Motorcycles with automatic transmission: the best representatives of the class


The advent of automatic motorcycles, like cars, divided drivers into two armies. Fans of comfort choose an automatic because they no longer need to control the operation of the gearbox, while fans of drive argue that only a manual allows you to feel full control over the power and maneuverability of the bike. The first experience in using an automatic transmission belongs to Honda. The CB750 Automatic, released in 1975, failed in sales due to flaws in the transmission design, but it gave an understanding of what to strive for in order to win over buyers. You can view current offers for automatic motorcycles on our website in the online auctions section.

Advantages of motorcycles with automatic transmission

Modern automatic machines operate softly and smoothly, timely adjusting to the ratio of speed and load on the engine. This allowed the motorcycle market to show people all the advantages of automatic transmission:

  • Ride comfort. The pilot doesn't have to watch upshifts and downshifts, listen to the revs, or monitor the tachometer;
  • Safety. Due to the absence of the need to be distracted by squeezing the clutch, the pilot can better concentrate directly on controlling the bike and assessing the road situation;
  • The engine of motorcycles with an automatic transmission is subject to less stress and its operation is better balanced. Accordingly, this increases its resource.

There are not many disadvantages to automatic transmissions. They consist of greater weight of the entire structure, complexity and high cost of maintenance, as well as increased gasoline consumption. And you’ll have to forget about sharp, disruptive acceleration. That's why so many bikers still prefer a manual transmission.

Who is a bike with automatic transmission suitable for?

The list of automatic motorcycles is quite extensive. It includes equipment of completely different classes. But there are several points that unite them all:

  • The automatic is ideal for traveling on good, smooth roads. If you are a fan of “dalnyaks”, you will definitely like this ride;
  • With automatic transmission it is very convenient to drive in the city, with its numerous intersections, traffic lights, and crossings. Pizza delivery people, couriers and just people who prefer to ride in “human anthills” are increasingly choosing such a box;
  • Typically, motorbikes with automatic transmissions are not purchased by poor people (because the unit itself costs much more), who do not care if they are very gluttonous regarding fuel);
  • But if you are a lover of off-road driving, difficult transport conditions, or a resident of mountainous areas, you’d better take a closer look at a manual transmission. With it you will have better control of your bike while riding in the mud.

The opinion that motorcycles with an automatic transmission are chosen by women or lazy people who do not want to master the “subtleties” of manual control is fundamentally wrong. This is the same as calling a person lazy who prefers to live in a city apartment rather than in a forest hut. The concept of comfort is different for every motorcyclist, and arguing about a manual or an automatic is a pointless exercise.

Chinese enduro motorcycles 250cc

For users with a small budget, purchasing Japanese equipment will be difficult. In this case, you can buy a new, cheaper, but no less high-quality Chinese analogue.

The 250cc engine capacity is considered the most suitable for Chinese enduro motorcycles. China mainly produces replicas of famous brands. There are two types of bikes on the Russian market:

  1. Models without the need to obtain a title, registration and obtaining a license plate.
  2. Models with PTS with permission to drive in the city, improved comfort and soft suspension.

Chinese enduros with an engine capacity of 250 cc have the following differences:

  • low cost and availability;
  • a wide range of;
  • good build quality and components.

There are a number of low-cost Chinese models of good quality on the Russian market. For beginner motorcyclists and riders on a limited budget, Chinese enduro bikes are a suitable alternative to more expensive models.

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.

Chinese 250 cc motorcycles: new players in the motor market

The main advantage of motorcycles from China is, of course, an affordable price. But with all the availability, many options have decent quality and fairly decent characteristics. Some examples:

  • Lifan LF250-3A is a road bike with a power of 20 hp and a 6-speed gearbox. It does not require large investments: it costs about $2,000, and consumes only 2.2 liters per 100 km.

  • Patron Taker 250 is a worthy sports representative of the Middle Kingdom. Provides good maneuverability, acceleration up to 140 km/h and reliable braking due to 300 mm front discs.

  • Blackster 250 V2 is a stylish cruiser, the designers of which were apparently inspired by the American Harley-Davidson. It won't impress Harley fans, but it will do just fine for the average person.

When choosing Chinese 250 cc bikes, it is worth remembering that their appearance is often more aggressive than their character, and the riding dynamics may not live up to expectations. Therefore, no matter how powerful the model may seem, carefully study the characteristics and reviews of the owners.

The best maxi scooters with automatic or CVT

Japanese companies produce not only automatic motorcycles, but also maxi-scooters. Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha and other manufacturers have created several unique models that are in no way inferior to full-fledged “tourists”:

Honda Silverwing 600. This maxi-scooter with the romantic name “Silver Wing” offers comfort comparable to a car. It's packed full of electronics, has heated grips and seats, excellent wind protection and spacious trunks. Here's what characterizes this two-wheeler:

  • Two small wheels, identical in size;
  • The two-cylinder engine is equipped with a balancing shaft, which means there are no vibrations;
  • Comfortable sofa seats with adjustable backrests for both pilot and passenger make this bike extremely comfortable for long trips;
  • The chopper-style seating position, with legs extended forward, is also very comfortable for long-distance travel;
  • There is no need to hang panniers on it - there is a huge 50-liter trunk under the seat;
  • This spendthrift is the king of city traffic. For a 600cc vehicle it is very light and maneuverable.

— Suzuki Skywave 650 and Suzuki Skywave 400 (Burgman). These two variations of the same model can be safely considered real sofas on wheels. They are considered business class scooters that have radically changed the idea of ​​motorcycle travel. Several nuances make it unique:

  • The engine is located under the rider, rather than near the rear wheel as on most scooters;
  • The engine is two-cylinder, liquid-cooled;
  • Power is 55 and 33 hp, and maximum speed is 190 km/h for the 650, and 150 km/h for the 400, respectively;
  • Both of these models were developed as touring cruisers, whose task is to provide maximum comfort during long drives on the highway.

— Yamaha T-Max 500 and Yamaha T-Max 530 are radically different from previous models. If Silverwing and Burgman fully correspond to all ideas about maxi-scooters (impressive riding on the highway, measured movement in traffic), then the T-Max seems like an explosive rocket against their background. Here are its key features:

  • A sharp, “evil” motor, capable of instantly accelerating;
  • Power 48 horsepower;
  • Maximum speed 180 km/h;
  • Sports suspension and excellent handling;
  • Excellent wind and dirt protection, allowing you to get to work clean even in bad weather.

Yamaha N-MAX 155 is a wonderful maxi-scooter designed for the chaos of Asian cities. In his incomprehensible movement, he feels like a fish in water. Having studied its features, it becomes clear why this is one of the most popular models:

  • Lightweight and maneuverable. It handles more like a bicycle or moped than a full-size heavy motorcycle with an automatic transmission;
  • Large trunk under the seat, allowing you to put everything you need for city driving into it;
  • The engine volume of 155 cubic meters is more than enough for comfortable movement in traffic;
  • Good dynamics and brakes with ABS make it easy to shoot between cars in traffic jams.

Best 250cc Motorcycles

Japanese manufacturers have long won the image of the best in the motorcycle industry. High speeds, recognizable shapes, personal style - many people want to be the owner of such equipment. And if you are among them, then you should pay attention to these models:

  • Honda REBEL 250 is a maneuverable and well-handling cruiser. The driver has at his disposal a 2-cylinder 4-stroke engine, 17.4 horsepower, 5-speed gearbox. REBEL 250 began production in 1985, and since then its exterior has not undergone much change. The maximum speed is 140 km/h. Thanks to its stability and good cross-country ability, it can become a worthy candidate for the role of the first bike.

  • The Kawasaki KX250 is a 250cc motocross bike that has been on the market for thirteen generations, produced from 1974 to 2008. Buying this “Japanese”, you get 54 hp, which is with a vehicle weight of 100 kg. open up a lot of opportunities for offroad.

  • Yamaha YBR 250 is a road representative of the “Japanese family”, captivating with its daring exterior. At your disposal is a 154-kilogram design, endowed with 21 horsepower and accelerating to 140 km/h. YBR 250 is ideal for overcoming traffic jams and just a comfortable ride. Among the latest features it is worth noting a multi-reflective headlight and an LCD instrument panel.

What the listed 250cc motorcycles have in common is an impeccable reputation and a large army of fans.

Reviews from owners of motorcycles with automatic transmission

The Russian motorcycle industry does not produce bikes with automatic transmission, so those who want to ride such equipment have to buy equipment at a Japanese motorcycle auction. If you are afraid to do this in person, use the services of intermediary companies that will check the technical condition, packing, shipping and delivery of the bike directly to your home.

When choosing a motorcycle with an automatic transmission, it is very important to read reviews from real owners, as well as various reviews and test drives. It is necessary to take into account many factors - dynamics, acceleration, size and weight, because they all affect the ride quality.

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