Let's Talk About Dual Clutch Transmissions

The Dual Clutch Transmission, or DCT, is changing how some riders experience motorcycling—and even helping to attract new riders.

On paper, it’s a simple idea—let the computer handle the shifting so the rider can just twist the throttle and go. In practice, it makes a full-size motorcycle behave more like an oversized, high-powered scooter. The result is a riding experience that can feel both familiar and foreign at the same time, depending on what you expect from a bike.

Once in motion, the DCT’s smoothness stands out. Gear changes happen with almost imperceptible precision, and in everyday conditions, the system manages throttle transitions cleanly enough that you forget it’s working in the background.

Still, like any computer-controlled system, it has its quirks as our own Nic de Sena found out when riding the 2025 Honda NT1100 DCT this summer:

Honda's system has a habit of upshifting too quickly—sometimes landing in sixth gear at barely 30 miles per hour. It’s efficient, yes, but it’s not how most riders would naturally shift.

For those who prefer a livelier experience, switching into Sport mode transforms how the system behaves. Shifts come later, engine braking feels more natural, and the transmission holds gears in a way that better matches real-world expectations. It will never replace the engagement of a manual gearbox, but it does a convincing job of emulating the rhythm and intuition of an experienced rider.

As automatic transmissions continue to evolve, DCT sits at an interesting crossroads. It won't appeal to curmudgeonly purists, but some riders will value the consistency, comfort, and the freedom to focus purely on the road, while others require help because of injuries, potentially extending their riding careers.

By Motorcycle.com Staff