Honda launches new auto

Honda's bike stand at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show (27 October) will have plenty to show the punters - in addition to the boxer 6 naked bike we revealed recently (more here) it will have a production-ready DN-01 with a brand new fully auto hydraulic transmission.

It's a stepless shifter, like on a scooter, but relies on hydraulics rather than belts and features a lock-up device for highway cruising.

The DN-01 was first shown in prototype form in 2005, featuring a 680cc V-twin powerplant which we assume was borrowed in part from the Transalp series.

While the bike and "Discovery Cruiser" concept are not new, the fact that it's actually so close to production is.

The company says the new transmission offers stepless shifting in drive and sports mode, plus a pretend six-speed push-button manual option. This is similar in concept to what is currently offered on the Suzuki Burgman maxi scooter, though the mechanicals are quite different.

Honda's tech summary on the unit says it is: a transmission system with a wide range of functions in a single unit, the HFT is a compact and highly efficient infinitely variable transmission system encompassing functions for starting, power transmission and shifting, all on a single shaft. The basic configuration of the system consists of an oil pump for converting engine power into hydraulic pressure, and an oil motor for converting the hydraulic pressure back into power for output. Both are made up of multiple pistons, a distributor valve and a swash plate for piston operation, while the cylinders are integrated into the output shaft, forming the characteristic structure of the HFT.

The HFT also features the world's first lockup mechanism for an infinitely variable hydraulic mechanical transmission. When cruising, this lockup mechanism works to minimize transmission efficiency losses, contributing to improved fuel economy.

See this mini-site for the original DN-01 launch: http://world.honda.com/Tokyo2005/dn01/