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I’ll be the first to admit when I’m wrong.
Earlier this year, Honda announced the latest recipient of its E-Clutch transmission: the 2026 CB750 Hornet. In that story, I stated that we’d “have to wait for 2027” to find out whether other models were next in line. Big Red was quick to sabotage that projection, launching the 2026 Transalp E-Clutch on Tuesday.
In a nutshell, E-Clutch technology automates clutch actuation during gear shifts. The same goes for when the rider approaches and departs stops. With that said, gear changes still require the rider to operate the foot shifter. In that way, E-Clutch isn’t an automatic transmission. What’s more, users can operate the clutch manually any time they want. Although E-Clutch literally steals the headline in this case, it isn’t the only update the Transalp earns in 2026.
Honda must’ve read Spurgeon’s dirt-focused review of the Transalp, because the middleweight ADV now features fully adjustable front and rear suspension. A new aluminum skid plate also answers Spurg’s misgivings about the model’s low-slung oil sump. Aside from those “customer-requested upgrades” and the E-Clutch addition, the 2026 Transalp remains largely unchanged.
That may be so, but big changes could still be in store for Honda’s lineup.
E-Clutch galore?
Sometimes, manufacturers send new models to the European market before introducing them in the States. Honda’s E-Clutch models are prime examples. In late 2025, the Japanese OEM acknowledged that Europe-bound CB750 Hornets, Transalps, CBR500Rs, CB500 Hornets, and NX500s would arrive with E-Clutch tech in 2026.
We now know that CB750s and XL750s shipped stateside are receiving the same treatment. Are the 500s next up? Is that why Honda recently slashed their prices? I’m not foolish enough to make another prediction, but one thing is certain: Honda isn’t slowing down on the E-Clutch front. Not by a long shot.
Last Friday, Honda showcased the CB400 Super Four E‑Clutch Concept and CBR400R Four E‑Clutch Concept at the 42nd Osaka Motorcycle Show. Should the two prototypes make it into production, there’s little chance they ship to the United States (never say never). They’re small-capacity, four-cylinder models, after all. Still, they’re just the latest examples of the Big Red’s E-Clutch push.
Honda may have defied my last projection, but I’m willing to bet this isn’t the last E-Clutch model we see in the years to come.
| 2026 Honda Transalp E-Clutch | |
|---|---|
| Price (MSRP) | $10,199 |
| Engine | 755 cc, liquid-cooled, eight-valve, parallel twin |
|
Transmission, final drive |
Six-speed, chain |
| Claimed horsepower | 82 @ 8,500 rpm |
| Claimed torque | 53 foot-pounds @ 7,000 rpm |
| Frame | Steel tubular |
| Front suspension | Showa 43 mm SFF-CA, adjustable for spring preload, compression, and rebound damping; 7.9 inches of travel |
| Rear suspension | Showa single shock, adjustable for spring preload, compression, and rebound damping; 7.5 inches of travel |
| Front brake | Dual two-piston calipers, 310 mm discs, ABS |
| Rear brake | Single-piston caliper, 256 mm disc, ABS |
| Rake, trail | 27.0 degrees, 4.4 inches |
| Wheelbase | 61.5 inches |
| Seat height | 33.7 inches |
| Fuel capacity | 4.4 gallons |
| Tires | Metzeler Karoo Street, 90/90R21 front, 150/70R18 rear (tubed) |
| Claimed weight | 468 pounds |
| Available | July 2026 |
| Warranty | 36 months |
| More info | powersports.honda.com |
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