A report from the UK says Honda is working on a Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) for sport bikes.
For the past few years, Honda’s been working on bringing DCT technology to the masses (there’s an explanation of DCT here).
While scooters mostly have automatic transmissions (often a CVT system), motorcyclists have been slow to warm to the idea — but Honda keeps plugging away at it anyway. They included DCT with their NC700 series, and it’s also available with some of the VFR lineup in Europe. The new Africa Twin also has DCT available as an option, but so far, no performance-driven sport bikes have included the technology. Riders typically don’t want to give up the control of a clutch and gearbox.
That might be about to change, claims Visordown. The Brit mag says that, on a recent launch, a Honda engineer told them Big Red is working on DCT technology for sportbikes, and that riders will see improvements. Supposedly, despite the bulk and weight currently associated with DCT, the Honda man claimed the uninterrupted power delivery of the DCT means motorcycles are faster with the technology, even at the MotoGP level.
Is that fact or fiction? Given Honda’s interest in pushing DCT, we’re sure we’ll find out soon enough. If the adventure riding crowd can warm to the technology, then sportbikes can’t be far behind.
The new generation of riders are coming from the experience of driving automatic cars exclusively. DCT is needed to sustain and expand the market for motorcycles. DCT will be an OPTION. There will always be demand for manual gearboxes. Nobody is going to be left out. If you think DCT is the spawn of Satan, don’s worry. You will always be able to find a manual version of whatever you want. Just as you can still get vinyl records and turntables, and cameras that use old fashioned film in them. I’m sure there are folks who swear that those items are far superior to MP3 players and digital cameras. But the argument is moot. The choice will be yours.
It is about time. In a near future we will ask ourselves why we where so slow adapting the dct transmission on motorcycles!!! This will increase the overall performance, eliminate the shifting inconveniences as passenger confort and left hand tiredness. Sadly, conservatism and fear of change will delay the development of the dct on motorcycles but we will get there no matter what as we got much to slowly to front wheel drive……
In a near future, we will be asking ourselves why we are being forced to buy DCT when good old manual transmissions worked so well. Some people, esp. new riders, will like it, but the advantages offered by a clutch and gearbox will always appeal to many riders, especially off-roaders.
“All change is not growth, as all movement is not forward.” – Ellen Glasgow
Ah Honda. Making expensive motorcycles… More expensive.
… and heavier.
DCT on 2 wheels is wrong in so many levels… I could write a thesis on the matter. But this microscopic keyboard on my smart phone is pure torture for my fingers, so maybe I won’t after all.
Faster??!! Awesome!!! FASTER is always better.