# Transmission Slip, Flare, or Harsh Shift 2016 Honda Africa Twin > ClearTheCode — Experiencing transmission slip, flare, or harsh shifts on your 2016 Honda Africa Twin? Understand common causes and verify issues to restore smooth performance. Source: https://clearthecode.com/articles/symptom-transmission-slip-flare-harsh-shift-honda-africa-twin-2016 Author: ClearTheCode # Transmission Slip, Flare, or Harsh Shift 2016 Honda Africa Twin If your 2016 Honda Africa Twin is exhibiting a transmission slip, an unexpected RPM flare between gears, or harsh shift engagements, it's a clear signal that something within the drivetrain requires attention. Whether you own the manual transmission or the popular Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) model, these symptoms can significantly impact ride quality, safety, and the longevity of your motorcycle. Addressing these issues promptly is crucial for maintaining your Africa Twin's legendary reliability and performance. ## What drivers notice on this 2016 Honda Africa Twin Owners of the 2016 Honda Africa Twin, especially those with the Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), often report specific behaviors when transmission issues arise. For manual transmission riders, the feel is typically more direct, while DCT owners might interpret symptoms as an 'automatic' transmission problem. The Africa Twin is known for its robust design, but wear and tear, fluid conditions, or component malfunctions can lead to noticeable changes in how power is transferred to the wheel. ## At a glance: difficulty, repair cost, and diagnostic workflow - **Difficulty Rating:** 8/10 — Advanced - **Common Symptoms:** RPM Flare Between Gears: On both manual and DCT models, this manifests as engine RPMs rising significantly during a shif; Harsh Shift Engagements: Shifts feel abrupt, clunky, or jarring, rather than smooth. This is particularly noticeable on ; Slipping Clutch Feel: The engine revs, but the motorcycle accelerates slowly or struggles to maintain speed, especially ; Difficulty Shifting (Manual Transmission): Problems getting into or out of gears, requiring excessive force, or gears fe - **Estimated Repair Cost:** $350–$2,800 (parts + typical shop labor) - **OEM Tooling Required:** Standard OBD-II scanner and hand tools **Diagnostic workflow:** 1. Confirm the symptom on your vehicle. 2. Scan for stored or pending codes with an OBD-II tool. 3. Inspect the most common causes in this guide (visual checks first). 4. Run verification tests before replacing parts. 5. Repair, clear codes, and verify on a test drive. ## Symptoms and warning signs Recognizing the early signs of a transmission problem can prevent more extensive damage. Pay close attention to these symptoms: - **RPM Flare Between Gears:** On both manual and DCT models, this manifests as engine RPMs rising significantly during a shift, without a corresponding increase in speed, before the next gear fully engages. This indicates a loss of power transfer. - **Harsh Shift Engagements:** Shifts feel abrupt, clunky, or jarring, rather than smooth. This is particularly noticeable on DCT models, where shifts are typically seamless. - **Slipping Clutch Feel:** The engine revs, but the motorcycle accelerates slowly or struggles to maintain speed, especially under load or during acceleration. This suggests the clutch isn't fully engaging. - **Difficulty Shifting (Manual Transmission):** Problems getting into or out of gears, requiring excessive force, or gears feeling 'sticky'. - **Delayed Engagement:** After selecting a gear (or the DCT automatically selecting one), there's a noticeable pause before power is delivered to the rear wheel. - **Unusual Noises:** Clunking, grinding, or whining sounds coming from the transmission area, especially during shifts or when engaging a gear. - **Loss of Power:** A general feeling of reduced power or acceleration, even when the engine seems to be revving normally. ## How to verify and confirm the issue Verifying a transmission problem on your 2016 Honda Africa Twin involves a combination of observation, simple checks, and potentially a diagnostic scan for DCT models: - **Test Ride Observations:** Pay close attention during a test ride. Can you consistently reproduce the slip, flare, or harsh shift? Note at what speeds, RPMs, and gears it occurs. Does it happen more when the engine is cold or hot? Test both upshifts and downshifts. - **Clutch Adjustment Check (Manual Transmission):** Ensure the clutch lever free play is within the specifications outlined in your owner's manual. Incorrect adjustment is a common cause of slipping or dragging clutches. Also, check the clutch cable for fraying or sticking. - **DCT Fluid Level and Condition (DCT Models):** Check the transmission fluid level while the engine is warm and the motorcycle is level, following the procedure in your service manual. Low fluid can cause slipping, while old, burnt, or contaminated fluid can lead to harsh shifts and poor performance. Look for a dark color or burnt smell. - **DCT Diagnostic Codes:** While less common for simple 'slip' symptoms, a DCT system can log fault codes. A specialized Honda diagnostic tool or a capable aftermarket scanner can read these codes, which might point to sensor issues, actuator problems, or internal malfunctions. For more general diagnostic tips, refer to our comprehensive repair guides. - **Chain Tension and Sprocket Wear:** Although not directly a transmission issue, an excessively loose or worn drive chain and sprockets can sometimes mimic shift problems, causing jerky acceleration or perceived 'slips'. Inspect your chain for proper tension, tight spots, and your sprockets for hooked or worn teeth. ## Common causes (most likely first) Understanding the potential causes can help narrow down the diagnosis: - **Low or Old Transmission Fluid (DCT Models):** The most frequent culprit for DCT issues. Low fluid can lead to insufficient hydraulic pressure, causing slips and delayed engagement. Old, degraded fluid loses its lubrication and cooling properties, leading to harsh shifts and increased wear. - **Worn Clutch Plates (Manual and DCT Models):** Over time, clutch friction plates wear down. For manual models, this means the clutch can't grip effectively. For DCT, the internal wet clutches can wear, leading to slip and flare. - **Incorrect Clutch Adjustment (Manual Transmission):** Too much free play can prevent full disengagement, causing drag. Too little can cause the clutch to slip due to constant partial engagement. - **Clutch Master/Slave Cylinder Issues (Manual, Hydraulic Clutch):** Leaks or internal wear in the hydraulic system can prevent the clutch from fully engaging or disengaging, leading to slipping or difficulty shifting. - **Shift Drum or Fork Wear (Manual Transmission):** Internal wear in the shift mechanism can prevent gears from fully engaging, leading to false neutrals, popping out of gear, or difficulty selecting gears. - **DCT Actuator or Sensor Issues:** Malfunctions in the DCT's electronic control unit (ECU), shift actuators, or position sensors can disrupt the precise timing and engagement of the clutches and gears, resulting in harsh shifts or engagement problems. - **Worn Drive Chain and Sprockets:** As mentioned, severe wear can introduce slack and inconsistent power delivery that feels like a transmission issue. ### Related guides on this vehicle - [2020 Ford F-150 Transmission Jerking: Causes & Fixes](/articles/harsh-transmission-shifting-ford-f-150-2020) - [Transmission Stuck in Limp Mode 2016 Toyota Corolla](/articles/transmission-stuck-limp-mode-610-toyota-corolla-2016) ## Step-by-step diagnosis and fixes Approaching the problem systematically will help you identify and resolve the issue: - **Step 1: Check and Address Fluid (DCT Models):** Start by checking the transmission fluid level and condition. If low, top it off with the correct Honda-specific DCT fluid. If the fluid is old or burnt, perform a full fluid and filter change. This is often the simplest and most effective fix for DCT-related issues. - **Step 2: Inspect and Adjust Clutch (Manual Transmission):** Verify the clutch lever free play. Adjust it according to your service manual. Inspect the clutch cable for smooth operation and any signs of damage. If hydraulic, check the fluid level in the master cylinder and inspect for leaks. - **Step 3: Test Ride and Observe:** After any adjustments or fluid changes, take the bike for another test ride. Note if the symptoms have improved, worsened, or changed. Try to isolate the conditions under which the problem occurs. - **Step 4: Visual Inspection of External Components:** Look for any obvious signs of damage, loose connections, or leaks around the transmission case, shift linkage, and clutch components. Check the drive chain and sprockets for wear. - **Step 5: Consult Service Manual:** Refer to your 2016 Honda Africa Twin service manual for specific diagnostic procedures, resistance checks for sensors, and component specifications. This is invaluable for accurate diagnosis. - **Step 6: Consider a Diagnostic Scan (DCT Models):** If symptoms persist, a diagnostic scan for DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) can provide further clues, especially for electronic control issues within the DCT system. ## Repair options and cost factors Repair costs can vary widely depending on the cause and whether you tackle the repair yourself. Here are common repair options: - **Transmission Fluid and Filter Change (DCT):** This is a relatively inexpensive maintenance item and often resolves many DCT performance issues. - **Clutch Adjustment (Manual):** A free or very low-cost adjustment that can make a significant difference. - **Clutch Cable Replacement (Manual):** A moderately priced part, easily replaceable by a DIY mechanic. - **Clutch Plate Replacement (Manual or DCT):** This is a more involved repair. For a manual, it typically involves removing the clutch cover. For a DCT, it's a more complex internal job. The parts cost for clutch kits can vary, and labor will be significant if done by a professional. - **Clutch Master/Slave Cylinder Repair/Replacement (Manual):** Parts can be moderately expensive, and bleeding the system correctly is crucial. - **Internal Transmission Component Replacement (e.g., Shift Forks, Bearings):** This is the most extensive and costly repair, often requiring engine removal and full transmission disassembly. This is usually a job for a qualified professional. - **DCT Actuator/Sensor Replacement:** Parts can be expensive, and proper calibration or programming may be required after replacement. ## When to see a professional While many minor issues can be addressed by an experienced DIY enthusiast, there are clear instances when professional help is advisable: - **Persistent Issues After Basic Checks:** If fluid changes, adjustments, and external inspections don't resolve the problem. - **Complex DCT Problems:** The Dual Clutch Transmission is a sophisticated system. If diagnostic codes point to internal electronic or hydraulic issues, a Honda-trained technician with specialized tools is best equipped to diagnose and repair it. - **Internal Transmission Work:** Any repair requiring splitting the engine cases or significant internal transmission disassembly is highly complex and requires specialized tools and expertise. This is not a task for the average home mechanic. - **Safety Concerns:** If the slipping or harsh shifting compromises your ability to safely control the motorcycle, do not ride it and seek professional assistance immediately. For assistance finding qualified service, you can browse [vehicles](/vehicles) to find local repair shops. ## Frequently asked questions ### Can I ride my Africa Twin with a slipping transmission? It is highly recommended to avoid riding your 2016 Honda Africa Twin with a slipping transmission. Continued riding can accelerate wear on internal components, potentially leading to catastrophic failure and much more expensive repairs. More importantly, a slipping transmission can be unpredictable and dangerous, especially when accelerating or merging into traffic. ### How often should I change the DCT fluid on my 2016 Africa Twin? Honda's recommended service interval for DCT fluid changes on the 2016 Africa Twin typically falls between 8,000 to 12,000 miles or every 1-2 years, depending on riding conditions. Always consult your owner's manual for the precise schedule and use only Honda-specified DCT fluid to ensure proper operation and longevity of the system. ### What's the difference between a transmission slip and an RPM flare? An RPM flare is a specific type of transmission slip where the engine RPMs suddenly increase during a shift without a corresponding increase in wheel speed. A general transmission slip refers to any instance where the engine is revving, but power isn't fully or efficiently transferred to the drive wheel, leading to sluggish acceleration or a feeling of lost power, often without the dramatic RPM spike of a flare. ## Sources and further reading Consult your 2016 Honda Africa Twin owner's manual and official service manual for detailed specifications and repair procedures. This information is for general guidance and not a substitute for OEM service procedures; always use a qualified technician for safety-critical work. ## Related pages - All repair guides - [Browse vehicles](/vehicles) ## Explore related guides on ClearTheCode - [Browse OBD-II codes](/codes) - All repair guides