Automatic Gearboxes on Bikes - SV650.org

Stu · 10-02-09, 11:55 PM

Following Bike magazines review of Honda's plans to put automatic gearboxes in proper motorbikes (not just scooters), just wondered what your inherent opposition to that would be?

We're talking Dual Clutch Autos, like the DSG in the Golf GTI & Audi TT etc, CVT gearboxes and some Hydraulic contraption that is also continuously variable (as used in the DN-01).
So these new gearboxes are going to mean you are in the perfect rev range for power, efficiency and also engine braking.

So are you an old person afraid of technology?

10-02-09, 11:58 PM

Yes but the technology would have to be perfect though.

11-02-09, 12:00 AM

An automatic to not 'have to bother with gears' then no. A tiptronic type system without a clutch but with the ability to override the up and down changes, then possibly.

11-02-09, 12:01 AM

Do know if its just me, but I find the rapid flicking and stamping on the box pretty fun and part of the ride.

11-02-09, 12:24 AM

I like automatic in the car, it's far better than manual. Dunno about on a bike though...

rictus01 · 11-02-09, 12:56 AM

Whilst they have had years to develop auto boxes in cars, still most of what would be considered "proper" drivers prefer a manual as someone elses idea of the "right" revs for the speed aren't theirs.

Having had a go on the Aprilia Mana 850 and it's electronic automatic transmission, I can say it's less than perfect, I'm sure it'll suit some and no doubt the safety/ PC brigade will quote numerous reasons only insane people wouldn't want it, but much like ABS, anything that removes the way I control a bike is a bad thing from my perspective.

If minimum skill and consentration and ease of use are your only critiria, then I'm sure you'd be happy.

Cheers Mark.

11-02-09, 12:57 AM

Clutchless gear shifts =

Auto boxes =

11-02-09, 01:08 AM

Whats the point? Is it really that hard to change gear ffs?

Sigh

11-02-09, 01:14 AM

I have only ever driven the newish mercs with auto, and its horrible, the responce is slow and uninspireing.

Jester +1 if it was perfect, cant really see the issue with it, but it would have to be perfect, but on the other hand..

Smoggy +1 changing gears to get into the power on a fast ride is just rewarding and makes it enjoyable!

Balky001 · 11-02-09, 06:59 AM

as long as it worked like a quickshifter, no letting up off the gas when changing up, and it woluld change down using slipper clutch then yeah, why not. There would always be a manual overide.

View Poll Results: Would you buy a sports bike with an Auto?
Yes I would love an Auto if it's better than a Manual	9	33.33%
No I enjoy changing gears and would never give it up no matter how good it is	15	55.56%
I just like to be awkward	3	11.11%
Voters: 27. You may not vote on this poll

10-02-09, 11:55 PM	#1
Stu Trinity Mega Poster Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Guildford Posts: 8,027	Automatic Gearboxes on Bikes Following Bike magazines review of Honda's plans to put automatic gearboxes in proper motorbikes (not just scooters), just wondered what your inherent opposition to that would be? We're talking Dual Clutch Autos, like the DSG in the Golf GTI & Audi TT etc, CVT gearboxes and some Hydraulic contraption that is also continuously variable (as used in the DN-01). So these new gearboxes are going to mean you are in the perfect rev range for power, efficiency and also engine braking. So are you an old person afraid of technology?

10-02-09, 11:58 PM	#2
Jester666 Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Automatic Gearboxes on Bikes Yes but the technology would have to be perfect though.

11-02-09, 12:00 AM	#3
simesb Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Automatic Gearboxes on Bikes An automatic to not 'have to bother with gears' then no. A tiptronic type system without a clutch but with the ability to override the up and down changes, then possibly.

11-02-09, 12:01 AM	#4
Smoggy Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Automatic Gearboxes on Bikes Do know if its just me, but I find the rapid flicking and stamping on the box pretty fun and part of the ride.

11-02-09, 12:24 AM	#5
Ed Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Automatic Gearboxes on Bikes I like automatic in the car, it's far better than manual. Dunno about on a bike though...

11-02-09, 12:56 AM	#6
rictus01 Member Mega Poster Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: South London Posts: 9,799	Re: Automatic Gearboxes on Bikes Whilst they have had years to develop auto boxes in cars, still most of what would be considered "proper" drivers prefer a manual as someone elses idea of the "right" revs for the speed aren't theirs. Having had a go on the Aprilia Mana 850 and it's electronic automatic transmission, I can say it's less than perfect, I'm sure it'll suit some and no doubt the safety/ PC brigade will quote numerous reasons only insane people wouldn't want it, but much like ABS, anything that removes the way I control a bike is a bad thing from my perspective. If minimum skill and consentration and ease of use are your only critiria, then I'm sure you'd be happy. Cheers Mark. __________________ Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, 'Wow! What a Ride!

11-02-09, 12:57 AM	#7
hob Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Automatic Gearboxes on Bikes Clutchless gear shifts = Auto boxes =

11-02-09, 01:08 AM	#8
ThEGr33k Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Automatic Gearboxes on Bikes Whats the point? Is it really that hard to change gear ffs? Sigh

11-02-09, 01:14 AM	#9
pencil shavings Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Automatic Gearboxes on Bikes I have only ever driven the newish mercs with auto, and its horrible, the responce is slow and uninspireing. Jester +1 if it was perfect, cant really see the issue with it, but it would have to be perfect, but on the other hand.. Smoggy +1 changing gears to get into the power on a fast ride is just rewarding and makes it enjoyable!

11-02-09, 06:59 AM	#10
Balky001 Member Mega Poster Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Leigh - on - Sea, Essex. Posts: 1,491	Re: Automatic Gearboxes on Bikes as long as it worked like a quickshifter, no letting up off the gas when changing up, and it woluld change down using slipper clutch then yeah, why not. There would always be a manual overide. __________________ SV650SK3 - GSXR600K2 - GSXR750K6 - ZX636RC1H - HD Sportster 1200 - CBR600F 2012 - GSXR1000K7 - Triumph Bonneville T100 2019 - Aprilia Tuono 660

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