Honda’s New Patent Shows New Automated Gearbox Technology for Motorcycles

Honda is known to have one of the best automatic gearboxes set up on its motorcycles and they emphasized on their abilities with the latest DCT units in the Honda Africa Twin and Gold Wing which are growing in popularity. But the Japanese company has more up its sleeve. According to a new patent application, Honda is now working on a new semi-automatic gearbox. While the patent images show the new gearbox on a CB1100, it is highly possible that the company will offer this on more of its models over time.This system is very different from the current DCT technology, or even the Hondamatic transmission from the 1970s (the Hondamatic transmission was a two-speed gearbox with a conventional-style foot-operated shifter but no clutch lever). The DCT is a comprehensive dual-clutch setup, whereas the old Hondamatic system used a torque converter and a 2-speed gearbox. Both these technologies find their origins in four-wheelers, but Honda’s new patented system appears to be much simpler and could turn out to be more affordable as well.This new gearbox technology is said to use a conventional 6-speed transmission paired with a bi-directional quickshifter and a computer-controlled system that engages and disengages the clutch when coming to a halt. The gearbox uses a traditional foot lever to shift gears, but there’s no clutch lever on the handlebar.It seems that the new system will allow riders to achieve a more conventional riding experience thanks to the shifter, but you get to skip the hassle of managing the clutch at low-speed traffic. On the go, it’s connected to a conventional up-and-down quick-shifter and throttle blipper, of the same type that’s becoming increasingly common on modern bikes. These use a combination of sensors including a load sensor on the shift pedal, a gear position sensor, speed sensor, rpm sensor and throttle position sensor to gauge the precise time to momentarily cut the ignition during upshifts and to add a throttle blip on downshifts, creating a super-quick, clutchless gear-change from an otherwise conventional transmission.Honda’s design also has the option of disengaging and reengaging the clutch automatically during shifts to make them smoother and slicker, but the main purpose is to create a smooth engagement as throttle is applied in first gear to pull away from standstill.