#Honda automatic motorcycles series

Thanks to this double shaft, the first clutch is connected to the gears of odd speeds (1st, 3rd, and 5th), while the second is linked to the even ones (2nd, 4th, and 6th). Its main characteristic is that it includes two clutches connected to a primary shaft as opposed to just one, as there are two shafts, running one inside the other. So we can enjoy the sophisticated automatic transmission system developed by Honda in different types of bikes and in different engines.ĭCT is a system that automates the use of the gearbox and clutch. This technology, called DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) has been around for 12 years now and, as well as being mounted on the extinct VFR1200F, VFR1200X Crosstourer, NC700S/X, Integra, and NM4-01 Vultus, today we can find it on the CRF1100L Africa Twin, X-ADV, NC750X, CMX1100 Rebel, GL1800 Gold Wing, and on the new NT1100. Both of them had a conventional six-speed gearbox, but one also had an electro-hydraulic dual-clutch transmission, a system previously seen in cars that Honda dared to incorporate into the bike world. However, things changed in 2010 with the production of the Honda VFR1200F, a model developed by the Japanese giant in two versions. Meanwhile, there have been some combustion engine automatic motorcycles with a gearbox and electro-hydraulic actuated clutch, but they haven’t been too successful, nor have they stood the test of time.

#Honda automatic motorcycles series

These types of transmissions, known as CVT, are simple and practical, but their application to high-performance motorcycles is limited.Įlectric motorcycles are also becoming increasing popular today, and although some prototypes and production models in small series have a gearbox and clutch, the majority are also single-speed and have no gearbox, as the permanent magnet motor acts directly on the secondary transmission and is even mounted on the rear wheel hub. However, it is true that the variable transmission and centrifugal clutch is being used a lot in many mopeds and scooters, but these can’t be classified as automatic motorcycles as they are single-speed and have no gearbox. Their small size and lightness are not very well suited to automatic gearboxes, which are generally bulkier and heavier.

Automatic transmissions have been a usual feature in the car industry for around a century, but they are far less common in the motorcycle sector.