The appearance of automatic transmissions on motorcycles is due to the desire to improve driving comfort by relieving the biker of the need to constantly change gears. This is especially true when driving around the city, when you need to constantly change the pace of movement. With an automatic transmission, there is no need to click through gears before a traffic light or while overtaking. Smart electronics automatically select the required gear ratio to improve dynamic performance and maximize engine performance.
Development of automatic transmissions in motorcycles
The first bike with an automatic transmission was the mass-produced Honda CB-750. To distinguish it from the mechanical version, “authomatic” was added to the name of the motorcycle. The model did not gain popularity due to the following shortcomings of the automatic transmission, listed in the list below:
- lack of smooth change of gear ratio;
- increase in bike weight;
- low reliability, especially with a dynamic driving style or improper maintenance;
- low maintainability;
- lack of specialists capable of repairing and servicing automatic transmissions;
- the presence of dips during gear shifting endangered the life of a biker performing a maneuver, for example, overtaking;
- jerks during movement provoked accelerated wear of the power plant and transmission.
The views of motorcyclists of that time also hindered the advancement of automatic transmissions. The majority refused to ride motorcycles that did not involve changing gears. These factors did not allow the automatic transmission to gain a foothold in the market and other manufacturers did not begin to produce automatic models of bikes.
The first bike with an automatic transmission
Despite the lack of success, Honda continued to develop the idea of an automatic transmission. In 2005, the DN-01 was released for sale, worthy of competing with its mechanical counterparts. The automatic transmission on this bike migrated from ATVs. The gearbox has six stages, providing three operating modes:
- automatic, designed for maximum smooth movement;
- sport, which reveals all the dynamic qualities of the device, making it sharp, fast and with a characteristic sound emanating from the muffler;
- triptronic, which allows you to change gears independently.
The success of the Honda DN-01 made other motorcycle manufacturers think about producing bikes with automatic transmission. Aprilia managed to reach the same level as the debutant. In parallel with automatic machines installed on powerful bikes, small-scale equipment with CVTs also began to be actively sold.
Transmission and seven gears?
Mana has a choice of three driving modes (Universal, Rain and Sport), differing primarily in operating characteristics. However, if you want to make the decision to change the gear ratios yourself, you can do so using the buttons or foot lever. The Mana Box offers seven preset gear ratios - so-called quasi-gears - switched using a stepper motor that changes the distance between the pulley discs. This function is installed optionally. The Vario gearbox, which is the most important here, always works well with the engine. With the dampers closed, engine braking can be used perfectly. The transmission, typical for this type of scooter, does not spoil the joy of riding.
The Aprilia is definitely hurt more by its suspension tuning. The fork is upside-down, set too hard, and the suspension, in turn, is too soft. Therefore, on uneven asphalt, Mana clearly loses stability when cornering. The ABS setting also leaves a lot to be desired. Keep this in mind, because when riding with a passenger, the ground is easier than it seems. Honda NC 700 S DCT handles this problem much better.
A good tidy offers a lot of information. It's a pity that there is no fuel level indicator.
The Aprilia's gears can be changed by pressing the + or – keys on the left side of the handlebar.
For the driver there are three automatic and one manual modes (red button).
The lower clamp is a parking brake - necessary when the car cannot be left running.
The principle of operation of the automatic machine on bikes
The classic motorcycle automatic transmission is based on a drum. Pads are attached to it on one side, somewhat similar to brake pads. Their second end is secured with springs.
When the drum rotates, centrifugal force occurs. It causes the pads to separate. They are pressed against the outer drum. In this way, it is possible to transmit torque as efficiently as possible.
Motorcycle automatic transmission
What causes the speed change?
When the bike's speed selection lever moves, a special drive allows the forks to move. They are designed to move longitudinal couplings. Two gears cannot be engaged at the same time, since a lock (locking mechanism) is used for this. If we look at the example of a three-way box, while one slider is moving, the rest are simply locked with a lock.
At the moment when the clutch responsible for engagement is directed to the gear of a particular transmission, their ring gears meet. They are connected to each other, and their simultaneous rotation occurs. Thus, the gearbox transmits rotational movements from the engine through the cardan shaft to the main gear.
Advantages of a motorcycle with an automatic transmission
The main advantages of motorcycles with an automatic transmission are:
- improved body streamlining;
- driving comfort, especially in heavy traffic areas;
- gentle engine operation;
- it became easier for beginners to stay in dense traffic;
- modern automatic transmissions are more compact in size;
- improvement of weight distribution.
The development of automatic transmissions has led to a reduction in delay times when switching between gears. This helps improve dynamics. The acceleration time of some bikes with automatic transmission is now equal to that of manual transmission, and in some cases even improved.
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.
Disadvantages of a bike with an automatic transmission
A motorcycle with an automatic transmission also has a number of disadvantages that do not allow manual transmission to be forced out of the market:
- design complexity;
- lower reliability than mechanical analogues;
- high gasoline consumption, constantly increasing as a result of wear of the automatic transmission;
- maneuverability is worse, since there are pauses necessary for the correct operation of the electronics and the execution of actions by the machine itself;
- lower transmission efficiency;
- heavy weight, which negatively affects dynamics.
The widespread use of classic gearboxes is also important. This resulted in significantly lower prices for mechanical parts. Not every city has specialists who work with automatic motorcycle transmissions, which brings certain difficulties to the life of a biker. The automatic transmission is also not subject to garage repair, as it is a high-precision device that is sensitive to any assembly inaccuracies.
The best among analogues
On the modern motorcycle market you can find many models with automatic transmission, but the Japanese remain the best. They produce bikes, which are available in two transmission variations: automatic and manual. If earlier an automatic transmission was a less attractive option, having a lot of weight, then in new models it is only 10 kg heavier than a regular gearbox. Now Honda presents several motorcycles equipped with an automatic transmission. Among them, the best is the Crosstourer, which received:
- V-shaped, sixteen-valve engine with a volume of 1237 cm3.
- 130 l. With.
- Ground clearance – 18 cm.
- Electric starter system.
- Gas tank capacity is 21.5 liters.
This model is not only the best-selling, but also the most reliable. Italian specialists installing automatic transmissions on their motorcycles are significantly below the level of the Japanese.
Aprilia Shiver 850
This bike model is a “street” classic design. The motorcycle is great for leisurely walks, but if necessary, it produces fairly decent dynamic performance. This allows us to classify it as a mid-class naked bike. The device uses Ride by Wire technology, thanks to which all electronic controls are perfectly optimized.
The engine and automatic transmission deliver maximum acceleration, but the electronics strive to reduce gasoline consumption as much as possible. Control signals emanating from the ECU control the completeness and correctness of torque delivery throughout the entire speed range. This allows the Aprilia Shiver 850 to feel confident both at high speed on the highway and on roads with mixed surfaces.
Aprilia Shiver 850
Recommendations
When traveling on a motorcycle, all actions should be brought to automaticity. It is better for novice drivers to skate all the moments on an area where there are no strangers. This will avoid injury to both the rider and those around him. However, it is worth paying attention to some other tips.
- In order not to give in to excess gas, your hands should hold the steering handles with your knuckles up. This is especially important when engaging first gear.
- The engine must always warm up within a certain period of time. You should never run at full speed to avoid rapid engine failure.
- It is always better to be proactive and plan every step during your trip. This little thing will help you avoid traffic accidents and other problems on the road.
- Almost all modern motorcycle models have a special indicator on the dashboard indicating the gear in which the movement is taking place.
- If you need to brake at high speed, you should start with the front brake, which is released gradually. It is he who is the main one. The rear brake is used to adjust the position of the motorcycle.
- Each press (click) on the gearshift lever corresponds to one speed. In this case, you need to listen to the engine. If a low sound is heard, you should turn on a reduced speed from the existing one and, vice versa, if the engine rumbles strongly.
- IMPORTANT: If you initially squeeze the clutch and then release the gas, the engine will begin to “roar”, and when you further change gears it will twitch.
Honda VFR1200F Auto
Honda VFR1200F Auto belongs to the VFR family of sports tourers, and is also a motorcycle with an automatic transmission. Models with manual and automatic are not very different. They are made on the same frames and with similar engines. In tests, the dynamic characteristics are close to each other.
Another feature, in addition to the automatic, is the presence of a cardan. It allows you to transmit the full power of torque. The automatic transmission fits perfectly into this type of transmission and, thanks to electronics, completely eliminates the inertia of the driveshaft.
Honda VFR1200F Auto with automatic transmission and driveline
When to switch
There are features of how and when to change gears at different gearboxes (“manual” or “automatic”). In any case, you should first study the basic basics, such as the location of the clutch handle, the rules for setting and releasing speed, and the gear shift lever. They are used subsequently to perform these actions.
Honda NC700XD
After minor modifications to the Honda NC700XD motorcycle, the world saw a version with the letter “D” at the end, indicating that the bike is equipped with an automatic transmission. Since the device is classified as a “tourist”, motorcycle owners will drive it mainly on straight, good roads. It is not recommended to drive it off-road.
The Honda NC700XD is designed for long trips over long distances. This is reflected in the design of the automatic transmission, which transmits high torque, mainly at medium and high speeds. Standing on a sawhorse and riding wheelie style will not work on this machine.
Honda NC700XD
Motorcycle or scooter?
The idea of crossing a motorcycle with a scooter is not new: 2007 marks the debut of the Aprilia Many. Its engine (V-twin, cylinders rotated at 90° and has a volume of 839 cm3) was taken without any major modifications from the Gilera GP 800 scooter. The gears are continuously variable manually using a belt drive. However, the typical rubber drive of a scooter should be taken into account.
I start the engine, and Mana begins to “gurgle” loudly. This is certainly not the sound of the scooter world. Visually, he's also wow. Italian sophistication is visible in it: it amazes with its execution and details such as eccentrics for adjusting the tips of the foot brake and gear lever.
The Aprilia's ergonomics also hold up well, although it must be said that the sport-style knee angle doesn't quite suit the high-mounted handlebars. Let's see how this scooter rides. I vigorously unscrew the gas. Thanks to the power (76 hp at the crankshaft) transmitted by a centrifugal clutch, the Mana accelerates sharply and quickly. The high engine speed provides good torque, but its operation is accompanied by strong vibrations. But there is a center that works with gears, so it will be easier for you to take care of the perfect course.
Weighing 229 kg, the Mana corners easily, helped by the Pirelli tires that work well with the suspension. Half an hour of such a flight is enough so that - even if you are attached to traditional solutions - to your surprise, he stops being bored with them. Participating in disputes is not a very good thing, but, of course, following rollgaz commands is quite effective.
Honda DN-01
After the successful release of the CB750 Automatic model by Honda, the world saw the Honda DN-01. This happened in 2005, when only a few bikers, mostly followers of the Japanese motorcycle giant, knew about the possibility of installing a motorcycle automatic transmission. The success of the previous model, DN-01, was not achieved, which is why, after 5 years of production, the company decided to end production of the device.
The reason for low sales lay not only in the automatic transmission. When designing the bike's aerodynamics, the engineers made a mistake with wind protection. This dealt a significant blow to comfort, which is especially important for touring-class motorcycles designed for fast trips over long distances. The operation of the automatic transmission was also not optimal, so many noted noticeable shocks when changing the gear ratio.
Honda DN-01
The development of automatic transmissions is occurring at a rapid pace, so in the near future they will quite possibly completely replace manual transmissions. To satisfy fans of mechanics, automatic transmissions have special modes, for example, triptronic. It allows you to manually select the required gear ratio. At the same time, a biker who is tired of switching speeds in intensive mode will be able to switch the box to fully automatic mode at any time.
If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below the article. We or our visitors will be happy to answer them
Manual transmission
Beginners always have problems starting a motorcycle, as well as subsequently changing gears. After all, the main question is when to turn on 1, 2, 3 and subsequent speeds when driving. For the first gear, the optimal start will be set at 3 thousand revolutions. (Smoothly release the clutch) They should increase evenly while releasing the clutch. When increasing or decreasing the speed, you must ensure that the speed does not rise quickly. For this reason, everything should be done as smoothly as possible. Growth will be optimal up to 1-1.5 thousand revolutions. If the switching is carried out at low speeds, there will be a need to re-throttle. It is best to perform all actions at high speeds, around -3,000 from the maximum cutoff. The steps look like this:
The clutch lever is depressed and at one moment the gear shift lever is pressed with the left foot. After engaging first gear, gas is gradually added by turning the handle, and the clutch is slowly released.
Using the toe of your left foot, the lever is raised up to a characteristic click at 2nd and subsequent speeds. Some “aces” make the switch in a simpler way: they slightly lift the lever with their toes and release the gas. But this requires some experience for smoothness. Otherwise, the service life of the clutch will be significantly reduced due to increased wear.
It may be necessary to downshift. After releasing the gas by approximately 2,000 - 3,000 rpm by braking, depress the clutch and shift the speed down. This can be continued until neutral is turned on. Smooth operation will only occur when the actual speed is lower by approximately 500 - 1,000 revolutions of the lower gear.
Otherwise, a jerk will be felt.
IMPORTANT: In gears 4 to 6 you can move quite quickly and at maximum speeds. But it will be impossible to move from their place. The reason is the lack of necessary force transmitted to the wheels.
Model update
The Honda nc700x was replaced in 2014 by the energetic Honda nc750x motorcycle. The power was increased by only 5 hp, and the driving dynamics significantly changed for the better. At the same time, fuel consumption remained the same due to optimization of the DCT automatic transmission.
Today, the Honda nc750x with an automatic transmission is the smallest and most budget touring bike.
Characteristics and non-standard solution
The Honda nc750x retains the reliable, economical 2-cylinder liquid-cooled engine from the previous model.
Fuel consumption per hundred kilometers is 3.5 – 4.0 liters, depending on speed and driving style. The bike accelerates well from low revs, and accelerates to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds. Max torque of 68 Nm is created at 4750 rpm. This confirms that the nc750x pulls well from the very bottom.
The bike is convenient for driving around the city. And the high ground clearance of 165 mm allows you to make maximum use of the motorcycle outside the city on any road.
It turns out that the motorcycle is universal and suitable for both traveling and everyday driving.
The entire NC series uses a non-standard arrangement of bike elements. The economical and compact engine made it possible to place a 14.1 liter tank under the rear seat. As a result, the center of gravity has shifted to the middle, which improves the handling of the motorcycle.
In front, instead of a tank, there is a trunk for tools and a helmet. It's convenient and unusual.
Externally, the bike attracts attention and looks modern and original.
