Honda announces a new automatic transmisson for motorcycles

beansbaxter · 10-10-2007, 09:36 AM

Honda Announces New Automatic Transmission for Motorcycles; First Appearing in Production DN-01
By Dirck Edge

The following is an announcement from Honda concerning a new automatic transmission developed specifically for use in motorcycles, which will make its first appearance in the production version of the DN-01 pictured above. The DN-01 is one of several hybrid scooter/motorcycle designs displayed at earlier Tokyo Motor Shows by various Japanese manufacturers.

The era of the automatic transmissioned motorcycle is clearly upon us, and Honda will undoubtedly use this new transmission design in additional motorcycle models in the future. Here is the Honda press release.

Honda Develops HFT, a New Automatic Transmission System for Motorcycles
TOKYO, Japan, October 4, 2007–Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that it has developed the Human-Friendly Transmission (HFT), a new automatic transmission system for motorcycles using Honda’s own infinitely variable hydraulic mechanical transmission. Easy to operate, the HFT realizes outstanding relaxed riding comfort, riding feel with direct response and excellent transmission efficiency. The HFT will be installed on the DN-01, a new motorcycle scheduled for market launch to be introduced at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show.

With Honda's own infinitely variable hydraulic mechanical transmission, this HFT realizes the lightweight and compact configuration required for motorcycles. To meet the wide range of rider needs, HFT offers a selection from two fully automatic shifting modes—D mode for ordinary riding and S mode for a sporty riding experience—or the 6-speed manual mode, which gives riders the option of riding with a manual transmission feel. The HFT creates a unique riding feel through easy operation, ranging from relaxed and laid-back riding to nimble and sporty with direct throttle response.

With the aim of providing products useful in the every day lives of customers, Honda has developed and sold motorcycles equipped with easy-to-operate automatic riding technologies. As a pioneer in the era of automatic systems, Honda launched the Super Cub C100 in 1958, equipped with an automatic centrifugal clutch mechanism, which allowed riding without the need of clutch operation. The Eara (750cc), released in 1977, was a first large-sized motorcycle featured a torque converter in Japan. In 1980, Honda put the Tact on the market, a machine equipped with the Honda original continuously variable transmission, the V-Matic, and Honda has continued to develop a variety of new mechanisms up into the present.

[ Characteristics of the HFT ]
A transmission system with a wide range of functions in a single unit, the HFT is a compact and highly efficient infinitely variable transmission system encompassing functions for starting, power transmission and shifting, all on a single shaft. The basic configuration of the system consists of an oil pump for converting engine power into hydraulic pressure, and an oil motor for converting the hydraulic pressure back into power for output. Both are made up of multiple pistons, a distributor valve and a swash plate for piston operation, while the cylinders are integrated into the output shaft, forming the characteristic structure of the HFT.

The HFT also features the world’s first* lockup mechanism for an infinitely variable hydraulic mechanical transmission. When cruising, this lockup mechanism works to minimize transmission efficiency losses, contributing to improved fuel economy.

* Based on Honda research

Source: Motorcycle Daily

BrianT · 10-10-2007, 12:28 PM

Didn't like the idea on the Yamaha FJR and still don't like it here. If someone isn't able to learn how to shift, they shouldn't be riding a moto where their life depends on their ability to ride.

2upFZ1 · 10-10-2007, 01:54 PM

I don't see it ever being used in a performance application. The friction losses through the hydraulic transmission would kill performance numbers, and turn off buyers.

ars0n750 · 10-10-2007, 02:03 PM

i think these bikes would be more geared towards the 60+ crowd that just like to tool around the city, canyons...mostly im thinking elderly people would be the main benefactors of this...u know the two love birds you see in the skull busters driving 25 mph in a 45...

2upFZ1 · 10-10-2007, 02:06 PM

With my blinker on for 15mi

i8acobra · 10-10-2007, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianT

Didn't like the idea on the Yamaha FJR and still don't like it here. If someone isn't able to learn how to shift, they shouldn't be riding a moto where their life depends on their ability to ride.

The FJR uses an automated clutch. Not the same thing.

Besides, I like the fact that this will bring more people in to motorcycling. We get sh*t on at every opportunity because there are too few of us to make a difference.

BrianT · 10-11-2007, 05:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by i8acobra

The FJR uses an automated clutch. Not the same thing.

Besides, I like the fact that this will bring more people in to motorcycling. We get sh*t on at every opportunity because there are too few of us to make a difference.

If they were putting them on entry or beginner bikes that at least would make some sense to try to lure in new customers and would get that. But they're choosing to put them on bigger bikes instead for some reason. Almost like they're doing it just to say they did it.