So I’m in the planning and research phase for a build that I hope to commission early next year. I’m leaning heavily toward an Africa Twin as I’m a big fan of Honda reliability and it seems like great bang for the buck. I’m planning to do quite a lot of off-pavement riding so the finished product will need to be robust.
I’ve seen a handful of AT builds here and it seems they’re all built around the DCT version. I have zero experience with DCT and in fact only really learned about them recently. I’m aware of the benefits and drawbacks with regards to a solo bike, but with sidecars I’m wondering if people are choosing them purely because of the convenience of not needing the work the clutch all the time, or if there are some benefits conferred which are specific to three wheels. On paper, it seems like they’d be great for crawling slowly along very rough terrain without worrying about lugging or stalling, since the third wheel adds low-speed stability that you just can’t have on two. I’ve also read that the added weight of a fully-loaded tub can put undue wear on the DCT system, which may be a potential downside.
Would love to hear details from any seasoned DCT adventurers.
. It won't be my thing but I'm fairly certain there's going to be a lot of good information provided!
Illegitemi non carborundum est!
If I remember correctly, Dane @ben-franklin has a DCT on his 2021 Africa Twin Adventure Sports sidecar rig, and they don't come any HEAVIER than his rig, so hopefully Dane will poke his nose in here, and give you some insight.
I am now on my 5th Honda with a DCT transmission, and I am a true believer in the DCT transmission. My current street sidecar rig, the BattleWing Galactica is a 2019 Goldwing w/DCT, and a Hannigan Dream Sidecar. And I drive the BattleWing Galactica like it's a Subaru WRX STi that just bitch-slapped a Porsche 911 Carrera, and is now running for its life.
My 2018 Africa Twin w/DCT is currently being built by the greatest Sidecar frame and Leading Link fabricator West of the Atlantic Ocean.
My choice of the Africa Twin....with a DCT transmission was very deliberate, as I knew the bike has all the power needed, and the DCT allows me to drive thus sidecar rig easier, with more control.
Personally, I have zero doubts or concerns about the DCT transmission on any Honda, and my first one was on the very powerful 2017 VFR1200X-DCT.
With that monster V-4 engine, the DCT held up any everything I could throw at it.
For what you plan on doing, Cory, I think the Africa Twin is the correct bike, and you won't be disappointed with DCT. In fact, you should be very impressed by it.
Takes 31.4159 miles to get used to the DCT, vs a standard manual transmission, but at 31.4160 miles you will love it.
Keep in mind my offer to you.
More importantly...be aware that no one in the USA can build the bike subframe, the sidecar frame and chassis, or a Leading Link....to the high end perfection that Chuck @54vintage can build. NO ONE...
If you want the best....you have it built by The Best.
Two Million Mile Rider
Exploring the World in Comfort
@ckaseman Hey Corey,
I have about 45,000 miles on my 2021 AT Adv Sport DCT rig. It is my 2nd DCT bike, and I really like it for the hack. I geared it down a little with a 16/45 sprocket combo (factory is 16/42) and find it to be great for rock crawling with the lower ratio. Still can cruise at 105 mph if you can afford the gas.
I run it in the Sport III mode, most aggressive shift points, find that to work out well with the extra weight/wind resistance of the hack.
DCT has been stone cold reliable in the AZ outback as well as some longer paved rides, most notably up to Eugene to have Chuck build my LL.
There is a German Dude out there, in this post, that has over 582,000 km on his 2016 AT DCT. He posted his maintenance logs; I think the only DCT problem he had was when he dropped the bike and damaged a shift motor. Replaced it and rode on. LINK
I rode a DCT when I was first thinking of getting an AT, on a rental. I sort of liked it, but didn't plan to buy a DCT. When I finally went shopping, there were no manual trans available, and the dealers were willing to deal. I bought a 2017, and by the time I got used to it, I decided there was no going back. I built the 2021 from new as a hack rig, and wouldn't change it, now, for sure.
That’s exactly the sort of insight and experience I was hoping to find. Thanks!
