I have DCT on my 2015 Honda CTX 700. I'm 79 and had quit riding about 6 years ago because arthritis in my left hand would cause me to stall the bike, or prevent me from safely operating in the clutch friction zone. My wife actually came across the CTX in an ad three years ago, and suggested I take a look at it. Well, that did it. I love to be back riding again with a bike I cant stall and light enough for my old knees. The DCT was a riding-life saver. This will be my last bike and I love it, so I'll keep riding as long as I can.
I ride a DCT Africa Twin and it is one awesome bike. I ride it off-road and on-road. On the road it knows exactly what to do & when to do it and it can keep up with almost anything (two/four wheel, sport or cruiser, electric or combustion). Off the road I put it manual mode and it simply becomes a big dirt bike. I ride it as a sports bike (S mode), as a cruiser (D mode), and as a dirt bike (M mode). I cannot recommend it enough. In fact, the only reason I have it is because I went to the dealership to test ride it so I can experience the stupidity of DCT and justify my hatred of it....then I ended up signing the papers and took it home. Now, we are very happy together! Thanks Kevin! This was great.
I have a Honda CTX700 DCT and I love it. I think it is perfect for commuting. I have no interest in shifting as my brain has other things to think about while in heavy Memphis traffic. Yes slow speeds take a lot of finesse but can be done - lots of dragging the rear break. You do have to remember that if you twist that throttle you will move. For instance, I keep it neutral while moving it around as there is no clutch to stop power to the engine if I accidentally twist the throttle.
Fully agree. Different people ride in very different areas and those living outside of busy cities may have a different opinion about shifting manually when they don't have to do it a hundred times per minute in stop and go traffic. And outside of racing and off road riding, almost every mention of automatic vs manual transmission is heavily focused on gatekeeping. How a "real" bike or car is supposed to work and how everything that differs from the mold or reduces pilot workload and increases safety is somehow making it "not real" anymore. ABS, traction control, and some even apply this to fuel injection or liquid cooled engines.
How have you found the AT at low speeds? i.e. parking lots or u-turns etc. I've posted a question on the forum and I'm asking for suggestions to help get accustomed to not having the clutch. I love my ATAS DCT though.
John, I own a DCT AT and I’ve found the same parking practice I would do anyway beneficial for mastering low speed maneuvers. Dragging the rear brake and good throttle control make all the difference. The practice is essential in reprogramming myself to the new control dynamics.
Great video again, Kevin. For those that say shifting a manual clutch is half the fun, brothers I was completely in your camp...UNTIL I test drove the DCT. In fact I was so close to buying a manual 2018 before test driving the DCT. A dealer who did not have a DCT in stock at the time and was truly a great honest American, told me that I owed it to myself to test drive a DCT before buying. This actually cost him the sale of that manual bike. I took his advice and test drove the DCT at a competing dealer, and long story short, I was completely sold after 10 minutes. I now have 8k miles on my 2018 DCT. By far the best bike I have ever owned or ridden period! Smooth as butter. You can still audibly hear the bike run through the gears. It’s not like a scooter as Kevin mentioned. For those manual traditionalists, do yourself a favor and test drive one of these incredible bikes with the DCT transmission. I am so grateful for the dealer who provided this same advice to me. Thanks again, Kevin.
2019 NC75X DCT here. It is an absolute, pure joy to ride. A perfect commuter in a dense metropolis. Enough space to carry stuff, and the DCT works just perfectly. The mid-corner downshifting is a non-issue here, did not happen once. Well, I drive pretty cautiously, and I do slow down prior to the curve, so all the downhsifting is done, before entering the corner. On the other hand, it shifts up during the corner just fine, even if I perform a "drive-up" to a higher speed road, like a lane on a bridge. I've heard, that Honda continuously improves the software on the DCT, and I sense it. It calculates the needed gear from rev, speed, throttle level, ascent or descent, and from who know else. And it works brilliantly! Like if I'm accelerating slowly, it shifts up faster. But if I want to "jump ahead", it delays the upshift, and lets the engine roll to higher RPM -> more torque, more power. And the DCT puts the continuous clutch-operation of the big city transport into past tense. I was stopped by fellow riders, who had fancier rides, yet used them less , due to the high load on the left hand operation, which is pretty mandatory in the dense city traffic. It has the same agility and even better fuel economy than my previous 250cc Forza with a CVT, with twice the power. So for daily commuting in a big city environment this is an excellent choice for the workdays, and capable of small-to-medium touring on the weekends. I'm in love with it, I explicitly feel home riding it. I love (ar at least admire) the bigger, fancier bikes, but won't trade mine, not even for a fortune. Stay safe Kevin, and keep up this noble mission. A grateful learner from a different continent.
I debated the manual vs DCT for almost 2 years. Finally went with the 19 DCT GW and love it. I've always prided myself on slow speed maneuvering and control, and am feeling a little better now knowing it's not just me. It is a little more challenging but I'll keep practicing to get consistent making the 18' u-turn. And if it helps anyone... it's super easy and comfortable riding down my 1/4 mile GRAVEL driveway. It feels just like any other smaller bike. Thanks for all of your time making these awesome videos. Let me know when you want to run the twisted sister's again. One of my favorites.
Picking up my new Honda Rebel 1100 with DCT this week. I'm really excited about it. I've heard so many good things. Thanks Kevin. Really like your videos.
Love my DCT Goldwing. I came from an Africa Twin DCT so was already past the "reach for the clutch" reflex. It shifts much faster and smoother that I normally did. I do use the paddle shifters when I feel I need to take control. But when I have it in Sport mode, I pretty much never need to shift myself. I do agree that the slow mode control is the one technique that takes some getting used to. I spend a lot of time on the parking lot practicing slow mode. Personally, I'll never go back to a non-DCT bike. But to each their own...
Just took my newly acquired nc750x dct for my first ride,loved the fact that you enjoy the ride and not consider clutch and gears,you can still drop it down a cog with a press of a button if need be,I’m 66 and haven’t rode for 15 yrs,felt safe and in control,great bike for wrinklies,or some one with arthritis problems.😊
Hey Michael, I got my NC750XDCT last month, after 42 years between last time I rode…..nasty bike crash when I was 19, drunk driver almost finished me….anyway, weather improved yesterday, so I went out around my housing estate, I was a bit unstable for first minute, but managed 15 minutes of slow riding and did a number of U turns….the need to grab that non existent clutch was funny….not there is it, I tried gentle throttle control, tricky, I did my head turning to where I wanted to go, I did drag the back brake….but after 15 minutes I was tired….my wrists are weak due to my accident….I will be taking some refresher lessons, think on a smaller bike…..just to gain confidence and road craft….love my new bike….just like anything, it’s about practice and keep within your limits, if your tired……stop……safe riding buddy and cheers from my small island of Jersey….
I rode manual shift heavy touring Harleys for years. My 2020 GW DCT is by far the best handling, most comfortable bike I’ve ever owned. Like Kevin says it frees you up to concentrate on other things relative to safety and the pure thrill of riding a motorcycle in the first place.
Hi Kevin, I have ridden Harley Davidson Motorcycles for the Past 23 Years. My Last Harley was a 2017 Road Glide Special that I absolutely Loved. I became interested in the 2018 Goldwing DCT after several reviews. I was able to rent one for an extended demo for a weekend. I absolutely fell in love with the bike. I have Found that with regular Practice that I have become very comfortable with all of the slow speed maneuvers that are taught in the Pro Rider and the Harley rider education classes. As I live near the North GA Mountains I spend a lot of time on hilly and twisty Roads. The DCT just gobbles them up and makes the Ride so much more enjoyable. One of the other things that I love about the DCT is how much more enjoyable it is to ride in heavy stop and Go traffic. You don't have all of the heat coming off of the engine and with the electronic Windshield with a press of a Button it can be lowered and you can catch a breeze. Don't get me wrong this was a very hard decision moving away from the Road Glide to the Goldwing but it is one that I would make again today.
Smiled when you mentioned the slow traffic. On a group ride of about 6 bikes, I was on the DCT. We drove through Sedona, AZ on a Saturday morning.... nothing but stop and go traffic for about 30 minutes. It was a bit enjoyable watching the other riders exercising they left hands when stopped from all the clutching stress they were going through.
I am really glad Honda decided to make the DCT motorcycles. I have a neuroma in my left foot, so it's painful to use it. I also, to be honest, just don't like shifting, so I've stuck to scooters. With the DCT and now electric motorcycles, I feel like I can finally enjoy motorcycles as well as scooters.
I've had my DCT Goldwing over here in the UK for just about 2 years now and have no regrets at all about going down the DCT route. I agree with everything Kevin says here. For me the only draw back is slow speed control but with practise that can be mostly overcome. I agree using rain/manual mode for tight U-turns is best and if the bike feels like its taking off a bit too quick resist the natural temptation to ease back on the throttle. As Kevin says drag the rear brake instead, just as you would with a conventional transmission. If I'm not 100% sure I can make a U-turn I'm not embarrased to make use of the forward and reverse walking modes to do a 3 pointer. That is actually a very useful advantage with the Goldwing DCT. It makes backing up very easy so a 3 pointer is always an easy option if necessary. For ordinary slow speed turns, roundabouts etc in auto mode I overide the gearbox and put the bike in the gear I want before starting the turn just as Kevin does. Being in too low a gear is preferable to too high as an upshift during a slow turn is less unsettling than a downshift in my experience. That said a downshift won't be enough to cause a drop situation but you will feel it much more which can be very unsettling. As with the U-turn use the rear brake to prevent gaining too much speed rather than backing off on the throttle. For normal turns and general riding I find no disadvantages at all, only advantages and would definitely go down the DCT route again. I do have an old conventional bike (1985 Kawa 750 Turbo) as well and after riding that do sometimes reach for the clutch on the Wing but not that often as it is pretty difficult to forget which bike I'm on with them being so different. Overall I am very happy with DCT. I can understand, though, that it is not for everyone but I would just say to everyone don't rule it out without trying it first.
Great tip on using rain mode on tight u-turns. When you turn the handle bars tight you have to be careful that you don’t roll the throttle accidentally!
I just bought my Honda Rebel DCT 1100cc 3 weeks ago. I like it. I am a small frame woman, the bike fits me perfect, and I like how the bike does the shifting for me. One less thing to worry about on the road.
Almost bought gs800. Stalled twice on test rides.changing sprockets a compromise! Gs1200 too expensive! Honda hit my target& solved stalling/safety issues and speed/mileage advantages. No sore hands in rush hour traffic. No counterbalancing on each shift. Plus it's fun to have different settings for different rides. Love my AT DCT.!
You are correct Kevin, about the downshifting in the corners on the DCT. I have the 2018 Airbag unit and love it. But, riding in the mountains here in Colorado I will paddle down shift before entering a hair pin turn. Regather than being caught off guard.
I have the CTX700 DCT. The DCT makes it a great commuting bike when you have a lot of stop-and-stop traffic to overcome. And I also love it on touring day trips where I'll be on the roads all day.
Hi Kevin, I'm a 60 year old new rider from Canada I have a 2007 Honda Shadow. Finished my first season last summer, with covid, I didn't get licensed and on the road till August, but still manage to 2500 miles on it. Want to ride one more season before stepping up to likely the Rebel 1100. Have arthritis in left hand that will sooner or later effect my clutching. The dct in the Honda seems the answer, but the slow speed maneuvers with friction zone to me was the stumbling block. Figure I have a year to drive both to decide , but your views like all your videos are highly recommended and appreciated . PS just don't know why it took this long to learn to ride, but its in my blood now.
I live in South Africa where most of us still prefer manual transmissions even on cars, although this is starting to change. I remember a few years ago when the DCT Hondas arrived here there was the usual outcry by traditionalists. But that's no surprise. I've never tried a bike with an automatic transmission as the cost of those bikes is beyond my pocket. But I'd be very interested in trying one out one day. For now I still do love the absolute control that manual transmission gives the rider/driver.
Thanks Kevin on the DCT "review". I have a 2019 DCT Tour now for 13 months now and just about to break 10K on it. I usually have closer to 18K a year but the COVID situation limited some of my riding this past year I do nearly always paddle down on gears coming to a red light or a corner. I also often do the same in twisties if I know the curve is fairly intense. I do practice U-turns in my neighbor hood and will some times use the Rain mode for slow speed practice, but I have gotten pretty good at it in the Tour mode. When I went in to purchase the new Wing, I did not make up my mind on the DCT model until 10 min before I wrote the check. I do not regret getting the DCT. It is an awesome machine.
I recently bought a Honda ctx700 dct. I love it. Shifts as good as I can. I got arthritis in my hand that it cause me pain to pull in a clutch. This dct is wonderful.
I ride a FJR1300AE so its basically like the DCT in manual mode. No clutch but I have to shift, either with the foot shifter or paddles on the left handlebar. It took a while to get used to, I actually hated it for a few days, but now I love it.
I feel you because by being from the part of the world where the automatic cars are quite rare, first time driving an automatic car was... disturbing when I tried clutching with the break pedal... luckily nobody was behind me at that moment and my seat belt was doing its job...
Love my 2020 DCT Goldwing! I agree that a "con" is the slow speed u-turns. I took a class and dropped it. I bought it to travel on so I'll just continue to practice until I'm more proficient on those tight U-turns. It's my 3rd bike and I really enjoy the feel of it. I do agree that now I can focus more on what's going on around me rather than what gear I'm in. Stay Safe Kevin!! Great Video as always!!
Hi I have a 2018 ctx700 dct abs. I think it is great. Fun to drive and relaxing. I also have a 2005 vtx1300 it is also fun and relaxing to drive. They are both different but they both make a short ride relaxing and rejuvenating !!!
I owned a 2016 Honda Africa Twin clutch model for two years and 30,000 km. Great bike!! Then I moved on to a Yamaha Super Tenere clutch model for two years and 46,500 km. Great bike as well. Now I am riding a 2020 Honda Africa Twin DCT and just lovin' it....butter smooth! My primary reason for the DCT is due to the arthritis in my hands. SHUMBA
I waited until this past September to purchase a Goldwing DCT. I agree 100% with your assessment of low speed control. I have spent time in a parking lot trying to develop the technique for maneuvering and it is hard to for me to get past the loss of a clutch to find the friction zone. Pressing the foot brake seems so strange. It does not have the feeling of immediate control that the clutch gave me. I can and will improve with practice, but I thought it would be much easier. The shifting on the DCT is smooth and enjoyable. When driving on twisty roads, I do as you mention and put the bike in manual mode. It shifts way too much for me in automatic mode. I am enjoying it. First ~2000 miles has been fun.
You are right on all aspects of riding a DCT motorcycle and enjoyed the video. I have noticed on a lot of videos and other forums that riders complain about the motorcycle shifting in the corners. I have found that if you are riding on a very curvy road shifting the motorcycle to sport mode makes the shift points much more accurate and using the manual mode is less necessary. I am not saying that it is perfect but I think if the rider would try sport mode in the twisties it would be more enjoyable.
I say have fun on anything with 2 wheels💯🏍👍🏽 I love shifting on my new R6...but the most fun I ever had was growing up with a Honda Trail 70 that had a shifter...but no clutch😍
Excellent review and analysis, Kevin. Your points on slow speed control are suite valid. With 6k on my Wing DCT I still mentally struggle with this particular aspect.
2018 Africa Twin w/ DCT: LOVE IT! Eliminates one more thing to think about and the “paddle” shifters gives me the control when I don’t agree with what the bike is trying to do.
Definitely on point. I’m an Ohio MC instructor and I’ve been pushing to get them to consider how to teach a DCT. The potential is there for someone to come to a basic rider class who is proficient and practiced, but has never had to shift a manual transmission, yet we ask them to do that. But, I enjoyed your suggestions as they are all what I’ve had to do to adjust to riding DCT. Nice job on this video!
Just found your comments on the DCT discussion. Very well spoken and explained. I have an XADV 750 and seemingly constantly defending the technology amongst the diehards and skeptics. Appreciate your presentation. Again, we'll done!
I have a Goldwing Airbag DCT model, and have ridden both it, and a Kawasaki Concours14 from my home in Indiana to California and back on 2 separate trips. While the Kawasaki was fast and comfortable, the Wing did that trip with much less rider fatigue, and made it a much more fun experience. I think the DCT option will eventually become common on many different bikes.
I bought an NC700 DCT in 2015. The positive experience from that encouraged me to get the Goldwing DCT in 2018. The DCT on the Goldwing is superior to the one on the nc700. The DCT is great in traffic and cruising. I occasionally miss the manual clutch in twisties. I took the advanced rider course on the Goldwing and the low speed practice helped a lot.
2018 DCT GOLDWING AND 2020 AFRICA TWIN DCT ADVENTURE SPORTS ....here's the deal...where there's a will there's a way...Love em both...slow speed maneuvers and all...like you said...RAIN, MANUAL 1ST, BIT O REAR BRAKE, HEAD/EYES..COUNTERBALANCE....AWESOME 👍👍oh yeh PRACTICE!!
Purchased a 2020 Goldwing DCT last summer. Like you I often reach for the clutch! I was hesitant to purchase the DCT but it does allow me to focus on the road much more and it feels much easier to ride. I upgraded the suspension with the Traxxion Dynamics shocks and it made the bike feel much tighter in turns, especially low speed. Overall I would recommend the DCT. I've been riding bikes for almost 40 years.
Great discussion. I hope large displacement scooters become more popular in the US. I ride as much as possible so practicality and ease of use is important.
I just bought a 2021 1100cc rebel. It has DCT. I really enjoy it. Reaching for that clutch happens to me every day. All in all it’s very relaxing and makes cruising enjoyable.
I just started out with a DCT Bike, a Honda VFR 1200X ( Crosstourer) they stopped making them in 2018 but new stock is still available in the UK. So far I'm really happy. 300 miles of commuting in I'm still getting used to it. I doubt I will ride a manual bike again.
I thought I might be bored riding the DCT after 30 years of clutching, no way ! I commute around 45 mins round trip to work and I love it. I still look for the clutch lever but I don't see myself riding anything else anymore. I so love the smoothness, the joy of not thinking about my hand and foot anymore. Just can't complain !!!!!
Kevin - three things (non-DCT related) 1) Those shots of the stationary GoldWing (with helmet on seat) were great. It's a beautiful bike! 2) I love your camera work. The stationary drone tracking you through the corner was fantastic. 3) I am so jealous of the TX weather right now (I'm in Chicago). There's a snow event incoming this weekend and instead I'll be pushing a 250cc, six-speed snow thrower. Keep up the great work on these videos! They keep me looking forward to the start of the riding season.
I have the Honda CTX 700 dct. And I like it twice as much as my previous VTX 1300. I live a few hours from the Blue Ridge Parkway . To me , the mountain riding is much more enjoyable without having to THINK about gears. You can just relax and completely enjoy the ride. I never plan to go back to gear shifting. PS.... I do go manual mode in long slow parking lots sometimes. Otherwise it will tend to bounce back and forth from first to second.
Wow. No lack of opinions on this one. Very informative video as were many of the comments. I just ordered a 2022 tour dct and I am very much looking forward to the challenge of mastering slow speed manoeuvres. I have no doubts that the highway speed performance of this bike will be inspiring. Thanks for initiating this discussion.
I picked up my Honda Rebel 1100 DCT last week and i am enjoying it very much. Slow speed stuff like you said-use rear brake. Works just fine. Thanks for the great videos. Appreciate the work you do.
I purchased an Africa Twin with DCT and I really enjoy it, in fact that’s partially why I got the AT. I tried it out as a demo and I knew I wanted that bike. I live in a mountainous area and that’s where I ride. I don’t really do any off road riding but I liked this bike. Just as you mentioned, the first time it down shifted to third in a tight turn that I was going too fast in, well, it was a little scary! Occasionally I will manually down shift to avoid that from happening. One thing that you didn’t mention is how amazing the transmission/computer is. The bike knows how you are riding. If you are really accelerating and braking hard, it know how you are riding and what you are doing. It will delay shifts going up in gears and delay downshifting. It’s amazing! Additionally, like most riders I thought shifting manual bikes was muscle type memory and required little thought but, it’s interesting the other little things you now notice. Thanks
I drive a vehicle with a DCT and everything you explain here is exactly the same, especially slow speed driving in Los Angeles traffic. I find myself using the paddle shifters manually many times while driving, especially while approaching turns and slowing to a stop. My first vehicle was a manual transmission and I will always have a place in my heart for the control of a clutch and I don't think I'm ready to give it up just yet on my motorcycle.
I have a DCT africa twin ... First adventure bike, first DCT bike... I rode it 2000 miles the week I bought it. It's a great bike and It's plenty fast. I haven't taken it off road yet..( class coming soon)
Love my 2018 DCT Tour. Took all of 5 min to get used to the left hand just being along for the ride. I do feel much safer on the GW for two reasons, 1 I don’t ever have to worry about shifting and with the isolated front suspension you don’t get the road bumps and jerks.. I recently rented a HD while on vacation and made me miss my GW all the more...
I have a Honda NC 750 X DCT. It's a great motorcycle for all the reasons that you've mentioned. I think that the DCT makes you a better more relaxed rider and you soon get used to doing the slow speed manouvres with the DCT. Just a bit of throttle and drag the rear brake.
Learned to ride again after 30 years on a Honda NC700XD and after 4 years and 25,000 miles I still love it. I suggest learning to ride in Sport mode so it shifts correctly and provides engine braking. Use Drive mode for rain. (Maybe) The Frunk is King.
Kevin, one of the things I ride a motorcycle for is the shifting. I've always enjoyed it. I've always preferred manual transmissions in cars and trucks too.
Can't wait to get one. Now I run a Yamaha majesty 400 scooter, very relaxing w the no clutch, as you say one less thing to worry about on the road ....to the people that freak out over auto cycles I say chill out lol......whether you shift manual or not does not change your status as a human being
I've been riding scooters since the 80s. I'm waiting for the Honda 2021 NC750X DCT to arrive in Phoenix and I can wait. Thanks for your videos on this and I hope there are more!
One of my first bikes was a honda 400 cma automatic, you put it into gear and a lot of noise was made under you and you gave it some throttle and away you went, changed it into 2nd gear and went as fast as you could, about 65mph! It had a clutch lever that was actually a parking brake,, and had a huge pin that prevented you from using the parking brake at 65 mph‼️🤯This bike is on my list of I never should have sold❗
I have a Honda DN-01, you can switch between shifting with a "toggle" switch, or full auto. but on the DN-01, full auto is a true step-less mode. it's amazing to just seamlessly accelerate and decelerate with full engine braking and no gear steps. It's a 700cc liquid cooled V-twin, shaft drive, single sided swing arm. so many bikes nowadays are so smooth, they are too smooth. the engines have no soul. this engine has the perfect dose of V-twin rumble, just enough to let you know it's a real engine but so smooth you can ride all day and never have that buzz that a lot of engines will tire you with. it will do any kind of ride you want all day. there is one thing I had to get used to tho, it's long, low, and heavy for a 700. it'l turn, but you better get ready to crank that counter-steer into the bars to get it to lean over and enter those turns baby! first time on my favorite back road I got a huge wake up call and almost ran out of pavement! but once you get used to it, it's like nothing else out there. I could go on but I will shut up now!
The reality of the Honda Rebel 1100 DCT ***BIG SCOOTER W/FEW GEARS***. For people with Arthritis and disabilities. Right to the point. God bless USA 🇺🇸.
As a first season rider last summer, I love my DCT NC700X. Got an insanely good deal from a co-worker, and I can focus on the road and anticipating distracted drivers, rather than constant shifting. I can shift bikes, and am on my 5th manual transmission car, so I'm not missing anything lol. I also still play with the paddle shifters as needed in the corners.
Right on the money!..I had DCT since 2015 until I sold it in 2019. A very good option and after a brief period, you get used to of it and you may question yourself why you waited so long to buy something with a DCT
I will soon turn 70 yrs old with a completely fused left foot. I ride a vstar with left floorboard self modified heel/toe shifter cut/welded. The ctx700 DCT appears perfect for those, like myself, who has left foot/leg disability or left hand/finger disability. Air/electric shifter was not an option due to personal reasons. Honda DCT is proven reliable, versatile and safe.
I have been gear ⚙️ shifting a motorcycle 🏍️ for 15 years now. My nerves are starting to get bad in my left foot and left hand! Instead of giving up on riding, I will try a dct automatic soon.
Avery Brown from Priest River, Idaho. I watch you on you tube and saw that you owned auto Goldwing. I will have to ask you about that and to let you know I have a 2016 Honda NM4 a 700cc and I love it. The wife passed a few years ago and I sold my Goldwing and got the NM4 will talk later, I'm 70 and have been on a mc 62.
I like people having the option and can see having DCT in the future on certain types of Bikes I own. That being said, I still drive a manual car by choice and love it on my motorcycles. I just hope it doesn't become like cars where it's hard to find a manual unless you go with limited options or choices. It's bad enough that it's getting hard to find newer motorcycles without a load of electronics and things that need expensive specialized equipment to diagnose and repair when things break. The basic simplicity is part of what moved me from cars to motorcycles. I guess consumers will determine and, although I'm not at the end of my riding years at 44, I'm old enough that I should be able to find a basic used bike with parts available until I am.
I have a 2018 manual 6 speed. Would have loved a DCT but I couldn't swing the extra $4-5,000 that the DCT gets in the used market. I will get an Africa Twin DCT soon.
Thx for sharing about your dct. I mostly agree with you on your experience with the dct. I’m generally ok with my bike shifting mid corner but I agree the slow speed manoeuvring will take a bit more practice to get it perfected. I definitely feel as I’m 60 and plan to ride for many years it’s the most relaxing bike ever and one less thing to think about.
My 2021 Gold Wing Tour is one of the most enjoyable bikes that I have ever took on the road. The thing I had to get use to was the downshifting, yes I was reaching for the clutch. But, just as Calvin said I soon got use to it. If you haven’t taken a DCT out for a test drive you should!
My 2015 Honda CTX700 has a DCT. The bike is a pleasure to ride. The bike still has plenty of power and torque. The computer seems to know what gear to be in, especially in the sport mode. I find the friction zone works better on the DCT than on my Kawasaki Versys using the clutch. BTW this is my second DCT bike. I will buy another DCT in the future. Most of the concerns you listed have never been issues for me. Enjoyed the video.
I love my Africa Twin Adventure DCT bike. There may be differences in mapping shift points compared to the GW as I find low speed maneuvers easier on the AT, one of the things I like best. I do miss the clutch in some narrow instances. An answer to the corner shifting effect you found is I use the sport mode most often on twisty roads. It downshifts much more quickly during braking and seems to have me in the best gear mid corner. Great video as usual !
Honda had the Hondamatic in a 450 and 750 . The 450 was a perfect beginner bike . Heavy enough to feel like a motorcycle , fast enough to cruz the highways and with a Vetter fairing it was a really nice ride , no shifting .
DCT is what I needed to know, I can now shop for the bike for me. I might go for a Honda NC750X. I got rid of motorcycles a long time ago for maxi scooters because of automatic transmission, never worrying about wearing boots again, but scooters are a bit rubbish, even though they are more practical and have good storage, a bigger bike has bigger wheels which are needed on bad roads such as I have. They are also easier to repair. Scooters are a nightmare in servicing since you have to spend an hour taking the thing to bits just to get the oil filter off.
I had the same thoughts when I rode the LiveWire - no clutch lever, no gear shift - and it was so FREEING! Just had to control speed and line and let the bike do the rest. I do LOVE shifting my Street Glide myself though :D
I have a 2016 Honda ctx 700 for a second bike and love the thing it took a good season to get the trans down right I been keeping it in sport mode..when I hit a turn the bike downshifts.. It keeps up with all the other bikes and very nimble...I would buy another dct..
Thank you for this video! I have the 2022 Rebel 1100 DCT, it's my first bike and I love it. Although, I already layed it down on a slow speed corner :( I forgot all about my back brake...I'm continuing to practice low speeds in a big empty parking lot :)
I hear a lot of people say drag the rear brake to make up for no clutch to control the power, but you have the throttle to do that. Manual bikes don't allow you to run the rpm's too low with the clutch engaged without stalling or chugging along. On DCT you can achieve very slow maneuvers with good throttle control, and I believe most manual riders are used to starting with a certain amount of throttle and then letting the clutch do all the work at low rpm's. I can do full lock u-turns and figure 8's no problem without using the brake at all. If you're coming from a manual bike you'll just have to get better at controlling the throttle with the throttle. Have you ever driven an automatic car or truck, and if so do you ride the brake to regulate the power?
I Love your videos they are definitely a part of me thinking thru riding my new Honda Goldwing...you are absolutely correct the Goldwing is made to just get out and ride but slow speed maneuvers helps me own the bike and not just ride the bike...I have tried to find training videos using throttle control but you don't find many on the dct bikes, they all have clutches so I have one question..Can you do a video describing the rain mode and your slow speed maneuvers? Thanks again for what you do even for us newbies...
Nice. My second bike was a sport bike with a CVT transmission. Coming from a Buell blast 500 I did the same thing you did looking for a clutch. The automatic bike had the rear brake on the left lever where the clutch would be. I enjoyed the bike but being Chinese made it started to have problems. Only drawback I had it didn't have the torch of a manual so getting to high speed took more time. My Honda Grom gets to speed faster than the other bike and being a smaller cc.
