04/05/2025

Contributing Editor Keshy Dhillon / keshy@piston.my Editorial

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SUNDAY | MAY 4, 2025

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Easy Rider E-Clutch New Honda CB650R has a transmission that everyone will love

THERE was much noise when the Honda CB650R E-Clutch was launched. The “complaints” were not about the bike per se, but about the new Honda E Clutch system. To rehash – the E-Clutch system provides the features of an auto matic gearbox. Now, netizens, upon hearing the word “automatic,” most probably jumped to the conclusion that the CB650R and its CBR650RR are now equipped with CVTs (constantly variable transmission) like scooters, since there is no mention of the DCT (Dual-Clutch Transmission). On another hand, so-called “purists” questioned the reasoning for automatic transmission on big capacity motorcycles. These arguments show how we can be conflicted sometimes. On one side of the scale, we love new technologies. And on the other side, we are afraid of changing paths from convention, be it the most mundane. It also highlights the pitfalls of social media, because all the comments about the Honda E-Clutch have been made

current CB650R and CBR650R E-Clutch. Apart from the clutch, the current bike features several design updates: 0 Horseshoe-shaped front LED Daytime Running Light (DRL). 0 Reshaped air intake funnels on both sides of the fuel tank (although these are decorative). 0 A USB Type-C charging port. 0 New TFT screen with multimedia and navigation, connected through the Honda RoadSync phone app. Other features 0 649cc, DOHC, inline-four, producing 93.8 HP (70kW) at 12,000RPM and 63Nm at 9,500RPM. 0 Engine power is transmitted through a manual multi-plate wet clutch, with the E-Clutch feature. 0 Front suspension consists of 41mm Showa Separate Function Fork - Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks. 0 Rear suspension consists of a monoshock damper with 10 stage adjustable preload.

BY WAHID OOI

before its launch in Malaysia and no one has actually ridden the bike to experience it firsthand. What is the 2025 Honda CB650R E-Clutch? The Honda CB650R “naked bike” and the CBR650R “sportbike” were launched back in 2020, as the successor to the

CB650F and CBR650R, respectively, which ran from 2014 to 2019. The CB650F, on the other hand was the successor to the long-running and supremely popular CB600F. So, through out its history, this model lineage has always been powered by an inline-four engine. Then, in 2024, Honda launched the

The E-Clutch system can be turned off and can even be customised to suit your needs.

This matte green colour looks fantastic.

Quality of switches is top notch.

LED headlights easily distinguish the CB650 in a crowd.