Honda develops new automatic transmission system for motorcycles

Honda Motor Co. announced the development of the Human Friendly Transmission, an automatic transmission system for motorcycles that uses Honda’s infinitely variable hydraulic mechanical transmission, according to Honda’s press release.

Honda would not say whether the new transmission will be used on 2009 models coming to the United States.

The new transmission has a selection of two fully automatic shifting modes, D mode for ordinary riding and S mode for sport riding, or the six-speed manual mode, for a manual transmission feel.

The transmission also features the world’s first lockup mechanism for an infinitely variable hydraulic mechanical transmission, according to Honda research. It works to minimize transmission efficiency losses and thus improve fuel economy.

The transmission will be installed on the DN-01 motorcycle that will be introduced at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show.

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