New Delhi. Honda launched the new CBR 650R in India in January this year. In less than four months of launch, this sports bike is going to get its first big update. The Japanese auto giant has released a teaser of updated CBR 650R on its Honda Bigwing India social media handle, indicating it soon. The social media post has a caption with the image of the Middleweight Sports Bike, “To highlight a new type of accuracy. Keep up!” This indicates that the new CBR 650R will have electronic clutch or E-Clutch, which is available in select international markets.
E-Clutch technology
The new E-Clutch technology is a perfect balance between the convenience of automatic gearbox and the participation of manual shifters. In other words, it is similar to the intelligent manual gearbox (IMT) seen in popular Hyundai and Kia cars. Therefore, the rider can manually gearsef without intervention of the clutch. Honda’s e-Clutch system, introduced in October 2023, mixes elements of Quick-shiftrs, traditional manual clutches and brand dual clutch transmission (DCT). While clutch and transmission hardware remain unchanged by standard configurations, the E-Clutch system adds about 2 kg to total weight.
Clutchless gear change
E-Clutch clutchless enables gear change, whether it is the waste or downshift, as well as smooth start and stop, so that the rider does not need to manually operate the clutch lever. The system becomes automatically active when the engine starts and helps prevent stalling. Riders still have the option to manually use clutch liver, and the system automatically becomes activated after a while.
Shift sensitivity settings
It also offers customization, which can choose three shift sensitivity settings – hard, medium, or soft – for riders waste and downshift. The instrument panel may suggest a downshift when it is very high for the current speed of the motorcycle. E-Clutch tasks are managed based on real-time inputs such as throttle positions, engine speed, gear selection and shift pedal pressure. The engine controls an actuator unit clutch engagement with dual motors within casing, while ignition is adjusted to match timing and fuel delivery.
Inline for-cylinder
Honda CBR 650R is powered by 649cc, inline for-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that produces 94 bhp and 62.3 Nm peak torque. This engine is paired with a 6-speed gearbox, which comes with manual slip and assist clutch in the current model.
In the case of features, CBR 650R has a 5-inch TFT instrument panel that supports Honda’s RoadsyNC app. Through this application, riders can avail facilities like turn-by-turn navigation, call/SMS notification and more. The updated CBR 650R is expected to be slightly higher than the current CBR 650R, which is priced at Rs 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
