Engineers have tried and failed for decades

[Admin]

Engineers have tried and failed for decades to build motorcycles with automatic transmissions. Honda finally gets it right with the new DN-01 "sports cruiser" bike. Conventional automatic transmissions, like those in cars, lag when you hit the throttle and can throw a bike off balance during turns. Honda's HFT (for Human Friendly Transmission) responds to the throttle instantly by using hydraulic pumps instead of standard gears.
The HFT offers a range of gear ratios similar to a conventional six-speed manual, and it has about the same weight and dimensions. The motorcycle goes on sale in Japan this year, though a price has not been set. Honda hasn't yet decided if America's weekend rebels will get their own auto-shifting bike.

 

[jimposey]

auto transmission

You are absolutely right! If Hond would put this transmission in a Wing, I would buy one tomorrow! I love my wife's DN-01!:

 

[Stove Pipe]

Jim

I agree! That's exactly what I said too! Maybe Mother Honda will have it in the 2013 GWs?

 

[ag1]

To be more accurate, the transmission would be considered a variable fluid coupler with selectable presets. This is a stroke of genious! Even in many cars they use pulleys, clutches, overly complicated valve bodys. This is as good as it gets, and will probobly be available in a multitude of vehicles in the future. We can take advantage of it first!

 

[DNSarnia]

It's funny to read that last reply and predictions of the future of the HFT transmission.

I too would like to see it incorporated into small cars - maybe even electric cars?

So far, I'm thinking Honda has the patent, and isn't letting it get out of their hands.