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Honda Motorcycles & The Dual Clutch

hondapedia — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 22:51:08 +0000

Last week was the New York Cycle World International Motorcycle Show – yeah we missed it too. But one bit of interesting news that came from it was the announcement that Honda Motorcycles will introduce a Dual Clutch setup.

The first optional dual clutch will be available on the upcoming Honda VFR1200F sport-touring motorcycle. This option will allow seamless shifting and a smoother ride. We’ll explain – it sets up “independent clutches for odd-and even-numbered gears” – the quickest shifting you can manage, in other words. The system offers two automatic modes if you get bored with all the manual shifting.

“With the dual clutch in the manual mode, it is literally milliseconds,” says Jon Seidel of American Honda Motor Co. “As quickly as you can use the paddle shifters, the gear engages. “As this is the world’s first application of this technology on a motorcycle,the initial response has been extremely positive. “The dual clutch transmission is an innovative new technology,” Seidel said. “Will it replace manuals? Probably not. But it is technology that works and adds fun and excitement to riding. Riders will also appreciate the fully automatic mode for stop and go city driving”

Specs:
Honda VFR1200F / VFR1200F with Dual Clutch Automatic Transmission
Engine Type: 1237cc liquid-cooled 76° V-4
Bore and Stroke: 81mm x 60mm
Compression ratio: 12.0:1
Valves: SOHC; four valves per cylinder
Induction: PGM-FI 44mm throttle bodies
Ignition: Digital electronic
Transmission: 6-speed (VFR1200F) / Six-speed automatic with two modes and manual mode (VFR1200F with Dual Clutch Automatic Transmission)
Final Drive: Shaft
Suspension
Front: 43mm; 4.7 inches travel
Rear: Pro Arm single-side swingarm with Pro-Link® single gas-charged shock; 5.1 inches travel
Brakes
Front: Dual 320mm discs, CBS 6-piston calipers with ABS
Rear: Single 276mm disc, CBS two-piston caliper with ABS
Tires
Front: 120/70 ZR17 radial
Rear: 190/55 ZR17 radial
Wheelbase: 60.8 inches (1545mm)
Rake: 25-deg
Trail: 101.0mm (4.0 inches)
Seat Height: 32.1 inches (815mm)
Fuel Capacity: 4.9 gallons
Color: Candy Red
Curb Weight: 591 lbs (VFR1200F) / 613 lbs (VFR1200F with Dual Clutch Automatic Transmission)

The Source: Wired

Honda Ruff Ryding Cycle Stunts

hondapedia — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 19:33:32 +0000

When you hear the name Honda some probably think about Civics, fuel efficiency, reliable cars that can go 150,000 miles without much maintenance. But lest we forget the rough ridin’ cycles and cruisers Honda produces year after year. Fans of stunt riding (and all around ballsy mofo’s ) love nothing more than poppin’ a wheel up high and ghost riding down the boulevards of Florida, NYC, Philly, Chi-town and Southern California. Check out the insanity in these Honda Cycles vids.

Honda 50cc Stunt Bikes

Honda Z50 Motorcycle Stunts by Delivery Boyz

Honda Ride For Kids Stunt Team

Honda CBR 600 F4i Burnout & Crash

Insane Honda CBR 600 F

Honda 929 FT 600RR F4i vs KAWASAKI 636

Honda Valkyrie Dirt Bike Tricks!

Would You Ride An Electric Motorcycle?

hondapedia — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 19:37:08 +0000

There’s nothing like the rush of wind pressing against your body, riding 100+ miles per hour with your legs wrapped around a heavy duty machine. The rumble of its engine shakes waves of pleasure up your spine, accompanied by a roaring burst of exhaust. But Honda, along with many other top motorbike specialists, plan on introducing electric cruisers and sports bikes to their line up by the end of this decade. The question is, would any self respecting motorcycle enthusiasts ride one?

Honda DN-01 Electric (tentatively renamed the DN-10) is going to be an all electric powered cruiser Honda hopes will appeal to both bikers and environmental activists alike. In theory, an electric motorcycle engine should be a simple concept, since bikes are mostly used for shorter distance trips. But motorcycles are already pretty fuel efficient – and Honda’s don’t have the roar of a Harley Davidson. And what about take-off time – the DN-01 already has a relatively lagging 0-60 time of just under 6 seconds.

Perhaps these soon-to-be-a-reality eco-bikes should take a hint from Mission’s One – Electric Sports Bike. The Mission One, due out in 2010, combines a 150 mile range with a top speed of…you guessed it…150 miles per hour.

Once production models of the Electric Sports Bike are put out on the streets fifty limited editions will be available at a cool (maybe even cold) $68,995. The Mission One uses a lithium-ion battery pack with a liquid-cooled AC induction motor. This motor pumps out 100 pound-feet of torque, and features Ohlins suspension and Brembo regenerative brakes.

So, you hard riding motorcycle fans: Would you strap on your leather, pop into that helmet, and ride off into the quiet sunset with your non-CO2 spouting, barely audible electric bike?

Honda’s 2010 Electric Motorcycle

hondapedia — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 18:00:07 +0000

Honda is refocusing on production of their motorcycle segment, while adding attention to gas-free economically friendly vehicles with the announcement of their 2010 Electric Motorcycle.

Early rumors seem to believe Honda will be taking their DN 01 Cruiser and transforming it into an eco-easy rider with an all electric engine. According to Honda CEO Takeo Fukui. “Honda is currently developing a battery-powered electric motorcycle which emits no CO2 during operation, because the characteristics of a battery can be better utilized in the area of motorcycles, which are often used for short distance travel. Honda is aiming to introduce this electric motorcycle to the market about two years from now.”

It’s the perfect time for an electric hog – with gas prices surging up and down like someone’s bad cholesterol reading and parking in urban areas becoming scarce, the general public can use a small mode of transit that doesn’t have four doors. So, Honda claims ready by 2010 – by 2011 we’ll have a sequel to Wild Hogs featuring silent riders and more bad puns from Tim Allen. Damn You Honda!!