Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Shorty on November 28, 2018, 12:29:18 AM
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Honda has a full line up of automatic shift bikes. All the fun with no leaking boiling fluid. :afro:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IslVm_Eb8FI
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Honda has now fully embraced utilitarian commuter motorcycling.
In other words. BORING!
For me, Motorcycles, Sport Cars, and Jeeps need to be manual transmissions or why bother. I want to be engaged and in control.
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For me, Motorcycles, Sport Cars, and Jeeps need to be manual transmissions or why bother. I want to be engaged and in control.
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Ditto!
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Honda has now fully embraced utilitarian commuter motorcycling.
In other words. BORING!
For me, Motorcycles, Sport Cars, and Jeeps need to be manual transmissions or why bother. I want to be engaged and in control.
Not for me... but I say the thing about all automobiles.
However, my preference for a clutch has had ZERO effect on the prevalence of automatic autos. It'll be the same deal here. Meh, if it gets more bikes on the road? Then good. I'll stick to my manual trans until they're legislated out of existence. But, good for Honda. Love 'em or hate 'em… they make quality stuff, and they're always at the forefront of advancement, even if it's a bit dull.
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Honda has now fully embraced utilitarian commuter motorcycling.
In other words. BORING!
For me, Motorcycles, Sport Cars, and Jeeps need to be manual transmissions or why bother. I want to be engaged and in control.
Of my seven bikes, two are auto (Convert and Burgman Scooter). I find it makes ZERO difference to my enjoyment of riding. I'm just as 'in control' and they just as enjoyable to ride - just different.
Nick
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Go ride one if you haven’t, they are actually a lot of fun.
Now I’m not saying give up the manuals as I like shifting too but if you’re commuting or just day cruising around, it is smooth and extremely fuel efficient. You just pay more attention to the road and the surrounds imho.
My .02
inditx
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:thumb:
Of my seven bikes, two are auto (Convert and Burgman Scooter). I find it makes ZERO difference to my enjoyment of riding. I'm just as 'in control' and they just as enjoyable to ride - just different.
Nick
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Of my seven bikes, two are auto (Convert and Burgman Scooter). I find it makes ZERO difference to my enjoyment of riding. I'm just as 'in control' and they just as enjoyable to ride - just different.
Nick
:thumb:
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The performance differences between manual and automatic transmissions is getting blurrier all the time. Look at the emergence of paddle shifters in cars or shift-assist or dual-clutch systems in bikes. There will come a time when these devices will be preferred. The shift-assist on my BMW is pretty amazing...
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The performance differences between manual and automatic transmissions is getting blurrier all the time. Look at the emergence of paddle shifters in cars or shift-assist or dual-clutch systems in bikes. There will come a time when these devices will be preferred. The shift-assist on my BMW is pretty amazing...
it's never been about "performance" for me, not in the standard sense of the word anyways. I just find that standard transmissions allow me more control and adaptation to road conditions (ice, mud, etc), plus give me more of that tactile "feel" that makes me "feel" connected to what I'm doing, without getting into the fine details of opinion over fact. Standard transmissions just give me more "fun" is all.
That said, On the "fun scale", ripping around Greece on Vespas rates pretty damn high on the giggle scale.
And in larger cities, stop and go traffic? The benefits of an auto can't be overstated.
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it's never been about "performance" for me, not in the standard sense of the word anyways. I just find that standard transmissions allow me more control and adaptation to road conditions (ice, mud, etc), plus give me more of that tactile "feel" that makes me "feel" connected to what I'm doing, without getting into the fine details of opinion over fact. Standard transmissions just give me more "fun" is all.
That said, On the "fun scale", ripping around Greece on Vespas rates pretty damn high on the giggle scale.
And in larger cities, stop and go traffic? The benefits of an auto can't be overstated.
You can't lump all automatics into one category, IMO. The Convert is a totally different riding experience than any CVT or DCT automatic. I find it gives me more control on loose surfaces than a manual transmission Guzzi. Plenty of feel as to what's going on.
It's not just "larger cities" where a Convert shines either - anywhere there's stop and go, be it downtown Winchester, VA or the stuck in traffic on I-66, they're the "bee's knees". Great on backroads too.
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Go ride one if you haven’t, they are actually a lot of fun.
Now I’m not saying give up the manuals as I like shifting too but if you’re commuting or just day cruising around, it is smooth and extremely fuel efficient. You just pay more attention to the road and the surrounds imho.
My .02
inditx
Shifting is natural for me and doesn't take away from me paying attention to the road and surroundings. I don't have to look to shift. Shifting does allow me to be in the right gear for what my brain is interpreting as opposed to the bike shifting because I reacted to something. For instance, when riding in traffic I stay in a lower gear to give me more instantaneous acceleration or engine braking as needed for quicker reaction time.
I've tried a few automatic bikes. I've tried automatic sports cars and Jeeps as well. No thank you. Just not for me. If other want them that is fine.
An automatic never provides the same level of control as a manual unless you are forcing it to hold gears through a manual override like paddle shifters etc.
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If shifting is a distraction you should not be riding..or driving a car.... :evil:
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It's not just "larger cities" where a Convert shines either - anywhere there's stop and go, be it downtown Winchester, VA or the stuck in traffic on I-66, they're the "bee's knees".
I can count those times on one hand in over 300,000 miles of riding, but I understand your point.
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*Sigh*. Shifting (at least on anything fairly modern) is natural to me as well, most of my vehicles in the past 40 years have been manual shift. No, shifting doesn't "take away from me paying attention to the road and surroundings" and I don't "have to look to shift" either.
Believe it or not, there are motorcycles that don't shift all that well and require quite a bit of concentration, sometimes the ratios aren't quite spread well either. So, one might find them-self shifting up and down, up and down trying to find the "right gear". Not so much fun if it's a "clunky" gearbox. With a Convert, you're in the right gear all of the time. :wink:
To me, when this subject comes up and all of the "I would never ride an automatic" comments start, it just sounds like macho BS to me. "A real man doesn't ride (or drive) an automatic". :rolleyes:
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I loved riding my Convert. It made me pay more attention to cornering, since it had no compression braking to rely on like a manual. I'm a "slow down and smell the roses" type of rider, and the Convert was the perfect platform to just cruise and watch the scenery roll by. It was also an excellent tug for sidecar. Yes I enjoy shifting. My legs are not what they were, and I'm cool not needing to shift, as well.
Here is Honda's not quite disguised commercial for DCT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvQxq5rMMFE It's almost too stereotypical, but you get the idea: Automatics ain't for lightweights anymore.... :wink:
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*Sigh*. Shifting (at least on anything fairly modern) is natural to me as well, most of my vehicles in the past 40 years have been manual shift. No, shifting doesn't "take away from me paying attention to the road and surroundings" and I don't "have to look to shift" either.
Believe it or not, there are motorcycles that don't shift all that well and require quite a bit of concentration, sometimes the ratios aren't quite spread well either. So, one might find them-self shifting up and down, up and down trying to find the "right gear". Not so much fun if it's a "clunky" gearbox. With a Convert, you're in the right gear all of the time. :wink:
To me, when this subject comes up and all of the "I would never ride an automatic" comments start, it just sounds like macho BS to me. "A real man doesn't ride (or drive) an automatic". :rolleyes:
or... maybe... just maybe... people just enjoy what they enjoy? I wanna stab people who put steak sauce on a good steak, or salt their food before tasting it...
it's not about "macho B.S."... and I haven't seen anyone say that "real men don't drive automatics"... I just like my standards more than I like autos. It's literally no more than that. Now, go put ketchup on your Ribeye.
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Unless you are one of those weirdo's that never leave the city, most motorcycles spend most of their riding time in top gear so how it got there is not that cosmic.
Where I live, 3rd and 4th gear on my Sport 1100 get most of the use. Sure, 5th has seen many highway miles, but on an average ride here in The Ozark Mountains, it's not used.
I currently have a Ford Fusion SEL V6 sedan. 6-speed automatic transmission that's actually pretty good. Gearing and programming is just right for the engine's personality. Still, I find my hand resting on the console-mounted gear shifter, wishing it was a manual.
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Of my seven bikes, two are auto (Convert and Burgman Scooter). I find it makes ZERO difference to my enjoyment of riding. I'm just as 'in control' and they just as enjoyable to ride - just different.
Nick
Further to my own comments, I should add that I dislike automatic transmissions in four wheeled vehicles. Cars and trucks are deeply boring anyway, and automatic transmission just make it worse. They are slightly improved with standard gearshifts - but not much. On bikes, it's an entirely different issue. Other opinions may differ (although they would be wrong :evil:).
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So unless motorcycling is painted with YOUR brush it's wrong? This topic is the largest concentration of snobbery I've seen since the last Harley bash. Y'all whine and moan that motorcycling is dying, then those same whiners bitch about mfgrs trying ____________ (<---insert "electric", "auto", "injected" "3-wheel", or whatever else frightens you here) to rekindle interest in riding. I'll posit that the snobs have more to do with the decline of biking than the economy does.
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There are applications where a torque converter is far more user-friendly than a clutch -- horsing a heavy boat trailer up and down a slick launching ramp comes to mind. And if I lived on a steep San Francisco hill I might want an autotrans motorcycle.
That said, Honda's new transmission philosophy isn't aimed at us. It's aimed at (shiftless) Millenials and new Asian riders who've never learned to operate ANY clutch-equipped vehicle.
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So unless motorcycling is painted with YOUR brush it's wrong? This topic is the largest concentration of snobbery I've seen since the last Harley bash. Y'all whine and moan that motorcycling is dying, then those same whiners bitch about mfgrs trying ____________ (<---insert "electric", "auto", "injected" "3-wheel", or whatever else frightens you here) to rekindle interest in riding. I'll posit that the snobs have more to do with the decline of biking than the economy does.
You new to this forum? :grin: Yes we are snobs...And perhaps traditional motorcycling is dying...And , in my opinion, self shifting and electric bikes will hasten the demise...Trikes are not bikes and are in a class by themselves..
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Oh my, just ride what you like and like what you ride.
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Honda has now fully embraced utilitarian commuter motorcycling.
In other words. BORING!
For me, Motorcycles, Sport Cars, and Jeeps need to be manual transmissions or why bother. I want to be engaged and in control.
Agreed!
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let Honda to take half the fun outta ridin'.
My cars are sticks too.
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Honda has now fully embraced utilitarian commuter motorcycling.
In other words. BORING!
For me, Motorcycles, Sport Cars, Kenworths and Jeeps need to be manual transmissions or why bother. I want to be engaged and in control.
This feller is very engaged:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lEYaTvvq4g
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Unless you are one of those weirdo's that never leave the city, most motorcycles spend most of their riding time in top gear so how it got there is not that cosmic.
DCT once you get used to it and trust it (a lot of people it seems either do not understand what it is (not an automatic, not a scooter or can not think beyond a conventional foot shift transmission)
To get the most from a DCT you need to forget what you think you knew, the internet is full of stories of folk who never rode one but love to tell the uninformed how bad they are.
Yer those DCT automatic scooter bikes with the torque converter CTV.
I can tell you from real world experience, when you put the DCT hammer down and start tapping those paddles, a manual version is as exciting as a wet noodle.
Grow old but not at the cost of becoming narrow minded.
I don't ride in the city and avoid the interstates. On the V7III I rarely get into 6th gear. Seems I have to be at 65 mph for it to not feel like it is lugging. Maybe when it hits the 10,000 mile break in I will be able to cruise in 6th at 60.
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To me, when this subject comes up and all of the "I would never ride an automatic" comments start, it just sounds like macho BS to me. "A real man doesn't ride (or drive) an automatic". :rolleyes:
I am not saying that at all. I limited it to motorcycles, sport cars and Jeeps. It is part of the experience to me.
I have a 2500HD truck with an automatic for heavy towing, a Mid Size truck with automatic for light towing, and a Buick with automatic for commuting. I do wish the Buick was a manual though because that turbo sure is fun!
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This feller is very engaged:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lEYaTvvq4g
The last couple of Kenworths I drove had Allison automatics with retarders (that change the transmission vanes pitch) for controlling speed downhill. it sure was an big improvement on the old thirteen-speeds...
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Come on guys,we are men.....fast forward 5:48 to see a real cigar smoking man shift a car.....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ai3cnc-77ZE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ai3cnc-77ZE)
Another one.....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWo12CZwYtg (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWo12CZwYtg)
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I'm not sold on the newest auto transmission they have put in cars today. Had the "pleasure" of driving my brothers new Jeep with the 9 speed tranny. What a pathetic excuse for an automatic gear changer! The stupid thing is always trying to get into a higher gear and is very reluctant to drop a gear when needed. The end result is that instead of just cruising along, when you get near a hill your choices become just sit there, let the car slow down, then it drops 3-4 gears, races the engine until you're at the top of the hill, where it rapidly shifts back up to 9th. About the time it settles back in, you're starting to climb another hill... JMHO, it would be a lot better off if the programmed the computer to drop one gear at a time and do it much sooner. The other option was to kick it into manual mode, which is what I ended up doing. Cruise along in 8th, get to a hill, drop it to 7th, the revs pick up maybe 3-400 rpms, and it just cruises on up the hill.
My point being, the machinery is capable of doing the job, the problem is the idiot programming in the brain box. Are they all like this today? I don't know, and now, I'm less inclined to find out now after driving one. Think I'll stick to vehicles with a clutch, thank you very much.
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The good DCT "automatics" are like having your cake and eating it too- Shift it yourself with the lever or automatic or put it in "D" and forget about it. I've had two VW Group cars with DCTs now and the only downside is the hassle of fluid changes every 40k miles and lack of a tow rating in the north american market. As I close on 70 years old and realize all it takes is a busted wrist or leg and I won't be able to ride or drive, all my future vehicles will have automatics and 3 or more wheels.
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Unless you are one of those weirdo's that never leave the city, most motorcycles spend most of their riding time in top gear so how it got there is not that cosmic.
DCT once you get used to it and trust it (a lot of people it seems either do not understand what it is (not an automatic, not a scooter or can not think beyond a conventional foot shift transmission)
To get the most from a DCT you need to forget what you think you knew, the internet is full of stories of folk who never rode one but love to tell the uninformed how bad they are.
Yer those DCT automatic scooter bikes with the torque converter CTV.
I can tell you from real world experience, when you put the DCT hammer down and start tapping those paddles, a manual version is as exciting as a wet noodle.
Grow old but not at the cost of becoming narrow minded.
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This.
I've got 14K miles on my Honda NC700DCT and it is the best damn thing to come along in a long time. The way I think of a DCT is that it is a manual transmission with automated clutches. You can intervene and override the system at any time using the paddle shifters. I do that frequently when in automatic sport mode and I am riding the twisties. Upon entering a hard turn and the trans has not down shifted to my liking, no problem, thumb it down and it instantly downshifts without any chassis upset whatsoever. It is not humanly possible to shift a manual trans as quickly or as smoothly as the DCT in my NC700. And if it holds on to a lower gear for longer than I care for, same thing, paddle up, and bammo, away you go in the next higher gear.
The system learns via your throttle input. It has actually made me a more involved and better rider. Better as in smoother and quicker. I feel as if I am more engaged in the ride than I ever did on my manual shift bikes. And like most of us here, I've had plenty of those over the years. A DCT is actually a thinking mans transmission because there is a learning curve to get the most out of them. I'd think that a real gear head type would love a DCT if they are willing to give them a chance. A 10 minute test ride is not enough. No way no how!
One of my favorite aspects to the DCT in my NC is when it comes to overtaking. We've all had to drone for miles and miles when on a long trip and it is inevitable that the need to overtake comes sooner or later on 2 lane US and state routes. Twist the throttle, and depending on how far you twist it and your current speed, it will instantly, and I mean instantly, downshift one or two gears and away you go...........Bammo, No Problemo.........I love my DCT.
Oh, and how could I forget. You can also put it in manual mode and do all the shifting yourself with the paddles.
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Well said sliphorn! :thumb:
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I'm not sold on the newest auto transmission they have put in cars today. Had the "pleasure" of driving my brothers new Jeep with the 9 speed tranny. What a pathetic excuse for an automatic gear changer! The stupid thing is always trying to get into a higher gear and is very reluctant to drop a gear when needed. The end result is that instead of just cruising along, when you get near a hill your choices become just sit there, let the car slow down, then it drops 3-4 gears, races the engine until you're at the top of the hill, where it rapidly shifts back up to 9th. About the time it settles back in, you're starting to climb another hill... JMHO, it would be a lot better off if the programmed the computer to drop one gear at a time and do it much sooner. The other option was to kick it into manual mode, which is what I ended up doing. Cruise along in 8th, get to a hill, drop it to 7th, the revs pick up maybe 3-400 rpms, and it just cruises on up the hill.
My point being, the machinery is capable of doing the job, the problem is the idiot programming in the brain box. Are they all like this today? I don't know, and now, I'm less inclined to find out now after driving one. Think I'll stick to vehicles with a clutch, thank you very much.
Try driving an automatic Camaro 2SS through the curves. It never knows what gear to be in when navigating and accelerating out of the curve. It just ruins the driving experience.
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I just like shifting. But, I could do without the manual clutch. But I like the stick in a car and the foot shifter on a bike. No paddles for me! Nothing about performance, just being engaged.
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I just like shifting. But, I could do without the manual clutch. But I like the stick in a car and the foot shifter on a bike. No paddles for me! Nothing about performance, just being engaged.
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I like shifting too. Paddles on a DCT are fun, and a foot shifter is offered as an option; either one leaves you very engaged. Trust me on this. After 14K on my NC700DCT there is no lack of engagement. None! Another advantage of a DCT is slow moving traffic. Man, does that suck with a traditional clutch set up. Not so with the DCT. It'll poke along right in the friction zone without a single shudder or hiccup. Brilliant!
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Another option if someone wants to convert an existing bike to an automatic clutch, is a "Rekluse clutch". Not available for all bikes, but I have ridden a couple with them, and they work very well.
Rick.
https://rekluse.com/
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I enjoy the craft of riding. I work on it every time I go for a spin. Shifting is part of the craft.
Having said that, I also enjoy tootling along on a Honda Passport or CT90 with a semi auto and getting lost within 10 miles of the house because I've wandered down a road or trail I've never seen before on my other bikes while I was busy practicing my "craft" at 80mph.
Converts are cool. Africa Twins are cool. I even liked the Mana despite it being a flash in the pan. The Mana was about 5 years too early to sell well. I don't see the problem with anyone liking one or the other. DCT is fun. A CVT scooter is fun. Shifting is fun.
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I enjoy the craft of riding. I work on it every time I go for a spin. Shifting is part of the craft.
Having said that, I also enjoy tootling along on a Honda Passport or CT90 with a semi auto and getting lost within 10 miles of the house because I've wandered down a road or trail I've never seen before on my other bikes while I was busy practicing my "craft" at 80mph.
Converts are cool. Africa Twins are cool. I even liked the Mana despite it being a flash in the pan. The Mana was about 5 years too early to sell well. I don't see the problem with anyone liking one or the other. DCT is fun. A CVT scooter is fun. Shifting is fun.
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You're right. They're all fun. My other two wheeler is a 2013 Piaggio BV350 scooter, and it's fun too, just a different kind.
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Yeah, as soon as those Moto GP bikes get rid of shift assist, auto blipping and down shift control they'll be back in control and really be able to go fast.
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I like shifting too. Paddles on a DCT are fun, and a foot shifter is offered as an option; either one leaves you very engaged. Trust me on this. After 14K on my NC700DCT there is no lack of engagement. None! Another advantage of a DCT is slow moving traffic. Man, does that suck with a traditional clutch set up. Not so with the DCT. It'll poke along right in the friction zone without a single shudder or hiccup. Brilliant!
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Why would you ride in slow moving traffic? That is what filtering or sedans with AC and stereos are for.
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Why would you ride in slow moving traffic? That is what filtering or sedans with AC and stereos are for.
"Filtering" isn't legal everywhere...
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Another option if someone wants to convert an existing bike to an automatic clutch, is a "Rekluse clutch". Not available for all bikes, but I have ridden a couple with them, and they work very well.
Rick.
https://rekluse.com/
Cool, thanks for that!
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Yeah, as soon as those Moto GP bikes get rid of shift assist, auto blipping and down shift control they'll be back in control and really be able to go fast.
I rather enjoy the engagement of shifting and clutching on the road, but, have to admit to having installed a quick shifter on the my track bike (up shift only, no blipper for down shift, that's not anywhere near as easy to add to an old-school bike w/o throttle by wire).
The quick shifter is not only quicker, but, allows you to up shift while the bike is still leaned over w/o upsetting the chassis.
Full throttle upshifts with a 60ms ignition kill sound really cool through the Termi exhaust too. :laugh:
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"Filtering" isn't legal everywhere...
That's why I added the car with ac and stereo. I dont see any point riding in traffic.
I have added 2 hours to a ride avoiding potential traffic. I would rather be moving when on a bike.
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Why would you ride in slow moving traffic? That is what filtering or sedans with AC and stereos are for.
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I don't want to ride in slow moving traffic............ BUT................ .
Sometimes slow moving traffic happens when you least expect it, and filtering is not legal in most of the USA. Road construction, accidents, etcetera. Such is life, eh?
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That's why I added the car with ac and stereo. I dont see any point riding in traffic.
I have added 2 hours to a ride avoiding potential traffic. I would rather be moving when on a bike.
Can you predict what the weather will be as well?
I've been on desolate sections of roads like SR16 around War WV where its rare to see a vehicle in a 30 miles section. I've also sat in traffic on the same section of road for 2+ hours because a mining company was moving a monumental sized dump truck wider than the road on a tractor trailer around decreasing radius mountainous curves.
Sometimes its just unavoidable.
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I don't want to ride in slow moving traffic............ BUT................ .
Sometimes slow moving traffic happens when you least expect it, and filtering is not legal in most of the USA. Road construction, accidents, etcetera. Such is life, eh?
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I detour, turn around, pull into a restaurant, or get a hotel. There is nowhere I need to be that forces me to sit in traffic while on a motorcycle. If I think I can get away with filtering, I will do that as well as riding down the shoulder.
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Can you predict what the weather will be as well?
I've been on desolate sections of roads like SR16 around War WV where its rare to see a vehicle in a 30 miles section. I've also sat in traffic on the same section of road for 2+ hours because a mining company was moving a monumental sized dump truck wider than the road on a tractor trailer around decreasing radius mountainous curves.
Sometimes its just unavoidable.
I have full Gore-Tex gear and actually enjoy riding in the rain. It provides a different riding experience. Now lightning is another matter because my BIL got killed by lightning. I will pull over and get a coffee/snack until the lightning passes.
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I detour, turn around, pull into a restaurant, or get a hotel. There is nowhere I need to be that forces me to sit in traffic while on a motorcycle. If I think I can get away with filtering, I will do that as well as riding down the shoulder.
Roadwork in the mountains on a holiday weekend.
Traveling through Banff/Jasper/Lake Louise on a fall day... behind an endless line of german tourists in rented RVs, as a similar line travels towards you in the other lane.
Commuting to work.
Roadwork in the middle of a prairie highway, waiting for the light to change and the chase truck to start moving.
Stuck behind a wideload, that covers both lanes and forces traffic into the ditch as it passes.
I could go on, but there are a hell of a lot of times I've been stuck in slow-moving/ stop and go traffic where turning around or finding a restaurant or hotel simply aren't options.
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Roadwork in the mountains on a holiday weekend.
Traveling through Banff/Jasper/Lake Louise on a fall day... behind an endless line of german tourists in rented RVs, as a similar line travels towards you in the other lane. That is slow moving, not stop and go where an automatic would shine.
Commuting to work. I have a 29 mile commute with one stop sign and 3 traffic lights and no interstate. I go in at 6:00AM and off at 2:30PM. No traffic.
Roadwork in the middle of a prairie highway, waiting for the light to change and the chase truck to start moving. I have experienced that, but then again that is just shut the bike off and wait. Not stop and go.
Stuck behind a wideload, that covers both lanes and forces traffic into the ditch as it passes. Been behind tractors that take up both lanes. The very first turn I come to, I take and then find another route. There is nowhere I need to be that requires me to stay in that situation. Also not a stop and go situation.
I could go on, but there are a hell of a lot of times I've been stuck in slow-moving/ stop and go traffic where turning around or finding a restaurant or hotel simply aren't options. I don't mind slow moving. Stop and go or stopped for hours because of a wreck can and does cause me to turn around and maybe just find somewhere else to ride. Not having a fixed agenda or hotel reservations you have to meet makes riding flexible and more enjoyable.
You would be amazed how many country roads there are around the country and if you plan the time of day you are on the roadways how few cars you can actually encounter. I also plan my crossings of major interstates where there are no on/off ramps. Reduces traffic to none. It did take careful planning when touring the southern New England states.
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You would be amazed how many country roads there are around the country and if you plan the time of day you are on the roadways how few cars you can actually encounter. I also plan my crossings of major interstates where there are no on/off ramps. Reduces traffic to none. It did take careful planning when touring the southern New England states.
hey, I'm not making any statements about where you live. I can tell you that for me to go west of here... I have two choices, unless I want to add 6 hours to the ride.
Crossing the mountains? Same deal... about three choices, and those choices are hours apart.
The U.S. is a far, far different beast than Canada when it comes to distance.
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Honda,
Been a loyal customer for 4 decades (learned to ride on a Mini Trail 50....sorta automatic).
But you're answering unasked questions. You've given us automatic bikes since the 70's (Hondamatic 750....we had a dude in Abilene TX that LOVED it...we rebuilt the dam engine TWICE he liked it so much - worked at local shop in college). But most US riders aren't interested.
Same can't be said for European and Asian markets, so...that's what drives it I suppose.
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I rather enjoy the engagement of shifting and clutching on the road,
Me, too. Though my next car will probably be auto for the first time in about 40 years.
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https://www.hotcars.com/2018-ford-mustang-gt-automatic-faster-manual/
https://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/ferrari-finished-with-manual-transmissions/
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https://www.hotcars.com/2018-ford-mustang-gt-automatic-faster-manual/
https://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/ferrari-finished-with-manual-transmissions/
Yes, we all know automatics shift faster than a human shift a manual, that's no secrets. Automatics have ruled the drag strips for years, at least for stock car classes.
I don't care. TO ME, Manuals are more fun and more engaging to drive.
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This makes me long for the days of a good oil thread!
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Back when I was toying with the idea of getting a Africa Twin it was going too be a manual for sure. But I noticed a used DCT on the dealer's floor with 400 miles. The price was too good to pass so I bought it knowing if I didn't like the DCT I could flip it and get most if not all of my money back. The short of it is I love riding this bike and if something happened to it today I'd immediately replace it with a new DCT AT........ as long as I have a manual shift bike in the garage as well, which I do.
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Come on guys,we are men.....fast forward 5:48 to see a real cigar smoking man shift a car.....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ai3cnc-77ZE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ai3cnc-77ZE)
Another one.....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWo12CZwYtg (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWo12CZwYtg)
That's pretty cool but how about running an ol' Dee-troit Diesel?
https://youtu.be/iU3gZGUInd4
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Yes, we all know automatics shift faster than a human shift a manual, that's no secrets. Automatics have ruled the drag strips for years, at least for stock car classes.
I don't care. TO ME, Manuals are more fun and more engaging to drive.
Can anyone really doubt that machines will eventually have Zero need for flesh bags?
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Shifting? We don't do no stinking shifting! :laugh:
https://youtu.be/hdkfEKhUhfY
https://youtu.be/dMUnpU_FiDY
(Mike Tiberio on his "Eldovert" at El Mirage).