DCT Question

[t15dja]

Hi all, I am new to the Crosstourer having recently purchased a used 2020 Highlander DCT version. It has just done 300 miles from new. My question concerns the DCT gearbox . In D mode and driving normally I am finding that the gearbox changes up very quickly such that it gets to gear 5 by about 25 miles per hour and gear 6 usually well before 30 mph. As a result sometimes the engine frels like it is "labouring", to use an old-fashioned motoring term, especially when I then twist the throttle to accelerate away. Is this normal? I assume there is no "kick-down", like in a car, when you twist the throttle? I know I can select the S mode, but I thought that D would  take longer than it does to move up the gears.
I also have a Goldwing DCT and its gearbox definitely longer to reach the higher gears, even in non-sports mode.

[Hound]

I had the same experience with my DCT - I rode it in D and was convinced there was something wrong with the gearbox. I now use S mode most of the time and use the - button to change down if I think it's in too low a gear, or + to change up one gear. You can always change down but the gearbox won't let you change up if it thinks it knows better! 2nd and 3rd gear cope very well between 25 and 50 mph. D can be fine if you're just trundling around between 15 and 40 and if you open the throttle it will take off as there's lots of torque in all gears - it'll drop a cog or two if necessary. Don't forget you can override with the buttons too. DCT takes some getting used to in order for you to feel in control.

Additionally, even though yours has such low mileage, it wouldn't hurt to do a gearbox "recalibration". Get the bike up to operating temperature and then switch off ignition. Put the bike on the side stand, or centre stand with rear wheel chocked to stop it rotating. Press and hold the D button and switch the ignition on (don't start the bike). As soon as the yellow "engine management" light goes off, release the D button. Then, fairly smartly, press this sequence on the DCT switch:  D D N D N  You should then see D and S displayed on the dash, and - in the gear indicator position will flash slowly (about once every 2 seconds). Now start the engine, but do not touch the throttle. After a short time the flashing - , D and S will go out.
You have successfully reset your DCT! 

[t15dja]

Many thanks for your comprehensive reply! I think I must've been spoilt a bit by the Goldwing DCT gearbox since, as I said, it takes longer to get through the gears and never feels like the engine is labouring in too high a gear...in fact it's DCT box really needs zero intervention from the rider at all. I suppose I was expecting the Crosstourer to behave in exactly the same way. However I now realise a bit more rider input will be required. I guess its something I will get used to with practice.

[Hound]

I understand that the box "learns" from your riding habits so if you start off with a heavy right hand, the gearchange intervals may change. You also have a newer DCT than mine so it is better tuned and has more than one Sport mode. There's always the option of using the "Triptronic" buttons to gain complete control, of course, but as you say, the Crosstourer's not going to behave like the GoldWing!

Hope you're able to find a happy medium with the CT.

[Oregonian]

Sport 3 (three bars) is a good option.  Sport 1 (one bar) seems to be what D mode should have been.

D mode seems useless.

Manual shift mode is the one I go with 90% of the time because it is the only option that allows you to keep it in the higher rpms. 

[t15dja]

I agree...S1 seems much better as a general day to day gear, although may not help the fuel economy much. Perhaps I should almost think of D mode as like an overdrive more useful for higher speed cruising on A roads and motorways?

[Pickaxe]

Originally Posted by t15dja

Hi all, I am new to the Crosstourer having recently purchased a used 2020 Highlander DCT version. It has just done 300 miles from new. My question concerns the DCT gearbox . In D mode and driving normally I am finding that the gearbox changes up very quickly such that it gets to gear 5 by about 25 miles per hour and gear 6 usually well before 30 mph. As a result sometimes the engine frels like it is "labouring", to use an old-fashioned motoring term, especially when I then twist the throttle to accelerate away. Is this normal? I assume there is no "kick-down", like in a car, when you twist the throttle? I know I can select the S mode, but I thought that D would  take longer than it does to move up the gears.
I also have a Goldwing DCT and its gearbox definitely longer to reach the higher gears, even in non-sports mode.

My 2018 DCT never reaches 6th at 30mph (calibrated) and mainly stays in 5th on the flat. Yes, it can sometimes feel like the engine is labouring, but in reality, the engine easily copes with D mode and accelerates easily when the throttle is opened progressively. If you open the throttle quickly, the DCT simply changes down (yes it does kick-down) and the acceleration is correspondingly more rapid.
Personally, I use D mode for the majority of my riding and only select the sports modes if I want to make significant progress. It's horses for courses, but unless you need the extra response provided by the S modes, D mode is far more fuel efficient in a bike that's pretty thirsty anyway.

[Hound]

Pickaxe, that's interesting - mine (also calibrated) will be quite happy to change up to 6th in D somewhere between 30 and 40. Perhaps it's because it's a 2013 bike and your 2018 has a more sophisticated DCT.