Honda introduced millions of riders to life on two-wheels in the 1960s by producing machines like the Super Cub, CB160 and CB750 that proved motorcycles could be reliable and easy to ride and own – three qualities absent from the dominant British machines of the time. Now a new piece of shifting tech from Honda follows in that same tradition.
It’s called E-Clutch and as its name suggests is an electronically operated clutch for motorcycles equipped with a manual transmission. Honda already offers a car-like dual-clutch transmission on some of its bikes, but the E-Clutch is different because it doesn’t handle shifting duties. You still have to tap the foot peg up and down to shift the gears yourself, but use of the clutch lever next in front of your left hand is optional.
Many riders will already be familiar with shifting without using the clutch, particularly if their bike is equipped with a quick-shifter or auto blipper, but the big benefit of the E-Clutch is that it also does the heavy lifting when you’re stopping and starting, which means it could make town riding far more relaxing.
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It will also make the idea of piloting a motorcycle less intimidating to new riders, just as the centrifugal clutch in the original Super Cub did 60 years ago. Honda says the system is designed to be used by “more riders of diverse riding experience and skills, who can concentrate on the fun of riding in more comfort.” But it also says that more expert riders and those wanting a more traditional riding experience can still operate the clutch lever manually.
Honda hasn’t detailed exactly how the technology works, or which bikes will get it, but claims it is lightweight and compact, so can be installed to existing engine layouts, and says it will be rolled out across the brand’s “fun” bikes over time. We’re not sure what that means, but we’re guessing it’s referring to naked bikes like the little Monkey, Grom, Hornet and CB1000R.
