Topic: Automatic Transmissions on Motorcycles

[Koonendez]

Now I have a decent knowledge of mechanics in general with cars and now beginning to learn about motorcycles. Nothing compared to some of the old wise men on these boards, but it's not bad.

My girlfriend raised up a question to me and I couldn't figure out the answer(most likely due to my lack of knowledge on motorcycles or just because I'm a complete idiot) but the question was why can't they make motorcycles with automatic trannys?

Not that I would want one, but I guess woman would prefer it

[754]

Hondamatic ..aka..750A

Moto Guzzi

to mention a few off the top of my head..

[nickjtc]

+ Honda 400

It's a matter of time until motorcycles catch up with the big scooters in terms of 'shiftless' technology.

[Gordon]

but I guess woman would prefer it

Why's that?

[754]

shiftless creatures....

>>>>>>>>>>>running>>>>>>>>>>>

[RatBikeRandy]

Ridley makes a pretty nice automatic.  My father took a demo ride and said that he liked it, but you would have to get used to it.

[bill440cars]

        Here's a shot of a Jawa Automatic. Didn't even know that they made one until sometime last year, then I found this. Think it was in the 60's, not sure. Looks to be a 250cc though, the 350 was a twin cylinder. Another indication that it was in the 60's, is that the handlebars are a part of the headlight assy (which was cast aluminum for a bit)

                                    Take care, Bill

[tsp37]

I spotted a strange bike at work a couple of weeks ago - a cruiser-looking 250 "F-moto" or something like that.  Google found it for me.  It is a Chinese make with a CVT.

[tramp]

i would think there would bw weight to performance problems

[stresssolutions]

I enjoy mine.

[BobbyR]

I am ok with manual shift as I use the gears for better control and riding comfort. If someone wants to ride an automatic, why not.

[Johnie]

In the 1970's and 1980's Honda was hoping to entice the ladies to take up the sport of cycles.  Hence, the automatics like the 750A and the CM400A.  It did not pan out to well.  In fact, a friend of mine in KY got 2 CM400A bikes from a local tech school after they were donated brand new from a Honda dealer that could not sell them.  They were given to a shop class to dismantle and put back to gether.  So goes the automatics...