The Hondamatic was Honda's first automatic transmission. It was produced from 1973 through 1988. The Hondamatic name continued to be used on fully automatic transmissions from Honda. The original Hondamatic, like all following Honda automatics, featured gears on parallel axes rather than planetary gears like most other automatic transmissions. Each gear continuously meshes, and each gear included a dedicated clutch. The clutches are hydraulically controlled, applying oil pressure to the desired "gear". Shifting between forward gears was done by simply sliding the gear selector from 1 to 2. It did not automatically shift, but because of the torque converter, could be driven entirely in second gear. The Honda automobile torque converter had a lockup, leading the company to sell the original Hondamatic as a three-speed. The true three-speed H3 was launched in 1979. In 1982 Honda introduced a four-speed full automatic, followed by a fully automatic three-speed in 1983. The semi-automatic version continued to be available in Honda's smaller cars, where it was gradually replaced by conventional automatics. With the 1988 remake of the Honda Acty/Street, the last Hondamatic was discontinued. Applications:
Honda could not make a conventional planetary gearset automatic transmission without infringing on any patents. Honda eventually asked Borg-Warner to design a prototype transmission for their upcoming vehicles. However, Borg-Warner declined. This was due to Borg-Warner not having transmission specifications that were efficient enough for such a small engine like the 500cc Honda S500 and one that was able to be reliable at a maximum engine speed of 8000rpm. This led Honda to design its own transmission. They purchased a transmission from Borg-Warner for the purpose of developing an original transmission design. They tested their newly developed automatic transmission on the L700. When testing and refinements had been made, Honda sold their first automatic transmission in the N360.
Motorcycle
The Hondamatic was later used in Honda's 400, 450 and 750 cc motorcycles. In this application, it was not a true automatic transmission, as the driver had to manually select one of the two gears. The transmission of the 750 Hondamatics incorporated two hydraulically controlled clutches, with the foot-operated gear selector operating the hydraulic valve. The 400/450 Hondamatics, however, have no clutches at all. The foot-operated gear selector physically moves a gear with "dogs" to change gear engagement, same as on a non-Hondamatic motorcycle transmission. Applications:
