Honda currently offers the widest range of motorcycles with automatic transmissions. Its famed DCT gearbox is used in ADVs, cruiser bikes, and touring bikes. But this setup is quite expensive and is not feasible on affordable motorcycles. The Japanese giant, however, has a solution to that as well, with its clever E-Clutch system. The recently surfaced patent images are to be realized, then we might soon be able to purchase a sub-$5,000 Honda E-Clutch motorcycle.
Honda Is Working On A Simpler E-Clutch System
To Bring The Tech To Entry-Level Motorcycles
The E-Clutch system on Honda motorcycles is a smart and reasonably affordable way to enjoy an automated riding experience. It bridges the gap between a traditional manual transmission and the sophisticated, yet expensive, dual-clutch transmission. While it is a relatively affordable solution compared to the DCT options, it still is not affordable enough to justify entry-level motorcycle applications in the sub-500cc segment. This system significantly enhances ease of use and riding comfort, while reducing fatigue.
Courtesy of Cycle World, a series of patents reveals a stripped-down version of Honda’s E-Clutch system. While the set of patents primarily focuses on a temperature sensor used in the transmission system, we also gain insight into the simplified e-clutch system. The current system utilizes a combination of sensors, the actuator, and the control unit.
There is also a load sensor in the linkage to detect gear shifts, which is integrated with the existing sensors for throttle position, gear position, and wheel speed to help the e-clutch operate efficiently. But in the patent images, we see a linear actuator and a second clutch cable (similar to the one seen on the standard clutch lever) instead of the more complex actuator and gear-drive system.
How Does The More Affordable E-Clutch System Work?
Lesser Parts And Modular Construction
This simplified setup features one cable from the standard lever and another from the linear electric actuator. Both are connected to the clutch release arm pin in parallel. This allows either one of the cables to disengage the clutch, which in turn gives Honda the flexibility to mount the actuator anywhere on the motorcycle, as long as a flexible cable connects it to the release arm.
The setup, on paper, can help save significantly by creating a one-size-fits-all package. This will also reduce the cost of R&D and help Honda deploy its E-Clutch system in more motorcycles without substantially increasing the pricing. The E-clutch-equipped Honda motorcycles are currently ~$200 more expensive than their traditional counterparts.
All Honda Motorcycles With E-Clutch In 2025
Currently, Two Motorcycles Are Offered With A Standard E-Clutch In America
Honda offers the CB650R and the CBR650R with the E-Clutch in the United States. In fact, these two motorcycles are only provided with the E-Clutch and are devoid of the traditional system. But this year, Honda also introduced a Japanese-spec Rebel 250 with a “bolt-on” automated clutch system. The setup is still quite expensive for the segment, with the E-Cltuch Rebel 250 being equivalent to $325 more expensive in Japan.
But suppose the patent images of the more affordable version of the E-Clutch system become a reality. In that case, we can expect a lot of affordable Honda bikes like the Rebel 300, the Rebel 500, the CB300R, the CB500F, and the NX500 (to name a few) to come with the E-Clutch system, with a justifiable price tag. It can even be extended to off-road-ready bikes, such as the CRF300 lineup. The possibilities are endless.
All Honda Motorcycles Available In 2025 With E-Clutch
- Honda CBR650R
- Honda CB650R
- Honda Rebel 250 (Japan-Spec)
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