allow for this? Or do you need to switch it off & do it yourself?

[@midlifecrisismotorcyclist]

Were I a more diligent reviewer I'd have tested this out by doing the stop-start commute to Manchester rather than going for a razz along the twisties ... but it was a nice day and the pull was too strong! I've got it for a little longer so shall go and do some low speed wobbling and report back!

[@SimonRiley752]

As soon as you squeeze the clutch, the e-clutch disengages. You can use it as you'd normally use it, feather your friction zone to your heart's content. As soon as you get going again, the e-clutch turns back on after a few seconds.

[@IMTHIYAS-ly3di]

If its possible to turn off all the functions of e clutch If someone wants drive as noramal manual bike?

[@midlifecrisismotorcyclist]

@@IMTHIYAS-ly3di Yes, absolutely.

[@rgetso]

7:23

[@markskachkov8516]

So you can use the eclutch system only as a quick shifter when you disable it in settings?

[@midlifecrisismotorcyclist]

@@markskachkov8516 No, sorry for confusion but this bike ALSO had a regular conventional quickshifter which is available as an option on both the regular bike and the e-clutch version. Which you can then use if you are in manual mode. But probably wasted because if you want clutch less shifting you’ll just run with E-Clutch switched on, because it’s much smoother. I’d say hope that’s clear but I think I’ve confused myself now!

[@tusharshyoran3233]

This one or the daytona 660 ? Need a fun to ride bike with better refined engine.

[@midlifecrisismotorcyclist]

@@tusharshyoran3233 Tough call - very evenly matched on power, size, weight, character and price! Comes down to how many cylinders you want! I’d say the Daytona’s triple is a little torquier and more flexible where the Honda needs more revs. Which you prefer will be down to taste but both great bikes!

[@birchwoodbiker]

you don't have to change the menu as soon as you use the clutch it takes it out of e mode, go back to natural it goes back into e mode, you have to get the bike up to 10k + then you realise twins and triplets don't come close👍👍🍻ride safe get a go on a old thundercat

[@midlifecrisismotorcyclist]

I tried that and it seemed to work but then the green light kept coming back indicating it had reverted to E-Clutch mode. So I thought best to go 'off is off' and properly enjoy it as a manual. And, yes, turns out the fun stuff is beyond 10K, isn't it. That was the bigger lesson than the E-Clutch!

[@birchwoodbiker]

@@midlifecrisismotorcyclist It goes back to e clutch when the bike stops or goes to nutural, I have the CB650R situp eclutch I found the CBR more comfy, and I think I may just put it in the old fasion none e clutch this week, be intresting even in my review it's doesn't use quick shifter coming down, and it wont engage the e clutch great vid still great listening to inline four I do think there still my favourite machines 👍