The Honda CB650R E-Clutch’s victory in the Naked Bike of the Year (Below 800cc) category at the 2026 Allianz Malaysia Motorcycle of the Year awards celebrates a motorcycle that masterfully combines the soul-stirring character of a four-cylinder engine with groundbreaking technology that redefines rider convenience.

Central to its win is the revolutionary Honda E-Clutch system, which allows riders to start, stop, and perform seamless gear changes using only the shift pedal, eliminating the need for clutch lever operation while still permitting full manual control when desired—a feature that the judges recognized as a genuine game-changer for urban commuting and spirited riding alike.

The 2026 model builds upon this innovation with a refreshed Neo Sports Café design featuring a new trapezoid-shaped headlight, sharpened tail section, and a vibrant color palette that includes Mat Gunpowder Black Metallic and Candy Energy Orange options.

Underpinning its striking aesthetics is the revered 649cc inline four-cylinder engine delivering 95 hp and 63 Nm of torque, complemented by a premium chassis package that includes 41mm Showa SFF-BP USD forks, radial-mounted four-piston Nissin front brake calipers, and a 5-inch full-color TFT display with Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity.

This compelling fusion of accessible technology, four-cylinder performance, and sophisticated styling resonated strongly with the judges, securing the CB650R E-Clutch’s place as the definitive middleweight naked motorcycle in the Malaysian market .