BorgWarner has secured a new Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) program with a leading motorcycle manufacturer in China, further expanding its presence in the rapidly evolving two-wheeler market. Production under the new agreement is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2027.
As part of the program, BorgWarner will supply a fully integrated DCT system comprising dual clutches, hydraulic control modules and clutch control software. The solution is designed for motorcycles and four-wheeled vehicles with engine capacities above 500 cc, delivering enhanced performance, smoother gear shifts and improved fuel efficiency.
The latest contract reflects the growing demand for automatic transmission technologies in the global motorcycle industry, particularly in the premium and performance segments. As manufacturers increasingly focus on improving rider comfort, driving dynamics and efficiency, dual-clutch transmission technology is emerging as a preferred solution over conventional automated manual transmission (AMT) and continuously variable transmission (CVT) systems.
Unlike traditional transmission technologies, DCT enables faster and seamless gear changes while minimizing power interruption during shifting. The result is a more refined riding experience, improved transmission efficiency and enhanced overall vehicle performance, making it well suited for larger-displacement motorcycles.
Commenting on the development, Henk Vanthournout, Vice President of BorgWarner Inc and President and General Manager, Drivetrain and Morse Systems, said, “Passenger car transmission technology provides a strong reference point for the evolution of motorcycle automatic transmissions, and we believe automatic transmission technology will continue to gain momentum in the motorcycle market. With our proven DCT expertise and systems integration capabilities, BorgWarner is well positioned to support our Chinese motorcycle customer in bringing its DCT solution to production and advancing automatic transmission technology for motorcycle applications.”
BorgWarner brings extensive experience to the project, having supplied nearly 10 million dual-clutch transmission units for passenger vehicles worldwide. The company’s established engineering expertise, advanced manufacturing capabilities and deep understanding of transmission technologies provide a strong foundation for developing dedicated DCT systems tailored to motorcycle applications.
The new program also marks an important milestone in BorgWarner’s strategic transformation from a supplier of individual transmission components to a provider of complete systems solutions. By integrating advanced hardware with intelligent control software, the company aims to deliver higher levels of performance, efficiency and reliability while simplifying vehicle development for manufacturers.
Beyond supporting its customer’s domestic operations in China, the integrated DCT solution is expected to strengthen the manufacturer’s global ambitions by enabling expansion into key international markets, including Europe, North America and other overseas regions.
The agreement reinforces BorgWarner’s commitment to advancing transmission technologies that address evolving mobility requirements while supporting customers with innovative engineering solutions. As demand for premium motorcycles equipped with automatic transmission systems continues to grow, the company remains focused on delivering technologies that enhance riding comfort, improve fuel economy and support the next generation of high-performance two-wheeler mobility.
