With manufacturers planning the next big step in bike manufacturing automatic transmissions for bikes could be the essential change that new generation bikes might be instilled with.
Although there have been Honda’s, BMW’s and Yamaha’s automatic transmissions , KTM has taken a completely different route than that of the others. The KTM’s automatic transmission uses a mechanical centrifugal clutch rather than a computer controlled electronic clutch actuator unit. The Transmission has a separate set up that takes care of the shift necessary while the bike pulls off and stops. Beyond that the transmission also has an system that cuts drive when the vehicle is changing gear.
How The System Works
The transmission has a electromechanical driver, hence the rider would have the functions of both a automatic operation as well as a manual override mode. The system works quite like the clutch that we get in scooters. Once the throttle opens up the clutch engages ensuring drive. Beyond that the electronics takeover during the gear shifts.
KTM uses the ride by wire system to disengage the drive during gear shifting. Hence the whole system cuts up fueling when changing up and auto blips when the bike downshifts. Further the user can also choose a manual override where in you can choose your gears with your foot lever or a switch that would be installed on the left hand bar. Being a automatic gearbox the vehicle also has modes such as a p parking position which locks the gearbox of the bike just line an Automatic car. The 1390 Super fast could be the first bike on which such a feature can be witnessed.
KTM’s New RC 390 For India
Further KTM has also been developing a new iteration of the fully faired RC 390. The new generation bike was recently spotted while being tested under heavy Camouflage. Its possible that the new bike might be powered by the LC4c engine from the new iteration of the 390 duke. As per the appearance of the bike it seems that its new design would be inspired from the larger 8c.
As per the spy shots the bike would have a single piece fairing along with a single projector headlight in the front center. The rear section of the bike would have a sleeker design with an integrated tail light and indicators.
Since the older version had a aggressive riding angle the new position of the rider has been changed and is now much more relaxed. While the footpegs are still aggressively rear mounted the height of the handlebars has been seemingly raised.
Performance Specs
The new rendition of the bike would use the same LC4c engine from the already updated 390 duke. As of now the engine produces 46 bhp pf peak power along with a peak torque of 39NM. The updated engine which would be used in the new RC bike would have 2 extra horsepower’s than the last one.
The motor of the vehicle has been mated to a 6 speed gearbox along with a quick shifter as well as a slip assist clutch. The underbelly exhaust that was seen on the first generation would be repeated on the new bike for much more cleaner look, or probably a more minimal back pressure exhaust system. The bike would most probably have the same trellis chassis as seen previously on other bikes as well.
