Automated clutch system spreads to more models for 2026
Honda’s E-Clutch system debuted a couple of years ago on the CBR650R and CB650R before being adopted by the company’s CL300 and Rebel 300 and for 2026 it’s going more mainstream – appearing as an option across the CB500 range as well as on the CB750 Hornet and Transalp.
Five new bikes get the E-Clutch option in 2026: the CB500 Hornet, NX500 and CBR500R, as well as the larger CB750 Hornet and Transalp parallel twins. For the bigger bikes, the adoption of E-Clutch means the system – which retains a conventional clutch lever, but adds a servo mechanism so you can start, stop and shift gears without using it – is paired with ride-by-wire for the first time. That means the CB750 Hornet and Transalp E-Clutch models can auto-blip on downshifts, while automatically modulating the clutch, to perfectly rev match.
The smaller, 500cc twins don’t get the ride-by-wire, but as on the CB650 models the E-Clutch still allows clutchless up and downshifts as well as letting you stop or pull away without touching the lever. As on the original version, you can override the E-Clutch at any time by pulling the lever as normal, or you can switch the system off to operate the bikes in fully manual form.
The E-Clutch adds only around 2kg to each model, although the CB750 Hornet E-Clutch is 4kg heavier than the base version and the Transalp E-Clutch’s weight rises by 6kg, because those machines get additional bodywork, a bellypan for the Hornet and a new aluminium skid plate for the Transalp, when the E-Clutch is fitted. The 2026 Transalp, in both standard and E-Clutch form, also gets revised suspension adding compression and rebound damping adjustment to both ends.
