Providing a foot shift lever on the DCT model is really good news, especially when using the bike in rough terrain. It should make intentional gear changes more natural and safer for riders. If "safer" isn't obvious, think about bouncing along a gnarly jeep road and having to release your thumb from the hand grip to find the down shift paddle when you need to drop a gear or two. That's quite a different thing than using a couple of fingers to grab the clutch lever in those conditions. Hit the right rock and without having your thumb (and forefinger) gripping the bar, you can easily end up losing control and ending up on the ground.



Not exactly on topic, but as long as I'm responding to a post from a forum member named "Honda Africa Twin News", who contributions are early and accurate (does the term "Honda employee" sound right?), why not ask the question: Is there any chance Honda will market a Standard based on the CRF1000 frame/engine/transmission platform? As a NC700XD owner committed to DCT and with only one complaint (pathetic lack of power) about it, such a model would be the answer to my prayers (two wheel prayers anyway). A Standard would be another way to spread the cost of developing the engine/transmission (as with the Pioneer 1000) and it would give NC riders a familiar feeling motorcycle when they are ready to upgrade. Not to mention that a Standard would be a good way to offer DCT technology to more advanced riders than targeted by the NC/CTX series or those not interested in off-road adventures. It seems like a pretty logical move for Honda.