Blog · 23 October 2026

Honda DCT: the dual clutch transmission simply explained

Since 2010, Honda has been building motorcycles with a dual clutch transmission, DCT for short. In Europe, Honda has now sold over 330,000 motorcycles with DCT. This is how the Honda DCT works, this is what the riding modes offer – and this is how it differs from the E-Clutch.

Honda DCT – Africa Twin CRF1100L from Honda with windscreen and 21-inch front wheel

Two clutches, one gearbox

The Honda DCT is an automated manual transmission with two clutches. One clutch is responsible for pulling away and for 1st, 3rd and 5th gear, the other for 2nd, 4th and 6th gear. The two main shafts sit one inside the other, which keeps the transmission compact.

When changing gear, the next gear is already engaged on the free clutch. One clutch opens, the other closes – the drive to the rear wheel is interrupted only minimally. Control is electro-hydraulic: a shift motor turns the shift shaft, and the shift drum and shift forks move the gears as in a manual gearbox. There is no clutch lever and no gear lever.

The riding modes: MT, D and S

MT: You change gear yourself, using buttons on the left end of the handlebar.
AT – D: Automatic for town and motorway, tuned for low consumption.
AT – S: sportier; the engine revs higher before upshifting, and it shifts down earlier when decelerating. On the Africa Twin, S has three levels.

In automatic mode, the system changes gear according to road speed, engine speed and throttle position. You can intervene at any time using the buttons; the DCT then returns to automatic mode by itself.

G switch and corner detection

The Africa Twin and X-ADV have the G switch. It reduces clutch slip when changing gear and gives a more direct feel for traction off-road. The Africa Twin also detects uphill and downhill gradients and adapts the shift points accordingly. Since 2020, an IMU on the Africa Twin has continuously measured the lean angle, and the DCT adapts its shift logic in corners.

Honda models with DCT

As of October 2026: as an option to the manual gearbox on the Africa Twin, Africa Twin Adventure Sports, NT1100 and Rebel 1100; with DCT on the NC750X, X-ADV, Forza 750 and Gold Wing.

Honda Africa Twin CRF1100L
Model year 2026

Displacement
1,084 cc
Power
75 kW
Fuel tank
18.8 l

DCT
Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports
Model year 2026

Displacement
1,084 cc
Power
75 kW
Fuel tank
24.8 l

DCT
Honda NT1100
Model year 2027

Displacement
1,084 cc
Power
75 kW
Fuel tank
20.4 l

New 2027DCT
Honda Rebel CMX1100
Model year 2027

Displacement
1,084 cc
Power
65 kW
Fuel tank
13.6 l

New 2027DCT
Honda NC750X
Model year 2027

Displacement
745 cc
Power
43.1 kW
Fuel tank
14.1 l

New 2027A2DCT
Honda X-ADV 750
Model year 2027

Displacement
745 cc
Power
43.1 kW
Fuel tank
13.2 l

New 2027A2DCT
Honda Forza 750
Model year 2027

Displacement
745 cc
Power
43.1 kW
Fuel tank
13.2 l

New 2027A2DCT
Honda Gold Wing GL1800
Model year 2027

Displacement
1,833 cc
Power
93 kW
Fuel tank
21 l

New 2027DCT

How popular is the DCT?

Figures from Honda Motor Europe: in 2019, 45 per cent of buyers of a Honda Africa Twin in Europe chose the DCT, as did 52 per cent for the Honda NC750X and 67 per cent for the Honda Gold Wing. For the Africa Twin Adventure Sports, the figure was as high as 68 per cent in 2025. The Gold Wing is the only Honda model with a 7-speed DCT and a manoeuvring aid forwards and backwards.

DCT or E-Clutch?

The Honda E-Clutch automates only the clutch operation: you pull away without using the clutch lever and change gear with your foot. The clutch lever remains in place and can be used at any time. The DCT, on the other hand, takes over both clutch operation and gear changes. This is also reflected in the weight: the E-Clutch weighs around 2 kg, whereas the Africa Twin with DCT is 11 kg heavier than with a manual gearbox (242 instead of 231 kg, model year 2024).

An overview of all models without a clutch lever is provided on the Automatic motorcycle page of Honda Motorrad Zürich. The best way to find out how a DCT feels is on a Honda motorcycle test ride.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions about the Honda DCT

What does DCT mean at Honda?

DCT stands for Dual Clutch Transmission: an automated manual transmission with two clutches that changes gear either automatically (D and S) or via buttons (MT).

Since when has the Honda DCT been available?

The first motorcycle with DCT was the Honda VFR1200F, on sale since 2010. By October 2026, Honda had sold over 330,000 motorcycles with DCT in Europe.

Can you change gear yourself with the DCT?

Yes. In MT mode you change gear using buttons on the left end of the handlebar, and you can intervene at any time in automatic mode too.

Is a DCT heavier than a manual gearbox?

Yes, slightly: the Africa Twin weighs 242 kg with DCT and 231 kg with a manual gearbox (model year 2024). The Honda E-Clutch adds only around 2 kg.

Do I need a special licence for a motorcycle with DCT?

There is no separate licence for motorcycles with DCT: in Switzerland, the motorcycle categories are based on output and weight. Whether the practical test can be taken on a motorcycle with DCT should be clarified in advance with the road traffic office. Models for category A restricted (A2) are shown on the page A2 motorcycles from Honda.

Further links