Automatic transmissions in motorcycles are not new, with Ridley being one manufacturer currently producing them. In fact, back in the 1970s, Honda and Moto Guzzi both produced motorcycles with automatic transmissions, each with two forward gears. Honda called its system "Hondamatic" and the bikes are still in demand today because of their shiftless nature. That older machine used an automatic transmission quite similar to the one that came with the Civic, complete with a torque converter. Honda has also used an automatic centrifugal clutch on many of its small-bore play-bikes from the 1950s on. So it's not too big of a surprise that Honda is going to be introducing the DN-01 at the 40th annual Tokyo Motor Show, complete with an automatic of its own called the Human-Friendly Transmission (HFT). After the break, we'll give a brief description of this new transmission. As you'll see, it's a very different animal from what has been offered before.
Those who follow motorcycling news closely may remember that almost two years ago, Honda first showed the DN-01 concept at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show. That bike featured a 680cc V-Twin engine and an earlier version of Honda's still-in-development HFT transmission. Looks like they've finally gotten the development work done, because they are now saying that the DN-01 with its HFT is "a new motorcycle scheduled for market launch". We think that's pretty darn good timing, considering that Aprilia is just about ready to start offering its 850 Mana, which also features a V-Twin and an automatic transmission.
Looking like the result of a Vulcan mind meld between a Honda Helix and the new CBR1000RR, the DN-01 concept from '05 kept the floorboards and low seat height from the scooter and added the wheels, engine and exhaust from the motorcycle. We're not sure if the production bike will keep this same look, but the low seat height should at least stay put. If you hate the looks of the DN-01, consider the Aprillia 850 Mana, which looks much more traditional.
We've got to hand it to Honda here, because it has come up with something pretty creative for production in the HFT. The engine powers a hydraulic pump, which in turn powers a hydraulic motor. By varying the speed between the two, the transmission can either increase the output torque or the output speed, making for an infinitely variable transmission. Honda believes that the transmission will be the world's first variable hydraulic transmission that features lockup, which should cut down the losses of the hydraulic system for greater efficiency and better fuel mileage.
