Honda CB650R E-Clutch Launched in India at Rs. 9.60 Lakh: Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has once again made waves in the premium motorcycle segment with the official launch of the much-anticipated Honda CB650R E-Clutch in the Indian market. Priced at ₹9.60 lakh (ex-showroom), this advanced middleweight streetfighter now features Honda’s innovative E-Clutch system—a move that blends performance with next-level convenience, especially in urban commuting scenarios.
This variant is ₹40,000 more expensive than the standard CB650R, but the added cost brings with it a revolutionary piece of technology that promises to redefine how we experience riding a motorcycle in busy traffic or on weekend getaways.
What Is the E-Clutch System All About?
Introduced globally by Honda in 2023, the E-Clutch system is designed to simplify riding without compromising the thrill of a traditional gear-shifting experience. Essentially, it eliminates the need for manual clutch operation during starts, stops, and gear changes.
Here’s how it works: Honda has equipped the CB650R E-Clutch with a pair of servo motors that are mounted inside a redesigned casing. These motors assist in gear changes and also engage or disengage the clutch as needed, especially when the motorcycle is idling or navigating through stop-and-go traffic.
One of the key benefits of this system is that it allows riders to enjoy the convenience of clutchless riding without completely removing manual control. For those who prefer the old-school approach, Honda has ensured that the E-Clutch system can be manually disabled. This hybrid setup makes the motorcycle appealing to both new riders who want comfort and seasoned enthusiasts who demand complete control.
Power and Performance: Built on a Proven Platform
Under the hood—or rather, under the tank—the 2025 Honda CB650R continues to be powered by the same robust and refined 649cc, inline four-cylinder engine. This high-revving motor churns out a solid 94 bhp (70 kW) at 12,000 RPM and delivers 63 Nm of peak torque at 9,500 RPM. The engine is paired with a six-speed gearbox, which now works seamlessly with the E-Clutch technology to offer smoother and quicker shifts.
Whether you’re navigating through city traffic or blasting down the highway, this powertrain setup offers a thrilling ride that’s both responsive and refined. The bike manages to strike a perfect balance between aggressive power delivery and everyday usability, making it ideal for daily commuting and weekend rides alike.
Design Language: Honda’s Neo Sports Café Aesthetic
When it comes to visual appeal, the CB650R E-Clutch follows Honda’s signature Neo Sports Café styling, which combines retro design cues with modern minimalism. The bike features a round, LED headlamp housed in a sculpted frame, giving it a classic yet muscular front profile. The sculpted fuel tank, exposed steel trellis frame, and sleek upswept tail section add to the bike’s athletic persona.
One standout design element is the four exhaust pipe headers that gracefully flow into a single end-can. This setup is not just visually pleasing but also adds a distinctive sound signature to the CB650R, giving it that unmistakable four-cylinder growl.
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For 2025, the CB650R is available in two eye-catching color schemes: Candy Chromosphere Red and Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic. Each color highlights different aspects of the motorcycle’s design, from the aggressive tank lines to the refined metallic accents.
Chassis and Hardware: Built for Balance
The CB650R E-Clutch is built on a steel diamond frame that has proven its mettle in terms of rigidity and feedback. Up front, the bike features 41 mm Showa Separate Function Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks, while the rear is suspended by a preload-adjustable monoshock. This setup ensures excellent ride quality and handling, whether you’re attacking twisties or gliding through pothole-ridden city roads.
Braking duties are handled by twin 310 mm discs with radial-mounted calipers at the front and a single disc at the rear. The bike comes equipped with a dual-channel ABS system as standard, ensuring safety under hard braking or slippery conditions.
Technology and Features: Modern Meets Practical
In addition to the cutting-edge E-Clutch system, the CB650R comes packed with modern features designed to elevate the overall riding experience. The most notable is the new 5.0-inch TFT color display that replaces the previous LCD unit. This high-resolution screen offers improved visibility and now includes Honda RoadSync connectivity, enabling smartphone pairing for turn-by-turn navigation, call management, and music control.
For riders who love customizing their experience, the bike also includes a full suite of riding aids, including Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), which helps maintain traction during spirited riding or on slippery surfaces.
Sibling Rival: The 2025 Honda CBR650R
Launched alongside the CB650R E-Clutch, the 2025 Honda CBR650R also receives the E-Clutch upgrade. Priced at ₹10.40 lakh (ex-showroom), the CBR650R is essentially a faired sibling of the CB650R, designed with a racier and more aerodynamic silhouette. The engine and mechanical hardware remain identical, but the CBR650R adds more aggressive ergonomics and styling.
Where the CB650R leans towards urban sophistication and naked bike charm, the CBR650R speaks to sportbike lovers with its full fairing, lower handlebars, and a slightly more aggressive seating posture. It also comes in two distinctive colors: Grand Prix Red and Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic.
Why E-Clutch Matters: A Step Toward the Future
The introduction of the E-Clutch technology marks a pivotal point for Honda in India. As urban commuting becomes more complex and physically demanding, rider comfort is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. The E-Clutch allows seamless clutchless operation, which can be a game-changer for those who frequently ride in traffic-heavy environments.
But it’s not just about convenience. The E-Clutch also enhances the bike’s sporty appeal by allowing quicker shifts without disrupting acceleration. For newer riders, it removes the anxiety of stalling or rough gear changes. For experienced riders, it offers the flexibility to switch between clutch-assisted and manual modes depending on the mood or road conditions.
Honda CB650R E-Clutch Launched in India at Rs. 9.60 Lakh: Availability and Bookings
Honda has confirmed that bookings for both the CB650R E-Clutch and the CBR650R are now open across India. Customers can book the bikes either through Honda’s BigWing premium dealership network or via the official Honda two-wheeler website.
Deliveries are set to commence by the end of May 2025, just in time for the summer riding season. Given the success of the standard variants launched earlier this year, the E-Clutch-equipped versions are expected to see strong demand, especially among tech-savvy riders and urban commuters looking for an edge in riding convenience.
What Honda’s Leadership Says
Speaking about the launch, Mr. Yogesh Mathur, Director of Sales and Marketing at Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, shared his enthusiasm:
“We are excited to bring the new CB650R and CBR650R for our Indian riders, with the revolutionary E-Clutch technology. The standard variants of both these models were introduced earlier this year and received a phenomenal response. With the E-Clutch variants, we believe the riding experience will be further elevated, strengthening Honda’s position in the premium motorcycle space.”
Adding to the sentiment, Mr. Tsutsumu Otani, Managing Director, President & CEO of HMSI, stated:
“The premium motorcycling space has been experiencing remarkable growth in India, and with world-class products like the CB650R and CBR650R, we are confident they will set new benchmarks for performance and riding innovation. The introduction of E-Clutch is a step into the future, offering riders a unique blend of control and comfort.”
Final Thoughts: A Smart Evolution in Motorcycling
The 2025 Honda CB650R E-Clutch brings a bold mix of tradition and innovation. On one hand, it continues the legacy of Honda’s smooth and high-revving inline-four engine. On the other, it introduces technology that could well shape the future of everyday motorcycling. By offering a system that blends the joy of manual gear shifts with the ease of automation, Honda is making riding more accessible, enjoyable, and practical than ever before.
With its striking design, refined performance, and now, game-changing clutch technology, the CB650R E-Clutch is not just a motorcycle—it’s a statement. Whether you’re a city commuter, a weekend warrior, or a passionate motorcycling enthusiast, the CB650R E-Clutch is built to adapt to your lifestyle.
