Technology Glossary
The Tech Behind the Thrill
Every innovation is designed to heighten the joy of riding. Dive into the glossary to learn how Honda’s technologies deliver control, safety, and performance on every journey.
Chassis technology
6-Axis IMU
The 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) enables precise measurement of the angle and rate of the motorcycle acceleration for yaw, roll and pitch. This enables the use of rider aid and safety systems such as cornering ABS and rear wheel lift control.
Unit Pro-link
The Unit Pro-Link design features the rear suspension damper housed entirely within the swingarm, and the damper is positioned lower than in a conventional design. Both contribute to improved mass centralisation.
SFF-BP Separate Function Fork – Big Piston front forks
Separate Function Fork - Big Piston front forks separate spring damping function of each fork leg to ensure balanced and optimised damping control. The big-piston damper design provides linear suspension movement, even at the beginning of the suspension stroke.
Electronic suspension
The electronic suspension system actively adjusts damping characteristics to suit the riding conditions. On some of the adventure and tourer models the rider is able to use the meter to select if a pillion and or luggage is being carried, the system then automatically adjusts the damping to suit.
Convenience technology
Heated hand grips
Heated grips improve rider comfort and control during cold conditions and are now fitted as standard on some models and available as a genuine Honda accessory on much of the range.
Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth provide safe and easy to use intercommunication with a Smartphone. The user can make phone calls, and access music, navigation and messaging when a headset is connected. It is also possible to control the system with voice command via a headset.
Cruise Control
Cruise control enables precise cruising speed control and relieves prolonged use of the throttle grip during long rides and when touring on long straight roads for improved rider comfort and reduced fatigue.
Selectable riding modes
Selectable riding modes enable the rider to select pre-set and customisable user modes. These modes alter the levels of power delivery, HSTC and engine braking to suit the rider preference or riding conditions.
Honda RoadSync
Honda RoadSync enables full connectivity of the motorcycle through the Honda RoadSync app via a smartphone. This gives the rider access to calling, messaging and music via Bluetooth.
Quick shifter
A quick shifter enables clutch less shifting to provide more sporty and engaging riding characteristics. Additionally it offers smoother gear changing when carrying a pillion.
Electronically adjusted front screen
The electronic screen function offers seamless screen hight adjustment at the touch of a button and whilst on the move.
Selectable quick shifter with auto blip
With this system the reaction of the quick shifter can be adjusted by the rider via the meter, this alters the shifting responsiveness and feel. The auto blip function automatically blips the engine to raise RPM to the optimum amount for smooth and seamless downshifts.
TFT screen
Thin Film Transistor (TFT) technology is now integrated into the meter on many of the Honda motorcycle and scooter range. This type of colour display provides clear and concise user information and integrates touch screen technology on some models.
Engine technology
TBW Throttle By Wire
The Throttle By Wire (TBW) systems use electronics to control opening and closing of the throttle valves and eliminates the mechanical connection between the throttle grip and throttle valves. TBW enables the PGM-FI system to precisely control throttle opening throughout the RPM range to delivery controlled and progressive torque. It also enables the use of rider aid systems such as, selectable riding modes, Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), wheelie mitigation and selectable levels of power and engine braking.
Semi Gear driven camshafts
The semi-cam gear train system uses both a cam chain and an additional idle gear to drive the camshafts. The idle gear is driven directly from the crankshaft and reduces the cam chain length required, this in turn enables higher levels of engine RPM and torque to be obtained. Additionally it also reduces the risk of chain deflection, and maintains cam to crank synchronicity and chain durability at higher RPM.
DLC Diamond-Like Coating
Some of the Honda super sport models are fitted with Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coated camshafts. This coating technology has a low coefficient of friction and has been adopted directly from the RC213V-S. It reduces the valve train losses caused by friction. The reduction of friction between the component surfaces ensure improved efficiency and durability of the valve train components.
DSFI Dual Sequential Fuel Injection
Dual Sequential Fuel Injection (DSFI) features an additional set of fuel injectors located upstream of the inlet tracts. These injectors operate at higher RPM to increase the fuel air volume and optimise torque and power delivery.
EV technology
Active Speed Limiter
The Active Speed Limiter keeps you within a set speed to prevent unintended speeding and you can ride with peace of mind in built up places or on the highway.
Performance technology
HESD Honda Electronic Steering Damper
Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD) provides electronically controlled steering damping that adjusts automatically according to vehicle speed. The system can increase the damping effect at higher speeds to ensure stability and reduce damping at lower speed to maintain agile handling characteristics and manoeuvrability.
2-Motor Throttle Body TBW
The two-motor TBW system (introduced on the 2024 CBR1000RR-R models) uses two motors attached to individual pairs of throttle valves. This enables opening and closing of the pairs of throttle valves independently for more precisely controlled power and torque delivery and control of engine braking.
Rider aid systems technology
HSA Hill Start Assist
Hill Start Assist (HSA) holds the brakes on momentarily when stopping to enable seamless pulling away and prevent the motorcycle from rolling when stopped on an incline.
Rear wheel lift control
Rear wheel lift control is another system integrated into the latest ABS systems. Using information from the wheel speed sensors and/or Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) it controls braking pressure to supress rear wheel lift during hard or sudden braking conditions. This enables the rider to maintain control and ensure balanced and efficient braking.
Cornering lights
The cornering headlight function is controlled by lean angle information from the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). As the bike is leaned into a corner the inside cornering light is switched on to increase the illumination around the corner and improve visibility.
Anti-wheelie system
Anti-wheelie is a system that mitigates and reduces front wheel lift during hard and sudden acceleration. It utilises information from the ABS system and operates via the Throttle By Wire and HSTC systems to reduce engine torque and supress front wheel lift. On some models the levels of wheelie control can be adjusted via the meter.
Safety technology
ESS Emergency Stop Signal
Emergency Stop Signal ESS is a safety system that alerts road users that the motorcycle is in an emergency braking situation by flashing the direction indicators during hard or sudden braking.
LED Headlights
LED lights use Light Emitting Diode Technology to provide clear and intensive lighting to improve visibility and visual presence as well as benefiting from their low consumption properties.
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Daytime Running Lights
Daytime running lights improve safety by increasing visibility and the overall visual presence of the motorcycle.
Self-cancelling direction indicators
Self cancelling direction indicators improve safety by automatically switching off the direction indicators after the turning manoeuvre is complete.
HSTC Honda Selectable Torque Control
Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) is a system that detects rear wheel spin and electronically adjusts engine torque to ensure traction and stable handling characteristics are maintained. On some models, the levels of HSTC intervention can be adjusted to suit rider preference and riding conditions. The levels of HSTC also form part of the selectable riding modes.
Selectable levels of ABS
On some of Honda's super sport models, the rider is able to select levels of ABS intervention to suit the riding conditions i.e. race circuit use.
Cornering ABS
Cornering ABS is a system that controls the ABS according to bank angle. The system operates from information form the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) that actively measures the angle and rate of the motorcycle acceleration for yaw, roll and pitch. This information is then used to control braking pressure to ensure balanced deceleration during cornering and reduced occurrence of unintentional bike behaviour whilst cornering and braking.
Security technology
HISS Honda Ignition Security System
Honda Ignition Security System (HISS) is a motorcycle immobiliser system that has a microchip embedded in the original key and is programmed with a coded password that is picked up by an antenna and communicated it to an ECU. The ECU checks the programmed code number and only allows the engine to start when the code numbers match. Even if a duplicate key of exactly the same shape as the original key is used, the engine cannot be started unless the built-in microchip code matches.
Honda Smart Key
Honda Smart Key brings the convenience of keyless entry to the motorcycle world. This system improves security and convenience as the rider can keep the key fob in their pocket whilst operating the motorcycle.
ESL Electronic Steering Lock
As part of the Honda Smart Key system, this function is activated through the main switch and enables locking the steering when parked for maximum security.
Transmission technology
DCT Dual Clutch Transmission
Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) is a transmission in which clutch and shift operations are automated, while maintaining the structure of manual transmission with its advantages such as direct-feel acceleration. With no need to operate the clutch, the rider can concentrate on the throttle and brake operation while riding, and smooth acceleration and deceleration is possible with fewer interruptions of driving force during shifting that inevitably occur with normal manual transmissions due to their structure.
Honda E-Clutch
The Honda E-Clutch system automatically engages and disengages the clutch and frees the rider from using the clutch lever which enables them to concentrate on riding, braking and turning. The system also emulates the operation of a quick shifter as clutch lever operation is not required during shifting. The system helps to reduce rider fatigue and eliminates stalling as the clutch lever operation is not required when starting and stopping. Additionally the rider can use manual clutch lever operation at any time.
Manual Transmission
Honda motorcycles using manual transmission are equipped with 5 or 6 speed constant-mesh transmission. The drive and driven gears are always mated together but rotate freely on a gear shaft until locked by a toothed sliding collar. This ensures smooth and sequential gear changing.
Honda SENSING RIDE
Automatic Brake Pulse
Automatic Brake Pulse works alongside the collision warning systems, automatically pulsing the brake lights to help communicate potential hazards to following road users.
Riding Distance Assist
Riding Distance Mode helps maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead, even when manually adjusting the throttle.
Group Ride Assist
Group Ride Assist works as part of Adaptive Cruise Control, helping riders maintain their position within the group and stay comfortably in formation when Group Ride Mode is activated.
Rear Collision Warning
Rear Collision Warning monitors approaching traffic and automatically flashes the turn signals to help warn following vehicles of a potential collision risk.
Blind Spot Information
Blind Spot Information monitors the rider's blind spot and provides a visual alert when a vehicle is detected nearby, helping to make lane changes safer.
Forward Collision Warning
Forward Collision Warning continuously monitors the road ahead and provides a visual alert on the TFT display when there is a risk of collision.
Rear Distance Information
Rear Distance Information continuously monitors traffic behind the rider and provides a visual notification on the TFT display when a vehicle is approaching.
Stop & Go
Integrated with Adaptive Cruise Control, Stop & Go Assist helps make riding in slow-moving traffic easier by automatically managing acceleration and braking as traffic flows and comes to a halt.
Adaptive Cruise Control
Adaptive Cruise Control maintains your set speed and helps keep a safe following distance by assisting with acceleration and braking.
Emergency Brake Assist
Emergency Brake Assist supports the rider with additional braking intervention when a potential collision is detected.
