11Kmiles over 1 year on CRF1000L, Manual then DCT. My experiences.

Not debating what is the bikes fault.
Just sharing information in the hopes it might help someone else.

I am delighted with this bike.

No offense, Mr. Fisherman, but you did start that post by saying you've been having problems with the DCT bike. I think it would be more accurate to say that some of the things you've done to the bike have led to problems. Anyways, not trying to bust your chops (well, maybe just a little) -- but in any case, am glad you like the bike.

Any way you look at it... when you are hundreds of miles from home and deep into the wilderness when these issues arise, they are problems.
I am sharing them here in the hopes that others can overcome them with as little drama as possible, like I did.

By the way, since experiencing the won't shift into gear issue, I have been trying hard to remember to put it in neutral before turning it off.

It stands to reason that since this is essentially the same gear train and shift mechanism -only difference being it's moved with servos- that some of the same quirks would be present. It's not like I've never had to rock a manual bike fore an aft to get it into gear.

Sent from my SC-02H using Tapatalk

I am not terribly worried about it.
Knowing what to do about it will get you back on the road or trail.
If it turns into a bigger issue I am sure Honda will stand behind it.

That said, it would be interesting to track how many miles were on the gear box oil when these problems occur.
Similar to the mileage on the oil on the manual when I started getting false neutrals is my experience. Near when I would normally change the oil.

Interesting that the DCT allows less fatigue. That is good risk prevention when out ADV touring in the middle of Oregon and you have been riding around for hours and hours. More fatigue invites a greater opportunity for operating error and accidents.

After doing a lot of research (back in 2016), I came to the conclusion that the DCT is the better RTW bike than the Manual. The gains you get from accident prevention out weigh the potential headache of an engine clutch breakdown.

This thread helps illustrates how the DCT was the game changer. Switchable rear ABS is cool too.

People got to stop posting favorable reports......the AT clubs getting too big now, even EX-BMW and KTM owners are joining now. UGHHHH

Problem 2 is not the bikes fault either

Feel free to elaborate.
I saw nothing in the manual about it and did nothing abnormal to cause it to happen.
And once again, not faulting the bike. This was an attempt to share good information, not rocks.

Thanks for the report Mr. Fisherman and the interesting viewpoint. I thought it was full of good info. I believe most of us knew what you were trying to convey and didn't need total exacting verbage to figure it out.
The linear comparison helped me since I've never ridden a DCT.
Thanks again.

---WITGDHIGOH---

Thanks for taking time to do this.
Really want one in DCT. Sounds like after the learning curve...it's all good!

I appreciate the positive comments.
I wrestled with writing this review/comparison and as some others have voiced, it has not been the easiest one to write.

Big Dog, you WOULD like the DCT. I am sure of it.

As mentioned it really does take more than a test ride to "get it".
My dealer is awesome and had a tri-color Manual on the floor that I could have certainly swapped for. I'm still glad I didn't.

I concur with this manual to DCT review. Its hard not to tear up tires with an autoshifting S3 mode just begging for a twist.

Would love to get a ride on a DCT If anyone GA TN NC area wants a free lunch and a sixer of choice.
Have a buddy with a manual I can try.
Just putting it out there!

That's odd to hear because the DCT has very strong engine braking. And more importantly, unlike the manual the DCT's brakes can be applied as much as the rider wishes without having to ride the clutch to avoid stalling.

Seems like some riders are afraid to use the brakes on dirt descents for fear of locking up their wheels, but with some training you can stop midway down a steep dirt hill with no issues and no locking up by making liberal use of the front brake. With most the bike's weight on the front tire it won't be sliding anywhere.

Nice review. One feature a lot of DCT owners seem to overlook is manual mode. I use it all the time. Lets me seamlessly choose the shift points exactly when I want them.

The front brake is amazing and I swear I will have trouble someday as I grab a fist full on a different bike.
It is very confidence inspiring.

Great write up, interesting to hear from someone who's owned both versions.

The tire wear, I think I'm in the same boat.

With my GSA it was roll on the throttle, roll off it, roll through the corner.

The DCT, it doesn't do that, naturally. If you're on a twisty road, then it will stay with a gear, but everyday riding, you have to make it do it. I think this is why I'm eating tires faster. Plus, when you get it up on the pipe, the intake howl is so...satisfying.

I too am retraining my software to adjust. Mostly now by clicking a shift where I feel like. Based on what you've written, in gonna start giving the r/m button some loving, too.

S3, T1, add G...yeah, that's pretty fun.

T2 in the rain is decent.

Using manual mode will make it just like your GS. MM is just as much a part of DCT as the automodes, like switching an M16 from fully automatic to semiautomatic for that fine control. :)