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http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Japanese_Flag_30x22.jpg First of its kind. (cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?p=231925)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2010_Honda_CBR1000RR.jpgWayne Gerdes - CleanMPG (cleanmpg.com) - Sept. 9, 2009

2010 Honda CBR1000RR – Although first scheduled for the upcoming VFR1200, a future variant will receive the new Dual-Clutched AT.

Honda announced that it has developed a Dual Clutch Transmission, the world's first fully automatic motorcycle dual clutch transmission for large-displacement sport bikes. The new transmission provides riders sport 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.

Dual Clutch Transmission

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.

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 deliver both sporty riding and environmental performance combined.

Hi All:

___Honda released a video of their Motorcycle Dual-clutch solution. I detest AT’s and am constantly fighting them for Gear/RPM and Load to improve FE but for most, it looks like Honda has created another profit center.

http://www.youtube.com/v/k2LqqrqiRk8&hl=en&fs=1
Honda’s Dual-Clutch for bikes

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Must be similar to what the Smart for Two uses in their M/T? Hal

HI HArold:

___The Smart Fortwo is a std. MT with automated solenoid shifting. The dual clutches are seen on any number of vehicles today including the 09 Jetta TDI with an AT but this is a first for a bike that I know of.

___Good Luck

___Wayne

I would think so! Should make biking more enjoyable for some! Hal

I would be worried about the clutches.

One has to look back. And there is a pattern. The 305 and 160, CB450, CB750 and other early quads, and yes the first Gold Wings. All had very light duty clutches. Hard launchs and high tq. shifts burned the clutches right up.

While the 3 speed manual-matics and other variations seemed to do OK. The most common of these are still in production today being the 50/70cc engines. And was seen in the Hawk and other bikes. But never popular in the larger bikes.

Last I checked Yamaha offered it FJ sport tourer with a AT of some sort. I've not met one person that like's the bike with the AT.

I would hope Honda sorts this new transmission out on the track, not the sales floor.

I haven't seen this one in real life yet, but I expect it to be a spin off from the Honda 4-wheeler version that has been out for a while.

I don't expect it to be popular on the crotch rockets if it is even vaguely familiar to what was on the Hondamatic 750 and Hawk. The main takers of those were older people and women that didn't want to deal with shifting. My friend that owns a Honda dealership doesn't have any details yet.

Here is the translated page for MOTO.BLOG.IT (http://translate.google.com/translate?ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF&u=http://www.motoblog.it/post/20739/le-foto-spia-della-nuova-honda-v4-a-spasso-per-le-alpi&sl=it&tl=en&hl=en) that has reported spy shots of a dual clutch sport/touring 2010 VFR1200

Looks like that bike is going after the FJ. :)