MRW Issue 1
The first issue of Moto Rider World
The first issue of Moto Rider World
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NEWS<br />
DESK<br />
What is DCT?<br />
DCT is an automated, electro-hydraulic clutch and shift operation<br />
gearbox, comprising a pair of independent clutch<br />
packs housed in one unit, each of which are connected to<br />
separate gear sets – one clutch works with start-up, 1st, 3rd<br />
and 5th gears, the other with 2nd, 4th and 6th gears.<br />
Gear changes are made either in Manual mode by the rider<br />
using the ‘paddle-shift’ style triggers on the left handlebar,<br />
TEN YEARS OF DCT<br />
Honda reaches Ten Years of production of Dual<br />
Clutch Transmission Technology for Motorcycles.<br />
Honda is marking a decade<br />
since its Dual Clutch Transmission<br />
(DCT) technology first<br />
appeared in its two-wheeled<br />
product line-up.<br />
Having first appeared in dealerships<br />
across Europe on<br />
the VFR1200F sports tourer,<br />
Honda’s DCT remains unique<br />
in the world of powered<br />
two-wheelers. In total, over<br />
140,000 machines with DCT<br />
have been sold in Europe, and<br />
in 2019, 45% of Africa Twins,<br />
52% of NC750X’s and 67% of<br />
Gold Wings sold in Europe<br />
were the DCT version.<br />
Its success has been in large<br />
part due to a constant evolution<br />
of the technology, with<br />
refinements to the smoothness<br />
and timing of the gear<br />
shifts, and adaptations to<br />
match the riding characteristics<br />
required of a broad range<br />
of different models. Examples<br />
include an off-road focussed<br />
‘G switch’ addition for the Africa<br />
Twin and X-ADV, and synchronisation<br />
with Hill Start Assist,<br />
Walking Mode and Idling<br />
Stop on the flagship GL1800<br />
Gold Wing luxury tourer.<br />
or in Automatic mode according to shifting<br />
schedules dictated by constantlymonitored<br />
parameters including vehicle<br />
speed, engine rpm and throttle opening<br />
angle. In either case, no clutch<br />
lever or footshift is needed. During<br />
a gear change, as one clutch disengages,<br />
the other clutch simultaneously<br />
engages the target gear<br />
to ensure a consistent, ultra-fast<br />
and seamless shift, with no loss of<br />
drive to the rear wheel.<br />
In addition to the natural advantages<br />
for sporty riding that this<br />
brings, DCT also allows the rider to<br />
focus more on their riding line, braking<br />
points, cornering and acceleration. Further<br />
benefits include reduced rider fatigue, low<br />
stress urban riding, the impossibility of stalling and greatly<br />
reduced pitching of the motorcycle during gear changes.