2026 Honda CB650R Review: The Truth About Honda’s E-Clutch

Send us Fan Mail Is Honda’s new E-Clutch technology cheating, or is it the future of manual riding? Annick takes the 2026 Honda CB650R out for an in-depth, real-world road test. After logging over 1,100 miles through heavy rain, stop-and-go highway traffic, and loose gravel, she breaks down how the E-Clutch actually works, how it stacks up against Honda’s DCT and traditional quickshifters, and whether it’s worth your money. ⚙️ Key Bike Specs & Highlights Engine: 649cc liquid-cooled inline-4, four-stroke Horsepower: 95 HP stock Exhaust Design: Four-into-one header pipe styling Curb Weight: 459 lbs with fluids (E-Clutch hardware adds approximately 4.4 to 6.6 lbs) Transmission: Standard 6-speed manual foot-shift with automated electronic clutch actuator and manual lever override Rider Aids & Electronics: TFT display, ABS, adjustable Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), customizable shift feel (soft/medium/hard), and adjustable shift RPM points (no dedicated preset ride modes) MSRP: $9,299 (including destination fee) 💡 Key Takeaways from the Ride Not a DCT: Unlike Honda’s fully automatic Dual Clutch Transmission, the CB650R still retains a physical clutch lever and requires foot shifting. Anti-Stall & Seamless Stops: You can come to a full stop in any gear without touching the clutch lever, and the bike will not stall. Instant Manual Override: Pulling the clutch lever immediately returns full manual modulation to the rider; releasing the lever returns the system to automated operation. No Stoplight Revving: Because the automated clutch engages directly with throttle input in gear, you cannot blip or rev the throttle at a standstill without propelling the bike forward. 🔗 Links & Community 💬 Join the Discussion: Are you on "Team Clean" or do you let road grime build up for street cred? Drop your questions about the E-Clutch in the comments below! 🏍️ Book a "Bike Bestie" Consultation: Need one-on-one help picking your next motorcycle or sorting out riding gear? Book a 45-minute video consultation HERE. ☕ Support the Channel: Enjoy the reviews? You can help keep the rubber side down by contributing to our "Buy Me an Oil Change" fund ! Support the show FOLLOW US ON : YouTube Instagram : Féroce Instagram : Annick Magac liveferoce.com