It does it for you...the software considers road speed, engine speed, and if you're accelerating or decellerating, and changes gears for you, which means you'll alway be in the right gear...although if this bike really does have 200hp why does it matter!
It also has a paddle-shifter-style manual gearbox mode if you want to take control.
Well, I hope they don't stop producing manual transmissions for true riders. People who have weak hands can buy an automatic bike. Oh please! As though automatic cars aren't already killing the driving involvement!
Dual clutch systems are much faster at shifting than manuals are. That is why Ferrari's, Lambo's, Mercedes, Audi and many more use them now instead of manuals.
You missed the point of smercer's post: he'll miss the rider involvement of shifting, and I will too. I think it'll be harder to produce motorcycle with optional auto/manual transmissions, so the OEMs will just make the more-popular setup, which will be automatics, since the vast majority of people are too retarded to learn how to operate a clutch.
This look awesome! For the times when you want to give a nervous passenger a *super smooth* ride. For the times when you're just trying to knock off the last 100 miles to your next motel. For the times when your wrist is killing you from hundreds of miles in the twisties. For people with various medical conditions.
This is some great innovation. I hope this reaches the public at a reasonable price (and a light weight!).
Buy it if you like it, don't buy it if you don't like it. Anyone that has been stuck in Los Angeles freeway traffic for a half hour knows how handy this would be. What do I ride? FJR1300.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
Way to go, Honda. Add even MORE worthless electronic bullshit to what used to be a competent motorcycle. More money, more weight and more to go wrong. I'll pass. In fact, I'm ready to give up on Honda completely. I think the same team that designs Accords is designing the VFR.
+1. It will be over-priced and boring, just like every Honda made for the last 10 years. I gave up on them and bought a Triumph this time around, and a Suzuki last time! At one time, Honda was all I considered buying, but they haven't given me what I want in a motorcycle in a long time. They are SOOOO out of touch!
Looks liek te Proto VFR. A 6-speed manual/auto? This longtime rider says HELL YES. Gimmie that manual for the track and auto for the long road - no more hand cramps in city traffic either! Go Honda!
What shifts FASTER--old or new?
cordycord 2 years ago
That's a good question. My guess is it averages about the same, but a manual transmission could be shifted faster.
getshokin 2 years ago
Just like my scooter, great work Honda.
vauhtiristo 2 years ago
interesting concept. but what about downshifting for optimal deceleration-gear selection for taking corners?
44pullups 2 years ago
It does it for you...the software considers road speed, engine speed, and if you're accelerating or decellerating, and changes gears for you, which means you'll alway be in the right gear...although if this bike really does have 200hp why does it matter!
It also has a paddle-shifter-style manual gearbox mode if you want to take control.
getshokin 2 years ago
nice
pilotec 2 years ago
Well, I hope they don't stop producing manual transmissions for true riders. People who have weak hands can buy an automatic bike. Oh please! As though automatic cars aren't already killing the driving involvement!
shravanrulez 2 years ago
Dual clutch systems are much faster at shifting than manuals are. That is why Ferrari's, Lambo's, Mercedes, Audi and many more use them now instead of manuals.
smercer1000 2 years ago
You missed the point of smercer's post: he'll miss the rider involvement of shifting, and I will too. I think it'll be harder to produce motorcycle with optional auto/manual transmissions, so the OEMs will just make the more-popular setup, which will be automatics, since the vast majority of people are too retarded to learn how to operate a clutch.
getshokin 2 years ago
Isn't this the same transmission system as the FJR1300AE?
1stGoRide 2 years ago
No, the FJR uses the stock tranny with an automatic clutch mechanism. This is very different, with two clutches and other unique features.
getshokin 2 years ago
This look awesome! For the times when you want to give a nervous passenger a *super smooth* ride. For the times when you're just trying to knock off the last 100 miles to your next motel. For the times when your wrist is killing you from hundreds of miles in the twisties. For people with various medical conditions.
This is some great innovation. I hope this reaches the public at a reasonable price (and a light weight!).
As for a 1200cc VFR, well...
SatansSpatula 2 years ago 2
Buy it if you like it, don't buy it if you don't like it. Anyone that has been stuck in Los Angeles freeway traffic for a half hour knows how handy this would be. What do I ride? FJR1300.
terrycoxusa 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Way to go, Honda. Add even MORE worthless electronic bullshit to what used to be a competent motorcycle. More money, more weight and more to go wrong. I'll pass. In fact, I'm ready to give up on Honda completely. I think the same team that designs Accords is designing the VFR.
jwaterst 2 years ago
+1. It will be over-priced and boring, just like every Honda made for the last 10 years. I gave up on them and bought a Triumph this time around, and a Suzuki last time! At one time, Honda was all I considered buying, but they haven't given me what I want in a motorcycle in a long time. They are SOOOO out of touch!
stromtrooper32 2 years ago
Anyone can ride it?? 200 hp sportbikes are NOT for anybody. Maybe it's speed limited to 50 mph.
BTW the manual is unfairly portrayed. The front wheel is clamped down which upsets the geometry. This exaggerates the jacking of the rear suspension.
Uncle5cary 2 years ago
Indeed, it's also possible to shift *much* more smoothly than they were.
But it served well to exaggerate and show the fact that it is smoother, and takes no effort to attain that smoothness. Pretty neat!
SatansSpatula 2 years ago
Looks liek te Proto VFR. A 6-speed manual/auto? This longtime rider says HELL YES. Gimmie that manual for the track and auto for the long road - no more hand cramps in city traffic either! Go Honda!
RobersonPhoto 2 years ago