Honda CB1000GT Unveiled, 500s And 750s Get E-Clutch At EICMA 2025

Honda came packing its panniers to the brim for EICMA 2025. It unveiled a new 1000cc adventure tourer, and democratized its innovative e-clutch ‘box further to its 750 twins, and the 500cc lineup as well. Here’s our take on the Japanese brand’s incoming products:

Honda E-Clutch Now On Its 500s and 750s

When your clutch lever starts feeling optional, you know something interesting is afoot. Honda’s semi-automatic “E-Clutch” system is now being offered on five more models as part of the 2026 model year update. For those commuting or hop-on-hop-off traffic, the E-Clutch brings welcome convenience. But purists need not worry as the left lever remains there, ready.

The three 500cc-class bikes are: Honda CBR500R, CB500 Hornet, and Honda NX500 – now offering the E-Clutch option in addition to the good ol’ manual. And, it’s also now on the 750s – Honda CB750 Hornet, and Honda XL750 Transalp, again with the vanilla manual still offered as variants. Honda might just replace the manuals with the E-clutch-equipped ones, just like how they did with the inline-four 650 twins – if there’s enough demand for the E-Clutch versions.

Honda deserves kudos for making this advanced tech trickle into the mid-capacity segment. This is a space where lots of new riders are flocking towards, and this tech should make the Hondas less intimidating. Expect the brand to bring the e-clutch versions of the 750s as well as the NX500 early next year, possibly in phases.

Honda’s Litre-Class GT 

The Honda CB1000GT is slated for a 2026 launch, and it’s a modern looking sporty tourer, a sibling to the Honda NT1100, if you may. It’s powered by a 1,000cc four-cylinder shared with the (very well priced) Honda CB1000 Hornet SP, which has a peak power of 149.69PS at 11,000rpm.

With a wide handlebar, adjustable windscreen, half-fairing, larger fuel tank, comfier riding posture and of course bigger dimensions than the Hornet, this one is poised to go the distance in total comfort. 

Under the fairing there’s top tier equipment: ride-by-wire, six-axis IMU for lean-sensitive electronics, riding modes, quickshifter, and touring-friendly features like cruise control, heated grips, and panniers as standard.

The CB1000GT will face-off with the Kawasaki Versys 1100, Suzuki GSX‑S1000GX (sure Suzuki, add more numbers and letters), and BMW S 1000 XR. The pricing and India launch details haven’t been announced yet, but it’s safe to assume it’ll command a fair premium over the Hornet 1000, but should still be fairly competitive – say a shade under Rs 14 lakh (ex-showroom). This one too may be launched some time next year.