Honda gearbox

[gm2]

was discussed off and on a bunch in Sepang 2 test but maybe needs it's own thread finally.

Here's a marginally scientific look at it.. interesting, as usual: http://motomatters.com/analysis/2011/03/19/honda_s_magic_gearbox_worth_a_few_hundre.html

[Triple J]

That's really interesting. Looks like Ducati needs to get to work on their gearbox!

[ducpainter]

That's really interesting. Looks like Ducati needs to get to work on their gearbox!

Along with still trying to tame the slithering beast.

[swampduc]

Conservative estimates at .2 seconds/lap! Very impressive, HRC.

[OT]

"...based on or very similar to the Xtrac Instantaneous Gearshift System, which allows two gears to be engaged simultaneously, while driving only one."

I'm no tranny expert, but one gear being driven while two are engaged sounds a lot like an 'automatic' transmission where hydraulic/mechanical systems do the job of the driver (using a clutch and gearshift lever)...?

[zarn02]

That's an interesting read.

And I'm not sure what the FIM says about it, but I would assume it's still a "manual" so long as the rider has to use the lever to shift, the clutch off the line, and so forth.

[Monsterlover]

^
+1

racing sure does drive innovation.

That's cool

[Cider]

Here's a pretty good guess of what technology Honda is using: http://www.sportrider.com/news/146_1104_honda_secret_motogp_rc212v_transmission_revealed/index.html

[Drunken Monkey]

Nice detective work 

Mind you, the whole point of disallowing double clutch systems was to keep costs down. Ironically, systems like this one are now becoming the system on choice on vehicles that used to use dual clutch systems (and it's just as expensive). And without the ability to handle downshifts under power or upshifts under engine breaking, I see an issue with using this on the street...

I wish Dorna would make up it's mind and either make an "unlimited" (except perhaps for weight, displacement and engine type) class where anything else goes.

Still, kudos to Honda for stretching the rules 

[Speeddog]

Odd that they're patenting racing equipment.

But back in the day when I was at Yamaha R&D, I saw lots of wacky stuff that Honda patented.

This looks a lot like a revision of a Hodaka trans from 40 years ago. 

[Cider]

Mind you, the whole point of disallowing double clutch systems was to keep costs down. Ironically, systems like this one are now becoming the system on choice on vehicles that used to use dual clutch systems (and it's just as expensive).

Maybe that says something about eliminating specific technologies for the reason of cost?  Teams tend to adopt even more expensive alternatives.

[Drunken Monkey]

Yeah, there's a story from the '70s that when the AMA outlawed aluminum swing-arms due to the cost, some team simply went out and built a titanium swingarm 

[OT]

Someone on another list wondered if the Honda design makes it difficult/nearly impossible to push start after a crash...?

[zooom]

Someone on another list wondered if the Honda design makes it difficult/nearly impossible to push start after a crash...?

there was a quote somewhere that said it does require 2 people to push start it after shut-off in that kind of event...

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2011/Apr/110403rydernotes2.htm

.....Only one marshal tried to push start XXXXX, the rest ran back to their post after XXXXX had departed. Now the Honda's clutch, for whatever reason, requires a push start from two people. HRC know this but obviously see compensating advantages. ....

modified for to take names out to not spoil anything....

[Drunken Monkey]

Yeah, the rider in question was whining about mentioning the need for "two pins to push", post-race