Honda Adds E-Clutch to the NX500, CBR500R and CB500 Hornet in Europe

Honda's E-Clutch has reached its smallest twins, at least in Europe. At EICMA on November 4, 2025, Honda announced an E-Clutch option for the 2026 NX500, CBR500R and CB500 Hornet, its 471cc parallel-twin family. Honda said it's the first time E-Clutch is available on bikes that qualify for Europe's A2 license, aimed at younger riders.

These are European announcements. Honda hasn't announced E-Clutch versions of the 500-family twins for the U.S.

The short version

• Models: NX500, CBR500R and CB500 Hornet, with E-Clutch as an option for 2026 in Europe.
• How it works: the system handles the clutch for starts, stops and shifts; you still change gears with your foot, and the lever still works.
• Engine (NX500 kit): 471cc parallel twin, 35 kW and 43 Nm.
• Weight (NX500): 199 kg with E-Clutch vs. 196 kg without, ready to ride.
• Why it matters in Europe: first E-Clutch on A2-compliant models, per Honda.
• U.S.: no announcement.

What E-Clutch does

Honda's E-Clutch operates the clutch electronically when you pull away, come to a stop and change gears. You still choose the gear with the foot shifter, and you can squeeze the lever any time to take over. It isn't an automatic transmission and it isn't Honda's DCT.

Honda says the system shifts "faster and more smoothly than a quickshifter." That's the company's description.

The 500 family

Honda's European kit for the NX500 lists a 471cc parallel twin making 35 kW (about 47 hp) and 43 Nm (about 32 lb-ft). That output is set to fit Europe's A2 license category.

The NX500 kit lists two versions: the conventional bike at 196 kg and the E-Clutch version at 199 kg, both measured ready to ride. The extra 3 kg is the E-Clutch hardware.

The CBR500R and CB500 Hornet share the engine family, but their weights and equipment differ, so check each model's own specifications.

Why U.S. riders should pay attention

In the U.S., Honda already offers E-Clutch on bikes like the CB650R, CBR650R, Rebel 300, CB750 Hornet and Transalp. The 500-family twins are popular with new riders here too. If Honda brings E-Clutch versions to the U.S., they'd be among the most affordable bikes with the system.

But nothing has been announced. Europe-only equipment, prices and license categories don't carry over automatically.

What we don't know

• U.S. plans for E-Clutch on the NX500, CBR500R or CB500 Hornet
• Prices, which vary by European country
• Independent testing

Bottom line

Honda added an E-Clutch option to the NX500, CBR500R and CB500 Hornet in Europe for 2026, the first time the system has reached A2-licence bikes. The NX500 E-Clutch weighs 199 kg ready to ride, 3 kg more than the standard bike. No U.S. versions have been announced.