Honda has developed a Dual Clutch TransmissionTM, the world's first fully automatic motorcycle dual clutch transmission for large-displacement sport bikes. Already used on the Honda TRX420PG Quad, this new gearbox will be used on the the much rumoured VFR1200, will be equipped with this transmission at some point, and will be released in Europe and North America in 2010, with sales to commence in Japan at a later date.

This illustration shows the two clutches in the right foreground, as well as the new cylinder configuration that will be used on the much anticipated VFR1200. The two rear cylinders are paired, on the “inside” of the two front “outer” cylinders. The narrow engine will also use rockers to activate some of the valves.

This world's first mass produced motorcycle dual clutch transmission features a light, compact design that allows it to be integrated into existing engines without substantial modifications to the bloc. Electronic control will ensure smooth, seamless gear changes in any of the 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.

The new transmission features two alternating clutches, one for the odd gears (1st, 3rd, 5th, in orange on the illustration) and a second one for the even gears (2nd, 4th, 6th, in blue) respectively. The onboard computer changes gears by disconnecting one clutch and connecting the other one with the correct ratio engaged.

According to Honda, 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.

Honda adds a "centrifucal" clutch on the TRX429 Quad, to send the power from the engine to the twin-cluch tranny.

The two clutches are on the right, the orange path managing 1st, 3rd and 5th gear, and the blue path handling 2nd, 4th and 6th gears.

Photo Credit : Honda