Cruisers have long had a reputation of being all about rebellion, freedom, and the whole badass outlaw biker thing. You know, leather jackets, open highways, and sometimes antisocial behavior. Back in the day (and in some cases, even now), cruisers were the choice of renegades and rebels who, let’s just say, lived life on their own terms.
But fast forward to 2025, and cruisers occupy a much broader space in the global motorcycle industry. Sure, some cruisers still carry that edgy vibe, but a lot of the new cruisers flooding the market have a very different objective: get more people on two wheels.
I am, of course, talking about bikes like the Kawasaki Eliminator, Honda Rebel, and CFMoto 450 CL-C—machines that carry the whole low-slung, retro-inspired cruiser look, but deliver it in a much more accessible package. Indeed, bikes like these are loved by both newbies and seasoned riders alike thanks to their low seat heights, easy handling, and approachable performance.
One of the most popular beginner-friendly cruisers just has to be the Honda Rebel 300 and 500. But over in Japan, Honda sells an even smaller version in the form of the Rebel 250. And now, it’s made this pint-sized cruiser even more attractive to a wider audience by equipping it with its new E-Clutch technology.
For those unfamiliar, Honda’s E-Clutch lets riders shift gears without needing to operate the clutch lever—perfect for newbies still getting the hang of clutch control, or for folks just looking for an easy ride without actuating the clutch lever.
Personally, I’ve always been a fan of traditional manuals. And so, when manufacturers like Honda, Yamaha, KTM, and BMW started introducing automatic transmissions on their bikes, I’ll admit I was very skeptical.
And that’s because riding is as much about the connection with the machine as it is about the journey, and for me, that includes mastering the clutch. But Honda’s E-Clutch is different—it’s not just an automatic; it offers the flexibility to still use the clutch lever when you want to.
And this duality makes it a game-changer, regardless of your acumen when it comes to riding. For beginners, it simplifies the steep learning curve of clutch control, as it essentially shows you how to operate the clutch. Meanwhile, for seasoned riders, it provides a convenient, clutch-free experience when cruising through traffic, relaxing on a long ride, or embarking on that bumper-to-bumper slog on the way home from work.
Honda first introduced the E-Clutch on the CB650R and CBR650R—the oddest models to debut this tech on, at least in my opinion. But honestly, it’s the most palatable automatic option I’ve seen yet.
And with the Rebel 250 now equipped with the E-Clutch, Honda is poised to bring even more riders into the cruiser fold. What more if they rolled out this tech on some of its more mainstream global models, too? Imagine if they eventually extend this tech to their 500cc lineup—think the NX500, CB500F, and Rebel 500. This could open the doors for even more would-be riders to experience the joy of two wheels without intimidation.
So yeah, cruisers have come a long way from being just symbols of rebellion and general badassery. They’re now some of the most accessible, versatile bikes on the market, welcoming riders of all skill levels. And at the end of the day, more people on two wheels will always be a good thing.
Sources: Autoby.Jp, Ridebuster
