Author Topic: Automatic Motorcycles - What's out there? (Goal is to Cafe) (Read 7241 times)

Groover · « **on:** October 12, 2016, 09:13:28 AM »

Long story short, and out of nowhere my girlfriend is digging the cafe' racer look as an option for her. I think she saw some chick on Facebook with one, so of course. I jump on this idea to potentially making this happen.. for her

She' not apt to shifting... or kick starting things.. I can see the signs. Automatic is the point of entry here.. The Convert (thought my preference), might be too heavy. I'm thinking Hondamatic CB400A, CM450A or CB750A. The weight may be high on the 750, so maybe a 450 would do. Though, to me that model looks a little hard to make into a café (high forks, not too sold on it overall), so that potentially leaves the CB400A Hawk Hondamatic, but I'm just now looking into these.

What else is out there do you guys think that I may be able to grab for cheap and not feel too bad on tearing it up? Electric start I also a plus.

This is a long shot at this point still, but I'd like to at least know what my options are for starting point.

Thanks for the help.

oldbike54 · « **Reply #1 on:** October 12, 2016, 09:30:08 AM »

Does she already ride ?

Dusty

cwiseman · « **Reply #2 on:** October 12, 2016, 09:30:20 AM »

I can't find my picture of the bike but a local guy built a Honda 400 automatic café for his wife. It actually looks very nice. It would be a great choice.

RinkRat II · « **Reply #3 on:** October 12, 2016, 09:38:16 AM »

Heavier and probably harder to cafe, but another option...https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aprilia_Mana_850 I understand their bulletproof $.02

Paul B

Groover · « **Reply #4 on:** October 12, 2016, 10:21:16 AM »

Thanks for the replies. She rides a Vespa now.

oldbike54 · « **Reply #5 on:** October 12, 2016, 10:26:15 AM »

Quote from: cwiseman on October 12, 2016, 09:30:20 AM

I can't find my picture of the bike but a local guy built a Honda 400 automatic caf� for his wife. It actually looks very nice. It would be a great choice.

This would be my first choice .

Dusty

Groover · « **Reply #6 on:** October 12, 2016, 10:30:41 AM »

Ok, sounds like I'm on the right track. Is the CB400A Electric Start? I can't seem to find that specific detail.

Antietam Classic Cycle · « **Reply #7 on:** October 12, 2016, 10:39:22 AM »

Quote from: Groover on October 12, 2016, 10:30:41 AM

Ok, sounds like I'm on the right track. Is the CB400A Electric Start? I can't seem to find that specific detail.

Yes.

fotoguzzi · « **Reply #8 on:** October 12, 2016, 10:41:23 AM »

The Mana sells pretty cheap here used. And it's a modern motorcycle with abs?
Not to cafe but again a modern cycle, saw one with 4K miles for $3500.

Groover · « **Reply #9 on:** October 12, 2016, 10:45:45 AM »

I do like that Mana. I has never heard of it until today. I think the plan is to go vintage if this were to be a go-ahead. We'll see.

Thanks again.

Antietam Classic Cycle · « **Reply #10 on:** October 12, 2016, 10:48:31 AM »

Suzuki also sold the GS400A (with shaft drive, also electric start) in the US. When a friend was searching for an automatic motorcycle to ride during recovering from some health issues, I "found" several of the Suzukis for sale. Not as common as the Honda however and that's what he ultimately bought. He's in the process of "cafe'-ing" it little by little.

jcctx · « **Reply #11 on:** October 12, 2016, 10:53:59 AM »

I have a CM450A (less than 2k miles); lower seat than CB. Like a convert it has a two speed tranny, no clutch tho. About 400 lbs. +/-. Nice ride if you can find one!!!!!

Rusnak_322 · « **Reply #12 on:** October 12, 2016, 10:54:53 AM »

Honestly, if she doesn't know how to shift, I would spend a Saturday afternoon and teach her. It will be a great investment.

A Hondamatic can be made into a decent looking café, but the problem is, those who have them think they are made of gold, parts and advise will be a little less easy to get when it comes to modifying it, it may cost more to café then a standard 400cc bike from that era and when done, there will be a very small market to sell it.

I am building my 3rd bike now - a Yamaha XS400 for my wife. Small, starts on the button and a whole forum dedicated to that bike. As a stock bike, it would be a great easy bike to learn to ride, a café will be a lot more difficult, with the low bars & high pegs.

Just a thought.

Perazzimx14 · « **Reply #13 on:** October 12, 2016, 12:38:45 PM »

I had just what you were looking for but alas it has sold.

1977 Convert

-Lightened flywheel
-2-1-2 race exhaust
-LM 3 wheels
-LM 3 gas tank
- low bars
- barley any switches or doodads or pedals/levers for that matter
- dual plugged heads
- electronic ignition
- hi range only
- Paoli shocks

It was amazing how this cobbled together POS ran.

Or getting keen on shifting and having fun I do have this F/S

Sasquatch Jim · « **Reply #14 on:** October 12, 2016, 01:06:21 PM »

An electric bike is about as automatic as it gets. Cafe one of those. No shortage of performance either.

rodekyll · « **Reply #15 on:** October 12, 2016, 01:28:52 PM »

The mighty Vert is a lot more bike than any of the alternatives discussed. Perhaps find an early tonti (or actual convert) for her to sample. She'll know better than anyone if it fits.

Two Checks · « **Reply #16 on:** October 12, 2016, 03:20:14 PM »

You could always get abBoss Hoss...

Clancy · « **Reply #17 on:** October 12, 2016, 03:27:00 PM »

I had Pete Roper's 'Mighty' Mana for a week and was very impressed.
Easy to ride, very comfortable.......a nd I kept having to check my speed

stormshearon · « **Reply #18 on:** October 12, 2016, 04:10:57 PM »

Why not put an electric shift on a new V7? I believe Pingel http://www.pingelonline.com/prodcat/electric-speed-shifters.asp is one of the manufacturers.

Groover · « **Reply #19 on:** October 12, 2016, 04:36:52 PM »

I'll have to see where she stands on this at this point and how serious she is about it. I think a lighter/smaller bike may suit her best. I've had her balance my G5 and I'm pretty sure she won't want one with that weight.

I'll keep an eye for local sales and see what pops up and revamp the idea to her at that point. I've looked up some of the models mentioned so far by all of you, and lot's of great choices (I want them all, but that's the hoarder in me) but I am thinking a nice Honda 1978 CB400A Hondamatic Hawk may be right up her alley - Vintage-ey looking, sits low, looks pretty cool stock too. We'll see. I'll revive this thread if this goes any further.

Thanks again for the suggestions - Greatly appreciated.

mentalfloss · « **Reply #20 on:** October 12, 2016, 04:46:08 PM »

Hondamatic 400 does have electric start and can be bought in the $1000.00 range +/- for a pretty good example. I bought one for my wife for $700.00 she rode it for a few months and I sold it for $1,000.00/ It is a bulletproof twin and very cool.
If you can find the Suzuki automatic for the same price get it. It is even a better bike in many ways. Parts are easier to get for the Honda.

I want to get a 3 wheel ( with wheels in the back ) with auto transmission for my Mrs. because she fell on the hondamatic and it kind of scared her about 2 wheelers.

Really... I do not think she really wants to ride much and I want to get a convert trike and let her ride it !

rodekyll · « **Reply #21 on:** October 12, 2016, 05:22:06 PM »

We'd all like a Convert trike.

I could build you one . . . .

Tom · « **Reply #22 on:** October 12, 2016, 05:33:35 PM »

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned the Honda CTX700N. Fairly new with lower seat height 28". Twin engine w/automatic trans. & abs brakes. Serious power too.

http://powersports.honda.com/2016/ctx700n.aspx

charlie b · « **Reply #23 on:** October 13, 2016, 09:05:55 AM »

Honda has several bikes with the DCT.

Antietam Classic Cycle · « **Reply #24 on:** October 13, 2016, 09:23:42 AM »

Nobody has mentioned the Honda CTX because Groover is looking for a cheap used bike to cafe', not a new bike.

Seagondollar · « **Reply #25 on:** October 13, 2016, 10:49:18 AM »

FYI: http://www.motorcycle.com/shoot-outs/shift-shootout-2014-aprilia-mana-gt-vs-bmw-c600-sport-vs-honda-nc700-dct-video

Groover · « **Reply #26 on:** October 13, 2016, 11:00:06 AM »

Yes, the key word is cheap. I'm still a Guzzi guy afterall

Plus she's on/off actually with riding herself, and really prefers to be a passenger. The challenge is on me to make something really cool that she won't be able to resist riding herself!

I may have found something. Will keep you guys posted,

oldbike54 · « **Reply #27 on:** October 13, 2016, 12:17:32 PM »

You guys are aware that the Hogslayer employed a two speed automatic , nice low seat height , and won't fall over when stopped

Dusty

jas67 · « **Reply #28 on:** October 13, 2016, 12:18:19 PM »

While I agree that Groover isn't looking for a newer bike, I thought I'd at least comment on the current crop of Honda automatics for anyone following along at home that might be interested.

Honda DSG (actually a auto shift manual transmission) works very well. I've ridden the Africa Twin, and the NM4 (hideous feet-forward thing, but, owner of the dealer insisted I try it just to sample the transmission). I went into it with preconceived notions that I would not like them. I was surprised how well they work, and how they actually shift when I would shift.

My left hand and foot kept looking for something to do, but, once off road (on the Africa Twin) on some rough trails with some tight turns, and quick elevation changes, I quickly developed an appreciate for the auto-shifting transmission on an ADV bike.

Now, if Honda offered that transmission in a traditional looking bike that would be perfect for your wife.

That said, I'll add another :1: to the CB400A Hondamatic as being a good choice. I'd have her ride it a while first, before putting any effort or money into building a cafe out of it.

Tom · « **Reply #29 on:** October 13, 2016, 01:18:45 PM »

Quote from: Antietam Classic Cycle on October 13, 2016, 09:23:42 AM

Nobody has mentioned the Honda CTX because Groover is looking for a cheap used bike to cafe', not a new bike.

New prices aren't that bad. There are some used ones out there for sale.

News:

Author Topic: Automatic Motorcycles - What's out there? (Goal is to Cafe) (Read 7241 times)

oldbike54

oldbike54

stormshearon

oldbike54