MRW Issue 1

NEWS
DESK
What is 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,
TEN YEARS OF DCT
Honda reaches Ten Years of production of Dual
Clutch Transmission Technology for Motorcycles.
Honda is marking a decade
since its Dual Clutch Transmission
(DCT) technology first
appeared in its two-wheeled
product line-up.
Having first appeared in dealerships
across Europe on
the VFR1200F sports tourer,
Honda’s DCT remains unique
in the world of powered
two-wheelers. In total, over
140,000 machines with DCT
have been sold in Europe, and
in 2019, 45% of Africa Twins,
52% of NC750X’s and 67% of
Gold Wings sold in Europe
were the DCT version.
Its success has been in large
part due to a constant evolution
of the technology, with
refinements to the smoothness
and timing of the gear
shifts, and adaptations to
match the riding characteristics
required of a broad range
of different models. Examples
include an off-road focussed
‘G switch’ addition for the Africa
Twin and X-ADV, and synchronisation
with Hill Start Assist,
Walking Mode and Idling
Stop on the flagship GL1800
Gold Wing luxury tourer.
or in Automatic mode according to shifting
schedules dictated by constantlymonitored
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 sporty riding that this
brings, 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.