Are high performance bikes next?

I'm kinda surprised motorcycles don't have standardized diagnostics similar to OBD 2.

 

I agree with you on this. I don't know if it would make it easier to tune or not, but it would be a lot easier to diagnose and clear codes, than counting flashes and jumping pins

 

This thread may serve to separate the Luddites from the men withoot the use of crowbars.

 

slower, a piece of shit

 

Well folks, today I had about 100 miles of Fathers Day time with my VFR. It was INTOXICATING... about 1/2 was back roads. Lots of shifting. Pure bliss ... except for my bad left wrist. I don't know what I did - maybe not riding enough lately. Using the clutch on the last 25 miles was excruciating. I was SERIOUSLY wishing I was on a DCT VFR. I really think I'm going to look for one to test ride.

One more thing, I doubt the computer will screw up the shifts and wreck the transmission like mere mortals do all too often.

Get with the times, you LUDDITES.

Cheers,
Glenn

 

Dumping that bunch of bikes you have stashed should get you a down payment on one of those automatic motorcycyles or get your wrist fixed..

 

LUDDITES, I had to look that up.

 

They are everywhere. Some of them have black and white TVs and ride Harleys.

 

I don't think bikes will have the same standard diagnostic port, numbers too small. Think of the millions of cars and thousands of repair shops that service a multitude of brands, there has to be some standardization there.

Since SOW thinks he knows everything:

"A DCT transmission can change gears with lightning speed – usually in a fraction of a second – and do so very smoothly thanks to the computerized controls, which makes it great for race and high-performance cars. While DCT transmissions are typically found in very expensive sports cars, they can be made compact enough that Honda also lists it as an option on several motorcycles."

Guess I just answered my own question!

 

The DCT VFR1200 is considerably slower than the standard version. Sport Rider Magazine tested the two of them in the quarter mile, 60-80 and 80-100:

VFR1200F STD ('10) 05/10 10.23 @ 136.82 3.14 3.50
VFR1200F DCT ('10) 10/10 11.67 @ 130.40 3.61 4.27

It is my understanding that instead of Honda using two full size clutch packs for the dual clutch model, they went with two half size clutch packs and had to reduce the torque of the dct model to match the reduced holding capacity of the dct model's two smaller sized clutch packs. That extra 1.44 seconds in the quarter mile is definitely reflecting the inability to launch the DCT model, while the half second increase in roll on times is a direct reflection of reduced power. In the automotive world, with cars like the new Nissan GTR, Porsche GT3 RS, Golf R etc.. the Dual clutch transmissions are untouchable in shift speed and usually come with added bonuses like launch control and other tricks.


As far as Honda is concerned the new Civic Type R will be a DCT and I believe the new S2000 and NSX will be DCT as well. With bikes, I am not really excited over the idea of DCT, but the "Seamless Shift Transmissions" are doing great in Moto GP and it would be cool to see those make their way over to production bikes. I am surprised that the RC213v-s didn't get the Seamless shift transmission, for $180 grand I would expect it lol. For now, I am more than pleased with the standard sequential VFR800 transmission with add on quick shifter and launch control. Auto blip could be fun, but its not an option for non drive by wire bikes.

 

That was the intelligent answer I was looking for. Guess all DCT's are not the same.

 

Yup, they definitely are not all the same. DCT's can have a performance advantage over standards when built and tuned right, but I think Honda took a short cut with its DCT model, as its purpose was more touring than race oriented. Guhl will reflash the ECU of the VFR1200 to bring the power back up (and then more) on the DCT models, but he will not touch the actual transmission tuning, so you still will get left behind on the launch. Furthermore, I am not to sure how happy the smaller VFR1200 DCT clutch packs will be with full throttle, red line, 100 ft/lb gear changes.

 

At least for now both are available. Maybe we'll see some electric bikes someday that regular folks can buy or maybe even steam.

 

Well BB, I have HAD a lot of bikes, but currently only have two. They are both WAY too good to part with, so I guess I better get my wrist sorted out!

:drinkers:
Glenn

 

Me too. Had me 1991 since new.. Older Beemer and even older SR500.. Most of the members with limp wrists are on the "other" forum I hear..

Cheers.

 

Technically speaking, the mentioned DCT's as are used in the referenced supercars are not "automatic" transmissions.
From a mechanical standpoint, they are closer to manual transmissions.
The difference (some would say the advantage) is: activities such as clutch engagement and gear changes are
electromechanically controlled, and therefore can function with high accuracy and and consistency.
Everyone who drives one of the cars with a DCT can be a hero, without stalling, missing a shift, over-revving, or
otherwise abusing a car with a normal clutch.
Hey, it is not just cars. A friend has what amounts to a motorhome built on a semi-truck chassis. The thing has
what, 10 or 12 speeds? But only two pedals. Clutch engagement happens when the throttle pedal is depressed.
Engagement is aggressive, but that actually saves time and clutch friction material.

 

Will it make to Sturgis and back hauling a Harley?