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   Web Path: https://www.dansher.com/bikepix/CTX700/DCT_fyi.txt

   See Also: 
      https://www.dansher.com/bikepix/CTX700/_CTX700_DCT_T&T.txt
      https://www.ctx700forum.com/threads/riding-in-the-black-hills-and-a-discussion-about-dct.82720/ 

My 2014 CTX700D [DCT] has 42,000+ perfect miles on it. No problems whatever.

The Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) works, and it works well. Never fails to amaze
me how well! It is a bit noisy in operation so don't be alarmed by some clunking
on your test drive.  With a helmet and earplugs in, it is barely noticeable.

On the right handle grip is a big Grey Rocker Button marked SDN, which
toggles among the three primary shift modes: Sport  Drive and Neutral.
S & D are both fully automatic shift, both Up & Down . Toggling between
D & S is a single push to the left of the SDN anytime on the fly. 

The DCT always wakes up in Neutral when you turn on the ignition and start up.
Put the sidestand up. You will then have to toggle the SDN to get the bike into
1st Gear. Be sure to always (always !) re-engage N before turning off the ignition.

The left handgrip area includes the Up&Down shift paddles, the Hi/Lo Beam,
Turn Signals, Horn, and 4-way flasher controls, and the big Parking Brake lever.
The PB is weak, mechanical, and works on the rear disc. It is essential to keep
the PB in good adjustment (proper cable tension) so that (1) The bike will
not roll off the side stand on a hill, and (2) The PB will not drag underway.
The DCT cannot be left "in gear" to hold it on a hill like a regular bike.

Both S & D shift modes are very responsive to throttle opening. The more throttle,
the longer it stays in a given gear. You will see either a tiny D or S in the gear
counter display. ALERT: Never blip the throttle at a stoplight to avoid being
launched into opposing traffic.

Drive mode is a short-shift lugger that wants to stuff the gearbox into
6th gear at only 39 mph. If you grab an assertive handful of throttle
at take-off (say 1/4), then 6th only happens at about 45 mph.
Because I hate chuggalugging along, I'm usually in S mode around town.

Sport mode essentially adds 1,000 rpms to the shift points of Drive, and
has a handy auto-downshift feature on Wide Open Throttle - very handy for
passing. S is generous with rpms and will not shift into 6th gear until 60
mph, even at small throttle openings. At WOT, S does not hit 6th until 90 mph!

Near the front brake lever is a tiny (only 3/8" long) black lever
marked AT/MT (for Automatic Transmission/Manual Transmission).
This toggles into full [mostly] Manual shift mode in which you must flick
the gray Upshift/Downshift paddles on the left hand grip to change gears.

Otherwise the MT half of AT/MT holds the gear you're in. NOTE: No mode
indicator at all is shown in the gear counter display when you are in MT mode.
I use it in hilly country to eliminate incessant gear hunting in both D and S.
MT will automatically downshift to 1st when you come to a stop. Very handy! 
Toggling between MT & AT modes is just a single pull anytime on the fly.

You can use the Up/Down paddles with D & S modes too, but only within their
respective preset rpm boundaries for every gear. The allowable Manual rpm
boundaries (before the DCT brain overrides you) for the six gears are 
moderated somewhat depending on if you're in D or S mode when you engage MT.
MT can be engaged on the fly which is very useful in curvy and/or hilly roads.

Both D and S modes are obsessed with getting into 2nd gear asap. That's not
usually a problem, but...
MT mode is VERY handy to hold the the gearbox in 1st gear for parking lot or
other low-speed maneuvers.  

The take-off DCT clutch-engagement is gradual, smooth and gentle (never grabby).
The low-rpm fuel mapping gives the engine a flawless, no-misfire, no-buck,
flow of power - even when cold. In other words, all the essentials for perfect
manners in stop & go traffic.

Well done, Honda.

EOF