Time flies! After having first appeared in U.S. dealerships on the VFR1200F sport tourer 10 years ago, DCT is now offered on Honda adventure bikes, touring bikes, ATVs and side-by-sides. In fact, the unique auto clutch may be an idea whose time has finally come. From a single model in 2010, 57% of Gold Wings and 38% of Africa Twins sold in the U.S. in the past 12 months were DCT versions.
Technically speaking, “DCT is an automated, electro-hydraulic clutch and shift operation gearbox, comprising a pair of independent clutch packs housed in one unit, each of which are connected to separate gearsets; one clutch works with startup, first, third and fifth gears, the other with second, fourth and sixth gears.
“Gear changes are made either in Manual mode by using the paddle-shifters or triggers; or in Automatic mode according to shifting schedules dictated by constantly monitored parameters including vehicle speed, engine rpm and throttle opening angle.”
Already a staple in Europe, DCT seems to have gained traction in the U.S. as newer riders are looking to focus on the ride. The impossibility of stalling and greatly reduced pitching of the motorcycle during gear changes are USPs for new customers.
