Upcoming clutchless bikes from Honda?
After the introduction of ride by wire throttle, we might see performance motorcycles and even commuter bikes getting a ride by wire clutch. In this article, we are going to see how Honda is going to patent technology that might bring some clutchless bikes.
What is ride by wire?
Ride by wire technology makes use of servomotor which eliminates the mechanical connection between two components. For example, the ride by wire throttle eliminates the throttle cable which might have slight discrepancies because of the cable flex. Instead, it uses an electronic convert that replicates the exact action as the throttle input. It is also used for pre mapping certain throttle positions for launch control, wheelie control and other rider aids.
Patent
Honda has been working on a clutch by wire system patent. This system connects a hydraulically operated clutch to an electronic lever trigger. More about the working of the system ahead.
Ride by Wire Advantage
Having an electronically operated clutch will make the clutch action smoother. It will make shifting gears smoother and also work the clutch in tune with the quick shifter and other electronic aids. Having or electronic clutch will also enable to have automatic gear shifts if needed. This will operate in sync with the ECU which will improve the engine wear and tear by cutting fuel supplies at the time of shifts and also improving the air-fuel mix depending upon the load.
How does it work?
A ride by wire clutch uses an electric trigger at the lever this connects to a server motor that triggers the hydraulic clutch action. An electronic clutch operates the other way round than a conventional clutch it has a piston that pushes the clutch plate to engage so at rest position the clutch is disengaged. This is done to have a feel safe in which the clutch is disengaged rather than always engaged. The clutch will engage depending upon a load of other parameters like the Indian speed vehicle speed and throttle position.
At the side of the lever to create a feeling of an actual conventional clutch there will be a reactive force generation device. Honda has been the pioneer when it comes to offering DCT transmission on two-wheelers. Also if we take a look at the industry slipper clutches and quick shifters have become standard on a lot of performance motorcycles. Because of the clutch by wire stalling the vehicle or using the clutch the wrong way will be avoided. As of now, we do not think this technology will make its way to smaller motorcycles. We might see it on the racetrack first and then it slowly trickle down to race-spec production models and then to street bikes.
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