naked bike and CBR650R faired sportbike, and a second-generation system with throttle-by-wire will soon be added to the CB750 Hornet. This decision makes sense, as the E-Clutch is not only a useful tool for new riders but also a big relief during stop-and-go traffic. During the first half of our ride day, I swapped between using the clutch lever and using the E-Clutch, but between our late lunch and our rush-hour ride back to the Bike Shed, my left hand was happy to let the bike do the work. Riders who often find themselves in traffic will greatly appreciate not having to use the clutch lever if they don’ t want to.
For four decades, the Honda Rebel has been getting new riders into the saddle and showing them the joys of motorcycling. It isn’ t updated often, but when it is, those updates are in service of the many more riders Honda expects to start their journeys on a Rebel. The new E-Clutch will be a significant chapter in that story. If you can, give it a try.
Although it’ s as easy to ride as anything, the Rebel carries a big-bike attitude that makes it look meaner than it is.
18 / MARCH 2026 / RIDERMAGAZINE. COM