Another bit of Honda innovative technology ... E-Clutch for motorcycles

[Grumpy Goat]

First, they offered the very successful DCT transmissions and now they are poised to offer this e-clutch, where you apparently can enjoy both worlds. I say bring it on. BMW, what say you? Still with the "agricultural" gearboxes ...?  

[maxredline]

Riders who have any kind of left hand problem will welcome an easier pull particularly on non slipper clutch models. Clutch pull was one of the reasons I let go of my last bike.

[Lee]

Riders who have any kind of left hand problem will welcome an easier pull

That will end Debbie's riding soon unless we find a Sport Touring bike with a DCT or E clutch.
Something like the NT1100 would work.

[Grumpy Goat]

Riders who have any kind of left hand problem will welcome an easier pull

That will end Debbie's riding soon unless we find a Sport Touring bike with a DCT or E clutch.
Something like the NT1100 would work.

I was thinking of that when I saw this. 

Something lighter is always better and they make an NC750X with the DCT as well, and for only $9400. I don't see the NT1100 for sale over here but there is an Africa Twin DCT or a Rebel DCT with the 1100 engine.

[Lee]

Riders who have any kind of left hand problem will welcome an easier pull

That will end Debbie's riding soon unless we find a Sport Touring bike with a DCT or E clutch.
Something like the NT1100 would work.

I was thinking of that when I saw this. 

Something lighter is always better and they make an NC750X with the DCT as well, and for only $9400. I don't see the NT1100 for sale over here but there is an Africa Twin DCT or a Rebel DCT with the 1100 engine.

Yes, the NT1100 is not available in the US and doesn't sound like it will be in 2024.
She didn't think she would be happy with the HP and Torque of the 750.
The NT1100 and African Twin have a lot less power than her last four bikes but the reviewer say they have decent power.
Next year we'll try a 1250 or 1300GS to see if we fit two up. The RS doesn't have enough room for our feet and legs.
One of the guys we're meeting next week in Yellville Arkansas had planned to bring his new GS for us to try but he's having a problem with it and will probably bring one of his other bikes.

[36654]

Riders who have any kind of left hand problem will welcome an easier pull

That will end Debbie's riding soon unless we find a Sport Touring bike with a DCT or E clutch.
Something like the NT1100 would work.

I was thinking of that when I saw this. 

Something lighter is always better and they make an NC750X with the DCT as well, and for only $9400. I don't see the NT1100 for sale over here but there is an Africa Twin DCT or a Rebel DCT with the 1100 engine.

I'm curious about the Kawasaki Hybrid.  Based on the news releases, it's a paddle shift 6-speed automatic without clutch or gear shift lever, just like many cars and trucks.

[Grumpy Goat]

She didn't think she would be happy with the HP and Torque of the 750.
The NT1100 and African Twin have a lot less power than her last four bikes but the reviewer say they have decent power.

The thing about perceived power based on numbers on paper is that they often lie.

In my experience, it is the power to weight ratio and the gearing that matters ... that is what gives the perception of power and puts the smile on the face. The NC750X is significantly lighter than the RS (for example) and will be geared differently, so she may have to ride it before writing it off as insufficient. It may well still be lacking as it is not marketed as a sports / sporty bike.

After selling my S1000R and going to the Tracer and then the Tiger, I knew I was down on power / torque in both cases compared with the RS, but with their gearing and with significant weight difference the Tracer seemed just as quick as the RS. The Tiger is geared differently from the Tracer and you have to wind it up more so it is quick enough, but it is not as quick as the RS or the Tracer. It has different advantages over both of them, and is still fast enough.

Bottom line is that a lower hp/torque bike that is lighter and geared to use that power could be equally satisfying, with the added bonus of sucking less gas. Definitely better than not riding at all.

[Grumpy Goat]

I'm curious about the Kawasaki Hybrid.  Based on the news releases, it's a paddle shift 6-speed automatic without clutch or gear shift lever, just like many cars and trucks.

So am I. I saw a video about that last evening and could not help wondering at this batch of innovation in the Japanese bikes, all designed to make bikes more approachable, as a bulwark against a shrinking motorcycling market as the enthusiasts die off and the newer generation would rather play with their phones and other drama.

   

[Lee]

In my experience, it is the power to weight ratio and the gearing that matters ... that is what gives the perception of power and puts the smile on the face. The NC750X is significantly lighter than the RS (for example) and will be geared differently, so she may have to ride it before writing it off as insufficient. It may well still be lacking as it is not marketed as a sports / sporty bike.

Next year if we happen to find one she'll probably try it. At least she can see if she likes the DCT.

[36654]

I'm curious about the Kawasaki Hybrid.  Based on the news releases, it's a paddle shift 6-speed automatic without clutch or gear shift lever, just like many cars and trucks.

So am I. I saw a video about that last evening and could not help wondering at this batch of innovation in the Japanese bikes, all designed to make bikes more approachable, as a bulwark against a shrinking motorcycling market as the enthusiasts die off and the newer generation would rather play with their phones and other drama.

[url=https://www.motorcycle.com/bikes/new-model-preview/2024-kawasaki-ninja-7-hybrid-first-look-44595262][/url]

In my opinion, it's not an effort to expand the market but to achieve more performance.  I think many of us are conditioned by the early-generation Toyota Prius to expect a lackadaisical low-speed throttle response from a hybrid vehicle.  As the Ford Enforcer, several Lexus offerings, the BMW mild-hybrid variants, the new Prius and the upcoming I-Force offerings show, a hybrid configuration can be a path to higher performance.  But, it won't be a manual.

[Grumpy Goat]

In my opinion, it's not an effort to expand the market but to achieve more performance.  I think many of us are conditioned by the early-generation Toyota Prius to expect a lackadaisical low-speed throttle response from a hybrid vehicle.  As the Ford Enforcer, several Lexus offerings, the BMW mild-hybrid variants, the new Prius and the upcoming I-Force offerings show, a hybrid configuration can be a path to higher performance.  But, it won't be a manual.

I hear you but I think that going with a hybrid powertrain is more to do with carbon footprint than with performance; that and making the bike more approachable to a younger generation who may not be as interested in motorcycling in the first place, and if interested might be more easily enticed if the bike is more "tecchy" and also easier to ride, all at the same time. By having an e-clutch there is less chance of alienating those who prefer having a clutch, so it is a bike that might appeal to all.

When we see the actual numbers we'd have a better idea of their objective.