Forza 750 (26YM)

Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT)

• Improved starting/ slow-speed response uses same clutch oil pressure estimation update as 24YM Africa Twin
• Differing shifting schedules link with riding modes
• USER mode allows choice of settings from smooth to aggressive

Honda’s DCT technology is now in its 17th year of production, and almost 280,000 units of DCT-equipped Honda two-wheelers have been sold in Europe since 2010. It delivers consistent, seamless gear changes up or down and very quickly becomes second nature in use. It uses two clutches: one for start-up and 1st, 3rd and 5th, the other for 2nd, 4th and 6th, with the mainshaft for each clutch located inside the other for compact packaging.

Each clutch is independently controlled by its own electro-hydraulic circuit. When a gear change occurs, the system pre-selects the target gear using the clutch not currently in use. The first clutch is then electronically disengaged as, simultaneously, the second clutch engages.

The 25YM update allowed smoother starting from standstill and control at low speed – under 10km/h – for U-turns. This required a ‘quick yet gentle’ driving force at small throttle openings.

Surpassing the operating parameters of the previous generation DCT the latest iteration now estimates the oil pressure of the clutch piston chamber and completely reviews the way feedback gain is applied – rather than just relying on an oil pressure sensor upstream of the clutch piston – resulting in improved, more delicate clutch response. Alongside a refinement to the way TBW now opens from closed, the DCT also features a dedicated setting for extremely low speed running.

Consistent, fast and seamless gear changes are always on offer. Furthermore, as the twin clutches transfer drive from one gear to the next with minimal interruption of the drive to the rear wheel, any gear change shock and pitching of the machine is minimised, making the change feel direct as well as smooth. Extra benefits include durability (as the gears cannot be damaged by missing a gear) impossibility of stalling, low stress urban riding, reduced rider fatigue and – crucially – the ability to concentrate more on riding lines, braking and acceleration points.

The DCT system offers two distinct riding approaches – Automatic Transmission (AT), with pre-programmed shift patterns which constantly read vehicle speed, gear selected and engine rpm to decide when a shift should occur, and Manual Transmission (MT), for gear changes using the paddle-shift style triggers on the left handlebar.

Through TBW control there are four Automatic shifting schedules available. Level 1 is the most relaxed, with upshifts and downshifts operating at relatively lower rpm; it is linked with the RAIN riding mode. Level 4, on the other extreme, shifts up at higher rpm and also downshifts earlier for more engine braking effect; it is linked with the SPORT mode. Level 2 is linked with STANDARD riding mode, with Level 3 situated between STANDARD and SPORT.

The USER mode functionality allows the rider to select any of the DCT shift patterns with the preferred permutations of the other parameters – Power delivery, Engine Braking and HSTC.

Engine Electronics

• Throttle By Wire allows three default riding modes, plus USER customisation
• 3-level Honda Selectable Torque Control features smooth management and refined Rain mode

With TBW managing the engine electronics, there are three modes for the rider to choose from, covering a wide range of riding conditions. Mode selection is managed between the left-hand switchgear and TFT display.

STANDARD delivers a balanced middle point between engine power delivery (P), Engine Braking (EB) and HSTC

SPORT gives more aggressive P delivery and EB, with low HSTC intervention

RAIN transmits low engine power delivery and braking, with high HSTC

USER offers custom options of low/medium/high between P/EB, low/medium/high/off for HSTC.

Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) offers unobtrusive operation and refined control as it manages rear wheel torque thanks to TBW, over three levels:

• Level 1 allows the minimum intervention for the lightest control over rear wheel spin.
• Level 2 is the default setting and provides confidence-inspiring traction for general riding conditions.
• Level 3 provides maximum control for slippery roads and was made smoother in operation for the 25YM update.

HSTC can also be switched OFF.