Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1526445
P120 RIDE REVIEW I 2024 HONDA CB650R & CBR650R E-Clutch is slightly different in that rather than simply relying on ignition timing and fuel meter- ing to allow a shift to happen smoothly, the E-Clutch is also ac- tively working in the background using a half-clutch action to assist the rider. The result is ultra- smooth shifts all the way through the transmission up or down and with the throttle in the open posi - tion. The Honda reps told us to be sure to shift with the throttle open, as you would with a quick- shifter. This keeps the chassis stable, especially when down- shifting into a turn. Additionally, unlike a quickshifter, you don't have to worry about timing your shift so precisely, and any mis - takes or mistimed shifts go virtu- ally unnoticed since the clutch is working in the background. This greatly reduces shift shock, even if an egregious shift error occurs. As I said earlier, I absolutely loved riding these bikes on the race - track. The sound of the inline- four engine screaming around the track is simply awesome, and even though the E-Clutch works flawlessly, I do miss the pop that I'm used to hearing when up- shifting with the throttle pinned. You know what I'm talking about if you've been around road racing very long. That said, this system works better, for sure. After leaving the racetrack and going to the lunch stop at Two Wheels of Suches, a great motorcycling destination in the North Georgia mountains, I again forced myself to keep my fingers on the grip and not use the clutch. If the E-Clutch was impressive on the racetrack, it's even more impressive in stop- and-go traffic. Unfortunately, or not, we got stuck behind a semi for a bit, so the E-Clutch got a workout. Honestly, I think the Honda guys planned for that truck to be there because you be - gin to appreciate how convenient the system is in these situations. Whether you're an experienced rider or not, constantly squeezing and releasing the clutch when stuck behind slow-moving traffic is a pain, and it has to be nerve- racking for a new rider. Still, the 2024 CB650R and CBR650R make dealing with these situa- tions easy and effortless. Honda says that your local dealer should have these new models on their showroom floors very soon. Best of all, the price for these new 2024 models—with the E-Clutch—is the exact same as it was for the 2023 models. With a low seat height, great styling, and priced below $10K, these bikes are great for just about anything you like doing on two wheels. CN 2024 HONDA CB650R ($9399) / HONDA CBR650R ($9899) ENGINE TYPE Inline 4-cylinder DISPLACEMENT 649cc VALVETRAIN DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder COOLING SYSTEM Liquid BORE X STROKE 67.0 x 46.0mm INDUCTION SYSTEM PGM-FI w/32mm throttle bodies TRANSMISSION 6-speed w/Honda E-Clutch FINAL DRIVE #520 Chain; 15T/42T FRONT SUSPENSION 41mm Showa Big Piston fork REAR SUSPENSION Single Showa shock FRONT-WHEEL TRAVEL 4.3 in. REAR-WHEEL TRAVEL 5.1 in. FRONT BRAKE Dual 310mm discs w/ radial-mount 4-piston calipers; ABS REAR BRAKE Single 240mm disc; ABS FRONT TIRE 120/70-17 in. REAR TIRE 180/55-17 in. RAKE 25.0° / 25.5° TRAIL 4.0 in. WHEELBASE 57.0 in. SEAT HEIGHT 31.9 in. WEIGHT (CURB, CLAIMED) 456 lbs. / 466 lbs. FUEL CAPACITY 4.1 gal. COLOR Pearl Smoky gray / Grand Prix red WARRANTY Transferable, unlimited- mileage limited warranty S P E C I F I C A T I O N S