The HFT-equipped DN-01 (exhibited at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show)

I just reported that Honda Motor Co., Ltd. recently launched the DN-01, which was equipped with the new Honda Human-Friendly Transmission (HFT), a new automatic transmission system for motorcycles using Honda’s own infinitely variable hydraulic mechanical transmission. Easy to operate, the HFT provides outstanding relaxed riding comfort, riding feel with direct response and excellent transmission efficiency. The HFT was first installed on the DN-01, which was unveiled at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show in 2007.

HFT, the infinitely variable hydraulic mechanical transmission system

But just how does the HFT work? The HFT is Honda’s own infinitely variable hydraulic mechanical transmission. This innovative new transmission comes in a lightweight and compact configuration, which makes it ideally suited to motorcycles. To meet a wide range of rider needs, HFT offers a selection from two fully automatic shifting modes:
a) D mode for ordinary riding
b) S mode for a sporty riding experience
c) 6-speed manual mode, which gives riders the option of riding with a manual transmission feel

The HFT provides easy operation, from relaxed, laid-back riding right up to nimble and sporty riding with direct throttle response. Being something of a pioneer in the automatic transmission motorcycle arena, Honda launched the Super Cub C100 in 1958, equipped with an automatic centrifugal clutch mechanism, which allowed riding without the need of clutch operation. The 750cc Honda Eara, released in 1977, was the first large-sized motorcycle featured a torque converter in Japan. In 1980, the Honda Tact was released, a machine equipped with the Honda original continuously variable transmission, the V-Matic. The HFT is the latest in this line of innovative automatic transmission offerings for motorcycles.

CHARACTERISTICS OF HFT

HFT configuration – who would have thought stirring up oil would control torque and speed?

HFT powertrain – now it becomes so clear

The HFT is a compact and highly efficient infinitely variable transmission system, with a wide range of functions in a single unit. These encompass functions for starting, power transmission and shifting, all on a single shaft. The basic configuration of the system consists of an oil pump for converting engine power into hydraulic pressure, and an oil motor for converting the hydraulic pressure back into power for output. Both are made up of multiple pistons, a distributor valve and a swash plate for piston operation, while the cylinders are integrated into the output shaft, forming the characteristic structure of the HFT. Honda believes its HFT has the worlds first lockup mechanism for an infinitely variable hydraulic mechanical transmission. The lockup mechanism minimises transmission efficiency losses when cruising, contributing to better fuel economy.

FUTURE TRENDS
Automatic transmission motor scooters have now become commonplace, you could even say the norm these days. Also, since the advent of the Aprilia Scarabeo, lots of scooter/moped hybrids like the Yamaha Ego, and more recently the Honda Click have begun to flood South-East Asian markets (This begs the question – Mo-Oter or Scoo-Ped?). These scooter/moped hybrids are all equipped with CVT (Continuously Variable) transmissions. Are we now seeing the same thing happening with larger capacity motorcycles?

バイカーブードゥー

The HFT-equipped DN-01 (exhibited at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show)

I just reported that Honda Motor Co., Ltd. recently launched the DN-01, which was equipped with the new Honda Human-Friendly Transmission (HFT), a new automatic transmission system for motorcycles using Honda’s own infinitely variable hydraulic mechanical transmission. Easy to operate, the HFT provides outstanding relaxed riding comfort, riding feel with direct response and excellent transmission efficiency. The HFT was first installed on the DN-01, which was unveiled at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show in 2007.

HFT, the infinitely variable hydraulic mechanical transmission system

But just how does the HFT work? The HFT is Honda’s own infinitely variable hydraulic mechanical transmission. This innovative new transmission comes in a lightweight and compact configuration, which makes it ideally suited to motorcycles. To meet a wide range of rider needs, HFT offers a selection from two fully automatic shifting modes:
a) D mode for ordinary riding
b) S mode for a sporty riding experience
c) 6-speed manual mode, which gives riders the option of riding with a manual transmission feel

The HFT provides easy operation, from relaxed, laid-back riding right up to nimble and sporty riding with direct throttle response. Being something of a pioneer in the automatic transmission motorcycle arena, Honda launched the Super Cub C100 in 1958, equipped with an automatic centrifugal clutch mechanism, which allowed riding without the need of clutch operation. The 750cc Honda Eara, released in 1977, was the first large-sized motorcycle featured a torque converter in Japan. In 1980, the Honda Tact was released, a machine equipped with the Honda original continuously variable transmission, the V-Matic. The HFT is the latest in this line of innovative automatic transmission offerings for motorcycles.

CHARACTERISTICS OF HFT

HFT configuration – who would have thought stirring up oil would control torque and speed?

HFT powertrain – now it becomes so clear

The HFT is a compact and highly efficient infinitely variable transmission system, with a wide range of functions in a single unit. These encompass functions for starting, power transmission and shifting, all on a single shaft. The basic configuration of the system consists of an oil pump for converting engine power into hydraulic pressure, and an oil motor for converting the hydraulic pressure back into power for output. Both are made up of multiple pistons, a distributor valve and a swash plate for piston operation, while the cylinders are integrated into the output shaft, forming the characteristic structure of the HFT. Honda believes its HFT has the worlds first lockup mechanism for an infinitely variable hydraulic mechanical transmission. The lockup mechanism minimises transmission efficiency losses when cruising, contributing to better fuel economy.

FUTURE TRENDS
Automatic transmission motor scooters have now become commonplace, you could even say the norm these days. Also, since the advent of the Aprilia Scarabeo, lots of scooter/moped hybrids like the Yamaha Ego, and more recently the Honda Click have begun to flood South-East Asian markets (This begs the question – Mo-Oter or Scoo-Ped?). These scooter/moped hybrids are all equipped with CVT (Continuously Variable) transmissions. Are we now seeing the same thing happening with larger capacity motorcycles?

バイカーブードゥー