Do all motorcycles have manual transmissions?

Question

How do you change gears on a motorcycle?
What speeds do you need to change gears?
Does it become second-nature?

Yes...Thanks for your time!

What model Buells use automatic transmissions? 2006 Buell Blast?

Answer 1

I have not heard of an "Automatic" motorcycle transmission, but I know of clutchless ones. I almost got one for my daughter. Small dirt bike by Suzuki if I rember right (it was 2002). The two bikes I have owned were so well synchronized that they shift without opening the clutch. I guess that is semi-automatic, :-))
A new thing in streetfighter add-ons is an "air-shifter." Tap a button and it shifts faster than humanly possible. I kind of want it but I shift damn fast now. That is darn close to automatic, but its intent is to shave time off drag racing times and the like.

I don't think that engineers could have made changing gears any easier. You'll hear this crazy montra about "One down and four up" from a lot of people. It's a bad way to say "its a five speed."
NO MATTER what gear you are in at any given time, pushing down on the shift lever with your left foot (right foot in the UK) will change gears into the next lower gear possible. Similarly, no matter what gear you are in at any given time, lifting up on the shift lever with your left foot will change gears into the next higher gear possible. If you are in first, the lever won't go down, which is a handy way to know you are in first. If you are in the highest gear the lever won't lift up, which is also a handy thing to know. The only tricky thing that takes some finesse and experience is hitting neutral. It is a halfway point between first and second gear. You have to push softly to get in neutral or you'll skip to the gear on the other side. I seem to only use neutral when I'm shutting it off or warming it up. If you have some aftermarket clutch you'll want to go neutral at red lights to give your hand a rest, I just keep the clutch open when I'm t the lights.

The range of speeds you shift at are so broad that later you will realize it was a silly question. I can get to 5th gear before 20 MPH or stay in 1st gear till 50 MPH. It depends on the moment, your mood, how much fuel you have left and how far away the gas station is. The real limits on shifting are the particular motors stall point and it's red line. Shift at lower RPM's than stall and your engine will shut off, wait till after your RedLine and you'll have internal parts finding their way to outside air.

Yes second nature in a reasonable amount of time. If you are looking to start riding, go to the local DMV and ask about the riding course. If they have it in your area take it. About $300, you get loaner bikes for a weekend course, learn things that may save your life, and you get a drivers licence at the end.

Answer 2

Mostly, Honda did come out with an auto years ago... Scooters can also be automatic.

On a real bike, You change gears when they need to be changed, and yes it does become second nature. If manual transmissions frighten you, then stay away from bikes. It's all about becoming part of the machine, and if your parts don't work, then the whole machine comes to a grinding halt....

As for SheBandit77 's response, she has no clue.....She may be thinking of belt drives.

Answer 3

I think just like driving a manual car it would come second nature... I don't even think about changing gears when I drive... I think a motorcycle would be the same :)

You change gears with you left foot on motorcycle and the clutch is on the handle bar, I think!... and I read somewhere that BMW made an automatic motorcycle - but to me this cheating!

Answer 4

No, many newer bikes have automatic transmissions..
For example, the 2006 Buell and most new Harley models come with the automatic standard or optional..
It makes it much easier for long road trips nd smoother riding..
As for the shifting of a manual, I will get back to you with answers after my hubby wakes up, he has been riding for almost as long as he could walk...

Answer 5

i don't think so,there are some small ones,i think you guys call them scooters(have an engine capacity of around 60cc to maybe 75cc),they can have automatic transmission.On a manual ones you use your left foot kick down the lever to up shift and lift it to down shift and yes it can become second nature.To change the gears i don't think it depends a whole lot on the speed but the revoultions the engine is doing or the pitch of the the sound of the engine,you should change the gear before it's too highor when you notice the engine is straining.

Answer 6

Any motorcycles that are REAL motorcycles have manual transmissions!

And speeds to shift gears differ by motorcycle; you use the tachometer to shift, not the speedometer.

It does became second nature, you just get used to it over time. Not too hard though.

Answer 7

all motorcycles are manual..you change gear by using your foot on the peddle. It is the same as driving a manual car except you dont have to use your hands so yeah becomes a second nature.

if you were looking for something auto with two wheels buy a vesper/scooter!

Answer 8

ridley motorcycles makes a automatic motorcycle cyntrifacal clutch but you would be a woman buy a clutch bike and shift about 3000 rpms if it is a 1340 if a 1200 sportster 3500 rpm

Answer 9

Hadley makes a 750 cc automatic.

Answer 10

years ago Honda made the 750 honda matic.it was a dismal failer. And shifting does become 2nd nature.Its easy really.And then there are those who just burn up clutches.