The rumor that Honda was using something new began when Sportmediaset published an article a week ago mentioning that the Japanese manufacturer we’re using something very similar to their Dual Clutch Technology on their 2011 MotoGP bikes.
Heaven forbid, the rumor (which we believe started when one of the Italian Honda riders, who are very close to the Italian media, probably unwittingly revealed the novelty) ran like bushfire and caused a ripple in forums and on Twitter on whether Honda would use something on the limit of being perceived as technically illegal.
The situation even warranted a small press conference this morning at Sepang, by HRC vice-president Shuei Nakamoto to put the story to rest, having to admit to their competitors that they are are indeed using some some new transmission parts.
“Obviously, HRC does not use anything prohibited but it is true that we have something new on the transmission at the moment, it lets you change faster.
This is not a DCT, however, not that I can tell you how it works… because I do not know,” joked Nakamoto.