After MotoRival, we have already reviewed the 2024 CBR650R at Kaeng Krachan Stadium.
Honda gave the media a chance to watch. Continue testing the Honda E-Clutch version by appointment, and MotoRival will commission a review of the Honda E-Clutch on the CBR650 and CB650R for the public to see.
Which the Thai Honda company allowed the Thai media to experience, as it was the first in the world at the Chang International Circuit and the first on the road in the world in the city of Buriram.
As I said, the main detail and detail of the car is the exterior. The color screen feature and some additional improvements that we talked about when it was first released (read here)
Therefore, we will focus on the driving feel of the Chang Stadium mainly focusing on the operation of the electronic clutch system and perhaps enhancing the feel of these two models a little more.
The E-Clutch is an electric clutch system, and many people who say that family bikes were made a long time ago would have to say that it is a different system. Features of these cars will be the foot claw. This is linked to allow you to use the manual clutch like a sports car. It is not an electric clutch. As we see in the Honda E-Clutch because they have two ECU systems, one of which is dedicated to the clutch assembly.
Here there will be details. Around the different sensors many people come to help with the calculation. Its function will include Quick Shifter 2Ways, even when using the throttle, which is more advanced than some Supersport cars.
Since we'll take off back to the pit to park that car. I'll never have to mess with a clutch lever again.
First of all, if we do not turn the key, the electronic clutch system will not work. But when we turn the On Switch key, we will find that the system has raised the clutch to help and wait. Notice from the clutch lever that there is a lot of free play, and you have to depress the clutch about 70% to be able to meet the weight of the clutch.
Which if you focus on general use riding we don't have to use the clutch lever anymore. We can push the gear down to 1 and shift the left up to 2->6 normally. If you don't fiddle with the clutch lever, no matter how you drive, the car won't stop.
But if anyone wants to drive with the regular MT transmission (manual clutch), just press the clutch and the system will cut the electronic clutch, which can be seen from the logo on the screen, the letter A will disappear, and you can ride that way. Normal clutch, dual drive, high rpm driving, lick the clutch, fuck the clutch and play normally. Of course, if you don't release the clutch properly, it can shut down like regular MT equipment.
Next, how does it work? Is it easy to enter the transmission?
I have to go back in time to about 6 years ago. During the 2018 MotoRival, we were the only people in Thailand to go test the MV Agusta SCS (Smart Clutch System) at the Varese factory in Italy on the Turismo 800 Veloce SCS. This SCS system also helps the rider not have to hold the clutch. From start to stop (read here)
Just listen to the result, word no need to hold the clutch since then get out and park your car. They are similar but the details are not the same at all because the average car uses mainly hardware, while the Honda E-Clutch is an electrical system.
The good thing is that it is easy to shift into gear, very soft and smooth, unlike the SCS where I felt pain in my feet when kicking the gear. Because the clutch spring is too stiff. Finally, it's easier to hold the clutch and shift into gear.
In addition, the transmission can be set to 3 levels: hard, medium, soft, and separately for both up and down, which is very excellent.
The first day I tested the CBR, I set it to the factory settings: mid, up and down, I secretly had a problem when shifting to gears 3->4 at some moments, during turns T5-6 and T9- 10 where I had to kick the gears during the curve
Because I may have to kick the gear diagonally. Because the car was tilted, the force of the kick was not sufficient. It may also be that the engine rpm is insufficient. Before shifting into fourth gear, the car revved the engine, giving it a boost before entering fourth gear. At this point, she made some rhythmic sounds. But I think it's still good because if the regular transmission or manual clutch has to go back to third gear as normal, the percussive sound is louder. It is believed that the car's system is already trying to help.
“At this point, I spoke to Achan Tee and advised him that I should set the shifter to Hard for both Up and Down. The other day I tested the CB, so I gave it a try. It turns out I could do better i.e. the gears might be a little harder. Yes, A little more power. But when I kicked it'll go better. On the second day, I was able to ride faster than before.
For field driving feel, the 650R Series is a car that already has enough power. For use in the city – long distance travel
“For example, when riding on a track like this, the power is about 95 horsepower, compared to riding at the Chang International Circuit. For me, the power is not so strong that it is tiring. I can ride a full 20-minute session comfortably.
The initial torque may not be much. In four-cylinder style, it rises smoothly. Didn't pull anything. The throttle is easy to control.
But if someone rides in a Chang'e a lot, they might want more power.
I got TopSpeed at the end of the straight before the T3 CBR650R entered at 225 km/h.
As for the CB650R, it reaches a speed of 219 km per hour (slipstream), and of course the aerodynamics cannot compete with it, as it is less than that.
This suspension system from the front I consider very good, the front suspension is considered stable when it bends to T4 at speeds over 180, no symptoms yet, but the rear monoshock is the original setup from the factory. It's a bit soft.
Fast riding still causes the body to twitch a little, but at this point I think I should adjust the preload. Squeezing the spring a little more would make it better.
The braking system is adequate and can be done well. For a non-replica line sports car, which brakes hard before the T3 and T12, I still don't feel any fade or absence at all.
As for the seating position, I think with my body, the CB650R seems to be able to do a better job, i.e. leaning over and not pressing the tip of the chin on the main switch. This will come from the handlebar position and the slightly spread handlebar angle.
But the CBR650R is more angular towards the body. But like efficiency, each person's body is different at this stage.
As for the additional weight of 2 kg for the E-Clutch system compared to the MT model, it is considered small. Because in addition to the clutch box assembly mounted above the right engine crankcase, there will be an additional electronic control unit.
For me, it's not a big result at all. As for the added clutch box, it can be crowded. For people with a small body when you just want to put your feet down
But the point that I did not like about the Honda 650 for a long time is the weight, it seems a bit heavy. Ride time at the track There is no problem when folding the car, and it folds quickly. But the moment I pedal the throttle out of the corner, in the wide range along the racing line, I secretly feel that the speed is still not sharp. Coming out of the curve, it appears to bend slightly. Which makes it unable to accelerate completely
Honda E-Clutch (CBR650R & CB650R) Review Summary, Track Riding The Honda 650R series still rides well at the level it should be as usual, QS 2ways have been added which are soft. And smooth enough to fit easily
Most importantly, no matter how you ride it, it will not die. If you don't mess with the clutch lever. Service Department Almost nothing is required. Because there is no gear oil that needs to be changed. If there is damage, Honda says it must be replaced according to Part No.
But if you look at the price, add 20,000 – just buy it. Just getting QS 2ways, for me, it's worth it.
Let's just say that if anyone likes a squat look. If you want to go fast, choose the CBR650R. As for those who want to ride more comfortably and do not feel too tired, choose the CB650R round headlight.
The price of the Honda CBR650R electronic clutch is 347,300 baht
The price of the Honda CB650R electronic clutch is 332,100 baht
Read more Honda news here.
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