Honda's E-Clutch vs DCT- What’s The Difference??

Ever since Honda announced their new E-Clutch technology on their 2024 CB650R and 2024 CBR650R, I've seen toonnns of people asking how similar/different the E-Clutch is to Honda's DCT transmissions on bikes like their Rebel 1100, Africa Twin, and Gold Wing. Well I was fortunate enough to have an E-clutch CB650R and a DCT Rebel 1100T in the same place, so I figured I'd film this quick comparison for you guys!
Hopefully this video helps you understand the differences between the new E-Clutch system and Honda's tried and true DCT transmission, and helps you decide which "non-traditional" transmission system is right for you!
Check out the new E-Clutch more in-depth in my video here where I test the new 2024 CB650R and CBR650R both on the track and street!- • First Ride On BOTH Hon...
Check out the DCT more in-depth on the Rebel 1100T in my video here!- • Where Honda Went WRONG...
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[@LifeOfBurch]

If you want a more in-depth look at the E-Clutch and DCT systems individually, including a look at all their different settings and features, make sure to check out my videos below! My first ride/review of the E-Clutch CB650r and CBR650r, both on track and street- kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYOXYYFrh9Wso6c My review of the DCT Rebel 1100T- kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6G8c5urYsmsbMU

[@nightwaddie5426]

As someone who recently passed the MSF, the 650 might be the bike for me. Not too overwhelming with power but 100% more than enough, and the fact you can learn with/without a clutch as you get more comfortable is super cool.

[@LifeOfBurch]

Congrats on passing the MSF! The 650 really could be the perfect bike for someone like you! I can’t wait to see what all it does for beginner riders 🙌🏻

[@RobDaKid87]

Congrats 👏

[@chucksherron]

Honda 650s are perfect forever bikes. I wish they put that engine in more platforms.

[@arbiter6452]

Wow....The Honda E-Clutch makes Honda's City Bikes (CB) more of a City Bike than ever before.....Amazing. I see this very useful in rush hour traffic when your clutch hand is tired.

[@LifeOfBurch]

Absolutely! When we did our test ride day on the E-Clutch bikes, we ended in stop-and-go traffic after riding all day, and the E-Clutch was suuuch a blessing! Some might even say it…came in clutch 👀😂

[@taconomad]

Super informative yet so simple. Yet another quality video that has me keeping an eye out for a 650 lol

[@LifeOfBurch]

Thanks dude!! You and me both! Would be preeetty sick to add one of these to my garage…ya know, for the content 👀😂🤘🏻

[@sk8orhate55]

@@LifeOfBurchbrother, I’m 32, 6’4 230- 240ish depending if it’s bulking season or not 💪 lol. I know i have to sit on bikes to really know what fits but off the top of your head do you have any suggestions for a beginners first bike? I’m gonna be too big for a ninja 650 i feel like. I actually sat on a sv650 one time and was surprised how well I fit on it, it was bigger than I thought it was. Also sat on my friends fz07 and also fit alright but I’ve heard that I would most likely have to invest in better suspension.. and at that point I’m wondering if something like the MT09-sp would make more sense for me since it comes standard with the ohlins rear spring and forks

[@sk8orhate55]

To give a bit of context I just got my motorcycle endorsement, i never thought I’d buy a motorcycle. I’m not looking to squid I’m just looking to ride and be comfortable and actually like the bike I’m riding. I’d even look at Harley’s or Indians if it meant getting on two wheels. The Harley nighter special looks sweet and supposedly rides like a Ducati in terms of smoothness. But i don’t wanna spend 15-18k on my first bike lol

[@MotoDash1100]

​@sk8orhate55 6'5" and my weight fluctuates between 250-270lbs, KLR650 is a FANTASTIC bike (2022+, before 2022 you're dealing with carburetors) Aside from that, I fit on a Rebel 250, Trail 125, and I'd say you'd fit on the modern equivalent (Rebel 300). I have a 36 inch inseam fwiw.

[@MotoDash1100]

​@@sk8orhate552nd reply since reply function only works half the time.

[@ontherebel11]

Excellent presentation bro! 👏👏👏

[@LifeOfBurch]

Thanks Gus!! I appreciate ya! 🙌🏻🙏🏻

[@barackmycat9448]

I was not aware of the DCT transmission. Really cool for just casual riding. Great jo on that. It will help me a lot as being older automatics are cool to me.

[@LifeOfBurch]

Yup the DCT’s are great! Takes a bit to get used to, and countless reaches for a clutch lever that isn’t there lol but it’s definitely a game changer! Especially for how much it opens up riding to people who may not be able to ride otherwise 🙌🏻

[@RobDaKid87]

Dct is great on those lazy days where you wanna ride and just cruise with no effort. I have one in my fleet and it's pretty cool.

[@barackmycat9448]

@@RobDaKid87 Thx, I`ve had some nice scooters and they all performed great but a different system. I love my XR150 that I got after watching Mr. B`s vids on it.

[@Gamer4Life-sw2gu]

Wasn’t sold on the DCT because I would’ve missed out on shifting with my feet but man that e clutch looks amazing. I want one,650 here I come.

[@LifeOfBurch]

The E-Clutch is seriously so great!! It’s like the best of both worlds and the perfect cross between convenience and fun 🙌🏻🤘🏻

[@jimporter]

You can get a foot shifter as an option on the DCT Goldwing. They used to sell one for the NC750 but very few people bothered to buy them.

[@LifeOfBurch]

@@jimporter yup they have that option on the Africa Twin as well. I looked into it to see if it could be finagled to work on the DCT Rebel 1100 and it doesn’t look like there’s any shot of it working lol

[@psychemike]

Awesome video ! I love my manuals too much to ever get a DCT bike, but the E-clutch would be pretty neat, especially for just cruising around not really wanting to keep both hands on the bars

[@LifeOfBurch]

Yup E-Clutch is like the PERFECT balance for me! I could never go strictly DCT, but I’d be more than happy with an E-Clutch bike! And the time I spent in traffic at the end of a long ride really drove that home for me 😂🤘🏻

[@Jacob99174]

Bro, I like the Spectrum explanation. Nice work 👍🏿

[@LifeOfBurch]

Thanks brotha!! It was the best way I could find to explain it as easily as possible! 🤘🏻

[@ksspang]

wow, first time getting a comment shout-out in a YT video! the fact that I got a little excited about it probably speaks volumes about my life now, but hey, I'm glad you made the video!

[@foreverinPanama]

Thanks for this video. I feel like you explained the transmissions without too much fluff. Great yo the point

[@LifeOfBurch]

Thanks so much dude! The goal was to explain them and show them in the simplest way possible! 🙌🏻

[@that_bobber_guy]

This E Clutch system is pretty cool

[@LifeOfBurch]

I honestly love it! So much fun! 🙌🏻

[@jtec99]

E-clutch is a nice compromise of dct ease with actual fun of running through the gears like a bawzzzzz

[@LifeOfBurch]

Agreed 100%!! 🙌🏻🤘🏻

[@SLIGHT_]

Great explanation Burch. Very easy to understand to the viewer. Great video as always my friend. Keep up the great work!

[@LifeOfBurch]

Thanks dude, appreciate ya as always!! 😬🤘🏻

[@MrJOKERZ68]

I like the E system but I'll stick with my DCT

[@ChrisCash720]

The automatics are great. Glad to see honda didn't drop it but expanded on it with the rebel 1100. Best part is ive yet to meet a person who rode automatic the whole time. Most rebel 1100 owners i know use it to commute but have either a supersport or fully kitted adventure bike for fun

[@Moetorcycles]

Dude, I made a short about this earlier in the week and thought I covered it well. You crushed this!

[@marthaburcham3509]

Easy to understand comparison!

[@vladymyrleukhin685]

This video really explain me what's difference between 2 types of bike and now i know how dct works. Thanks for the video!!!!

[@greatbigeye2506]

Great video, love my Rebel 1100 DCT and I also think this e-clutch technology is great too, it will be interesting to see what other bikes they put it in.

[@RJPugz]

I saw the same exact Green DCT 1100 at a Dealership in Jersey. It’s beautiful

[@sinnamortai]

I like the idea of the E-Clutch a lot better than the DCT. I have a Rebel 1100 DCT and I'd trade it in in a heartbeat for a Rebel 1100 E-Clutch

[@metalsadman]

is it becaue you miss manual shifting by foot?

[@sinnamortai]

@@metalsadman Yea. The ability for it to be full manual when I want and then auto when in town or traffic would be great.

[@motocatz87]

As a fairly new rider I would've liked to have practiced my shifting in a traditional way, but still have the security of not stalling out. They should've made the E-Clutch the ability to be fully automatic. And going forward they should develop a DCT model that comes with either the traditional clutch that works like the e clutch or the shifting paddles. It's better to have more options. Thanks for the review!

[@TGalanos]

Another great video. Thanks, Burch! Did Honda make any hints at bringing the e-clutch to the Rebel series?

[@LifeOfBurch]

Thanks!! They of course said that the E-Clutch will be coming to more bikes soon, but wouldn’t give any hints as to which bikes that would be. An E-Clutch Rebel would be super rad, but I think the tricky part would be leg placement on a cruiser interfering with how the E-Clutch sticks out. It’s not an issue on these bikes cause your leg’s tucked back behind it, but on a cruiser your leg would be right over the E-Clutch, which could be weird. It’ll be interesting to see what they come up with though!

[@pocketlint82]

Eclutch is pretty cool. Can be an automatic bike at a stop light, but a manual everywhere else. Seems like the best bike for people that don't want an automatic but ride stop and go in the city every day

[@camstegames8437]

As someone who rides every day instead of owning a car, DCT is freaking amazing in traffic. Wouldn't mind the electronic clutch for commute/fun ride bike but honestly would probably just ride a fully manual if I was just hitting the twisties, but I LOVE the dct when I hit stop and go traffic. Best thing about both options is they just show there is still plenty of room in the market to innovate.

[@Dagnis8]

I feel like the next step is to make the e-clutch able to automatically gear shift without the dct. Don't see why that wouldn't be possible. Then you can have the best of both worlds, a clutch to pull when you want to let go of the gas and slow your engine braking, and a fully automatic when you just don't want to care.

[@metalsadman]

I think honda can pull it off just holding it because dct has been a staple on their flagship bikes, the weight savings on that is quite great.

[@Dagnis8]

@@metalsadman I feel like a mechanism could be added to the shifter in the e-clutch. The mechanism wouldn't be a whole new clutch like the DCT, but just something to switch the gears and using the existing clutch. Would probably weigh less then the dct by a decent margin. Would allow then the user to do all 3 modes and go from fully automatic to fully manual if they'd like. I'd consider selling my 1100 for another 1100 if that was the cause, mostly so I can learn full manual, though I'd probably sit somewhere in the middle with the e-clutch just being used to stop myself from stalling.

[@PsychNurse.]

Luv my DCT...and especially the 👍 Paddle shifter to slow down 😁

[@RobDaKid87]

I'm very excited to try this out. I hope they have some kind of demo day at a dealer near me. If i like it and they move up to 1000, I'm on it.

[@verysmallcats1374]

Super great, informative video. Good stuff!!!

[@LinkFelton]

I think what would be great is to update the Rebel 1100 to have the E-Clutch as an option. Potentially dropping the pure manual option. I think it makes sense.

[@vetman548]

Thanks for the great demonstration of the differences.

[@therealts2]

I absolutely love that green 💚💚💚💚

[@KomotoVlogs]

This is so informative!! Makes so much sense and being able to compare them side by side was sick!! I would’ve considered an e-clutch as a first time rider/first bike for sure.

[@LifeOfBurch]

Well with any luck we may have an E-Clutch bike in the garage soon so you can test it out yourself and really see what it’s like! 👀👀👀

[@KomotoVlogs]

@@LifeOfBurch why am I not surprised😂😅🤍

[@Sectionatebeats]

Thank you for the awesome breakdown!

[@Stafford-h]

You are doing a really good job. Keep rocking g’$

[@LifeOfBurch]

Thanks dude!! I appreciate you! 😎🤘🏻

[@OnlytheStrongSurvive416]

I bought my new 2023 Honda Rebel 1100 DCT on July 20, 2024 and I love it........I ride every day and have over 3,500km!

[@LifeOfBurch]

Sheeeesh you’re wasting no time racking up the miles! Congrats on the new bike, I’m glad you’re loving it so much!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@OnlytheStrongSurvive416]

@@LifeOfBurch Thanks, I am a new rider too and have taken 9 hour advantage riding courses! My instructor also rides all year round in the winter too (Toronto, Canada).

[@Sonic6293]

That automatic spectrum is perfect.

[@LifeOfBurch]

🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@simzim]

I just got my first bike (CB500X❤) but I would loveee for my next bike to have one of these systems! I get caught in a lotta stop n go traffic

[@charlesmoyer5321]

Very well explained and demonstrated, thx.

[@tiffaneyd.9398]

They need to make these available across the Honda line. Just make it an options for most of the bikes...

[@NCOcham]

Excellent video. Keep up the good work!

[@LifeOfBurch]

Thanks so much dude!! 🙌🏻🙏🏻🤘🏻

[@andrewnelson1369]

I think DCT is easier for new riders that are new to shifting and maybe don't care for it. E clutch seems like it would be good for someone who is new but likes the ability to shift. I have a 22 Rebel 1100 DCT and love it. I do miss shifting but would only trade the bike in for something else DCT or E clutch but stronger than the 1100.

[@yamaharider8014]

I like the E-clutch and DCT, bc my old hands get stiff some days. Both bikes allow their systems to be shut off. The DCT is more scooter-like---Just twist and go. It also has 2 clutches, one for even gears, and one for odd gears--More complex. The E-clutch seems like a simpler system by just cutting out the need to clutch-in by hand, when the system is ON. Time will tell if the E-clutch will be a reliable system in the long term. New tech is great till it breaks down$$$..From Florida.

[@daneweems3513]

Please do a segment on Helmets gloves for beginners.

[@jimporter]

You don’t need DCT to do automatic, that is just a holdover from Honda wanting to use it for racing. You can do automatic with a standard gearbox, the EMU, some switches and a couple of actuators as others are now showing (BMW, Yamaha, etc). Honda will probably start doing the same, dropping DCT across the range (as it is expensive in both cost and weight and requires two product lines). Other manufacturers have been quick to drop the clutch but people always complain about slow speed control, E-clutch now gives Honda advantage over others especially if they learn their lesson and retain foot and finger controls thereby making everyone happy. Automatic bikes are going to be a thing in the near future as rules in the EU now require cars, buses and trucks to come with speed monitoring and other tech, bikes are currently exempt as the capability was not there, but the big manufacturers know it is only a matter of time and are starting to adapt.

[@ScottAndrews]

02:09 you giving me the finger? 😂

[@adam_9066]

Thx for the video!

[@garyschnur7469]

Great job on the video!

[@LifeOfBurch]

Thanks Gary! And thanks for the donation I saw you send earlier! You da man!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@KraKra-Ah]

Mmmhhh I can imagine that the clutch handle can become the back breaks like on a bicycle and no more need for the foot break… 😊

[@Coldlegend214]

but still the e clutch is only for specific bikes right? they can't just slap it on any bike I choose?

[@TheGreyWolf757]

Any word on if they plan on installing the e-clutch on the Honda Rebels? I plan on getting a motorcycle (looking towards a Rebel 500 as a first and only) at some point next year as something to cruise around on the weekends and get to and from work without the hassle of parking in our cluttered shipyard parking and that e-clutch would be great to have when I'm getting off work with all the stop-and-go traffic.

[@max30888]

The E-clutch is just a quick shifter with a nice name absolutely unnecessary in my humble opinion and I don't recommend it to the new riders as it will add confusion to the shifting process... The DCT on the other hand is just phenomenal literally the bike do the work for you and you just enjoy the ride

[@metalsadman]

is that a kit on the 1100? planning to get 1 of these someday, it's quite a steal for its price IMO, probably lacking cruise control but that ain't needed in our roads.

[@user-ls6rp3jo8z]

Burch I need some advice, I have scl500 actually most of your mods, including, exhaust, levers, I have brown Honda seat, leather saddle bags, Also moved everything that you removed , buddy pegs , etc. but I need more off road tires, not because I go off road that much, but roads are not super highways in the country. What do you suggest?

[@therealts2]

Thanks!

[@LifeOfBurch]

Thanks so much dude!! You da man! That’ll go towards the Labor Day burger fund 😂🙌🏻🤘🏻

[@lequanghuy6027]

So what's the difference between the Eclutch and the quickshifter we already had?

[@gavinchua742]

Hi, does the saddlebag width on the Rebel 1100 Touring model exceed the handlebar length? I'm considering getting the Touring model, but I do a lot of city riding with lane splitting.

[@nicholasrighi6923]

Does anyone know if the e-clutch system is able to blip the throttle on downshifts to revmatch, or will downshifting with this system put more wear on the clutch over time? From what I can see online the cb650r is still using a cable throttle but I’m not too familiar with bikes yet.

[@GromGeekz]

These new Hondas look so sick 🤧

[@user-lf7hg2yq4x]

is riding gear necessary for the 1100?

[@user-bumblinman]

E clutch vs a recluse clutch?

[@Tarkov.]

If you turn the bike off does the e-clutch setting reset, to turn it back on, or does it stay off until you go into the menu to toggle it back?

[@LifeOfBurch]

I don’t remember testing that since I made it a point to leave it in E-Clutch the entire time, but one of the other reviews said that it resets when the bike turns off. So I think it resets, but can’t say with 100% confidence 🤔

[@Tarkov.]

@@LifeOfBurch That's kind of disappointing for people who might share the bike with another person. My aunt can't drive a stick but my uncle can, in their case one person could prefer the e-clutch and the other would want the manual experience.

[@Dr._Nope]

Would you recommend either of these bikes with either of these transmissions to a returning rider? I used to ride a Ninja 650 with my dad around three years ago, but ended up having to sell it after my parents split up. I've missed it ever since then, but I've gotten rusty. I tried riding my dad's Honda Hornet 750, but I ended up having a small crash on it cause I wasn't used to how sensitive the throttle was in comparison to my old Ninja combined with me not being on two wheels for such a long time. I don't know what rider mode the bike was on, it definitely didn't feel like a rain mode. If I got one of these bikes, would it be reasonable for me to pop the bike into rain mode and start learning again? What would you recommend?

[@LifeOfBurch]

Honestly I think either of these bikes could work as a “coming back to riding” bike! The Rebel 1100 has different ride modes so you could absolutely start in rain mode, then work up to standard, then finally up to sport mode if you choose. The DCT itself will be a bit of a learning curve and obviously would make it a little more tricky if/when you want to move onto a bike with a clutch though. On the other hand, the CB650R has the E-Clutch which could definitely be used as a tool to help you get used to using a clutch and riding again. And although the CB650R doesn’t have any ride modes, I found that it’s more tame and less twitchy at lower speeds/RPM’s than the Rebel anyway, so riding modes didn’t seem as necessary. The Rebel is very punchy down low, but the CB likes to be revved out to get all the power, so it’s really not intimidating until you wind it out. I’d imagine the power delivery would be similar to the Ninja 650 that you’re most familiar with.

[@Dr._Nope]

@LifeOfBurch Thank you so much for replying, man! I honestly had no idea that the inline 4 was more relaxed down low in the revs like that, that eases my concerns a little bit when it comes to that engine! I see 90-something HP on the spec sheet and that intimidated me a lil bit. I always appreciated the ride itself more than the speed or the fact that I was running a manual. Way I see it: I'm personally more concerned about riding safe than anything. If I can spend less time focusing on things like shifting or working a clutch and more time on my surroundings, my fundamentals, and just enjoying the ride, then all the better in my book! I gotta look into both bikes and see what I want out of them and what appeals to me at the end of the day. I like how I still have the option to use the clutch on the CB and the CBR just cause of those slow speed manuevers, I always hated using the rear brake, I almost never did on my Ninja. So, being able to use a friction zone helps a lot. Plus, I always have the option at my disposal for practicing on the bike as if it was a regular manual like any other when I'm ready for it and I'd be able to move onto other bikes that didn't have an e-clutch if I wanted to. DCT's nice if I didn't want to have to worry about the manual whatsoever, which still goes back to my whole philosophy on safety being the most important thing

[@Barry-26]

Will you compare the new Yamaha MT09 Y-amt (automatic with manual transmission)

[@LifeOfBurch]

Never even heard of it before now lol I’ll have to check that out! 🤔

[@Barry-26]

@@LifeOfBurch it will release soon. Not sure it arrives in your country yet but it will come in Australia by end of month or next month.

[@LifeOfBurch]

Yea I just looked into it. Looks super interesting! Almost like a cross between DCT and E-Clutch, acting more like the DCT, but a smaller form factor that’s added onto a normal manual transmission like the E-Clutch. With any luck the U.S. will be the last ones to get it like always lol but I’m definitely going to have to get my hands on one whenever they do make their way over here!

[@Barry-26]

Also KTM and BMW will do in automatic transmission sometime next year. They are developing it because Honda do sell dct for people don’t want to use clutch etc.

[@Barry-26]

@@LifeOfBurch me too.

[@LouCifer999]

why Honda why!??! is the Bagger not available in this color in europe ?!? :( ... anyways nice video!

[@LifeOfBurch]

The matte green is sooo good isn’t it?! I was saying how incredible it would look with bronze wheels and a brown seat 😍

[@LouCifer999]

@@LifeOfBurch I was so hoping for that, it would have been a coin toss, but no, we only got black again... BUT I love my grey metallic one in manual. best bike I ever had!!

[@briandetrick2688]

no ftr yet

[@peterchobausch]

I can get used to dct. But e clutch????????? It would be tough to get used to.

[@MagalyLeadman-o1l]

Yost Passage

[@Lemmingadventures]

Why are we taking the long way around to get to automatic motorcycles? Motorcycles are a lot of things and the harmony between the throttle/clutch and shifter is part of the enjoyment for me. Motorcycles are going to slowly be just like cars. All automatic and a manual new is unheard of. This also makes motorcycles more necessary to have them serviced at a dealer or shop instead of doing it yourself which is also part of owning a bike. Now if you have physical limitations, this is a great way for those to continue riding for sure. But to me, this defeats what riding is all about.

[@AngelicaHolman-d7z]

Harris Larry Martinez Michael Miller Thomas

[@andylewis210]

DCT = auto gearbox / eclutch = auto clutch ….. there you go, no need to watch the video😊

[@bob1226bob]

I have had bikes for years but two years ago I lost my left lower leg in an accident so now cannot change gear , one of these rebels would shovel my problem but I live in Manila where the traffic is terrible, how do these bike operate in this traffic

[@LifeOfBurch]

Ah man so sorry to hear that 😔 The DCT bikes operate just fine in traffic! Smooth as can be. Since they don’t have a “friction zone” per se, you’ll want to get used to dragging the rear brake a bit while giving a little more revs than usual while doing slow speed maneuvers to kinda simulate a friction zone. But in stop-and-go traffic it’s just business as usual- twist the throttle and go! 🙌🏻

[@bob1226bob]

Thanks for your replay so quickly cheers mate

[@LifeOfBurch]

@@bob1226bob happy to help! 🍻