Saturday, May 15
For JP who was searching for a sportier auto tranny bike:
Have the ladies considered a megascooter? We looked at traditional motorcycles, too, but decided against them because a) we've had foot surgeries that would make shifting tiresome at best and b) we wanted to do two-up riding (once we're comfortable in our solo handling). Most bikes don't give a lot of passenger room.
With the megascooters, I'm talking about those that have 400cc to 650cc engines so they easily handle highway speeds. They're like mini-, automatic-Gold Wings. And fun as the day is long. And not just for women--I know a lot of guys who own them and often prefer them over their big trad bikes. More to the original point, they are easily handled by me at 5'1" (think power-lifter's build) and my partner (5'11"--lanky build). We just bought a Suzuki Burgman 400. It's a great first bike and we love her!
:-) If you have any thoughts of riding two-up on your
"starter" bike or have medical problems that may preclude the
shifting of a traditional bike, consider a megascooter. –
Bryna (note
from Mama: a great idea to investigate further for those who want an auto
transmission!)
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Saturday, May 15
Dear
VTwin Mama:
Hello to all! My name is April, and first I have to say I love
motorcycles! Up until recently, I always thought that all motorcycles were
manual transmission. I'm pretty new to the biking world, and while I have
owned one bike in my life, it wasn't for very long and I was just learning
how to ride when I bought it. Unfortunately, I let a "friend"
borrow my bike and it was wrecked, so I no longer have it. But after I'm
out of school I'd like to buy another one.
Ah, anyway back to my point . . . I always thought that all bikes are manual transmission. But just recently my dad told me there are automatic transmission bikes, and this interested me. I love traditional bikes, don't get me wrong! And I even dream of one day owning a Harley Fat Boy. But I think I would also like to have an automatic bike as well, just for when I'm feeling lazy and don't want to mess with gear shifting. So, I have a question for anyone here who can help! Can anyone give me a list of companies that make automatic transmission bikes? And possibly some makes/models of specific automatic transmission bikes? Please, please?! Ok, thanks and y'all enjoy your night! :-) – April
Dear
April,
I love your enthusiasm! Yes, there are a number of auto tranny
bikes available -- just hop onto my Auto
Tranny page and you'll find previous postings from readers who like
them a lot! Everything from U.S. manufacturer Ridley Motorcycles to old
Hondamatics (no longer made, but well loved) to Mega Scooters and more! I
think you'll really like reading through the letters to get first-hand
accounts of what's what! –
Mama
Wednesday, May 19
Dear
VTwin Mama,
What type of bike has an automatic transmission? – No
Name
Dear
No Name,
There are a number of choices that are chronicled on my Auto
Tranny page. A quick summary reveals that the only current
manufacturer is Ridley Motorcycles, although don't discount looking at
Mega Scooters (400-600cc range) offered by Suzuki and others. For bikes
not currently made, but still loved, there are the Hondamatics and Moto
Guzzi made one. Check for used bikes on these. –
Mama