Hi from the UK, I have just purchased a brand new 2019 Goldwing DCT Tour and loving it so far.
It has been 34 years since I rode a big bike (BMW 850) for work so my demonstrator test ride 3 weeks ago was quite an eye opener.
I actually collected my new bike on 6th June and as with the demonstrator found at slow speeds the throttle response very jerky? Best way of describing it like driving a 5 speed manual car at 20mph still in 4th or 5th gear.
I am being very delicate with the fbw throttle and since that first test ride am slowly improving but would welcome any tips or advice?
I have also started to use the down shift paddle when approaching situations where I may have to stop and that as helped.
Thanks again for any help.
Mick
Hi from the UK, I have just purchased a brand new 2019 Goldwing DCT Tour and loving it so far.
It has been 34 years since I rode a big bike (BMW 850) for work so my demonstrator test ride 3 weeks ago was quite an eye opener.
I actually collected my new bike on 6th June and as with the demonstrator found at slow speeds the throttle response very jerky? Best way of describing it like driving a 5 speed manual car at 20mph still in 4th or 5th gear.
I am being very delicate with the fbw throttle and since that first test ride am slowly improving but would welcome any tips or advice?
I have also started to use the down shift paddle when approaching situations where I may have to stop and that as helped.
Thanks again for any help.
Mick
you are not the first to mention that fact, can't recall what folks do to sort of help that.
but for me, I think I would use a bit of foot brake and just open the throttle up a bit.... that would smooth out the jerkiness.
it is a trick I use to pull into parking spots and very slow turns.... leave mine in 2nd gear, slight bit of clutch, and foot on brake, and just a touch of throttle.....
but with DCT, you are going to have to practice a bit to see what works best.
Regarding the jerky transmission issue, if you weren’t informed by your dealer, it will take some time to learn your riding habits. I don’t know how much time or miles/kms.
I am not and have never been a LEO. My avatar is in honor of my friend, Dallas Police Sargeant Michael Smith, who was murdered along with four other officers in Dallas on 7.7.2016. Patriot Guard Rider
Hi Guys, thanks for the replies so far, prior to taking the demo road test I have watched and still do watch numerous YouTube videos on the 2019 Goldwing DCT Tour, the vast majority are from your side of the pond, but I have not seen one where you can either see this low speed jerkyness nor has any presenter made any comment,ALL have remarked on how smooth the DCT is.
Perhaps you should check with your servicing dealership, and have one of their "experts" test drive your bike, to ensure that there is not in fact anything mechanical adversely affecting it. If they pass it on performance, then you might need more practice getting used to it. While a brand new motorcycle is still under warranty is the time to iron out any bugs that may exist, in my opinion.
It ain't about the destination - it's all about the journey
Have you performed a DCT Clutch Initialization Procedure on your bike? The procedure is in your owners manual, or you can ask your dealer to perform it. Your dealer should have done this procedure before you took delivery.
RoadRunner15, I have seen the DCT Clutch Initialization Procedure on a couple of YouTube videos but would this procedure have been required on a brand new zero mile bike?
My dealer told me the DCT Clutch initialization was part of their pre-delivery set up. I myself have done it once when I changed from Dino oil to synthetic. I doubt if its done at the factory. Try it and see how much of a difference it makes.
Hi Roadrunner 15, been out on the Wing today making the best of the sun, decided that on returning home with the bike been fully warmed up I would follow the DCT clutch Initialization Procedure as shown on several YouTube videos.
Started the procedure flashing sausage shaped symbol appeared and clunking noises were emitted but after several minutes the flashing symbol continued ( procedure should take between 3-5 minutes) had t switch the bike off, I then found the bike was stuck in this procedure.
Contact with a none franchise Honda workshop and Google search suggested disconnecting the battery for 10 minutes which is what we did and lo and behold problem cleared.
Won’t know until tomorrow’s ride whether the procedure has cured the original jerking problem. Watch this space.
RoadRunner15, I have seen the DCT Clutch Initialization Procedure on a couple of YouTube videos but would this procedure have been required on a brand new zero mile bike?
I would try to perform the procedure, it will take you less than 10 minutes when the engine is warm and it may make a lot of difference. I perform this procedure every time the oil has been changed at least.
Other oil makes for different viscosity and different clutch functioning.
Try it!
The procedure is very simple.
The first oil change is at 4000. But if you haven't checked your oil, please do. When I brought mine home I did not, and weeks later found it 3/4 quart low! So low it wasn't showing on the dip stick and I've since read that others noticed this too.
I've noticed the jerkiness you mentioned, mostly while slowing down to a stop. For low speed turns if you apply some rear brake with a little throttle, you'll soon find those very easy, just practice a few times.
Hi Albert59, I did try this several days ago after watching the YouTube videos on DCT Clutch Initialization, followed the instructions to the letter and the bike was well warmed up, within the first few seconds could hear the gears changing and the 'tube shaped symbol' was flashing indicating the process was operating, BUT it continued and continued, suppose to take between 3-5 minuets, after 10 minuets I turned the bike off, tried it again but it was stuck in DCT Clutch Initialization Mode further Google inquiries suggested disconnecting the battery for 10 min which I did and that cancelled the DCT Clutch Initialization.
Don't see why the service mileages differ in the UK to the USA but 600 miles is the first and 2nd is 4,000 miles.https://www.gl1800riders.com/threads/20 ... e.3833785/
Hi Albert59, I did try this several days ago after watching the YouTube videos on DCT Clutch Initialization, followed the instructions to the letter and the bike was well warmed up, within the first few seconds could hear the gears changing and the 'tube shaped symbol' was flashing indicating the process was operating, BUT it continued and continued, suppose to take between 3-5 minuets, after 10 minuets I turned the bike off, tried it again but it was stuck in DCT Clutch Initialization Mode further Google inquiries suggested disconnecting the battery for 10 min which I did and that cancelled the DCT Clutch Initialization.
Don't see why the service mileages differ in the UK to the USA but 600 miles is the first and 2nd is 4,000 miles.https://www.gl1800riders.com/threads/20 ... le.383785/
Strange, done the procedure several time myself (also on other bikes) and never had a problem.
As far as maintenance schedule goes, indeed strange that there is a difference between countries.
I didn't see it mentioned but if you're trying slow speed maneuvers in Sport mode good luck! If possible, I always try to put it into Rain mode before having to do slow speed stuff...makes the throttle much less responsive and easier to use the "friction zone" which is quite different without a manual clutch.
I’m now in Auto mode using the down shift lever when approaching situations that may require a stop, that’s making it a lot better.
Oh,Danoooo, on reading your last posting I checked the oil level and not only found it clear but midway between the lower & upper level marks
I have a new 2020 Goldwing Tour with the manual transmission and it too has some throttle jerkiness. I attribute it to the fly-by-wire throttle. It is very sensitive especially in Sport mode. I run mainly in Tour mode but still notice the sensitivity. I suppose it is just a learning thing and I notice it does not appear as bad after riding all day. Good luck with yours.
Emmert
Hi emwarrenfeltz, taken my DCT to my supply dealer today for its 1st 600 mile service and the changes up and down have greatly improved Yes I agree the FBW throttle is very sensitive especially if you completely shut it off when slowing at low speeds, getting there slowly.
Hi dbouterse, thanks for providing that video.
Really slow riding on any two wheel vehicle requires balance as well as control over the throttle, clutch and rear brakes, obviously in the case of a Goldwing DCT model more so with the throttle and rear brake.
Oh and lots of practice.
When performing the DCT Clutch initialization procedure, you must prevent the rear wheel from rotating or the procedure will never complete.
I usually perform the procedure with the bike on the center stand and I engage the parking brake. I've done it before without the parking brake on or the tire
blocked with a chunk if wood, and the procedure did not complete just like your experience.
Hi Guys I attended my first UK Goldwing owners club meeting last Sunday, think in our region I’m the only member with a 2019 DCT Tour, one member mentioned that Honda on the 2020 DCT models have sorted out some of the problems with the 2018/19 models one being with the throttle by wires potentiometer that may have cured the juddering? Don’t know if it’s a software or hardware fix?
I don’t suppose there is anyone over their ( USA / Canada) who’s ridden both a 2019 & 2020 DCT models to compare?
further Google inquiries suggested disconnecting the battery for 10 min which I did and that cancelled the DCT Clutch Initialization. 
