Motorcycles with automatic transmission – testing two solutions DCT and CVT

Following the spread of automatic transmissions in cars, some motorcycle manufacturers are also thinking about the possibility of equipping motorcycles with this type of transmission.

The Japanese company, Honda, became the pioneer in this matter. The first bike with an automatic transmission appeared in 1975. It was then that Honda released the CB750 model, with the Automatic prefix.

However, the model was not successful for a number of technical reasons. The motorcycle's transmission was extremely unreliable and worked jerkily. And instead of the comfortable ride that the motorcycle was designed for, it turned out to be problematic. Therefore, the idea with an automatic transmission was then postponed.

And so, over time, when the technology for producing automatic transmissions improved significantly, they decided to return to automatic transmissions.

Advantages and disadvantages

The first and undeniable advantage of automatic transmissions on motorcycles is the same comfort. After all, the driver does not need to monitor the operation of the gearbox, switch from lower to higher gear and back, the gearbox does everything on its own.

Another advantage is that the power plant operates in a more gentle mode than with a manual transmission, which has a positive effect on the overall service life of the engine.

An automatic transmission on motorcycles makes driving somewhat easier, especially on straight sections of the road.

But there are also disadvantages, and they are also significant. The design of such a box is an order of magnitude more complex than a manual gearbox, which affects its reliability. You can forget about fuel efficiency; with such a gearbox, a motorcycle consumes more fuel.

Many motorcyclists will not like the fact that you can’t get any drive when driving a motorcycle with such a gearbox; you can immediately forget about sharp accelerations and maneuvers.

And yet, motorcycles with automatic transmissions are now being produced, and Honda is ahead of everyone in this matter.

But now motorcycles with automatic transmission have their own target audience who are happy to ride bikes with automatic transmission; usually these are beginners who have decided to switch from a scooter to something more serious.

Whether it’s worth switching from a bike with a manual transmission to an automatic transmission is up to the motorcyclist to decide. For those who like a quiet ride with the greatest possible comfort, such a motorcycle can become a good “friend.” But, if someone prefers to “push on the gas”, leaving abruptly from the start, the automatic transmission will be a strong burden.

A winter helmet for a snowmobile is, first of all, necessary protection during outdoor activities.

Yamaha Jog moped for lovers of fast riding.

List of touring models of motorbikes with automatic transmission

When it comes to automatic transmissions, touring motorcycles are the first to come to mind. They provide pilot comfort on long journeys by reducing concentration on the controls. The most successful bikes are considered to be Honda:

— Honda DN-01 combines enormous power, aggressive, shark-like design, excellent wind protection and cruiser ergonomics. The model began to be put on sale in 2008, but due to low demand it ended its existence in 2010. Here are some key features of this bike:

• The engine is V-shaped, from the XL700V Transalp tourenduro. Injection injection and a power of 71 hp allow this engine to pull well even at low levels, and even more so to work well with an automatic transmission;
• Liquid cooling prevents the bike from overheating even in hot countries where the air temperature reaches +40;
• The continuously variable automatic transmission of this “Shark” is distinguished by the ability to change gears manually, which can be a great help on a bad road;
• Despite the abundance of plastic, the bike was not equipped with a sufficient number of panniers and luggage racks. This made it not very suitable for tourism, despite the fact that the manufacturer positioned it as a tourist one;
• Heavy weight, a rather uncomfortable fit, gluttony and a very high price - these are the main disadvantages of this “tourist”. It was because of them that the model was discontinued two years later.

— Honda VFR 1200FD belongs to both sports and touring bikes. Such motorcycles with an automatic transmission are called sports tourists. The ratio of weight, power, fit, and wind protection make such models truly universal. “Vyfer” is characterized by the following features:

• The volume of the four-cylinder, V-shaped engine is 1237 cubic centimeters, and it produces power up to 179 hp;
• Its cylinders are located at an uncharacteristic angle of 76 degrees, and are not directly opposite each other, but offset to the sides. This made it possible to completely get rid of vibrations without complicating the motor with a balancing shaft;
• An aluminum frame, the ability to adjust the suspension to suit different road conditions and the load of luggage on the bike, excellent brakes, the ability to hang panniers and, most importantly, a cardan, make the “Vyfer” an excellent tourist.

— Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin is a tourenduro, or enduro-tourer. It blew up the motorcycle community in 2014, becoming a great competitor to the Ducati Multistrada and the famous BMW “Goose”. High ground clearance and soft suspension give it the ability, unlike previous road versions, to easily overcome dirt, gravel and sand. Here are the main features of this bike:

• The all-new 998cc inline-twin engine produces 95 horsepower;
• A steel frame, adjustable suspension, the presence of ABS, sophisticated electronic engine control, good brakes and the ability to hang it all with panniers makes Africa an ideal “tourist”;
• There is also a version with a manual transmission, for those whose travels take place where there are practically no roads.

— Honda NC 700 SD and Honda NC 750 XD. These are very similar motorcycles, differing in the areas of operation, essentially a road and touring version. These bikes also have their own characteristics:

• The engines are assembled on the basis of automobile ones, from Honda Jazz;
• Some design features made it possible to achieve unprecedented efficiency for such a cubic capacity - only 3.5 liters per 100 km!
• The comfortable fit and adjustable suspension make both of these versions versatile;
• The automatic transmission is also adjustable depending on the driving style.

— Honda NM4 02 Vultus attracts the attention of everyone who catches its eye. Its futuristic design is reminiscent of technology from science fiction films. In some ways it resembles the outdated DN-01, but has better ergonomics and travel readiness. Key features of this moto:

• Its design is created in the best traditions of Japanese Anime;
• The engine and gearbox are completely identical to the NC 700 or 750;
• The pendants are simple, non-adjustable;
• The drive is a chain, which is not always convenient for long journeys.

— Yamaha FJR 1300AS is a huge, cruise liner-like sports tourer. It was originally created for the foreign market, for long-distance travel in Europe, America and Asia. Here are the key nuances that make it unique:

• The engine has four cylinders and produces 146 hp. with a volume of 1298 cubic centimeters;
• Fuel consumption for such a cubic capacity is low - only 6.2 liters per 100 km, which allows you to travel on it quite economically;
• The presence of a cardan attracts those who do not like to stop every 500 km to service the drive chain.

Honda DN-01

Next, let's look at which models have recently been produced or are currently being produced.
So, the next bike after the CB750 Automatic from Honda was the DN-01. It appeared in 2005, but still did not receive much recognition, so after 5 years it was discontinued. This motorcycle belonged to the tourist class . It looked quite good, but the shape of the motorcycle was not very good due to poor wind protection.

Regarding the technical part, the motorcycle did not “shine” with them, some even noted that the power plant was frankly weak.

Price

Today, in order to buy a “live” copy, you need to try very hard, and it is almost impossible to find a car in stock. Prices for more or less “living” cars start from 120 thousand rubles. and then it depends on the condition of the car.

Interesting Facts

• The first generation Honda CRX with a 1.3 engine was extremely economical, according to US sources it consumed only 3.4 liters per hundred kilometers • The car is still particularly popular among car enthusiasts.

Model history

• In 1984, the first generation of the model debuted. • In 1987, the second generation of the model was released. • In 1989, the B16a engine began to be installed on the car. • In 1992, a completely new model was introduced called the Honda CRX Del Sol • In 2009, a hybrid coupe called the Honda CRZ was introduced (link to article), production began in 2010. • In 2016, production of the model was discontinued

Honda VFR1200F Auto

The next motorcycle that has an automatic transmission on board is the Honda VFR1200F Auto. It is part of the VFR family of sports tourers.

The developers simply took the famous tourer and replaced the manual transmission with an automatic transmission..

This motorcycle turned out to be “more serious” than its predecessor, the DN-01.

Honda NC 700 DCT or Aprilia Mana?

The Aprilia was better in terms of driving pleasure and comfort. However, the more refined powertrain, lower running costs and fuel economy favor the Honda.

In our opinion

1. Honda NC 700 S DCT. High gear shift speed and response to load changes. Box modes sometimes fail. The equipment is just for lovers of technical gadgets.

2. APRILIA 850 Mana ABS. If you need a motorcycle for a more comfortable ride, check out this one. Sufficient power and a precisely tuned gearbox combine the advantages of a motorcycle and a scooter in an almost exemplary manner.

Post Views: 7,554

Honda NC700XD

Recently, Honda made another attempt at creating a bike with an automatic transmission; for this, it took the NC700X model, modified it somewhat and installed an automatic transmission.
The resulting model is designated Honda NC700XD. This is another “tourist” that is designed for long trips on good roads. It looks quite good, but in terms of technical characteristics it is average.

Light American cruiser from Honda Steed 400, with a maximum speed of 140 km/h.

See our gallery for a large selection of Honda Valkyrie photos.

Second generation 1988-1991

1988 Honda CRX Si second generation
The second generation Honda CRX began production in 1988. When the model first entered the market, there were only 2 configurations: with a 1.5 liter engine that developed a power of 105 hp and SI with a 1.6 engine with a power of 135 horsepower. Honda crx with a 1.5 engine and a 5-speed manual transmission now accelerates to one hundred in 8.5 seconds.

Since 1989, the legendary B16A engine with a 1.6-liter VTEC valve timing system has been added to the engine line. In Europe, a 150 hp version of this engine was used, and in Japan, 160 hp was “removed” from the same engine. With this unit, the model accelerated to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds.

The car's suspension has changed significantly, now instead of a torsion beam at the front and a semi-independent chassis at the rear, a two-link suspension was used at the front and a fully independent 5-link at the rear. After modifications, the response to the steering wheel improved, and it became even more fun to pilot.

The interior has changed significantly compared to the 1984 model; the interior is now equipped with adjustable seats and an updated dashboard. Also in Japan, some modifications were equipped with a panoramic roof. The exterior of the car has changed: Hood, optics, bumpers.

In 1991, Honda launched the completely redesigned Honda CRX Del Sol.

Aprilia Shiver 850

The latest model, known for having an automatic transmission not manufactured by Honda. This motorcycle is produced by Aprilia, and the model is designated as Shiver 850.

This motorcycle is a classic “street”. Its characteristics also cannot be called outstanding.

These are so far the most famous motorcycle models with automatic transmission. The rest of the world's brands continue to install only manual transmissions on their motorcycles, leaving automatic transmissions for scooters.

Tuning

The Honda CRX is still popular among tuners around the world, and this is evident because the engineers initially designed a sporty, reliable, rigid coupe. Cars undergo both deep internal tuning and external styling. Many owners make swap (link to article about swap) for B series, for K series. Many people install turbines. What is noteworthy is that the Mugen tuning studio has released its signature turbo kit:

Turbo kit from Mugen

The famous tuning studio Mugen did not limit itself to producing turbines; it produced many components for the Honda CRX.

components from Mugen for Honda CRX

Test drive, swap K series.