Question 1

What is the most efficient type of motorcycle transmission?

Accepted Answer

Automatic motorcycle gearboxes are the most efficient because they are designed to deliver the best possible performance with the lowest sacrifice in consumption.

Question 2

Is it OK to shift a motorcycle without the clutch?

Accepted Answer

Changing gears without using the clutch is a legitimate method for riding a motorcycle when using the correct technique. And when done correctly should result in faster and smoother gear shifts.

Question 3

What is the smoothest motorcycle transmission?

Accepted Answer

Motorcycles that feature a dual-clutch transmission are able to deliver the smoothest and fastest gear changes. Simply because they use two clutches, to engage two gears at the same time. So while one gear is engaged, the next gear is preselected and rotated at the correct speed for the following gear change, all at the same time.

Question 4

What is the difference between a gearbox and a transmission?

Accepted Answer

The difference between a gearbox and a transmission system is that a gearbox refers to a contained area made up of two shafts, gears and a shift fork. While the transmission system consists of the gearbox and the addition of all the associated components between the engine and rear wheel.

Question 5

What gears use the most fuel on a motorcycle?

Accepted Answer

Lower gears are designed to use higher engine RPMs to provide high acceleration, resulting in larger amounts of fuel being combusted. However, driving slowly in higher gears can result in the same outcome.

Question 6

Who invented the motorcycle transmission and when?

Accepted Answer

The first internal combustion manual motorcycle transmission was the Hildebrand & Wolfmüller produced by Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach in 1885. However, the first automatic motorcycle to hit the streets was the CM400A Hondamatic produced by Honda Motor Company in 1979.

Question 7

What does the final drive mean in a motorcycle transmission?

Accepted Answer

The final drive of a motorcycle's transmission refers to the last set of gears in the drive train. Usually consisting of the drive sprockets, rear wheel assembly, and chain to join the two together.

Question 8

What are the differences between synchromesh and sequential gearbox?

Accepted Answer

Synchromesh is used to describe the processes of how two gears mesh (using a synchronizing unit) with one another, while sequential refers to the order in which gear shifts can be made, in the gearbox.

Question 9

When should you shift gears on a motorcycle?

Accepted Answer

The perfect time to change gears on most motorcycles sits between 4000 and 7000 RPMs. That being said, this range may be different for particular makes and models.

Question 10

What is the advantage of a dog gearbox?

Accepted Answer

Dog boxes are designed to use straight-cut spur gears, for strength, with no synchronizer for performance. The result is faster, but more harsh gear changes.

Question 11

Are a DCT and a semi-automatic the same thing?

Accepted Answer

The difference between a DCT and a semi-automatic is the fact that a DCT uses electronics to automate gear changes, while a semi-automatic completely relies on centrifugal force and human operations.

Question 12

Can you legally ride a motorcycle with a Dual Clutch Transmission on an automatic licence?

Accepted Answer

To ride a motorcycle with a dual-clutch transmission the rider must have obtained a full manual motorcycle licence.

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