A number of folk on here have discussed the merits of the VFR1200 as an alternative bike for touring etc. There is a popular misconception that the DCT option is an 'automatic' transmission the same as an auto car. DCT is actually the same as most performance cars that have 'paddle shift' Just thought, for anyone that may be interested, I would share some basic operational info. If its not your bag its no big deal but those who scoff at it have probably never ridden one for any length of time. What is the Dual Clutch Transmission? Dual Clutch Transmission is a motorcycle transmission that automates clutch and shift operation while retaining the essential structure and direct acceleration feel of a manual transmission. Since clutch operation is not required, the rider is free to focus on operating the throttle and brakes. Moreover, Dual Clutch Transmission offers acceleration and shifting while minimizing the power gaps that occur during shifting with a manual transmission. As the name suggests, Dual Clutch Transmission features two clutches: one for off-the-line acceleration and 1st, 3rd and 5th gears, and one for 2nd, 4th and 6th gears. The use of this technology in a motorcycle is a world’s first. Dual Clutch Transmission offers AT Mode for automatic shifting and MT Mode for rider-controlled shifting. In addition, AT Mode comprises D Mode for daily riding and S Mode for sporty riding. Thanks to its ability to respond to riding conditions, the system is able automatically to return to AT Mode from MT as needed and to maintain a selected gear during cornering. By monitoring riding conditions based on vehicle speed, engine rpm and other factors, the system is able to select gears with extreme precision. How Dual Clutch Transmission automatically shifts gears With a regular manual transmission, the rider changes gears with the left gear lever. This action rotates the shift drum, and shift forks slide the gears into position. In Dual Clutch Transmission, the shift control motor performs this same function, turning a gear shift spindle. Dual Clutch Transmission lets the rider enjoy the riding feel of a manual without the need for shifting or clutch operation. To make this system accessible to as many riders as possible, Honda offers it on a variety of different motorcycles, not just the VFR1200, optimizing its structure to match the engine and model characteristics of each bike. Not on fully blown sports bikes......... yet ..............
The DCT transmission is of real interest to me, i have driven a car with a DSG gearbox which is similar and having also driven an auto i can tell you its amazing, just a quick as a manual but with the convinience of an auto when the traffic gets '' heavy '', if they fitted into some of the lighter/more flicable bikes i bet it would be really fun.
It is amazing to ride, if my ankle never gets back to pre injury condition and I have restricted movement it may be the way to go for me.
I own a car which has DCT and the novelty soon wears off. Wish I'd brought a proper manual now, even more so when it comes to servicing time!
Mitsubishi canters have the Duonic gearbox..........same technology using 2 clutches ,quite interesting once you get your head around the functions
I have had automatic cars for more years than I care to remember and would never consider going back to a manual. I never use the paddle shifters and hardly ever the sport option either. So, why wouldn't the same be true of motorcycles. I have never ridden a DCT but certainly not against it.
. Well, as some fellow forum members may have noticed, I traded in my much loved 'blade for a VFR 1200 DCT bike that was delivered 3 weeks ago today and, if they ever stop gritting the roads round here and I survive a particularly virulent dose of 'man 'flu' (women just don't know how we suffer do they gentlemen. ) I might actually get to ride it. The Honda main agency bloke that delivered it, who, I should imagine, gets to ride every bike in the range, was really enthusiastic about DCT but said that since I'd never ridden one before to take it easy at first emphasizing that, just like any other 'auto', blipping the throttle whilst in 'D' is a real NO-NO. However, he said, once I'd got the idea, selecting 'S' (sport) and switching off traction control would result in a thrilling and very competitive departure. I can hardly wait All I can say at the moment is that the finish is typical Honda and well up to 21st century automotive standards. As you can see..... That number-plate holder has got to go mind. Nick.
I can understand your opinion but from the point of view of someone (me) who travels to work in bumper to bumper traffic on a number of occassions then i can tell you that a manual car is a real pain (and i do mean that), there is simply no advantage to changing gear when crawling along the motorway and the A roads, having had an auto in the past and spent time in traffic i wonder now why i ever got a manual ! They are stress busters in traffic, the tension just drifts away and i honestly don't understand why more people don't get them if they spend a lot of time in '' traffic ''.
Doh, Mr W, do you not read! It is not an automatic (torque converter and all that )its a normal manual box with the gearchange/clutch functions automated or controlled by the rider via the bar switches........
Were you given some instruction as to how to get the best out of it? I have actually driven some tractors and their transmissions are quite advanced tbh
Fortunately for me I rarely have to face such horrors. If I were using the car for such a journey then I would be grateful to have a clutchless transition. However I assume the majority of people on here are using their bikes as toys and using the clutch is part of the fun. Things like nailing a perfect start or popping the front wheel up a little are all part of the things I enjoy about riding and would miss that on a clutchless bike. Each to their own though, it's all about what you use your bike/car for.
