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The no clutch motorcycle

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BER18 100 said:
While I am happy with the R18, I have learned the R1300 RT has an automatic transmission drive. Given my age, I think I might get to like this feature quite well.
If the big boxer can stay in production, I would cast 1 vote for the clutches bike.
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As more manufacturers are making automatic machines its looks like its the future , as with automatic cars humans we do not like change it will take awhile buts its coming .
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The new F450GS has a system that has a clutch lever but you can ride it without using it if you wish (even take off in 1st that way). Still need to use the shifter peg with your foot but you can give your left hand a rest if you like. With my recent left thumb issues, that'd be nice to have right now.
 
It is not a true automatic - It is basically a standard type of transmission and clutch though it has a computer controlled shifting and clutch mechanism. The reviews have been somewhat mixed - the Honda DCT has been much better received by reviewers. I'm sure the BMW system will improve over time.
 
Moto Guzzi was lightyears ahead with the 1000 Convert. Was meant for police use. As that fell through, it was launched for general use but the market was very far from ready for it.
Ed Pols (Dutch ´Moturist´ sidecar builder) had one in his personal rig and it was briljant:

The Aprilia Mana 850 was/is a very good option but basically a marketing flop because of sporting bike brand image/following.

Imo BMW is the only European bigger bike brand that can get away with it in the current market.
The BMW ´automatic´ has the same principle as the SMT in the MR2 Spyder.

I do not agree that it is the future. Even though I am an ardent advocate of CVT and have been for half a century, I would not want it on my R18 at all as the lugging, rising through the rev band like it is alive is a major selling point for mé.
 
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Petrus said:
....... I would not want it on my R18 at all as the lugging, rising through the rev band like it is alive is a major selling point for mé.
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Same here.... aside from the few with some sort of injury, might as well just watch people riding on utube.
 
They're trying to appeal to the young crowd. None of them grew up driving a manual transmission on a car, so they really struggle on a bike.
 
I have owned a Honda Africa Twin DCT now for 6 years. There are so many assumption about automatic motorcycles and many are not true. You have to live with one for a while to really understand the pro's and con's of different automatics. The Honda DCT is a dual clutch system and is very precise with the clutch and shifting operation. Typical CVT or fluid driven automatics operate and feel much different and feel somewhat disconnected from the engine where the DCT is very direct and positive in its operation. The real beauty of the Honda system is the ability to manually override the automatic mode at any time with the paddle shifters. When riding in tight mountain road conditions this makes it much more enjoyable as one can concentrate on riding rather than clutching and shifting. I find that I feel much more relaxed after spending the day riding across the Sierra Nevada mountains not far from my home. Off road the DCT will not allow the engine to stall when plodding along over ruts or around steep switchbacks. A slightly different skill set is required and you find yourself using the back brake a bit like a clutch to loft the front wheel etc. or maneuver around tight spots. It becomes second nature in a very short time. The DCT shifts gears extremely fast as the upcoming gear is already engaged and the simple switching of clutches engages the next gear when shifting. The DCT model is faster in a drag race as the quick shifting allows faster acceleration than a manual shift model. The only hesitation I had about buying my BMW R18 was the thought of losing the DCT. Luckily the R18 is such a torque monster that shifting is not such a big deal. I would love to have a DCT R18 though. I was shopping for a Goldwing DCT when I found my R18B - the price was so good on the BMW I decided to buy it. I am not at all sad about buying the R18B and really like the bike. I decided to buy a new road bike simply due to my age and strength as I am approaching 70 now. My offroad riding days are mostly past me now and the taller adventure type bikes with the higher center of gravity just don't work for me any longer.
 
a HUGE advantage of CVT, DGT, DCT et al is that the rider does not change his balance. Although not as marked as in a car pulling the clutch, moving the foot is an action which is counteracted by a reaction; you wíll shift your balance. For racing that is a negative, hence clutchless quick shifters.
 
"You have to live with one for a while to really understand the pro's and con's of different".......

I'm proud of myself for not making a smart arse comment on this....
 
I really don’t think it’s fully baked and it’s too complex. I mirror other posters. I wouldn’t really want one but I am going to replace my GS with an AFrica twin most likely. I am going to get a manual but I do trust their DCT. When I was young I had a racing bike (Husqvarna) with a quasi automatic clutch.
 
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