Motorcycle news doesn’t normally come across these pages, but Honda has announced an important two-wheeled breakthrough that could eventually surface in its passenger car lineup. Honda announced on Tuesday that it has developed a dual-clutch gearbox for use in its large displacement sport bikes.
According to Honda, its new gearbox is the “first fully automatic motorcycle dual-clutch transmission for large-displacement sport bikes.” As with automotive dual-clutch gearboxes, Honda’s unit uses independent clutches for the odd (1st, 3rd, 5th) and even gears (2nd, 4th, 6th).
Honda says the new gearbox is more efficient than comparable manual transmissions, but failed to give an exact figure. However, dual-clutch gearboxes typically net a 6-8 percent fuel savings in automotive applications.
The dual-clutch unit will feature three different settings – D-mode, S-mode and 6-speed manual mode. The D-mode setting is intended for regular operation, with the S-mode altering shift points for a sportier ride. The 6-speed model can be selected for a more conventional motorcycle ride.
The new transmission will debut in Honda’s highly-anticipated VFR1200 sport bike early next year. The transmission will eventually spread throughout Honda’s motorcycle range, but the Japanese automaker has no current plans for a dual-clutch unit for its Honda or Acura passenger cars.
