The DCT Clutch Initialization Process is something you may find that you need to do periodically, as the clutch plates wear. You may get an indication light on your dash where you normally see the bike mode indicator lights. Dashes or asterisks can appear there, which may be prompting you to perform this.
Also, if the motorcycle is shifting oddly, that might be a cue. Try this and see if it solves your shifting issues. If you’ve changed oil types and have noticed a difference in the way the transmission shifts, that might be a good reason to give this a shot as well.
Before starting this process the first thing you have to do is make sure the engine oil is at normal operating range. This is easily done by taking the bike for a 5-10 minute ride. This will not work if the engine oil isn’t up to normal operating range. Once you’ve done that, place the bike on the center stand.
To begin hold the D button while simultaneously turning on the ignition switch. The engine light will come up on the dash. Once the engine light goes off, you can release the D switch.
Begin by pushing D, D, N, D, N which will take the bike into the process. In the mode indicator area the TOUR will disappear and it will show dashes and begin flashing. This means the process is ready to start. If the engine oil wasn’t warmed up you would see either a small L or a big L (low oil temperature).
You can now push the start switch, and it’s going to immediately begin going through the initialization process. You will hear the transmission going through the operation and changing gears. This may take anywhere from 1-5 minutes depending on your bike. The dash will continue to flash in the mode indicator area.
If you are doing this on the center stand, you may notice during the process that the rear wheel is spinning. This can be stopped by either applying the parking brake or using a wheel chock of some kind.
When the process is finished and successful the dashes will go away it will automatically go back in to the TOUR mode, indicating that the process is complete.
I cannot believe what a difference this made in how my 2018 DCT Tour performs!! The transmission downshifting was always uncomfortable because it was 'jerky'. Since performing this clutch initialization the downshifts are smooth as butter!!
Idont know if this might have been an oversight at my dealer during the initial set-up, but this is such a phenomenal improvement!
Rick, can this procedure be run at anytime and again let's say in 10,000 miles if problem came back. I presently have 1200 miles and seems like it now downshifts very hard and likes to shift quickly from 2 to 4 th gear. ( 2018 G/W DCT).
DCT Clutch Initialization Process for the 2018 Honda Gold Wing
Out for a ride to warm up engine oil, view video on phone, compete clutch initialization, ride home. Simple. Thanks Fred.
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