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

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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

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