The 2024 Honda CBR650R is the fully faired version of Honda’s inline-4 middleweight, and it debuts the E-Clutch alongside its naked sibling, the CB650R. The list price is $9899, $500 more than the CB650R and unchanged from 2023.
The E-Clutch handles the clutch work. Two actuator motors on the engine case operate a standard transmission and cable-actuated clutch, so the CBR650R can stop and pull away without the rider touching the lever. The rider still selects gears with the shift lever.
Once underway, the system behaves like a well-sorted quickshifter at almost any rpm or throttle position, and a half-clutch function smooths every shift, including the jump from 1st to 2nd. The package adds 4.5 pounds.
Manual control stays available. Pull the clutch lever and the system disables for five seconds, or select the fully manual mode. Shift lever input has Hard, Medium, and Soft settings, set independently for upshifts and downshifts, and the dash signals when a different gear is needed.
With the system active, the only sure way to stall the engine is to reach for the lever, a habit veteran riders need to unlearn. Honda aims the E-Clutch at newer riders, and it also reduces effort when commuting or lane-splitting.
Other 2024 updates include a five-inch TFT dash that pairs with a smartphone, backlit switchgear, a new full fairing, reworked dual LED headlights, and a revised tail section. Chassis tweaks add stiffness at the headtube.
The twin-spar steel frame carries a 41mm Showa inverted fork and a Showa shock. Radially mounted 4-piston Nissin calipers grip 310mm discs. The cable throttle can’t blip on downshifts, so very high-rpm downshifts on a track can unsettle the bike.
The high-revving engine, agreeable ergonomics, and all-around versatility make the CBR650R a sporty street bike for riders of any skill level. Grand Prix Red is the only color.
Benda motorcycles are beginning to make a ripple on US shores with four intriguing and competitive models, courtesy of its partnership with Keeway Group. We were impressed with the Napoleonbob 500 and have now gotten our gloves on the persuasive, entry-level 2026 Benda Chinchilla 300, with its modest MSRP of $4999. It would be difficult to design a more welcoming entry-level cruiser than this easy-handling, visually appealing boulevard bobber. Editor Don Williams and Associate Editor Kelly Callan discuss the Benda Chinchilla 300 and how it actually rode for them.
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Our guest this episode is Jesse Merriman, Chief Technician for Jeremy McWilliams at the Arch Motorcycle racing project. Arch Racing was founded by Gard Hollinger and Keanu Reevs to compete in the Moto America Super Hooligan race series. Teejay Adams chats with Jesse about the Arch motorcycle and the challenges of extracting the absolute most from an air-cooled V-Twin racing engine and custom chassis.
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Here’s quick reminder to check out our monthly digital magazine. It’s filled with everything you want to read on motorcycling, including some things you’ve probably not seen elsewhere. It’s absolutely free and you will find it on the Apple App Store and of course on Google Play as well.
Don’t forget to leave us your comments on our social media—we’re on all the usual platforms at Ultimate Motorcycling. We love hearing your feedback… so good or bad, please let us know what you think. If there’s something you’d like us to cover, we’d love to hear those ideas too!
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