POSTED: 16/03/2026
The future of manual riding is here, and it still feels like a manual.
You love the feel of a gearbox. The connection. The control. Honda gets that, which is exactly why E-Clutch doesn't replace any of it. It just makes it better.
Part of Honda's DreamTech family of rider-focused innovations, E-Clutch sits neatly inside a conventional six-speed manual gearbox. It's not an automatic. It's not Honda's Dual Clutch Transmission. Think of it as a very smart assistant, one that handles clutch operation whenever you want it to, and steps back completely whenever you don't.
A compact actuator inside the engine casing reads your inputs and coordinates clutch engagement, fuel delivery and ignition timing in real time. Press the gear pedal and the system produces fast, smooth, jolt-free shifts. Pull the lever yourself and E-Clutch instantly steps aside. Switch it off via the TFT display and you're fully manual until you decide otherwise.
Works within a conventional 6-speed manual gearbox
Adds just ~2kg to the overall bike weight
Available on 500, 650 and 750 series Honda models
Enhanced further with Throttle By Wire on 750s
Manual lever always available, E-Clutch just steps aside
Three situations where E-Clutch makes a genuine, noticeable difference.
Stop-start commuting puts the clutch lever through its paces. With E-Clutch, pull-aways are smooth and stalling becomes a thing of the past. Hill starts? No drama. Slow-speed filtering? Far less tiring on the left hand. It takes the friction out of urban riding, literally.
On a great set of bends, the last thing you want is thinking about clutch slip. E-Clutch manages changes with precision so you stay focused on your lines and the road surface. On 750-series models with Throttle By Wire, it handles downshift blipping automatically, keeping things stable under hard braking.
On the XL750 Transalp especially, E-Clutch works alongside the riding modes to add stability when the road changes beneath you. Advanced clutch management reduces rear-wheel hop over bumps and rough ground, keeping the bike settled and predictable wherever the ride leads.
On the CB750 Hornet and XL750 Transalp, E-Clutch teams up with Throttle By Wire for an even more refined experience. TBW lets the system coordinate not just the clutch but throttle response and riding mode behaviour too, so every shift feels more natural in any condition.
The practical result: smoother pull-aways, better mid-corner stability, and downshifts that feel like they've been rev-matched by a pro rider. All while adding just ~2kg to the bike, agility stays exactly where it should be.
✓ Automatic downshift blipping for smooth deceleration
✓ Improved stability entering and through corners
✓ Reduced rear-wheel hop over uneven surfaces
✓ Seamless integration with Sport, Standard and Rain modes
✓ Weight penalty of just ~2kg over standard models
Seven bikes across three series, from A2-licence adventurer to full-licence sports machine.
The streetfighter that set a new benchmark for its class. Sharp parallel-twin performance, dual LED headlight and E-Clutch working with TBW for shifts that feel completely effortless.
View CB750 Hornet E-ClutchAdventure touring done Honda's way. Long-travel suspension, selectable riding modes and E-Clutch with TBW, smooth and composed whether you're on the A-road or off the beaten track.
View XL750 Transalp E-ClutchThe neo-sports café with a glorious inline-four soundtrack. One of the first bikes to receive E-Clutch, stripped back, focused and endlessly rewarding from the very first corner.
View CB650R E-ClutchFireblade-inspired full fairing, inline-four engine, 5-inch TFT with Honda RoadSync. A complete sports package, and with E-Clutch, the riding experience becomes even cleaner and more connected.
View CBR650R E-ClutchAggressive Hornet attitude on an A2 licence. Punchy parallel-twin, 5-inch TFT, Honda RoadSync and HSTC, with E-Clutch making every gear change smoother and more intuitive on any road.
View CB500 Hornet E-ClutchSports looks with Fireblade-echoing aerodynamic winglets. Showa USD forks, radial-mount brakes and HSTC as standard, E-Clutch adds clutch-free shifting for a cleaner, sharper riding experience.
View CBR500R E-ClutchCompact, go-anywhere adventure on an A2 licence. City-comfortable, lightly off-road capable and practical every day. With E-Clutch, 5-inch TFT and Honda RoadSync, one of the most complete packages in its class.
View NX500 E-ClutchThe short answer: probably yes, whatever stage you're at.
E-Clutch removes one of the more stressful parts of learning, hill starts, slow-speed manoeuvres and pulling away in traffic. You build confidence in the ride itself, without the clutch getting in the way.
Don't write this off as a beginner feature. The shift speed, smoothness and 750-series stability benefits are genuinely appreciated at every level. Many seasoned riders who've tried E-Clutch simply don't want to go back.
Getting back into riding after a break? E-Clutch bridges the gap beautifully. Use it fully while you rebuild confidence, dial it back as your instincts return, switch it off whenever you're ready. The choice is always yours.
Reading about E-Clutch only tells half the story. The real proof is in the ride. We have E-Clutch models at both our Abingdon and Stratford dealerships, our team are always happy to talk you through the technology, answer any questions and arrange a test ride at a time that suits you.
Browse the Full Honda Range
Blade Honda Abingdon
9c Nuffield Way, Abingdon OX14 1RL — 01235 550055
Blade Honda Stratford upon Avon
Unit 9b Avenue Farm Industrial Estate, Birmingham Road, Stratford Upon Avon CV37 0HR — 01789 208960
Blade Motor Cycles Limited an Appointed Representative of Automotive Compliance Ltd who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA No. 497010). Automotive Compliance Ltd’s permissions as a Principal Firm allows Blade Motor Cycles Limited to act as a credit broker, not a lender, for the introduction to a limited number of lenders, and to act as an agent on behalf of the insurer for insurance distribution activities only.
We are a credit broker and not a lender. We can introduce you to a carefully selected panel of lenders, which includes manufacturer lenders linked directly to the franchises that we represent. We act on behalf of the lender for this introduction and not as your agent. We are not impartial, and we are not an independent financial advisor.
Our approach is to introduce you first to the manufacturer lender linked directly to the particular franchise you are purchasing your vehicle from, who are usually able to offer the best available package for you, taking into account both interest rates and other contributions. If they are unable to make you an offer of finance, we then seek to introduce you to whichever of the other lenders on our panel is able to make the next most suitable offer of finance for you. Our aim is to secure a suitable finance agreement for you that enables you to achieve your financial objectives. If you purchase a vehicle, in the majority of cases, we will receive a commission from your lender for introducing you to them which is either a fixed fee, or a fixed percentage of the amount that you borrow. This may be linked to the vehicle model you purchase.
Different lenders pay different commissions for such introductions, and manufacturer lenders linked directly to the franchises that we represent may also provide preferential rates to us for the funding of our vehicle stock and also provide financial support for our training and marketing. But any such amounts they and other lenders pay us will not affect the amounts you pay under your finance agreement; however, you will be contributing towards the commission paid to us with the interest collected on your repayments. Before we propose you to a potential lender, we will inform you of the likely amount of commission we will receive and seek your consent to receive this commission. The exact amount of commission that we will receive will be confirmed prior to you signing your finance agreement.
All finance applications are subject to status, terms and conditions apply, UK residents only, 18s or over. Guarantees may be required.