Honda cycle auto trans - idea for smart?

[rfernatt]

Interesting transmission fitted to a motorcycle. Surely something like this could be adapted to the smart without too many packaging issues? Of course, it may need to be beefed up a bit to handle the 'power' on the smart. It's an idea anyway...

Honda DN-01 is a stylish sport bike - Washington Times

"The quiet motor produces 45.6 horsepower along with 35.8 lb.-ft. of torque. Motive force is delivered to the rear wheel via a shaft final drive, with ratios controlled by the innovative continuously variable hydro-mechanical two-mode automatic with six-speed manual mode.

The highly advanced hydro-mechanical automatic transmission is what really sets the DN-01 apart from other motorcycles. It is not to be confused with conventional belt converter systems found on scooters or with semi-automatic transmissions that manually shift between conventional gears without utilizing a manual clutch.

This transmission changes drive ratios automatically and seamlessly, delivering strong, smooth linear acceleration. There is no clutch lever associated with the left grip. Instead, there is a thumb toggle switch for manually shifting up and down when in the manual mode. The right grip carries controls for mode selection on the leading edge, and a Neutral/Drive toggle switch on the trailing side. Transferring back and forth between automatic and manual modes may be done on the fly. There is a Sport automatic mode that holds gears longer for more aggressive riding styles."

[HGB]

I still have a love and hate relationship with the smart transmission.
When I'm all alone with almost no traffic around I just leave the smart in D. As the car gets going at a leisurely pace it's just like shifting with a normal clutch. There is just no clutch. One hears and feels the progressive engagement to the next gear and all is well...except when there is traffic, then things change.
Case in point...this morning I came to a right turn on red light situation. Usually I come to a full stop, look around and then proceed.
This time an armada of vehicles was about to proceed on green. I came to a rolling stop and decided to outmaneuver the approaching cars and that is when the smart hiccupped before briskly accelerating. This is a hesistation I can do without. Instead of being admired for driving such a cute little car, I feel that these approaching drivers think of me as a total idiot. This lag should be corrected by smart.

[Godfather]

Hmmm....... in Ohio it's "right turn on red after stop"............ driver error comes to mind.

[John_H]

Originally Posted by HGB

I came to a rolling stop and decided to outmaneuver the approaching cars and that is when the smart hiccupped before briskly accelerating.

"Doc - it hurts when I do this."

"Don't do that."

A rolling stop? Why break the law to save a few seconds and set your car up for this?

Anyway, if you stomped on the gas pedal, your car would be in a decent gear quickly.

Pardon me if I come across as annoying in my pointing out your violation, but this is a pet peeve of mine: people going through stops with forward momentum. Even vehicles without the "handicap" of a Smart transmission to often end up with my front bumper wanting to be where their vehicle is.

Are "rolling stops" (an oxymoron) legal in any state?

[NeWave]

That's what manual is for. No, I haven't ran a right turn on red, just merging into traffic situations that sounds similar...

Now, Back on topic folks...
I like the smart's transmission as it is, although that would be a pretty good option should it be done..

[jetfuel]

...ours used to shift to 1st gear when coming to the corner of my street(no sign) when it was barely moving...after the 2.0 upgrade it will take off in second gear which was the gear at the time of coming to the corner, without going to full stop it will not go to first gear...and yes it will have the hiccup...

jetfuel