Tech Corner
10 min read
Updated on March 26, 2025

Harnessing the power of Honda’s street tech

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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Accessorized CB750 Hornet

Early street tech

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, streetbikes have come a long way since the analog days of the 1960s. The latest models are now equipped with futuristic ride modes and a plethora of tech-driven features. While the thrill of riding remains the same, modern technologies redefine it to enhance both performance and safety.

The early foundations of Big Red’s technological advancements were laid with features such as the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and traction control. Far from mere add-ons, these systems were first seen in the early 1990s on the ST1100 line of sport touring bikes and 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.

Power to personalize

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 models allow you to achieve your desired riding experience by using the various 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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European Model Shown

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 the ride

Honda's commitment to innovation extends beyond ride modes, focusing on utilizing technology to elevate performance and enhance your riding experience. Designed to provide riders with an exceptional experience on every journey, here are a few of Big Red’s latest advancements.

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Honda’s industry-leading automatic Dual-Clutch Transmission is available on several streetbike models.
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Select bikes come equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, too.

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 automatically, doing so smoothly to ensure seamless and uninterrupted power delivery. Say goodbye to the fear of stalling. For those seeking added control, paddle shifters and selectable ride modes are available.

Directly derived from MotoGP World Championship racing efforts, Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) is an intelligent system that 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.

Another innovation with a racing pedigree is the throttle-by-wire system, which replaces the traditional throttle cable. This technology provides precise control over throttle response and, on certain models, enables seamless integration with various ride modes, allowing you to effortlessly achieve the ideal balance of power and control.

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Gone are the days of stalling and constantly modulating the clutch lever with Honda’s revolutionary new E-Clutch.

Honda’s revolutionary new E-Clutch isn't just engineering; it's a ballet of mechanics and rider intuition. It 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 appreciate. In all, the Honda E-Clutch represents a respectful nod to the purists while extending an inviting hand to the novices.

The company 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.

RoadSync is a relatively new Honda innovation that allows you to link your Android or Apple iOS device to your bike using Bluetooth technology via the RoadSync app, available for download from both Google Play and the App Store.

Speaking of wireless connectivity, select models come equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Access navigation, music, and messages seamlessly, enhancing your journey with convenience. Whether on long adventures or quick trips, stay connected and entertained effortlessly.

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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European Accessorized Model Shown
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.
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Accessorized Model Shown
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.
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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.
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Accessorized Model Shown
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.
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European Accessorized Model Shown
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.
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Prototype Model Shown
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.

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 a vision of providing an unparalleled riding experience.

The journey of innovation and advancing technologies is an ongoing commitment. As the brand 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 the riding experience, the goal is to ensure that every ride on these motorcycles is nothing less than extraordinary.

Looking ahead, the company remains driven by the same spirit of innovation that inspired Soichiro Honda from the very beginning. The focus remains 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, they are 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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