Harnessing the power of Honda’s street tech

Tech Corner / March 26, 2025

Honda’s streetbike technology enhances performance, safety, and customization like never before. This article explores the innovations that make every ride smoother, smarter, and more exhilarating.

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The power within

In the symphony of roaring engines and gleaming chassis, Honda's streetbike lineup emerges as a maestro, orchestrating a blend of power, precision, and passion. The magic lies not just in its designs but within the layers of advanced technology infused into the veins of today’s Winged Warriors. From urban soldiers to speed fanatics, Honda streetbikes have come a long way since the analog days of the 1960s. The latest models are now equipped with futuristic ride modes and tech-driven features galore. And while the thrill of riding stays the same, these modern technologies redefine it to enhance performance and safety.

Table of contents

ABS and traction control

The early foundations of Big Red’s technological march were laid with features like the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and traction control. Far from mere add-ons and first seen in the early 1990s on the ST1100 line of sport touring bikes, these systems quickly became safety guardians on unpredictable terrains and unforeseen conditions. ABS ensures brakes don't lock during abrupt stopping, giving the rider confidence to halt with haste in even the most challenging situations. On the other hand, when accelerating aggressively, traction control ensures optimum grip on all roads and in all conditions by limiting wheel spin. More than just safety, these features were designed to become extensions of the rider's intuition.

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Performance you can feel

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to tailor your motorcycle's performance to match your riding style in real time? Honda’s advanced ride modes make this possible. Riders can now customize their bike's performance to suit the road's conditions and their preferences on the fly. Whether you prefer a smooth, relaxed ride or crave an all-out adrenaline rush, several of the current cruiser, touring, sport, adventure, and supersport Honda models allow you to achieve your desired riding experience by using various ride modes.

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Types of ride modes

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Standard mode

Standard Mode is designed to navigate busy city streets, optimize fuel efficiency, and enhance low-speed maneuverability. With a slightly less responsive throttle at lower rpms and smoother overall power delivery, your ride becomes more comfortable and controlled, allowing you to tackle stop-and-go traffic and unpredictable urban obstacles effortlessly.

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Sport mode

For those looking for a more thrilling riding experience, Sport Mode unleashes the full potential of your Honda motorcycle. With heightened throttle response, increased power, and sharper handling, you'll feel the adrenaline rush as you feed that need for speed.

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Rain mode

Mother Nature can be unpredictable, especially regarding weather conditions. Rain Mode maximizes safety and stability on wet or slippery roads. It tunes the throttle response, ignition timing, and traction control to deliver the smoothest possible power delivery for maximum grip, keeping you firmly in control even when the rain tries to dampen your spirits.

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User mode

Customization is the key to personalization, and User Mode is precisely that. It allows you to create a bespoke riding experience and specifically tailor various parameters – throttle response, traction control, and power delivery – to match your preferences and riding style. This level of control ensures that your Honda motorcycle becomes the ultimate extension of yourself.

Tech that elevates performance

Honda's commitment to innovation goes beyond ride modes and is all about using technology to elevate performance and enhance your involvement. Designed to provide riders with an exceptional experience on every journey, here are a few of our latest advancements.

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Automatic Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT)

Honda’s industry-leading automatic Dual-Clutch Transmission can be found on several streetbike models, including the Gold Wing, Rebel 1100T, and Africa Twin. And while the automatic may look like a manual transmission on the inside, with rugged steel gears, it has the added benefit of a brain. In automatic mode, it shifts up and down by itself, doing so smoothly to ensure seamless, uninterrupted power delivery. Say goodbye to the fear of stalling. And for those looking for added control, there are paddle shifters and selectable ride modes.

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Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)

Direct trickle-down technology from MotoGP World Championship racing efforts, this intelligent system monitors and manages rear-wheel traction, preventing wheel spin and enhancing stability. Working particularly well in slippery situations or during aggressive acceleration, HSTC ensures you have complete control over your Honda motorcycle, even in adverse conditions or when pushing its limits.

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Throttle-by-wire

Another innovation with a racing pedigree is Honda’s precision-engineered throttle-by-wire system, which replaces the traditional throttle cable. This technology offers precise control over throttle response and, on some models, enables seamless integration with different ride modes, allowing you to effortlessly achieve the perfect balance of power and control.

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Honda E-Clutch

This isn't just engineering; it's a ballet of mechanics and rider intuition. The Honda E-clutch ushers in a new era where the thrill of manual gear shifts melds with the ease of automation. Gone are the days of stalling and constantly modulating the clutch lever. Instead, riders can start, stop, and shift gears without ever reaching for the clutch—though the lever remains for those who want to use it. Additionally, it acts as a quick-shifter, allowing for full-throttle upshifts, which performance purists will love. In all, the Honda E-Clutch represents a respectful nod to the purists while extending an inviting hand to the novices.

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LED Lighting

Honda recognizes the importance of visibility and safety on the road. That's why its street motorcycles come equipped with LED lighting systems throughout. The LED headlights, taillights, and turn signals enhance visibility and consume less power, extending battery life and reducing maintenance requirements.

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Honda RoadSync

Honda RoadSync lets you link your Android™ device to your bike using Bluetooth® technology via the RoadSync app, which is available for download. It enables hands-free operation and displays the information you need right on your bike’s instrument screen. It is slated to be available for Apple iOS devices in the coming six months to a year.

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Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™

For those who love to wander but not get lost, Honda’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto bring your favorite smartphone features to your ride. Access navigation, music, and messages seamlessly, enhancing your journey with connectivity and convenience. Whether on long adventures or quick trips, stay connected and entertained effortlessly.

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An evolving journey

From the reassuring pulse of ABS to the adaptability of throttle-by-wire, Honda streetbikes are more than just machines—they are the culmination of dreams, research, and innovation. Every technology embedded within them reflects Honda’s vision of providing an unparalleled riding experience.

The journey of innovation and advancing technologies is an ongoing commitment. As Honda pushes the boundaries of what's possible by competing at the highest level of racing worldwide, you can expect even more thrilling features and advancements. Dedicated to enhancing connectivity and pioneering safety systems to elevate your riding experience, the goal is to ensure that every ride on Honda motorcycles is nothing less than extraordinary.

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Embracing tomorrow’s tech

Looking ahead, Honda continues to be driven by the same spirit of innovation that inspired Soichiro Honda at the very beginning. The brand remains focused not on redefining what a motorcycle is, but on perfecting the harmony between cutting-edge technology and unmatched performance. With bold ideas on the horizon and a legacy of excellence behind them, Honda is poised to lead riders into the next chapter of two-wheeled adventure. The road is calling—and Big Red is ready to answer.

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Explore all street models and trims

product GOLDWING

Gold Wing 50th Anniversary

Base MSRP $25,200* Destination Charge: $775.00

Matte Black Metallic
  • 50th Anniversary Edition
  • 1833cc liquid-cooled Unicam six-cylinder engine
  • Reverse
  • Cruise control
  • Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ wireless compatibility
product GOLDWING DCT

Gold Wing DCT 50th Anniversary

Base MSRP $26,200* Destination Charge: $775.00

Matte Black Metallic
  • 50th Anniversary Edition
  • 1833cc liquid-cooled Unicam six-cylinder engine
  • Reverse
  • Cruise control
  • Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ wireless compatibility
product GOLDWING TOUR

Gold Wing Tour

Base MSRP $28,700* Destination Charge: $775.00

Light Silver Metallic
  • 1833cc liquid-cooled Unicam six-cylinder engine
  • Throttle by wire
  • Electronic preload suspension
  • 61-liter trunk
  • Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ wireless compatibility
product GOLDWING TOUR

Gold Wing Tour 50th Anniversary

Base MSRP $29,200* Destination Charge: $775.00

Bordeaux Red Metallic
  • 50th Anniversary Edition
  • 1833cc liquid-cooled Unicam six-cylinder engine
  • Electronic preload suspension
  • 61-liter trunk
  • Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ wireless compatibility
product GOLDWING TOUR AIR BAG DCT

Gold Wing Tour Airbag DCT 50th Anniversary

Base MSRP $33,500* Destination Charge: $775.00

Bordeaux Red Metallic
  • 50th Anniversary Edition
  • 1833cc liquid-cooled Unicam six-cylinder engine
  • Throttle by wire
  • Electronic preload suspension
  • 61-liter trunk
  • Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ wireless compatibility
product GOLDWING TOUR DCT

Gold Wing Tour Automatic DCT

Base MSRP $29,700* Destination Charge: $775.00

Light Silver Metallic
  • 1833cc liquid-cooled Unicam six-cylinder engine
  • Throttle by wire
  • Electronic preload suspension
  • 61-liter trunk
  • Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ wireless compatibility
product GOLDWING TOUR DCT

Gold Wing Tour DCT 50th Anniversary

Base MSRP $30,200* Destination Charge: $775.00

Bordeaux Red Metallic
  • 50th Anniversary Edition
  • 1833cc liquid-cooled Unicam six-cylinder engine
  • Electronic preload suspension
  • 61-liter trunk
  • Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ wireless compatibility
product AFRICA TWIN

Africa Twin

Base MSRP $14,799* Destination Charge: $775.00

Matte Black Metallic
  • 1083cc liquid-cooled Unicam® parallel-twin engine
  • Throttle by wire
  • Long-travel front suspension
  • Rally windscreen
  • Adjustable seat
product AFRICA TWIN ADV SP ES

Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES

Base MSRP $17,599* Destination Charge: $775.00

Pearl White
  • 1083cc liquid-cooled Unicam® parallel-twin engine
  • Throttle by wire
  • 19-inch front/18-inch rear wheels
  • Bigger fuel tank
  • Adjustable windscreen
product AFRICA TWIN ADV SP ES DCT

Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES DCT

Base MSRP $18,399* Destination Charge: $775.00

Pearl White
  • Six-speed automatic Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT)
  • 1083cc liquid-cooled Unicam® parallel-twin engine
  • Throttle by wire
  • 19-inch front/18-inch rear wheels
  • Bigger fuel tank
product AFRICA TWIN DCT

Africa Twin DCT

Base MSRP $15,599* Destination Charge: $775.00

Matte Black Metallic
  • Six-speed automatic Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT)
  • 1083cc liquid-cooled Unicam® parallel-twin engine
  • Throttle by wire
  • Long-travel front suspension
  • Rally windscreen
product TRANSALP

Transalp

Base MSRP $9,999* Destination Charge: $600.00

White
  • 755cc liquid-cooled 30.0º parallel-twin four-stroke engine
  • Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
  • 43mm Showa SFF-CA inverted fork
  • Rally-type fairing
  • Honda RoadSync
product REBEL 1100

Rebel 1100

Base MSRP $9,599* Destination Charge: $775.00

Pearl Hawkeye Blue
  • 1083cc liquid-cooled Unicam® parallel-twin engine
  • Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
  • Wide front and rear tires
  • Blacked-out style
  • USB port
product REBEL 1100 DCT

Rebel 1100 DCT

Base MSRP $10,299* Destination Charge: $775.00

Pearl Hawkeye Blue
  • Six-speed automatic DCT transmission
  • 1083cc liquid-cooled Unicam® parallel-twin engine
  • Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
  • Wide front and rear tires
  • USB port
product REBEL 1100 DCT SE

Rebel 1100 DCT SE

Base MSRP $11,099* Destination Charge: $775.00

Flare Orange Metallic
  • Custom seat
  • Bar-end mirrors
  • Headlight cowl
  • 1083cc liquid-cooled Unicam® parallel-twin engine
  • Six-speed automatic DCT transmission
product REBEL 1100 T

Rebel 1100T

Base MSRP $10,799* Destination Charge: $775.00

Gray Metallic
  • 1083cc liquid-cooled Unicam® parallel-twin engine
  • Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
  • Wide front and rear tires
  • Locking, weather-resistant hard saddlebags
  • Handlebar-mounted cowl and windscreen
product REBEL 1100 T DCT

Rebel 1100T DCT

Base MSRP $11,499* Destination Charge: $775.00

Gray Metallic
  • Six-speed automatic Dual-Clutch Transmission
  • 1083cc liquid-cooled Unicam® parallel-twin engine
  • Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
  • Wide front and rear tires
  • Locking, weather-resistant hard saddlebags
product CB750 HORNET

CB750 Hornet

Base MSRP $7,999* Destination Charge: $600.00

Matte Black Metallic
  • 755cc liquid-cooled Unicam parallel-twin engine
  • Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
  • 41mm Showa SFF-BP inverted fork
  • Quick shifter
  • Honda RoadSync
product CB1000 HORNET SP

CB1000 Hornet SP

Base MSRP $10,999* Destination Charge: $775.00

Matte Black Metallic
  • 1000cc liquid-cooled 27.6º inline-four engine
  • Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
  • 41mm Showa SFF-BP inverted fork
  • Quick shifter
  • Honda RoadSync
product CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE SP

CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP

Base MSRP $28,999* Destination Charge: $775.00

Grand Prix Red
  • 1000cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder engine
  • Dual-Stage Fuel Injection (DSFI)
  • Honda Multi-Action System (HMAS) Inverted Fork
  • Race styling
  • Centrally located fuel tank
product CBR650R ABS

CBR650R E-Clutch

Base MSRP $9,899* Destination Charge: $600.00

Grand Prix Red
  • 649cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder engine
  • Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) 
  • 41mm Showa® SFF-BP fork
  • Supersport styling 
  • Sport riding position
product CBR650R ABS

CBR650R E-Clutch

Base MSRP $9,899* Destination Charge: $600.00

Grand Prix Red
  • 649cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder engine
  • Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) 
  • 41mm Showa® SFF-BP fork
  • Supersport styling 
  • Sport riding position

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