Have you noticed a trend developing in the transmission area? The Suzuki Stratosphere concept bike is an automatic. The Yamaha FJR1300 AE is clutchless paddle shift. Nissan just came out and said 40% of their cars will go a step further and have CVT by 2008. There are cars and trucks these days, perhaps most, that do not even have a manual shift option available. Have we finally reached the point where we are becoming shiftless? A lot of new developments are happening in transmissions which is probably due to the technology to make really good automatics now being available and the performance stigma has long ago gone away. Back in the day, any enthusiast who bought a “slush box” was looked down upon, now automatics are the rule. How far will this penetrate the motorcycle market? It’s already starting and I would expect it to pick up speed.
Doug says
Auto drive could be the next niche for the new buyers. Buy the real motorcycle instead of the enlarged scooter.
It is strange to see a large increase of scooters on the highways, but they are getting larger and more competent for highway use.
The more two-wheeled traffic the better.
mark says
Hopefully automatics won’t catch on in the motorcycle world. I strongly dislike them even in cars — I recently bought a new car, and when shopping for cars I immediately ruled out anything that didn’t have a manual transmission available.
Considering how unpopular the old Hondamatics and such were, I suspect that automatic motorcycles will remain a fairly small niche market.
I hope…!
bogo says
I would love to buy a 700cc – 800cc auto tranny motorcycle for everyday use. The cycle-journalist keep anouncing the arrival of the auto-tranny based on concepts but we have yet to actually see on at the dealer showrooms. By the way, I hate the ‘super-scooter’ step-thru style… a bike needs to have a proper gas tank between your legs.
Val Mihalko says
Ridley Corporation makes a sharp looking automatic motorcycle. The problem with them is getting parts. They make so few bikes that it’s next to impossible to get parts.
I have a 2001 Ridley speedster (24 inch seet height for short women like me). Since they only made 40 of them that year, I haven’t been able to get parts for it. I’ve been trying since Dec 05 just to get an oil fill cap. I need new front shocks and have been getting the run around from them. If I don’t see the parts within 3 weeks, I’m ready to take action against them.
Unless you know how to fabricate your own parts, I’d advise against purchasing a Ridley.
Val
Tony says
I am interested in an automatic transmission because I have to have my left foot amputated. I don’t want to give up riding just because I’m missing a piece of me.
Tony
Alex says
You can’t stop the progress! Give us un automatic, some one gonna make aloot of money on super sport fully automatic…maybe Ducati?
Rose says
I think there is a big market out there waiting for an automatic motorcycle! I would absolutely love an automatic but not the sport type. Something more like the Ridley. I would buy a Ridley now but I am afraid of them not making it and then who would repair it??? I know a lot of women who don’t ride their own but would if they could get rid of the clutch. I took the motorcycle riding course and passed but I am still afraid and have decided not to ride my own. I never liked a manual car either. My hope is that a well known company will come out with one so I feel secure in purchasing it. Help!!!