Hey Look, Nice!

**James Deuce** · 28th April 2009, 13:06

Shame they couldn't have talked to the local press.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/mo...879/Auto-macho

Nicely written story though.

**Big Dave** · 28th April 2009, 13:12

I really like a TV show called 'Around the horn' - a game of competitive sports banter.

In it you get points for saying stuff first. :-P

**Reido** · 28th April 2009, 13:15

they are making out that using a clutch and gear leaver is hard?
i'd get bored if i didnt have to change gear. its all part of the experience.
if i wanted an auto i'd but a scooter or drive a cage.

**yod** · 28th April 2009, 13:21

If you aren't in possession of the requisite dexterity to manage a hand clutch and foot lever then are you really suited to controlling a large capacity motorcycle?

**Headbanger** · 28th April 2009, 13:22

lets riders do away with hand-squeezing a clutch and foot-shifting through gears when they're also trying to stay balanced, navigate traffic and co-ordinate accelerating and braking.

WTF?

If you have to "try and stay balanced" and can't coordinate the basic tasks of riding you need to get the hell off the road and into a paddock for some practise.

**James Deuce** · 28th April 2009, 13:39

It's a reasonably big deal in the US because the majority of the passenger vehicle fleet is auto. Honda are hoping to tap into a market they may have shied away from bikes because of the "old fashioned" manual gearbox.

More interesting (to me anyway) was the Mana making up 15% of Aprilia's sales figures. That's a pretty clear message I reckon.

**Headbanger** · 28th April 2009, 13:42

I can see the attraction of an auto for commuting, But still think if you can't actually ride you should learn.....

**tigertim20** · 28th April 2009, 14:48

Im sure for some people an auto bike is very practical. But I dont want a practical bike. I want to get wet riding in the rain, have to stop twice as often as a car for gas, and twice as often again to regain the feeling in my ass, I want to go without a radio and a heater, and I want a manual gearbox!!! I love my bike just the way it is. Id never buy one, but hell, if its gonna make sales like those indicated in the article, well, who can blame them eh?

**The Pastor** · 28th April 2009, 15:02

it'd be perfect for long distance motorway riding

**peasea** · 28th April 2009, 15:21

Originally Posted by tigertim20

Im sure for some people an auto bike is very practical. But I dont want a practical bike. I want to get wet riding in the rain, have to stop twice as often as a car for gas, and twice as often again to regain the feeling in my ass, I want to go without a radio and a heater, and I want a manual gearbox!!! I love my bike just the way it is. Id never buy one, but hell, if its gonna make sales like those indicated in the article, well, who can blame them eh?

Why does your ass lose its feeling and why on earth would you take a donkey-like creature out on your bike?

**Big Dave** · 28th April 2009, 15:25

Eeee-awways says that.

**Mully** · 28th April 2009, 15:32

Originally Posted by peasea

Why does your ass lose its feeling

Have you seen the pillion accomodation on a CBR600? Enough to make even a sheep loose feeling, let alone a donkey.

and why on earth would you take a donkey-like creature out on your bike?

No heater. The donkey keeps him warm.

**peasea** · 28th April 2009, 15:42

Originally Posted by Mully

Have you seen the pillion accomodation on a CBR600? Enough to make even a sheep loose feeling, let alone a donkey.

No heater. The donkey keeps him warm.

I read posts about Honda riders..........