DCT
Honda Africa Twin CRF1100L
- 1,084 cc
- 75 kW
- 6 variants
- 16 models with DCT or E-Clutch
- DCT on 8 model ranges
- E-Clutch on 8 models
- Gold Wing with 7-speed DCT
- X-ADV and Forza 750 with 6-speed DCT
- Forza 125 with CVT transmission
DCT, E-Clutch, CVT: three ways to a motorcycle without a clutch lever
With the dual clutch transmission (DCT), clutch operation and gear changes are automated. You accelerate and brake, the transmission takes care of the gear changes. Honda uses DCT on large models such as the Africa Twin, NT1100 and Gold Wing, but also on the NC750X and Rebel 1100.
The Honda E-Clutch takes a different approach: you still select the gears yourself, but you do not need a clutch lever to pull away or change gear. If you want, you can still operate the clutch manually. This keeps the feel of a manual gearbox without constantly pulling the lever in stop-and-go traffic.
On classic scooters such as the Forza 125, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) together with a centrifugal clutch provides the automatic drive. The large X-ADV and Forza 750 scooters, on the other hand, have a DCT with six gears.
Motorcycle with automatic transmission: who is it worthwhile for?
An automatic motorcycle reduces the strain in city traffic and traffic jams, on long tours and when riding two-up. Beginners and returning riders can concentrate more on their line, their gaze and the traffic. If you like to shift yourself, the E-Clutch offers a middle way.
With category A restricted to 35 kW, the Swiss counterpart to the EU class A2, you can ride the NX500, CB500 Hornet, CBR500R and Rebel 500 with E-Clutch, among others, as well as the NC750X, X-ADV and Forza 750 in the version with 35 kW and DCT. The Africa Twin CRF1100L, Africa Twin Adventure Sports, NT1100, Gold Wing and Rebel 1100 require category A.
Honda models with dual clutch transmission
The Africa Twin CRF1100L and Africa Twin Adventure Sports are each available with and without DCT, both with 1084 cc and 75 kW. On the NT1100 you can choose between the version without DCT, the DCT and the DCT ES. The Gold Wing (GL1800) combines the 1833 cc six-cylinder engine with a DCT that has seven gears.
The Rebel 1100 (CMX1100) cruiser is available with DCT and as Touring DCT. The NC750X is available as the NC750XD Dual Clutch, also in the Urban Rally Edition. According to honda.ch, the X-ADV and Forza 750 also use the dual clutch.
Honda models with E-Clutch
The E-Clutch is available for the Transalp XL750, NX500, CB750 Hornet, CB500 Hornet, CB650R, Rebel 500 (CMX500) and CBR500R. The dealer data lists the CBR650R exclusively as an E-Clutch version.
The range thus extends from the cruiser with 34 kW to naked bikes and sports motorcycles and up to the adventure tourer with 67.5 kW. Honda describes shifting with E-Clutch as smoother and faster; on the CB750 Hornet it works together with Throttle by Wire. For the CB650R, Honda lists the electronically controlled clutch system as optional equipment.
Which system suits which use?
For commuters and city riders, the NC750X and X-ADV with DCT are interesting: Honda sees the NC750X for the commute as well as for touring, the X-ADV mainly for the city. On long journeys, DCT makes riding less tiring on the Gold Wing, NT1100 and Africa Twin Adventure Sports. If you ride in a sporty way and do not want to give up shifting, the E-Clutch on the CB750 Hornet, CB650R or CBR650R is a good choice.
There are also vehicles without a clutch lever in subcategory A1: scooters such as the Forza 125 with CVT. This makes it possible to start riding without using a clutch at all.
Tips: try automatic before buying
The best way to find out how DCT and E-Clutch feel is to try them yourself. If possible, test ride both systems; you can arrange appointments at Honda Motorrad Zürich, where you will also receive information on leasing and workshop services.
To become more confident in handling throttle and brakes, an MX-Academy course on a closed-off area is a good option.
Frequently asked questions: Automatic motorcycle
What is an automatic motorcycle?
A motorcycle on which you do not have to operate the clutch yourself. For this, Honda offers the DCT dual clutch transmission, which also changes gear, and the E-Clutch, with which you pull away and shift without a clutch lever. Scooters such as the Forza 125 use CVT.
What is the difference between DCT and E-Clutch?
With DCT, clutch operation and gear changes are automated. With the E-Clutch, only the clutch work is taken over: you shift yourself, but without a clutch lever, and can still operate the clutch manually if needed.
Which models without a clutch lever can be ridden with restricted category A?
With E-Clutch: NX500, CB500 Hornet, CBR500R and Rebel 500, as well as Transalp XL750, CB750 Hornet, CB650R and CBR650R in the 35 kW version. With DCT: the NC750X, X-ADV and Forza 750, each with 35 kW.
Can I still operate the clutch myself with the E-Clutch?
Yes. The Honda E-Clutch takes over the clutch work when pulling away and shifting, but manual clutch operation is still possible – for example if you deliberately want to work with the clutch in a particular situation.
Which Honda tourers are available with DCT?
The Gold Wing shifts with a seven-speed DCT, and you can get the NT1100 and Africa Twin Adventure Sports as a DCT version. Category A is required for all three.