The world of motorcycles is constantly evolving, with manufacturers continually pushing the boundaries of technology to enhance the riding experience. One such innovation that has gained significant traction in recent years is the Dual Clutch Transmission, or DCT. If you’re scratching your head wondering what that is, you’re not alone. In simple terms, DCT equips a motorcycle with an automatic transmission, much like you’d find in a car. On Bikes With Dct, such as the Honda Goldwing, the motorcycle handles gear shifts for you, both up and down. You can simply engage drive and enjoy the ride without manually shifting gears, unless you desire more direct control.
Having spent considerable time riding a Honda Goldwing with DCT, I’ve received numerous questions about this technology. So, I wanted to share my insights on bikes with DCT. We’ll delve into the differences between DCT and traditional motorcycle transmissions, explore other motorcycles featuring automatic transmissions, and discuss the advantages, disadvantages, and riding tips I’ve picked up along the way.
One of the most significant departures from conventional motorcycles on bikes with DCT, like the Goldwing DCT, is the absence of a manual clutch lever. It’s important to clarify that these bikes still utilize a clutch to manage power delivery to the rear wheel, just like any other motorcycle. However, in a DCT system, this clutch operation is fully automated, managed by the motorcycle’s sophisticated electronics.
Even after a year and a half of riding a DCT-equipped motorcycle, I occasionally find myself instinctively reaching for a clutch lever that isn’t there. This ingrained habit is a testament to years of riding traditional motorcycles, and it’s particularly pronounced for riders like myself who switch between DCT and standard clutch bikes regularly.
Initially, riding an automatic motorcycle can feel a bit unusual. There’s a natural inclination to want to manually engage when starting, stopping, or approaching a corner where you’d typically downshift. This feeling, however, is temporary. As you become accustomed to the DCT system, a more relaxed and enjoyable riding experience emerges. For me, this relaxed riding dynamic was a key attraction and a primary reason why I believe automatic transmissions are exceptionally well-suited for touring motorcycles like the Honda Goldwing.
Honda Goldwing Tour DCT showcasing its automatic Dual Clutch Transmission, offering a relaxed riding experience.
The brain has limited processing capacity, and by automating gear shifting, bikes with DCT free up mental bandwidth, contributing to a more relaxed journey. This aspect was particularly appealing to me and is a major factor in why I believe automatic transmissions are ideally suited for motorcycles like the Honda Goldwing, designed for comfortable long-distance touring.
Beyond the clutch lever’s elimination, the Honda Goldwing DCT incorporates a neutral and drive switch, a crucial parking brake (as the bike can roll freely when parked and off), and paddle shifters for manual gear changes. I personally opted for an additional foot shifter, finding it more intuitive than paddle shifters for manual gear selection.
Exploring Honda’s Range of Bikes with DCT Beyond the Goldwing
While the Goldwing DCT is a flagship model, Honda has expanded its DCT offerings across various motorcycle categories.
Honda Rebel 1100 DCT
Honda NC 750X DCT, an adventure model featuring the seamless gear changes of a Dual Clutch Transmission.
Honda Africa Twin DCT
Honda pioneered DCT technology in motorcycles several years ago, demonstrating its commitment to innovation. DCT is not a nascent technology; it has matured and improved with each iteration. Currently, Honda offers DCT on models like the Honda Goldwing DCT, the adventurous Africa Twin, and the versatile NC750X. Furthermore, the Rebel 1100 cruiser also features a DCT option, broadening the appeal of automatic motorcycles.
The Goldwing DCT has been a commercial success. While precise sales figures are difficult to obtain, estimates suggest that around two-thirds of Goldwings sold since the DCT variant’s introduction in 2018 have been DCT models.
Outside of Honda, automatic motorcycle options are limited, primarily to the electric motorcycle segment. Harley Davidson’s Livewire and Zero Motorcycles produce electric bikes, but their transmissions operate differently from DCT. Electric motorcycle transmissions are more akin to scooters, lacking distinct gear changes. In contrast, DCT retains gears and shifts through them; it’s the shifting action that’s automated.
Given Honda’s leadership in DCT technology for motorcycles, let’s concentrate on Honda’s DCT system and practical riding advice.
As mentioned, a DCT transmission still utilizes gears and shifts through them, just like a standard motorcycle. The key difference lies in the automation of the shifting process, unless you choose to manually override the gear selection.
DCT systems typically offer different modes: Neutral, Drive, and Manual. Neutral disengages power to the rear wheel, as expected.
Drive mode engages the transmission and initiates movement upon throttle input. Gear changes in Drive mode are remarkably smooth. In fact, after the initial shift to second gear, the transitions are so seamless that they are barely perceptible.
In Drive mode, the motorcycle manages gear shifts automatically, up and down the gear range. However, riders can temporarily override gear selection using paddle shifters or, as in my case, an optional foot shifter. This override is useful for situations like overtaking on the freeway – a quick downshift provides immediate acceleration. The system eventually reverts to automatic control after a short period.
Manual mode offers a more traditional riding experience. It allows riders to manually shift gears up and down using shifters, and the transmission will not upshift automatically. However, it will still downshift automatically as you decelerate to prevent stalling. This feature ensures that bikes with DCT are virtually stall-proof in both automatic and manual modes.
Cornering Techniques for Bikes with DCT
Riding with a DCT transmission introduces subtle changes to cornering techniques.
Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) training emphasizes “slow, look, press, and roll” for cornering. Traditional advice dictates completing braking and downshifting before entering a corner while the motorcycle is upright.
However, on bikes with DCT in automatic mode, the system might choose to downshift mid-corner. While these shifts are generally smooth and not inherently risky, they can be slightly unsettling for riders accustomed to manual control. To mitigate this, I often use the manual override to pre-select the desired gear before entering a corner. This approach aligns with MSF principles, allowing for braking and gear selection to be finalized before leaning into the turn, ensuring stability and predictability.
Mastering Slow Speed Control on Honda DCT Bikes
Slow speed maneuvers, like U-turns and tight turns from a standstill, rely heavily on clutch control and the “friction zone” on standard motorcycles. On bikes with DCT, direct clutch control is absent, which, in my experience, is the primary disadvantage of these systems. However, it’s not insurmountable. By employing rear brake drag and smooth throttle modulation, you can effectively manage the clutch within the friction zone, albeit with a slightly different feel compared to manual clutch control.
For optimal slow speed control on a Goldwing DCT, I find that using “rain mode” for gentler throttle response, selecting manual transmission mode to prevent unwanted upshifts to second gear, and utilizing rear brake drag works best. Standard slow speed techniques like head and eye direction and counter-weighting still apply. Proficiency in slow speed control on a DCT bike is achievable with practice, but it generally isn’t as intuitively easy as on a motorcycle with a manual clutch.
It’s important to remember that bikes like the Goldwing are not designed for intricate cone course maneuvers. Their strength lies in comfortable long-distance riding. They excel at mile-munching while ensuring rider comfort and reduced fatigue. DCT technology perfectly complements this touring focus.
Pros and Cons of Automatic Motorcycles
Considering my experience with DCT, would I purchase another bike with this technology? Absolutely. It’s a fantastic feature that significantly enhances the enjoyment and relaxation of motorcycle riding. Like any motorcycle, the Goldwing has its strengths and weaknesses. In my view, bikes with DCT are less suited for highly technical, slow-speed skill challenges. However, they remain perfectly capable for all practical street riding scenarios, including tight U-turns on city streets and maintaining slow walking pace in traffic. While perhaps not ideal for advanced skills competitions, the everyday usability is undeniable.
Cons: Slightly diminished technical slow-speed handling and potential for mid-corner downshifts (easily managed with manual override).
Pros: Automatic motorcycles are incredibly enjoyable, relaxing, and arguably safer in many situations. By removing the need to manage gear changes, riders can dedicate more attention to their surroundings, focusing on hazard perception, braking efficiency, and emergency obstacle avoidance. For many riders, the benefits of DCT far outweigh the drawbacks, making bikes with DCT a compelling option in the modern motorcycle landscape.
