Honda’s E-Clutch technology represents a significant step forward in motorcycle innovation, offering a blend of convenience, safety, and enhanced performance. It underscores Honda’s commitment to providing riders with cutting-edge features that elevate the overall riding experience.
Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
2025 Honda CBR650R: RIDE SMARTER WITH E-CLUTCH.
Introducing the 2025 Honda CBR650R…
Combining the thrill of a middleweight sport motorcycle with the ease and convenience of Honda E-Clutch technology, Honda’s CBR650R delivers a thrilling experience while offering the comfort and reliability for which Honda is known. The 649cc engine delivers strong, enjoyable power, while the E-Clutch lets the rider change gears with ease. With Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) and a Showa Separate Function Fork Big Piston fork, the CBR650R is a well-rounded motorcycle with an ideal balance of style, performance and everyday practicality—equally adept at ripping through the canyons and cruising through morning traffic.
The biggest news on two wheels this year: Honda’s E-Clutch, making its first appearance on our CBR650R. Experienced sportbike riders can use it like a quick shifter. More casual riders will find it makes cruising and relaxed riding hassle-free. And if you’ve never driven or ridden a vehicle with a manual transmission, E-Clutch eliminates the need to learn shifter-clutch coordination, along with worries about stalling or jerky starts or sudden stops. Add in some crisp new bodywork, a bigger five-inch TFT instrument display and its stellar high-revving inline-four engine, and you’ll see the new CBR650R is a ride that’s on the cutting edge in every way. Plus, if you like what you’re seeing, but want a version with less bodywork so you can see that awesome engine, just check out our CB650R.
Honda’s E-Clutch technology represents a significant step forward in motorcycle innovation, offering a blend of convenience, safety, and enhanced performance. It underscores Honda’s commitment to providing riders with cutting-edge features that elevate the overall riding experience.
2025 Honda CBR650R Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
Base Features
- 649cc liquid cooled in-line four-cylinder engine
- Honda E-Clutch
- Five-inch TFT instrument display
- Showa® 41mm SFF-BP USD fork
- Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)
- Four-into-one exhaust
- Six-speed transmission
- Dual 320mm front discs with radial-mount four-piston calipers; ABS
- Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
HISTORY
Honda’s fully faired CBR650F, launched in 2014 alongside the naked CB650F, provided a healthy slice of four-cylinder middleweight performance, very much at the sporty end of the “sport touring” spectrum. Five years later, the CBR650F became the CBR650R, the upgrade from “F” to “R” indicating an even more potent shot of sporty ability designed to be explored, used and enjoyed on the street.
In the process of its transformation, the CBR650R became, deliberately, a rare breed: a four-cylinder sport bike that provides similar pleasure, enjoyment and adrenaline to an RR machine, yet with enough practicality—and sensible running costs—to make it a viable option as day-to-day transport in addition to weekend fun.
The direction was well received. In 2021, the CBR650R continued its development curve, with user-driven detail improvements and a major upgrade to the front suspension.
The 2024 model year was important for the CBR650R, with updated style and functionality. The model also went down in history as the first Honda (along with its CB650R naked-bike sibling) to be available with Honda E-Clutch technology, designed to make motorcycling even more enjoyable—and exciting—for all riders, from beginners to experts.
Honda E-CLUTCH
Honda E-Clutch takes elements of the technology and performance of quick-shifters, manually operated clutches and Honda’s Dual Clutch Transmission technology to create a unique blend of these well-proven approaches, opening up a whole new aspect of the motorcycling experience for riders of every type and experience level. The clutch and transmission hardware themselves are no different from a conventional motorcycle, with the ultra-compact system weighing less than four and a half pounds.
In operation, Honda E-clutch is simplicity itself, taking away the need to use the clutch lever to make a shift either up or down the gearbox. The rider simply operates the shift pedal for ultra-fast, consistent gear changes, bringing extra enjoyment to sporty riding. The clutch lever is also not needed when pulling away or coming to a stop. Becoming active as soon as the engine is switched on, the system manages both scenarios smoothly, while taking away the possibility of the engine stalling when in operation, providing extra convenience and peace of mind to urban riding involving frequent starts and stops.
In addition to enjoyment and convenience, Honda E-Clutch brings ultimate flexibility. Should the rider wish, he or she is able to operate the clutch lever as normal at any time. When the clutch lever is used, the Honda E-clutch system will re-activate after less than a second above a certain engine rpm, or after 5 seconds at lower engine speeds. Should the rider wish to turn off the system for a particular ride, this is also possible via the switchgear on the left handlebar. The change to manual operation is indicated by a letter “M” on the instrument panel.
The Honda E-Clutch also allows the rider to select an “operation feel” to set the strength of the force required on the shift pedal to make a gear change. Three settings are available: HARD, MEDIUM and SOFT, each of which can be chosen independently for upshifting and downshifting. The technology will also advise the rider to shift down—via a symbol on the instrument panel—if it detects the motorcycle is in a high gear at a certain speed.
The Honda E-Clutch manages clutch engagement and disengagement based on its reading of parameters, including vehicle speed, throttle opening angle, engine rpm, pressure on the shift pedal, clutch-motor reduction-gear angle, engine countershaft speed and gear position. The clutch is operated through an actuator unit with two motors situated inside the righthand engine cover. As the clutch is engaged or disengaged, the engine’s ignition timing and fuel injection are also controlled, resulting in smooth, shock-free shifting in any situation.
“Our Honda E-Clutch is designed to offer motorcyclists a new kind of experience that can make their riding even more fun and exciting,” says Junya Ono, Honda E-Clutch Large Project Leader. “It also adds peace of mind and comfort to town riding or the daily commute. We hope that many riders will try our new system to enjoy the unique mix of sportiness and flexibility it offers.”
Engine & Drivetrain
The Evolution of Shifting
Here’s a brand-new, unique-to-Honda technology that’s going to make riding easier. The new E-Clutch system in the CBR650R eliminates the need to use the clutch lever when starting, stopping or changing gears up or down. It provides smooth and instant shift control, making carving a set of twisty corners even more fun, and navigating city traffic that much easier. Plus, if you want to use the clutch manually at any time, you can. E-Clutch takes elements of quick-shifters, manually-operated clutches, and Honda’s Dual Clutch Transmission to create a unique system that offers a wide range of benefits to riders of all skill levels.
Choose Your Shifting Mode
When the E-Clutch system is on, it automatically controls the clutch and only throttle operation is required when starting, only shift pedal operation is required for gear shifting, and clutch lever operation is not required when stopping. When riding, however, hand operation of the clutch lever can move the system into manual mode temporarily, which requires the same clutch lever operation as with a normal manual transmission. When the system is turned off via a handlebar switch and shown on the CBR650R’s new TFT instrument screen, it operates like a normal manual transmission.
Numerous Benefits
Honda E-Clutch offers a real performance advantage particularly when riding on twisty roads. Gear changes using just the shift pedal allow you to concentrate fully on the next corner, and the one after that. You get smooth, instant shifting, with no momentary engine deceleration or shift shock. And in the city, not having to operate the clutch lever makes stopping and starting a breeze.
Dynamic Performance
The CBR650R’s liquid-cooled 649 cc four-cylinder engine uses a compact internal architecture with cylinders canted forward 30 degrees for a lower centre of gravity and an impressive power-to-weight ratio.
Engine & Drivetrain
The Evolution of Shifting
Here’s a brand-new, unique-to-Honda technology that’s going to make riding easier. The new E-Clutch system in the CBR650R eliminates the need to use the clutch lever when starting, stopping or changing gears up or down. It provides smooth and instant shift control, making carving a set of twisty corners even more fun, and navigating city traffic that much easier. Plus, if you want to use the clutch manually at any time, you can. E-Clutch takes elements of quick-shifters, manually-operated clutches, and Honda’s Dual Clutch Transmission to create a unique system that offers a wide range of benefits to riders of all skill levels.
Choose Your Shifting Mode
When the E-Clutch system is on, it automatically controls the clutch and only throttle operation is required when starting, only shift pedal operation is required for gear shifting, and clutch lever operation is not required when stopping. When riding, however, hand operation of the clutch lever can move the system into manual mode temporarily, which requires the same clutch lever operation as with a normal manual transmission. When the system is turned off via a handlebar switch and shown on the CBR650R’s new TFT instrument screen, it operates like a normal manual transmission.
More Torque
More torque down low is always a good thing, so our engineers tweaked intake-valve timing and improved the air-intake ducts to give the CBR650R a boost in low-end torque and smoother power delivery.
Quick Response
The PGM-FI fuel injection system operates with information from four separate throttle body sensors for crisp and accurate throttle response.
Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)
The Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) controls torque output by detecting differences in the slip ratio between front and rear wheels. When the rear tire loses traction on a slippery surface, HSTC is engineered to instantly kick-in and suppresses torque by controlling fuel injection to help inhibit rear tire slip. This system is user adjustable and can be turned off.
Assist Slipper Clutch
Not only does the assist slipper clutch help to prevent rear-wheel lockup on downshifts, it also helps reduce the effort it takes to operate the clutch lever when the E-Clutch is in manual mode.
Sporty Sound & Feel
The sleek side-swept 4-1 exhaust features a dual pass internal structure to help reduce back pressure and deliver an addictive high-RPM howl that attests to the bike’s CBR racing Heritage.
Lighter Frame
The Honda CBR650R’s twin-spar steel frame is engineered to be light and strong and to improve mass centralization. It works with the other chassis elements to produce sporty handling and just the right amount of rider feedback. Plus, it’s lighter than the outgoing model, thanks to a redesigned rear subframe.
Improved Showa Fork
To offer sporty handling and precise steering, the CBR650R comes equipped with a 41 mm Showa Separate Function Front Fork Big Piston unit (SFF-BP), which features damping operation in one fork leg and spring operation in the other leg. The result is reduced weight, superior rigidity, and excellent overall performance. Changes to spring and damping rates for 2025 provide a smoother start to the stroke for even better ride quality. Want to fine-tune the fork to better match your riding style or the road conditions? No problem, because spring preload, compression damping and rebound damping are all adjustable.
Pro-Link® Shock
Changes to the Pro-Link® single-shock rear suspension’s spring and damping rates help it work in concert with the revised fork for even better control and comfort. Plus, 10-stage adjustable spring preload lets you tune for rougher roads or carrying a passenger.
Lightweight Wheels
Lightweight but rigid Y-shaped aluminum wheels combine with the curvaceous gravity-die-cast aluminum swingarm for reduced unsprung weight, which helps to ensure nimble handling and excellent bump absorption.
Standard ABS
Radial-mounted four-piston calipers work the front 310 mm discs, while the rear brake squeezes a 240 mm disc. Standard ABS provides added peace of mind during sudden stops or when riding on uncertain surfaces.
New RoadSport 2 Tires
Dunlop RoadSport 2 tires are designed for nimble, predictable handling and quick turn-in.
New Instrument Screen
All-new five-inch digital TFT instrument screen is bright and easy to read even in direct sunlight. It’s the one-stop location for full info on E-Clutch settings, and also includes a speedometer, tachometer, odometer, gear indicator, fuel gauge, clock, warning lights, plus all trip details including average speed, fuel consumption rate, and elapsed time.
Sharp Styling
The Honda CBR650R features CBR1000RR-inspired styling, including a redesigned fairing plus dual LED headlights, LED turn signals and LED taillight. The sharper tail section and sleeker lower fairing add to bike’s racy appearance.
Comfortable Seating
The carefully shaped seat has a narrow middle profile that provides comfort while riding, and an easier reach to the ground at stops. The seat also includes ample room for a passenger.
2025 Honda CBR650R Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
ENGINE / DRIVETRAIN
The 649cc, DOHC 16-valve engine is tuned to create the purest, most enjoyable midsize four-cylinder performance possible, with the classically fast “pickup” through the rev range and hard-hitting, high-revving top end for which Honda’s inline fours are renowned.
Direct cam actuation makes for a compact cylinder head; bore and stroke are set at 67mm x 46mm, with compression ratio raised to 11.6:1. Iridium spark plugs are employed, and twin air ducts (one on either side of the fuel tank) feed the airbox and produce a throaty intake roar.
Asymmetric piston skirts minimize bore contact and reduce friction. Ferrous spines on the outer surface of the cylinder sleeves reduce oil consumption (and friction) with improved heat transfer, and a silent SV cam chain reduces frictional losses by using a Vanadium coating on its pins. Internal water channeling from cylinder head to cylinders does away with most of the exterior hoses.
The engine uses a compact internal architecture, stacked six-speed gearbox and starter layout, with the cylinders canted forward 30°. An assist/slipper clutch eases upshifts while managing rear-wheel lockup under hard braking and rapid downshifts. Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) manages rear wheel traction; it can be turned off should the rider choose.
DESIGN / STYLING
While its four-cylinder power unit is firmly on display, the CBR650R’s wrapping ramps up pure sporting appeal; dual LED headlights emit a penetrating, uncompromising stare, while the upper and lower fairings blend muscularity with sharp, slim lines and angles.
An aggressive riding position starts with clip-on handlebars that mount beneath the top triple clamp, matched to rear-set footpegs. The seat unit is compact and neatly truncates the rear of the machine, emphasizing the hard-edged sense of purpose. Trim side panels accentuate the minimalism, as does the steel rear fender/license-plate mount.
The seat height is 31.9 inches. There’s a USB Type-C socket located under the seat.
Premium technology, in the form of a 5-inch full-color TFT screen, uses optical bonding to optimize visibility in bright sunlight. By sealing the gap between the cover glass and TFT screen with resin, glare is minimized, and visibility is maximized. The display itself is customizable between “Bar,” “Circle” and “Simple” display patterns.
CHASSIS / SUSPENSION
The steel diamond frame uses pressed swingarm pivot plates and twin elliptical spars with a rigidity balance specifically tuned (stiffer around the headstock and more flexible in the spar sections) to deliver excellent all-round handling characteristics with high levels of rider feedback. Rake is set at 25.5°, with trail at 4.0 inches and a wheelbase of 57.0 inches. Curb weight is 466 pounds (including all standard equipment, required fluids and a full tank of fuel).
Showa’s 41mm Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) inverted fork offers high-quality reaction. A pressure-separation damper in one fork tube and spring mechanism in the other deliver high damping performance and lighter weight. With the use of a large piston, the combined result is optimized feel, bump absorption and control. Adjustable for 10-stage spring preload, the single-tube monoshock operates directly on the curvaceous gravity die-cast aluminum swingarm.
Four-piston radial-mount front brake calipers work 310mm floating discs, and are paired with a single-piston rear caliper and 240mm disc. The ABS is a two-channel system. Cast-aluminum wheels mount 120/70-ZR17 and 180/55-ZR17 front and rear tires.
ENGINEERING
Honda E-CLUTCH
E-Clutch is the best of all worlds: You’ll still be shifting your bike with your left foot, but you no longer have to worry about using a handlebar-mounted clutch to do it. And if you do want the control that the clutch lever gives you, no worries—it’s still there for you. Plus, E-Clutch performs like a quick-shifter for both upshifts and downshifts—something hard-charging sport riders are going to love.
PERFORMANCE
649cc DOHC ENGINE
Engines like this are what Honda does best. The four-cylinder design makes it smoother and faster revving than most twins, and offers ample low- to midrange torque, plus plenty of power through the entire rev range.
STYLE
SPORTBIKE STYLING
The CBR650R looks just the way a modern sportbike should—all business, with a generous dose of style. But the CBR650R is also comfortable enough for a wide range of riding, from around-town commuting to canyon carving to day-long trips.
NEW, LARGER INSTRUMENT DISPLAY
Now measuring a full five inches, the TFT (Thin Film Transistor) instrument display is bright, easy to read, and packed with information.
LED HEADLIGHT
The CBR650R uses an eye-catching dual-lens LED headlight that casts a powerful beam. It’s both brighter and smaller than a conventional design, and contributes in a big way to the CBR650R’s sense of style.
EXHAUST SYSTEM
An exhaust system needs to accomplish four things: To quiet the engine without robbing power, to help tune engine output, to sound great, and it’s a huge style element on any bike. The CBR650R’s exhaust knocks it out of the park on all counts, and sounds like only an inline four can.
Y-SPOKE ALUMINUM WHEELS
The aluminum wheels help reduce unsprung weight. These lighter hoops have a greater influence on handling than the numbers alone suggest.
HANDLING
Honda SELECTABLE TORQUE CONTROL (HSTC)
With Honda Selectable Torque Control System (HSTC) the CBR650R offers you peace of mind during aggressive riding conditions. The system adjusts engine power to optimize torque at the rear wheel, reducing rear-wheel slip. And here’s the best part: you can turn it on or turn it off with a handlebar-mounted switch.
SHOWA® SFF-BP FRONT SUSPENSION
Great handling and precise steering demand a premium front suspension. That’s why the CBR650R features a Showa Separate Function Front Fork Big Piston unit (SFF-BP). It offers both reduced weight, superior rigidity, and excellent overall performance. Plus, it also has adjustable spring preload, as well as adjustable rebound and compression damping.
RADIAL-MOUNT FRONT BRAKES
The CBR650R comes with radial-mounted four-piston brake sportbike stopping power that’s linear and easy to modulate.
DESIGN
TWIN-SPAR FRAME
The CBR650R refines a classic Honda design. The twin-spar frame incorporates pivot plates, engine hangers, seat rails, and other components that all reduce weight. It’s light, strong, and provides the basis for the CBR650R’s stellar handling.
FOUR-INTO-ONE EXHAUST
Power, style and an unmistakable growl—you get all three with the four-into-one exhaust system on the CBR650R.
REAR-DISC BRAKE
A hydraulic disc at the rear complements the twin front discs for plenty of stopping power.
REFINED INTAKE SYSTEM
The CBR650R features a twin-duct intake design, engineered to ram cool, dense air into the airbox, increasing horsepower.
SIX-SPEED TRANSMISSION
Smooth, nearly seamless shifts and gear ratios matched to the way you want to ride: thanks to E-Clutch those are two of the characteristics that make this Honda so much fun to ride.
SPECIAL ENGINE TUNING
Finely tuned valve timing and piston shapes improve engine response, especially from the idle to 8000 rpm. This delivers a big advantage in urban environments.
SPORTING RIDING POSITION
Comfortable enough for casual, weekday use and for more aggressive weekend sport rides alike. The seat/bar/peg relationship in any motorcycle is critical, and with the CBR650R, you’ll truly feel like a part of this bike.
2025 Honda CBR650R – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $9,899 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $12,366 CDN (includes Freight, PDI and Fees)
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ See Dealer GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
ENGINE
Engine Type 649cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder four-stroke
Bore and Stroke 67.0mm x 46.0mm
Compression Ratio 11.6:1
Valve Train DOHC; four valves per cylinder
Induction PGM-FI with 32mm throttle bodies
DRIVE TRAIN
Transmission Six-speed with Honda E-Clutch
Final Drive #525 Chain; 15T/42T
CHASSIS SUSPENSION BRAKES
Front Suspension 41mm fork; 4.3-inch travel
Rear Suspension Single Showa shock; 5.1-inch travel
Front Brake Dual 310mm discs with radial-mount four-piston calipers; ABS
Rear Brake Single 240mm disc; ABS
Front Tire 120/70-17
Rear Tire 180/55-17
DIMENSIONS
Rake 25.5°
Trail 4.0 inches
Wheelbase 57.0 inches
Seat Height 31.9 inches
Curb Weight 466 pounds (Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel)
Fuel Capacity 4.1 gallons, including 0.8-gallon reserve
OTHER
Available Colors Grand Prix Red
Model ID CBR650RA
Emissions Meets current EPA standards. California version meets current CARB standards and
may differ slightly due to emissions equipment.
FACTORY WARRANTY INFORMATION
One Year Included Transferable, unlimited mileage limited warranty
Optional Extended Extended coverage available with a HondaCare® Protection Plan
2025 Honda CBR650R – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details
2025 Honda CBR650R – Totalmotorcycle.com Europe Specifications/Technical Details
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Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
