MOTOCYCLER's BBS

Tired of shifting? Many motorcyclists, especially those of us with pain in our hands and wrists from many years on the road, secretly long for an effective automatic transmission. One that won't take away from the excitement and response of riding a sportbike. So when rumors were heard about the new Honda VFR1200 being equipped with an automatic, excitement mounted.

Now it's official. Honda released details about the new "dual clutch" transmission in the upcoming VFR model. The fully-automatic design uses a six-speed gearbox connected to twin computer-controlled clutches. One clutch works the odd-numbered gears, the other the even-numbered ones. The hydraulically-actuated clutches work in tandem, smoothing out transitions between the gears. The lack of a CVT mechanism or hydraulic pumps like those found in the DN-01's Foreman ATV-derived transmission means a lightweight, relatively simple design that functions much like a manual transmission. In fact, Honda promises "fuel economy equal to or better than that of a fully manual transmission."

There are three different shift modes, selected with a button on the right hand grip. There's a regular Drive mode for economical operation, a Sport mode for faster acceleration, and a six-speed manual mode. The manual mode utilizes paddle-style shifters on the left grip, familiar to anybody who's ridden a Yamaha FJR13000AE or Aprilia Mana.

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I don't really understand all that engineering mumbo-jumbo, and Honda's Tokyo subway map-like diagrams don't help much either. But a video demonstration -- showing a silhouetted VFR1200 on a dynamometer as a rider demonstrates the function of the new transmission-cleared things up for me, as well as showing how smooth shifting can be with the new system. Imagine how much easier completing that perfect lap or perfect corner could be with an electronic assistant doing the shifting for you, with the chassis steady and the balls of your feet up on the pegs. It could possibly give a racer a second or two a lap. Or it could just let a sportbike rider enjoy the ride more, helping him be smoother and safer.

I've ridden other automatic motorcycles and found they were good, but still not as satisfying to ride as a light, powerful, simple sportbike with a traditional gearbox. If this system, which has over 100 patents, is as smooth, flawless and easy-to-maintain (and by inference, inexpensive) as Honda claims, it could revolutionize motorcycling, benefitting racers, tourers, sportbikers and cruiser riders alike.