Automatic motorcycle trannies?

[jrandom]

See http://www.motorcycledaily.com/09june04_floorboards.htm

Now, you'll never get *me* on any two-wheeled contraption with an automatic transmission, but I can see how this would improve penetration into the large marketplace of people who dislike the idea of a Proper Motorcycle. Such as my sister, for instance, who becomes utterly aghast when considering the necessity of using both hands and both feet to handle five separate control inputs while remaining upright and balanced on two wheels.

I reckon it's a good idea, and if the bike manufacturers manage to get these things selling, more power to them.

[FROSTY:Me]

Way back in the 70's honda did an automatic cb750/4
It never took off.
Some of those super scooters do pretty well as motorcycles -and they actually handle too

[Kickaha]

Way back in the 70's honda did an automatic cb750/4
It never took off.
Some of those super scooters do pretty well as motorcycles -and they actually handle too

MotoGuzzi did one as well,although I think it was two speed.

[vifferman]

And then there was the Rokon (an Amurkn murdersickel) that had a big torque-convertor thang, a bit like the ones on scooters.

[R6_kid:Me]

I rode a 1976 Vespa for just under a year, prefered a four speed manual over any 50cc twist and go. As for comfort, i havent really noticed a difference since changing to a bike. If you need to move your legs on a long ride you can, i will often be seen with my legs sticking out in random directions, or streched out in front like i was on a cruiser (but without the pegs). I never liked autos, only for cars in traffic etc, but on a bike, i prefer to have better control over my speed so my need for a manual transmission remains paramount.

[Les]

Was just reading through an old issue of Kiwi Rider and saw an article on the Gilera Fero 850 V-twin sport bike prototype with a fully auto trannie. There's also the option of changing the gears "manually" with push buttons. Sounds interesting...wonder if it'll get into production? Me'd like to have a go on one...

[wkid_one]

Fuck - with the engine braking I use - I would be in a ditch at the first corner with an auto!

[Mongoose]

MotoGuzzi did one as well,although I think it was two speed.

No doubt some one will corect me if I am wrong, but i think the Guzzi was a two speed manual AND two speed auto. Manually select low for around town and Hi(or second) for open road riding.

[DEATH_INC.]

Husky (can't spell huscqvar.....huscavar...huskqav..$%$it!)did an auto MXer back in the 70's/80's....and honda did a 400 twin auto too.....

[bungbung]

Len Southward has a 215 Rover V8 powered thing with a 3 speed autobox.

[Dr Bob]

I think that there is a place for an auto bike, if for example one day I lose the ability to use all of my limbs then it will be very handy. Also, there are people who are too stupid to use the limbs that they have already got - ie. the inability to use an indicator when they are driving a very large car, if they were on a bike instead of in a car that would reduce the overall mass of random objects on the road.

[FROSTY:Me]

It'd be interesting to see one of those super scooters converted into a "real" road bike.I think itd be a hit with the commuters

[pete376403]

No doubt some one will corect me if I am wrong, but i think the Guzzi was a two speed manual AND two speed auto. Manually select low for around town and Hi(or second) for open road riding.

Moto Guzzi Convert - was a conventional two speed manual box behind a torque converter. No manual clutch, and no auto change (it stayed in the gear it was put in)
The Honda CB750A was a true hydraulic auto with auto up and down shifts. Rokon used variable diameter pulleys with belt drive (the DAF system) and would have been good if it hadn't been affected by water (it was a trail type bike) making the belts slip.
The Husqvarna system used a conventional 4 speed box and a number of centrifugal clutches (what would you expect when Husqvarna make chainsaws)

[Motu]

I think there could be a case for the Tiptronic type autos we are seeing in cars these days - just a paddle to flip for up and down changes,a lockup converter could provide engine braking...you read it here first.

It's been done before of course - The auto used in BMC (Morris,Austin etc) was a full auto but also had the option of individual gear selection.I've always thought one would make a good power plant for a sidecar.

[svs]

I think there could be a case for the Tiptronic type autos we are seeing in cars these days - just a paddle to flip for up and down changes,a lockup converter could provide engine braking...you read it here first.

..like a quickshifter then....

saab had a 'clutchless' manual a few years back. I wonder what happened to that. clutch was electronically operated when the gear lever was moved. I had a test drive in one, and you could shift really quickly.