*바메 뉴~스* 2010 Honda VFR1200 gets dual-clutch semi-automatic transmission

[베이베기린(김상수)]

The fact that Honda is planning to launch an all-new VFR model powered by a 1200cc V4 engine in 2010 is no news for any of our readers, but the fact that the all-new bike will feature a dual-clutch semi-automatic transmission does sound fairly interesting even for those who aren’t that much into motorcycles.

Derived from a similar system used in the car industry for several years, Honda’s much more compact three-mode system is supposed to offer faster and yet smoother shifts. Riders of next year’s VFR will be able to select one of three different modes: two fully automatic ones and a manual (although not classic) shifting mode.

Having two clutches, it means that each one will be responsible for an equal number of gears among the six available.

We’ve attached Honda’s dual-clutch demonstration video as well as the press release after the break.

Honda Announces the New Dual Clutch Transmission for Use in Large-displacement Sport Bikes—a World’s First

TOKYO, Japan, September 8, 2009 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that it has developed the Dual Clutch Transmission*1, the world’s first*2 fully automatic motorcycle dual clutch transmission for large-displacement sport bikes. The new transmission provides riders sporty riding enjoyment with easy operation, while its superior transmission efficiency delivers fuel economy equal to or better than a conventional manual transmission. A new VFR large-displacement sport bike equipped with the new transmission will be released in Europe and North America in 2010, with sales to commence in Japan at a later date.

This world’s first motorcycle dual clutch transmission features a light, compact design that allows it to be combined with existing engines without substantial layout modification. Further, the new transmission delivers the precise acceleration control riders require thanks to electronic control technology that helps ensure smooth, seamless gear changes. In order to respond to rider demands in a broad range of situations, the transmission is equipped with three operating modes, two full-auto modes (D-mode for regular operation and S-mode for sporty riding); and a 6-speed manual mode, which delivers the same shift feel as a manual transmission. Honda intends to gradually expand the deployment of the new transmission to more and more of its large-displacement motorcycles, particularly sports models destined for use in developed countries.

Honda will continue to deliver motorcycles that match the needs of society and users’ lifestyles, spreading the joy of riding and mobility.
*1 Patents pending: 100
*2 According to Honda survey

The new transmission features a dual clutch transmission configuration in which independent clutches are employed for the odd gears (1st, 3rd, 5th) and the even gears (2nd, 4th, 6th), respectively. The two clutches operate alternately to effect gear changes. For example, when changing from 1st to 2nd gear, the computer detects the up-shift and engages 2nd gear, then releases the 1st-gear clutch while engaging the 2nd-gear clutch to achieve a seamless gear change. While some dual-clutch transmissions tend to be bulky, the new system employs original technologies such as dual input shafts, exclusive in-line clutch design, and concentration of hydraulic circuitry beneath the engine cover to achieve a compact design. Compactness and lightness is further enhanced through the use of a simple shift mechanism design based on that of a conventional motorcycle shift drum. Optimized shift scheduling achieves fuel economy equal to or better than that of a fully manual transmission, enabling Dual Clutch Transmission to d liver both sporty riding and environmental performance combined.

[The Kids Of Century]

헐... 바이크에도 듀얼클러치 시대가 오는건가요?? 엄청 스무스하게 기어가 들어가네요.. 일반 미션차랑 듀얼클러치 사양이랑 나뉘어서 판매되는가 보네요.. 가격은 아마 안습일듯..

[풍월주인]

와~~ 이 영상 저 같은 초보에게 좋은 것 같습니다.ㅎㅎ 기어 넣는게 확실이 절도 있게~!딱딱딱..ㅎ 영상만 봐도 이해가 되는게 일반 스쿠터처럼 오토도 되고 자전거 처럼 버튼으로 기어를 바꿀수도 있다 이거겠죠.? 역시 혼다~! 근디...기어바꾸는 동작과 충격이 바이크의 매력중 하나 인것 같은디.... 그래도 도심에서는 무지 편하겠네요...ㅎ

[epsilon]

완전 최고다...정말 듀얼클러치로 나온다면 지를 의향있음...^^

[트위니]

오메멋진거~~~아무리그래도 바이크는 기어변속하는순간 팍팍 튀어나가줘야 재맛이죠.ㅋ