Clutch · 25 October 2026

Electronic clutch on a motorcycle: what it takes over and what remains

On a motorcycle, the clutch disconnects and connects the engine and gearbox – when pulling away, with every gear change and when stopping. An electronic clutch does this work for you without replacing the manual gearbox. Honda shows how this works with the E-Clutch.

Electronic clutch on a motorcycle: Honda E-Clutch actuator on the four-cylinder engine, viewed from the left

Why does a motorcycle need a clutch?

The clutch sits between the engine and the gearbox. It lets the engine run while the motorcycle is stationary, it connects the two sides gradually when you pull away, and it briefly interrupts the power flow so that the next gear can engage. On a conventional motorcycle, you operate this with the lever on the left grip – and this is exactly the part the electronics take over.

Electronic clutch: an actuator takes over from your hand

On the Honda E-Clutch, an actuator with two electric motors sits on the engine and operates the clutch. Honda calls it the first fully automatic clutch for a motorcycle with a manual gearbox. When pulling away, the actuator engages the clutch gradually; when stopping, it disengages it. When changing gear, half-clutch control, fuel injection cut-off and ignition control work together so that the gear change is smooth.

The gearbox remains a normal manual gearbox. You still select the gear yourself with your foot.

Electronic clutch in cutaway: engine and gearbox of the Honda E-Clutch — Cutaway of engine and gearbox with electronically operated clutch

What remains with the rider

The clutch lever: It stays fitted. If you pull it, the system pauses and then re-engages by itself.
Gear selection: Shifting up and down with the gear lever as usual.
The choice: When stationary in neutral, the E-Clutch can be switched off completely; an “M” in the display then indicates manual operation.
The shift feel: Adjustable in three levels on the Honda CMX500 Rebel and the Honda CBR500R FOUR, separately for upshifts and downshifts.

The price for this comfort is small: Honda states around 2 kg of additional weight.

Electronic clutch, dual clutch or centrifugal clutch?

Honda has three ways of relieving your clutch hand:

Electronic clutch (E-Clutch): automates only the clutch operation; you change gear with your foot.
Dual-clutch transmission (DCT): operates the clutch and changes gear by itself; there is neither a clutch lever nor a gear lever. More on this in the post Dual-Clutch Transmission Motorcycle and on the Honda DCT page.
Centrifugal clutch: opens and closes according to engine speed; you change gear with your foot – as on the Super Cub C125 and the ST125 Dax from the range of 125cc motorcycle models.

Which motorcycles have an electronic clutch?

The first Honda models with E-Clutch, in 2024, were the Honda CB650R and the Honda CBR650R. Since 2026, it has also been available for the Honda CB750 Hornet, the Honda XL750 Transalp, the CB500 Hornet, the CBR500R and the Honda NX500. For model year 2027, the CMX500 Rebel and the new CBR500R FOUR are being added, the latter with the E-Clutch as standard. All models and the motorcycles in stock are shown on the Honda E-Clutch page.

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Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions about the electronic clutch on motorcycles

What is an electronic clutch on a motorcycle?

A clutch operated by an actuator instead of your hand – when pulling away, when changing gear and when stopping. At Honda it is called the E-Clutch; the manual gearbox remains.

Do I still have to change gear with an electronic clutch?

Yes. It only takes over the clutch operation; you still select the gear with your foot.

Can I switch off the electronic clutch?

With the Honda E-Clutch, yes: when stationary in neutral, via the display or the switchgear. You can also pull the clutch lever at any time.

Is an electronic clutch the same as an automatic transmission?

No. A dual-clutch transmission operates the clutch and changes gear by itself; the Honda E-Clutch automates only the clutch operation.

Which Honda models have an electronic clutch?

The CB650R and CBR650R since 2024; the CB750 Hornet, XL750 Transalp, CB500 Hornet, CBR500R and NX500 since 2026; and for 2027 the CMX500 Rebel and the CBR500R FOUR. The overview is on the Honda E-Clutch page.

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