Honda VFR 1200F DCT Sport ,....The VFR1200F with Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) ... is the hottest trend in the sports car world. Now, motorcycle manufacturer Honda is the first to apply this high-end technology to the two-wheeled market as a $1500 option on its all-new VFR1200F. If you’re not familiar with Honda’s latest sport-tourer, make sure to examine the 2010 Honda VFR1200F First Ride from Japan and our follow-up article, the 2010 Honda VFR1200F Comparison. For this report we are going to focus only on the operation of the DCT.
Honda’s DCT is an automated manual transmission that allows the machine to shift gears automatically or manually based on rider input by the push of a button. The system deletes the standard manual cable-actuated clutch and shift lever and replaces these traditional motorcycling components with an electronic drive mode selection toggle and an automatic/manual transmission trigger on the right handlebar. The left handlebar houses the two triggers used for up and downshifting when manual mode is selected.
Honda’s DCT is an automated manual transmission that allows the machine to shift gears automatically or manually based on rider input by the push of a button. The system deletes the standard manual cable-actuated clutch and shift lever and replaces these traditional motorcycling components with an electronic drive mode selection toggle and an automatic/manual transmission trigger on the right handlebar. The left handlebar houses the two triggers used for up and downshifting when manual mode is selected.
Honda VFR 1200F DCT Sport picture 1
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Honda VFR 1200F DCT Sport picture 5Honda VFR 1200F DCT Sport states that the system adds 22-lbs to the motorcycle which pushes its curb weight to 614 lbs with a full 4.9-gallons of fuel. Despite this added heft the VFR doesn’t feel any heavier at a standstill or in motion as compared to the standard machine.
Start the motorcycle and the transmission defaults to neutral. A lever on the left handlebar actuates the mechanical parking brake which clamps on the rear brake disc. To get moving, simply press the drive mode toggle toward ‘D’ with your thumb, disengage the parking brake and you’re ready to roll.
Twist the throttle and the bike lurches forward fluidly with zero clutch slippage, a typical reaction of a standard manual transmission even in the hands of an expert rider. As a side note it’s actually easier to do burn-outs as all you have to do is hold the front brake, un-weight the seat and pin the throttle.
If you forgot to disengage the parking brake a warning light on the instrument display lets you know. Additionally the rear wheel won’t lock-up if you accidently engage the parking brake while riding.
Start the motorcycle and the transmission defaults to neutral. A lever on the left handlebar actuates the mechanical parking brake which clamps on the rear brake disc. To get moving, simply press the drive mode toggle toward ‘D’ with your thumb, disengage the parking brake and you’re ready to roll.
Twist the throttle and the bike lurches forward fluidly with zero clutch slippage, a typical reaction of a standard manual transmission even in the hands of an expert rider. As a side note it’s actually easier to do burn-outs as all you have to do is hold the front brake, un-weight the seat and pin the throttle.
If you forgot to disengage the parking brake a warning light on the instrument display lets you know. Additionally the rear wheel won’t lock-up if you accidently engage the parking brake while riding.
