Honda's Shiftlessness a good thing
Rupert Culwick
2010-08-02
HONDA becomes shiftless – well, not quite. Their technology tour-de-force has just had another technology-laden feature added.
The usual controls that would normally appear on motorcycles, such as, a clutch lever and gear pedal have disappeared completely. This is because the VFR 1200F DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) is equipped with a dual clutch - a three-mode transmission that allows full automatic gear changes, or rider controlled changes. And although the lack of a clutch lever is a bit disconcerting during slow speed manoeuvres, the low speed throttle reaction is smooth, so a little practise using just the foot brake for U-turns is all that’s needed.
In automatic drive mode the transmission shifts at low rpm if the throttle opening is minimal, so you cruise in traffic at 20 to 40km in third gear. You can hear the gear changes but can barely feel them. By selecting the sport mode, with a simple push of a switch, the gear changes occur further up the rev range, even holding the gear to peak revs at full throttle.
The gear changes are totally devoid of any jerk and if you are not watching the rev counter you can’t feel the gearbox swapping ratios on the up shifts. When gearing down, normal engine braking is felt with the engine being “blipped” to match the next ratio. Honda has also included a hand-operated park brake on the left-hand handlebar, as the transmission automatically selects neutral when you switch the bike off.
In addition two small paddle switches located on the left handlebar control the gear changes in manual mode: by using your thumb to operate the paddle for downward gear changes and your index finger for changing up. Again, the only way the rider knows the gearbox is changing is because you command the next ratio, seamless and almost instantaneous - hence the shiftless feel.
Interestingly though, if you are riding in auto mode and use the paddles, the mode switches to manual immediately.
So where does this motorcycle fit into the market…and at whom is it aimed? Honda have named this bike a road sports. By adding a DCT version they widen its appeal to customers who want the latest technology in a bike that’s a very accomplished all-rounder. At the same time the claimed fuel consumption has decreased by 7% in D mode giving the bike a slightly better fuel range despite the V-four engine remaining unchanged, as is the rest of the bike.
A R10 000 premium over the standard bike’s R159 999 gets you the DCT version.
