Honda is expanding its E-Clutch technology to three more big-bike models in Malaysia, bringing clutch-assist technology to the NX500, CB750 and Transalp and giving riders more choice across different riding styles.
Boon Siew Honda Sdn Bhd (BSH) made this announcement following the introduction of Honda E-Clutch on the CBR650R and CB650R.
The latest additions bring the total number of Honda motorcycles equipped with E-Clutch in Malaysia to five, with the technology now spanning sport, crossover and adventure-oriented models.
More importantly, this move puts E-Clutch on motorcycles aimed at riders with very different needs — from daily commuting and stepping up to a larger motorcycle to long-distance touring and off-road riding.
What Is Honda E-Clutch?
Honda E-Clutch is designed to automatically manage clutch operation during starting, stopping and gear changes while retaining the conventional foot-operated gear selector.
Unlike Honda’s Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), E-Clutch does not turn the motorcycle into an automatic. Riders still select gears themselves, while the system manages clutch engagement to deliver smoother shifts.
The clutch lever remains fully functional. Riders can pull it whenever they want, temporarily overriding the system and returning to manual clutch control.
E-Clutch can also be switched off completely through the TFT display for riders who prefer a conventional manual riding experience.
Honda says the system manages a controlled “half-clutch” state during shifts, helping to reduce shift shock while providing smoother gear changes. On models equipped with Throttle-By-Wire, the system can also automatically blip the throttle during downshifts.
This gives experienced riders the option of retaining manual involvement while benefiting from faster and smoother clutch operation when they want it.
Making Bigger Bikes Less Intimidating
One of the more practical advantages of E-Clutch is that it addresses an everyday issue that becomes more noticeable as motorcycles get larger and heavier.
Starting from a standstill, moving away on an incline or negotiating stop-start traffic can be more demanding on a bigger motorcycle. The need to coordinate clutch and throttle operation can also be intimidating for riders moving up from smaller-capacity machines.
With E-Clutch managing clutch engagement, riders can concentrate more on throttle, braking and the road around them without worrying about stalling.
That makes the technology particularly relevant in Malaysia, where even big adventure and touring motorcycles can spend considerable time dealing with urban traffic before reaching the roads where they are intended to be enjoyed.
For commuters, reduced clutch operation can also help minimise hand fatigue during repeated stop-start riding.
Three New Honda E-Clutch Models
Honda NX500
The Honda NX500 brings E-Clutch to Honda’s crossover adventure category.
Powered by a 471cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine producing 37kW and 45Nm, the NX500 also features Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) for rear-wheel traction management.
It weighs 199kg and has an 830mm seat height, giving it a balance of everyday usability and adventure capability.
With E-Clutch, the NX500 becomes an especially interesting proposition for riders looking for a mid-capacity motorcycle that can handle commuting and touring without making clutch operation a constant part of the equation.
The NX500 is offered in Pearl Horizon White and Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic.
Honda CB750
The CB750 brings E-Clutch into a more performance-focused package and is the first Honda model in Malaysia to combine the technology with Throttle-By-Wire (TBW).
Its 755cc parallel-twin produces 67.5kW and 75Nm, while the chassis uses Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD forks and Pro-Link rear suspension.
TBW allows the CB750 to offer five riding modes — SPORT, RAIN, STANDARD, USER 1 and USER 2 — together with three-level HSTC, Wheelie Control and Engine Braking adjustment.
The combination of E-Clutch and TBW also enables automatic throttle blipping during downshifts, while controlled clutch slip can help manage rear-wheel hop during rapid braking and downshifting.
For riders who enjoy more spirited riding, this gives E-Clutch a role beyond simply making traffic easier.
The CB750 is available in Gold Finch Yellow.
Honda Transalp
The Honda Transalp extends E-Clutch into Honda’s adventure-touring range.
Its 755cc Unicam parallel-twin engine produces the same 67.5kW and 75Nm output as the CB750, with TBW and six riding modes comprising SPORT, STANDARD, RAIN, GRAVEL and two USER settings.
For 2026, the Transalp also gains compression and rebound damping adjustment for both its Showa 43mm SFF-CATM USD forks and rear shock, broadening its ability to adapt between road and off-road riding.
E-Clutch can also be useful when riding on loose surfaces. Honda says the system can facilitate smoother upshifts even when the rear wheel is spinning, while controlled clutch slip can help maintain stability during rapid downshifts.
That allows riders to devote more attention to terrain, throttle and motorcycle control rather than clutch coordination.
The Transalp comes in Ross White and Pearl Deep Mud Grey.
Five Honda Models Now Offer E-Clutch
The expansion means Honda E-Clutch is no longer limited to just the CBR650R and CB650R.
The NX500, CB750 and Transalp now join those two models, giving Malaysian riders five different Honda motorcycles with the technology.
The wider application also demonstrates that Honda sees E-Clutch as more than a convenience feature for one particular type of motorcycle. It can be used to make daily riding easier, support riders moving into larger-capacity motorcycles and, on the more performance-oriented models, contribute to smoother and more controlled riding.
“Our goal with Honda E-Clutch is simple: to make riding easier and more enjoyable for more customers,” said Kunitomo Asano, Managing Director and CEO of Boon Siew Honda.
“By reducing the burden of clutch operation while preserving the excitement and control of a motorcycle, Honda E-Clutch helps riders enjoy every journey with greater confidence and comfort. By expanding Honda E-Clutch across more models, we want more customers to benefit from this technology.”
Prices And Availability
The Honda NX500 with E-Clutch is priced at RM34,099, while the CB750 with E-Clutch is priced at RM44,999.
Both prices are recommended showroom prices and exclude road tax, insurance and registration.
The Honda NX500 and CB750 with E-Clutch are available at Honda BigWing dealerships from today, while the Transalp with E-Clutch is expected to arrive in December 2026, with its price to be announced later.
All three models come with a two-year or 20,000km manufacturer’s warranty, whichever comes first.
Owners can also use Honda’s ‘Honda X’ web application to access service records, maintenance reminders and warranty information. For more information, visit Honda BigWing Malaysia
CarTok Editor’s Note
Honda’s expansion of E-Clutch technology to the NX500, CB750 and Transalp makes big bikes more manageable to a wider range of riders.
Big-bike ownership is not always about weekend riding; owners still have to deal with traffic, junctions, inclines and stop-start conditions. Reducing clutch workload without taking away the gear lever or clutch itself makes the technology easier to understand as a genuine convenience rather than a replacement for traditional motorcycling.
Honda is not making riders to choose between a traditional motorcycle and an automatic. It is offering a middle ground that can make a big bike easier to live with without taking the fun out of riding it.
