Honda E-Clutch - How did I miss this

[KrisZ]

They have one of the very few inline 4s in a world full of twins. Not really sure what else you would want. With $ 145.42 B in revenue I don't think they need to change much.

You’re proving my point without even realizing it. Yes, they have a “world full of twins” parallel twins. Basically commuter special.
They used to have parallel twins, V-twins and V-Fours that were sideways or longitudinal, flat fours, flat sixes, inline fours and singles. Pretty much everything under the sun.

I’m not saying they should keep all of these configurations, but what they have now is a crude joke IMO from a company that was renowned for its engines.

 

[Bonz]

I shared this in another thread in this section. Figured it would be helpful over here if folks didn't see it in the other one. We just don't buy enough motorcycles to produce motorcycles that are not also salable in europe.


"Looking at some quick data, Europeans purchased over 2.47 million motorcycles (based on new registrations in 2023). With Spain, France, Italy, Germany and the UK being responsible for well over 1 million of those. The United States was about 550,000 in new registrations..."

We'll get a few motorcycles like the Hayabusa and some other specialty units from other manufacturers but they don't fit the rank and file of what most of us want with respect to the cost.

 

[KrisZ]

I shared this in another thread in this section. Figured it would be helpful over here if folks didn't see it in the other one. We just don't buy enough motorcycles to produce motorcycles that are not also salable in europe.


"Looking at some quick data, Europeans purchased over 2.47 million motorcycles (based on new registrations in 2023). With Spain, France, Italy, Germany and the UK being responsible for well over 1 million of those. The United States was about 550,000 in new registrations..."

We'll get a few motorcycles like the Hayabusa and some other specialty units from other manufacturers but they don't fit the rank and file of what most of us want with respect to the cost.

The term “motorcycle” includes many, many things, such as mopeds and scooters. So yes, on paper EU and Asia are buying a lot of “motorcycles”, but it’s all cheap, commuter type stuff.

American buyers aren’t interested in these types of motorcycles.

 

[DuckRyder]

They used to have parallel twins, V-twins and V-Fours that were sideways or longitudinal, flat fours, flat sixes, inline fours and singles. Pretty much everything under the sun.

They still pretty much have all of that but v4s and flat 4s.

VFRs and ST1XXX and PCs never really sold in large numbers even back in the day ...

Kawasaki took a chance on a higher spec small displacement ZX4R and RR and it seems to have been a flop. I actually saw one in showroom earlier this week and there was zero interest. Everyone (which was a surprising number since it was cold) was looking at entry level parallel twins.

I do think i saw a rumor Honda was working on a V3.

They import / build what sells and makes them profit ...

 

[Greenbeforeblue]

Honda didn't get where they are today by following the advice of internet forum posters

 

[Rmay635703]

The term “motorcycle” includes many,

American buyers aren’t interested in these types of motorcycles.

Honda started out in the US selling cars no one wanted or asked for.

I honestly liked Honda better when they were more aggressive about selling things no one wanted, holding firm to their design decisions.

If they didn’t I would have never gotten my favorite car r the 2000 Honda Insight.

 

[Bonz]

The term “motorcycle” includes many, many things, such as mopeds and scooters. So yes, on paper EU and Asia are buying a lot of “motorcycles”, but it’s all cheap, commuter type stuff.

American buyers aren’t interested in these types of motorcycles.

Did a little digging, in the six biggest European markets a total of 132,000 moped registrations in 2024. American buyers aren't as interested in the smaller displacement motorcycles but apparently the companies know where the money is so parallel twins are what we get from a major manufacturers.

 

[The_Sheriff]

I don’t particularly care what they do in Europe or Asia. Those are different markets and use motorcycles differently. American market treats motorcycles as weekend toys and a hobby, not an everyday commuter.

Honda simply doesn’t have much going on in their lineup. They used to have V-twin sport bikes, V-4 bikes, some decent tourers other than the Goldwing and some decent entry level bikes too.

Now it all looks the same with little engine choices and it’s a company that’s being touted as an “engine” company. I guess they want to be known as the DCT and clutch for dummies company now. Thanks, but no thanks.

.
Have you ever ridden a Honda with a DCT? It is a thinking man’s transmission, and there is a learning curve to get the best out of it just like there is with a standard transmission. It is absolutely seamless and much better at shifting than any person could ever be. And you can override the transmission at any time with the paddle shifters on the left handlebar. Index finger paddle for upshifts and thumb paddle for downshifts. You can even install a footshifter for overriding the system.

Say you’re leaned over in a turn and the DCT, depending on what mode you’re in, does not downshift but you would prefer that it did, so it would put you where you want to be in the power band. No problem, thumb it down and it instantly downshifts with zero chassis upset. Seamless and as smooth as can be. Not so easy to do on a standard transmission without some chassis upset and a bit of a bobble. We’ve all been there. Not in the gear we should be in for best performance.

My current bike is a standard six speed and I love it. But that DCT is a thing of beauty. So, what I am saying is please do not discount a DCT unless you have ridden one and spent considerable time with it to fully understand and appreciate it. Thank you.
.

 

[KrisZ]

.
Have you ever ridden a Honda with a DCT? It is a thinking man’s transmission, and there is a learning curve to get the best out of it just like there is with a standard transmission. It is absolutely seamless and much better at shifting than any person could ever be. And you can override the transmission at any time with the paddle shifters on the left handlebar. Index finger paddle for upshifts and thumb paddle for downshifts. You can even install a footshifter for overriding the system.

Say you’re leaned over in a turn and the DCT, depending on what mode you’re in, does not downshift but you would prefer that it did, so it would put you where you want to be in the power band. No problem, thumb it down and it instantly downshifts with zero chassis upset. Seamless and as smooth as can be. Not so easy to do on a standard transmission without some chassis upset and a bit of a bobble. We’ve all been there. Not in the gear we should be in for best performance.

My current bike is a standard six speed and I love it. But that DCT is a thing of beauty. So, what I am saying is please do not discount a DCT unless you have ridden one and spent considerable time with it to fully understand and appreciate it. Thank you.
.

I don’t need to ride it to know I don’t want it. It’s just my preference.

My point wasn’t about how good or bad their DCT was, but rather that Honda doesn’t have anything interesting going on except their DCT and now this e-clutch thing. Which is pretty sad considering what they used to offer.