Furthermore, in a first for the category, the Africa Twin will feature the option of a new evolution of Honda’s Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) *** technology, which remains unique to Honda in motorcycling. This latest evolution of DCT has been specifically developed and programmed to provide the off-road ability with which the Africa Twin is synonymous.
Honda has sold over 35,000 DCT-equipped machines in Europe since its 2010 introduction and in 2015 more people (53% of the total) have chosen DCT over a standard manual transmission on the models (VFR1200X Crosstourer, VFR1200F, NC750X and NC750S) which feature it as an option. The Africa Twin comes with the option of a new evolution of DCT which includes specific off-road capabilities.
That's what i would more than likely be going with, for all those obvious reasons for going the manual transmission route+1 for manual tranny
That's a smart thing to do since with the tech still being in its infancy there's no telling what we can expect. Usually I don't jump right in with new products, waiting always proves to be the best thing, it's what i'll do here.I think its great that Honda continues to move forward in their technology. However, I will wait on their DCT for this style of bike until it has been completely proven to be at least equally effective to regular transmissions in offroad riding. Personally, I grew up using engine-braking to initiate turns, slow down, adjust RPM's when setting up to exit turns, etc. They are probably two different systems, but I own a 2009 Honda CRV and a 2010 FIT with CVT transmissions. I don't like the way either one works when decelerating on downhills. The transmissions seem to get confused when decelerating on a downhill or when the road is a bit slippery. I can't imagine that this would be a good thing on a motorcycle either on or off the road. However, CVT and DCT may be two completely different systems and DCT may not have ANY similar problems to what I have described. I assume both would essentially not utilize engine braking.
+1! normally I would agree with @Adventurer I don't like to jump in to new things either, but in this case I fear not and I'll tell you why. Honda is not guessing on this tranny being good for off- road use and they proved it by installing it in two different units the AT1000 and the Pioneer 1000. I'd even put my money where my mouth is and bet on RED!I thought I read somewhere that you would be able to have DCT and a manual foot gear change option combined. Best of both worlds rolled into one
Interested in what DCT is all about?
Read: Honda DCT Dual Clutch Transmission Questions & Answers with Video
I was undecided until now. The traditional clutch will help me transition to DCT instead of learning a new system from the get go.I thought I read somewhere that you would be able to have DCT and a manual foot gear change option combined. Best of both worlds rolled into one
How much did you manage to get out of your NC before selling it?I just sold my 2012 NC700X DCT ABS. When the Africa Twin is available in the USA, I'll be getting the DCT model.
As most of you already know, the DCT tranny doesn't have a torque converter or belt. It uses two computer controlled clutches and shifts faster than any human can. With two automatic modes, D (Drive) for economy and S (Sport) for -- you guessed it -- sport riding, the automatic shifting works well. The rider can override the automatic by manually shifting up or down when wanted. That means that you can downshift when needed, especially before that twisty up ahead or before heading into that steep off-road descent for engine braking, after which the transmission returns to computer control automatically. Another option is to select M (Manual) mode and use the shifters to shift manually.
Worried about riding in the friction zone with the DCT? Don't be. Ride the rear brake as you normally do and let the computer control the clutches. It's so cool you won't believe it!
I've been riding since 1967 and absolutely love the outstanding, reliable Honda DCT.
:smile2:
I think its great that Honda continues to move forward in their technology. However, I will wait on their DCT for this style of bike until it has been completely proven to be at least equally effective to regular transmissions in offroad riding. Personally, I grew up using engine-braking to initiate turns, slow down, adjust RPM's when setting up to exit turns, etc. They are probably two different systems, but I own a 2009 Honda CRV and a 2010 FIT with CVT transmissions. I don't like the way either one works when decelerating on downhills. The transmissions seem to get confused when decelerating on a downhill or when the road is a bit slippery. I can't imagine that this would be a good thing on a motorcycle either on or off the road. However, CVT and DCT may be two completely different systems and DCT may not have ANY similar problems to what I have described. I assume both would essentially not utilize engine braking.
What about the new models with throttle by wire and the quick shifter, cant wait to try one of those.I own too many automatic shifting vehicles, for the enjoyment of a motorcycle it will always be a manual transmission ?????
