Dual clutch VFR1200 arrives
Added on Monday, May 17th, 2010 by Carole Nash Editor | No Comments
Dual clutch VFR1200 arrives
Honda has launched their new Dual Clutch Transmission, which offers both a ‘traditional’ manual gear change operation, but by hand rather than foot, plus a fully automatic gearbox with two different modes for riding preference, reports Alastair Walker.
Ever since the demise of the British bike industry in the 1970s, the use of a left-foot operated manual-shift gear lever and left-hand clutch lever has been an integral part of the motorcycle experience. But over the last decade or so alternative gear-shift technologies have appeared on road-going cars and quick-shifter systems are in use on racing motorcycles. The use of such innovative technology has never really made it to the street although Aprilia had a stab at it with their Mana 850 recently.
Honda has now introduced a Dual Clutch Transmission system on their VFR1200F. The system offers the rider the enjoyment of a six-speed manual gear-select option in Manual Transmission (MT) mode via electronic trigger-shift controls, whilst also offering the more relaxed capability of effortless and seamless gear changes in Automatic Transmission (AT) mode should they wish. Within AT mode, there are two options - D-mode for a relaxed ride and S-mode for a more sporty feel. All three modes are selectable from a switch on the right handlebar.
In the past the small size of a motorcycle has made it awkward to fit switchable transmission, but Honda’s Dual Clutch Transmission utilises two main shafts – one fitting inside the other – and two in-line independent hydraulic clutches which alternately engage the odd and even numbered gears respectively. The shift mechanism itself is based on that of a conventional motorcycle. The end result is a compact, light-weight system, which – via its various modes – can offer simple, refined and fuel-efficient gear-change systems. This means that a Dual Clutch Transmission-equipped machine can offer the best of both worlds to all types of motorcycles, although big V-twins and V4s probably offer the right `torquey’ feel to make the options work well in the real world.
The VFR1200FD will make its debut in Honda Motorcycle dealerships in the UK on 14th June, and will be available in the same colours as the manual VFR - Seal Silver Metallic, Candy Prominence Red and Pearl Sunbeam White – and will be priced at £13,175 on the road, say Honda UK.
Still unsure about all this hi-tech gadgetry? You can get a ride on the VFR1200FD by booking online at; www.honda.co.uk, or call 0845 200 8000.
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