Darkside and the 18 DCT Wing

[Bigmak96]

Have there been any issues using a rear CT on the Automatic 18 Wing? I could see possible computer issues and hope someone has tried it to see how it works. I'm thinking about the DCT but if it ties me to an MC tire, I'm out.

 

[SMSW]

Why would there be computer issues? Putting a car tire on the bike would be the same as putting a different sized bike tire on the bike, it might read a few mph high or low, changing the shift points relative to ground speed. This might cause handling issues, but would the computer know what is going on? Might a speedo healer solve this problem or does the sh change the pulse information after the computer counts them?

 

[dduelin]

Have there been any issues using a rear CT on the Automatic 18 Wing? I could see possible computer issues and hope someone has tried it to see how it works. I'm thinking about the DCT but if it ties me to an MC tire, I'm out.

The homework to do is to find out if the CT has the same OD or circumference of the OEM 2018 tires. DCT will tolerate some variance in wheel size to account for wear and/or mfg variances between the Dunlop and Bridgestone before it throws a code and shuts itself down. Experience on the DCT 700s and the Africa Twin show that changes in tires and sprocket sizes that are within the "whatever tolerance that the DCT computer allows" work just fine.

 

[Nashcat]

There's a rider on the GLriders forum running a Drivegard 205/55/16 on a DCT, and he says it runs fine, with no clearance problems except to remove the exhaust tip cover to get it mounted.

John

 

[dduelin]

Why would there be computer issues?

The DCT control unit runs by committee using a set of sensors that report the transmission mainshaft speeds, wheel speeds, throttle setting, etc.. If the sensor information coming in does not fit into the programmed algorithms the control unit it throws a trouble code and it can then shut the DCT down so it either will not shift out of neutral or in some cases it keeps it from shifting beyond first gear (limp mode). On chain driven DCTs changing the sprockets can do the same thing. As a precaution the owner's and service manuals have warnings not to change tire and sprocket sizes from stock but small changes do not seem to trigger a code(s).

 

[SMSW]

The DCT control unit runs by committee

So, it sounds like bikes coming down the pike w/ more electronic controls and auto shifting will make modifying the bike more difficult - to say the least.

 

[dduelin]

DCT has been available since 2009 so 'coming down the pike' is not really accurate. The 2018 Goldwing DCT is the 9th model with the option IIRC. DCT is achieving wider acceptance though so more people are becoming aware of limits to modifications. That is accurate.

 

[Bigmak96]

I don't see it that way from this threads perspective. I asked about going Dark with the DCT and have gotten enough feedback to have some confidence in there not being a real issue with the plan, I will merely be choosing tires that have a specific
range of diameters. The database for that should grow quickly.