Really, scooters have been predominantly automatic only since the ’80s and there is a large contingent of scooter traditionalists who are currently mourning the demise of the last three metal-bodied manual shift scooters on the American market: the Genuine Stella, the Bajaj Chetak, and the last of the Vespa P series. Any scooter that steps into the void with a twist-grip shifter and a metal body would have a dedicated market waiting.

Most of the cars sold in America (I seem to recall a figure over 80%) have automatic transmissions. Probably half of the American driving public can’t even operate a manual transmission. If motorcycle companies want to get serious about opening up the market and putting more people on two wheels, starter bikes with automatic transmissions could have a lot of appeal to newcomers. The key features would be relatively light weight, a freeway-capable top speed, a few different style options, low fuel consumption, and above all ease-of-use. One would think that combination would appeal to commuters the next time the price of oil spikes, but then again the Hondamatics of the late ’70s didn’t seem to catch on.

Another possibility for enticing commuters would be the Honda Cub-derived “Kapchai” bikes that are popular in Asia. The 125cc models with automatic or semi-automatic transmissions would be fast enough for American traffic and some of them are styled kinda like small sport bikes. Most of all they’re cheap and Americans are incredible cheapskates when it comes to small-displacement machines. That’s why so many shoddily-made Chinese scooters have flooded into the U.S. and given many people a less-than-ideal introduction to two wheeled vehicles.

Most of all I’m worried that motorcycles are getting marginalized in America because of a perception that they’re “just for fun.” Sure, the big, expensive bikes turn a decent profit and are fun to ride but they may be giving manufacturers a perception that Americans aren’t interested in motorcycles built for practical transportation. The entry-level bikes seem to get only token treatment instead of a recognition that they are the lure for the next generation of motorcyclists.

What if the manufacturers built basic bikes?

Let’s say BMW builds an R75 “Toaster” with white pinstripes and a chrome tank? It wouldn’t need paralever or telelever or whatthehellever, just a nice long flat seat and classic lines. Think about selling a F650 that looks like the F800.

Honda, a Nighthawk 750 is not a CB750. A CB750 is like the above BMW but less expensive. I’d like to see a NT650 Hawk GT that steals sales from SV650′s. How about building more road bikes using your XR motors? Bring the CB400SS to the US! If you aren’t going to make the 250 Nighthawk price competitive with the Ninja 250, make it better. Just think of how many Trail 90/110′s you could still be selling if they were available…

Kawasaki, why did you stop such a great bike like the Concours? sure the 1400 version is over-the-top but was that what your customers were asking for? You’re doing great with the Ninja 250 but maybe you should offer an up-spec version with better suspension and updated looks as an option.

Yamaha, you’re foolish not importing the XT660X and R. How about slotting a WRF450 motor into a lightweight street chassis and call it the RD450? Think about building some nice commuter bikes along the lines of BMW’s F800 using the TDM twin.

Suzuki, don’t ever stop building the SV650! A US version of the 650 Tempter would be great as well.

KTM, you had the last serious road single available with the Duke 640. Bring it back. Put a super charger in it if you must; where are all those thumper enthusiasts going to buy their bikes now?

Ducati, I think you could easily build a 450-500 single and out-Mito Cagiva, beat them to the punch. Then you’d also have a competitive Motard option and some sweet trail bikes.

Moto Guzzi: Keep doing what you’re doing. Also don’t over estimate the value of a Maxxi scooter in your line-up. Guzzi people are those kind of people.

Vespa, include a manual transmission option on your GT.

Victory, take some hints from all of the V-twin sport bikes you see on the Kneeslider, maye just call them “Polaris” if you don’t want to disturb your brand direction. Don’t do a Buell, do a Wakan.

I could easily go on.

-todd