Clever cogs
Honda add further refinement to their DCT system in latest 2024 Africa Twin range
Honda have revised their Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) system for 2024, installing a new version within the Africa Twin adventure series promising greater slow-speed feel and improved cornering detection for a better shifting experience.
The factory have been offering a DCT system on their bikes since the 2009 VFR1200F sports-tourer and have since shifted more than 240,000 machines equipped with it in Europe alone.
Alongside the standard and Adventure Sports Africa Twin models, DCT is also available on bikes including the NT1100 tourer, GL1800 Gold Wing family, CMX1100 Rebel cruiser, plus the X-ADV maxi scooter crossover.
Unlike a conventional manual motorcycle gearbox, a DCT system acts like a semi-automatic. It can shift gears for you, with the option to manually change via up and down triggers on the left handlebar switchgear, should you wish.
Twin-clutch design
It all works by using two clutches, each with its own main shaft, and one housed inside the other for compactness. One is for first, third and fifth gear, and another is for second, fourth and sixth.
These units are independently controlled by their own electrohydraulic circuits and when a gear change is about to happen, the system pre-selects the next gear using the clutch currently not in use. As the second clutch engages, the other is electronically disengaged, with the aim of providing a seamless automatic shift. These changes are based on inputs from onboard data, including throttle position, revs, speed, and your current gear.
It also takes into account the angle of the bike – thanks to the onboard six axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) from Bosch, which also looks after the seven stage traction control, three levels of wheelie control, and cornering ABS.
For 2024, this process is said to have improved again, with promises of a more natural
The DCT system adds a little weight to the Africa Twin package. Looking at the fully-specced
Adventure Sports model,
the manual weighs 243kg with the DCT machine coming in at a 253kg