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
