Honda Hits a New Landmark – 10 Years of Dual Clutch Transmission

Honda Hits a New Landmark - 10 Years of Dual Clutch Transmission 1

Honda celebrates ten years of manufacturing the Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). This technology was introduced on the brand’s motorcycles across Europe back in 2010. Ten years later, Honda sold over 140,000 bikes equipped with DCT in Europe. 

The first motorcycle Honda launched with DCT was the VFR1200F sports tourer and this feature became a benchmark for the Japanese brand. For instance, last year, on the European motorcycle market, Honda sold 45% of Africa Twins, 52% of NC750X’s and 67% of Gold Wings fitted with Dual Clutch Transmission. Since its introduction on the European motorcycle market, Honda equipped a total of ten models with DCT.

Over the years the DCT was continuously updated making the transmission more refined and smooth while the timing of the gear shifts was adapted to match the riding characteristics required by a large range of different models. The Dual Clutch Transmission was fitted on adventure motorcycles like Honda Africa Twin, adventure scooters in the form of the X-ADV model – both machines featuring ‘G switch’, and touring motorcycles such as GL1800 Gold Wing which has Hill Start Assist, Walking Mode and Idling Stop.

Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT)

DCT is an automated, electro-hydraulic clutch and shift operation gearbox, comprising a pair of independent clutch packs housed in one unit, each of which are connected to separate gear sets – one clutch works with start-up, 1st, 3rd and 5th gears, the other with 2nd, 4th and 6th gears.

Gear changes are made either in Manual mode by the rider using the ‘paddle-shift’ style triggers on the left handlebar, or in Automatic mode according to shifting schedules dictated by constantly-monitored parameters including vehicle speed, engine rpm and throttle opening angle. In either case, no clutch lever or footshift is needed. During a gear change, as one clutch disengages, the other clutch simultaneously engages the target gear to ensure a consistent, ultra-fast and seamless shift, with no loss of drive to the rear wheel.

In addition to the natural advantages for sport riding, DCT also allows the rider to focus more on their riding line, braking points, cornering and acceleration. Further benefits include reduced rider fatigue, low stress urban riding, the impossibility of stalling and greatly reduced pitching of the motorcycle during gear changes.

 

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