Honda has finally released details on its highly anticipated VFR 1200F sport-touring bike. Not only does it have all-new styling and a huge 1237cc V4 engine, this new VFR also features an optional dual clutch automatic transmission, the first of its kind in a motorcycle.
Honda says the new transmission will improve mileage and offer three different shift modes, two of them automatic, the third manual. The transmission was developed for "large-displacement motorcycles, particularly sports models destined for use in traditional large motorcycle markets," says Honda.
There's no mention of any automotive variations of this transmission, but if Honda can make this setup work well for its bikes, how long do you think it will be before they expand the idea to the automotive division? Yeah, not very long. Video after the break.
danielpund says:
08:07 AM, 10/ 9/09
What's with the chrome-plated ham on the bike's right side?
redliner says:
09:22 AM, 10/ 9/09
The promotional video is a bit over the top, but it does seem like a good idea, and if it works well, maybe we will see something similar in their cars. The five speed auto that they are using is showing its age.
felonious says:
11:44 AM, 10/ 9/09
Not feelin' it at all. It makes me want a current-gen VFR even more.
firstwagon says:
12:05 PM, 10/ 9/09
I don't remember ever meeting a sport bike rider who wished his bike was an automatic.
Maybe they are aiming at aging baby boomers.
desmolicious says:
01:36 PM, 10/ 9/09
"a huge 1237cc V4 engine"
All it's rivals have more motor already.
BMW K1300s - 1300cc motor(approx) with more powah and the bike weighs less.
Kawi ZX14 - 1400cc (approx)
Suzuki Busa - 1350cc (approx)
Still, this Honda is going to be sweet and is unique in being a V4 compared to it's rivals' I4 motors.
Can't wait.
zoomzoomn says:
05:46 AM, 10/10/09
Again, it is big for a V4. Honda's DN-01 introduced last year is an automatic as well (more like what is in an ATV, I believe). I don't know. I'd have to ride one. Shifting is part of what makes the motorcycle experience what it is. Especially on something sporting like a VFR. A Gold Wing? Maybe.
uncanny_man says:
04:42 PM, 10/10/09
Highly antiticipated? Amongst whom? Honda fanboys or actual motorcyclists? Honda tried to make an automatic motorcycle before (the hondamatic) and it was a whopping failure because motorcycle buyers actually DID want to shift themselves! I agree with zoomzoomn, put it on the gold wing, not the vfr.
rsholland says:
04:50 PM, 10/10/09
The only thing I'm disappointed about with this bike is that the engine is a SOHC unit, and not a DOHC unit.
http://ww.hondanews.com/categories/3/releases/5219
rsholland says:
04:56 PM, 10/10/09
Oh... the VFR1200 is also available with a conventional 6-speed manual, for those who prefer that over the 6-speed DSG. See the link in my post above.
rsholland says:
05:10 PM, 10/10/09
"Honda tried to make an automatic motorcycle before (the hondamatic) and it was a whopping failure because motorcycle buyers actually DID want to shift themselves!"
That was 30+ years ago. A different time and a different place... Plus the original CB750A Hondamatic was a 2-speed automatic in which the rider had to shift from low to high gear. Think Chevy Powerglide (also a 2-speed unit) from the 1950s in terms of sophistication. This new DSG will be light-years better. More important, customers will be far more willing to accept this new concept thanks to the overwhelming success of DSGs in cars.
For those unfamiliar with the old CB750A, check out this link:
http://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/honda_cb_750_a_hondamatic_1978.php
rsholland says:
01:53 PM, 10/11/09
Hondamatic link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hondamatic
Powerglide link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Powerglide
uncanny_man says:
07:00 PM, 10/12/09
So, are you a honda fanboy or a motorcyclist rsholland?